QUARTERBACK TREVOR LAWRENCE
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
(On the effect of having potentially both TE Evan Engram and TE Brenton Strange on
offense) “Yeah, no, it’ll be great. Yeah, hopefully. Obviously, we’ve been trying to work Evan
back in and hopefully, everything goes well this week and he’s able to get out there. Still
early in the week now. There’s still some time. But yeah, I mean, if he can go, obviously he’s
a huge part of our offense and hasn’t been out there the last month or so, so we’ve
definitely missed him and the type of player he is, you’re always going to. So, it’ll be great to
get him back involved. I think just all the things that he does well, obviously with the ball in
his hands, down the field, his speed is a threat. It really just, one, getting him the ball would
be great. But also, like you said, opening other people up. He’s just another threat to cover. I
thought, like you said, after the game and past few weeks, I thought that Brenton has done
a great job filling in and making the plays that come his way. I thought he’s done an
awesome job. So just keep building off that. Luke [TE Luke Farrell] too. I mean, we’ve got a
good room that’s done a nice job. So, we’ve just got to keep building off that and get those
guys going.”
(On what he’s seen from the Bears’ defense and what challenges they present) “They’re
a good defense. I mean, you look at just from the numbers standpoint, since at some point
last year up until now, I mean, they’ve been one of the top defenses in the league. I think it
pops on tape, just how they play, their effort. Huge emphasis on getting turnovers, getting
their hands on the ball, whether that’s punch outs, forcing fumbles or plays down the field
and making plays on the ball. They all have great ball skills. I think that’s one thing that
definitely jumps off the tape. When a ball is near them, they’re going to make the play and
make it more times than not. I think that’s something that they do really well. I think their
scheme is also really good. They’re disciplined. They’re well-coached. They’re in the right
spot. And they have the guys that at times take chances and make those plays when they
read something, they recognize something. They understand what offenses are trying to do.
You can tell they’re a smart group. So, all those things, they do a nice job. Up front there,
they’re really physical, nice pass rush. They do a really good job with the D-line. That’s kind
of where everything starts for any team. So, obviously, they’ve been good up front, too.”
(On having both RB Travis Etienne Jr. and RB Tank Bigsby complement each other in the run
game) “It’s great. I think having some great running backs, we’ve got three guys that can
really go right now that have been playing for us, and they all are different. They all do
certain things really well, and they really all can do it all, too. Whenever they’re called upon,
they really can. So, I think from that standpoint, it’s great. And then, now you’ve started to
see, Travis has been doing it for the last few years, so I think the more Tank’s gotten
comfortable in the system and himself, all those things, you see that confidence going up
and those big plays starting to happen. So, I think when you have backs that can create
those explosive plays as an offense, that’s huge. Because if we get into the second and
third levels, he’s one broken tackle away from turning into, like you saw on Sunday, either a
huge run or a touchdown. So, I think having backs that can do that, I mean, it’s a huge
threat for your explosive plays, and you’re not having to get it all through the passing game
or in chunks or whatever. You can break a run inside the box, you can break it and go for 60.
That’s huge for any offense, and I think it’s been great to see them get going as the season’s
gone on.”
(On how much more comfortable he is making the trip to London now than in his first two
years) “Yeah, I’m definitely comfortable. There are obviously some uncomfortable things
about it, just the nature of the time zones and the travel. I think it’s mostly just
understanding that you’re going to feel that when you first get there and kind of getting your
body on track and being able to get on a nice sleep schedule early, because that time
change can get you if you’re not careful. So just trying to push through that first day, get to
bedtime without sleeping too much so you can get a full night’s rest and kind of get back on
track. I think that’s one of the biggest things, but just having the experience of going over
there, you kind of know how to handle it, you know what to expect, you know how you’re
going to feel. You’re going to feel a little sluggish, a little groggy once you get over there, but
you’ll settle in quick. I think a big part of it too is getting a lot of your prep done while you’re
here. Obviously, there are going to be a few things to do over there to make sure we’re ready
to roll, but trying to do as much as you can here so that you can really just focus on your
body and your sleep and getting ready to play on Sunday.”
(On if he prefers staying at the same hotel for the entire trip) “Definitely looking forward to
being in the same place. I thought both places were good. We made it work, obviously. It
wasn’t too big of an inconvenience honestly. They all took care of us, so appreciative of
that. But it’ll be nice just to keep your stuff in one place for 10 days and not have to move
after the first game and do all that. You kind of get in a rhythm in a certain place, whether
it’s the food or where the field is or just all the facilities. You kind of like to get in a routine.
So, I think that’ll be good to have it two weeks straight at the same hotel.”
(On comparison of WR Brian Thomas Jr. to former Clemson teammates WR Tee Higgins and
WR Justyn Ross) “Yeah, the length for sure helps. I think that’s just a bonus. There’s a lot of
other important traits when it comes to playing receiver and speed’s one of them,
understanding defenses, how to get open versus certain looks. I think all those things are
as important as not more important. But the extra length always helps. You can go up and
get the contested passes. If the DB covers it well, you still have that extra length to go get it.
So, I think that just helps. But they’re very, those three guys are really different in my mind
and how they play and their style. But yeah, I think having the length on the outside, it does
help for sure.”
(On how specifically Thomas Jr.’s style is different than Higgins and Ross) “Yeah, I think Tee,
obviously, like you said, Brian’s faster than those guys. I think Tee can run though. He’s
faster than you’d think. He’s really smooth, but he’s also big. Tee’s a heavier guy. He’s
probably, I don’t know how big, I’m sure you could look it up. He looks like he’s like 220 or
something. Like he’s a bigger guy, really physical. I do think, see some similarities between
Brian and Tee as far as after the catch, breaking tackles and just really slippery. That’s
something. Then [Chiefs WR] Justyn Ross is more of a—you remember how Calvin [WR
Calvin Ridley] could slam his foot in the ground and stop on a dime, Justyn had that ability.
That was a little bit different. Just as far as route running and being able to stop on a dime
and stick and go the other way and turn DBs around, that was kind of his thing. So, they’re
all a little bit different and Brian definitely runs routes a little different than those guys.”
(On the impact of the offensive line’s protection on him in Week 5 vs. Indianapolis) “Yeah,
that’s awesome. It’s a good feeling sitting back there. I mean, in this league, it’s hard to
protect that well every week. There’s a lot of really good defensive players. D-lines are really
good for the most part across the league. So, you always expect to have to deal with a little
bit of chaos in the pocket, just the nature of the game, especially when you throw the ball a
lot. But I’ve always trusted those guys and leaned on them. I think really they’ve done, like I
said after the game, a good job the majority of the year. We’ve had some situations where
we can communicate better on third downs and we’ve learned a lot from the first few
weeks of the season on just some scheme stuff up front that want to do a little different.
So, I think that’s been good. As far as just protecting and doing their job, I think those guys
have done a nice job. Obviously, Sunday, that was probably the cleanest pocket I’ve ever
been a part of in the NFL. That’s doesn’t happen much at all, not getting hit. Not getting
sacked, but not even getting hit the whole game. So, when you have one of those games,
you settle in, you feel it early, you feel the space. It allows you to get through your
progressions to have confidence in getting backside without feeling like you’ve got to get rid
of the ball just to avoid a sack or to avoid someone getting a hand on the ball in the pocket.
All those things, when you have the time to go through your progressions, it just creates
more windows down the field. It makes the defense cover for longer. It allows you to take
some shots. I mean, it really opens up a lot.”
(On what the mindset of the offense was after Indianapolis had started to come back and
tie the game late) “I thought that, offensively, we did a really good job in the fourth quarter
because we had—that was a crazy quarter just back and forth and we had some huge
plays. Being up 14 with, I guess, five minutes or so left, a lot of times you feel like you start
to relax and you feel comfortable and you’re like, ‘This game, kind of got it.’ But I thought we
did a nice job of staying engaged and obviously, we were pumped, and we had a lot of
momentum. But just telling each other, ‘Hey, we’re going to have to go win it. Just be ready.’
You don’t know what’s going to happen. Obviously, we have faith in our defense, but you
never know what’s going to happen. You can’t ever check out of a game because it’s the
NFL and stuff like that happens every week. So, I thought the offense did a really nice job of
just talking and staying in it. Even the three-and-out, the defense made two good plays.
They had two pass breakups where I felt like we had decent looks. They made good plays.
They get paid to do the same thing. So even in that drive, it wasn’t like we just completely
stalled out and couldn’t do anything. They just made two plays there. Once we got the ball
back, we knew, as well as we had played on offense all day, we had to go finish the game. I
thought that’s why I said after the game, I thought it was really good that we had to go win it
just because, offensively, we kind of struggled early on this season and it was good for our
confidence. Just to go do it, to have the game in our hands and to be able to drive down the
field, get a field goal to go win the game. I think that was great for us. It just shows you, like I
said, you have to play a full 60 minutes because what a shame it would be if you played a
good 55 minutes and then you get beaten in the last five minutes. So, I thought it was great
for our team to have to do that.”
HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
(On the impact of CB Tyson Campbell’s window for return to practice) “Yeah, I mean, we’re
excited to be in a position to open his window. Really, it just allows him, the player, to just
kind of work himself back into practice. He’s been training and rehabbing, and it’s different
than football movements. It’s a way for us as coaches too to monitor that and keep him in a
kind of a controlled environment. But excited. Looking forward to him getting out there with
the guys and see where it goes here in the next couple of weeks.”
(On how Campbell has been handling his injury and rehab) “Yeah, I see Tyson every day and
he’s got a smile on his face. He’s a great kid, obviously, he’s handled it well. Been in a great
frame of mind. He’s attacked his rehab and he’s in a position now to work himself back.”
(On if they tried to reschedule travel to London due to Hurricane Milton) “Obviously, when
we find out that we’re playing in London and things like that, we put the kind of the wheel,
the ball in motion, so to speak, months in advance of this week. So, a lot of things were
already in place as far as travel and whatnot. But obviously, now with this storm coming in,
it’s not going to affect us much today, but it could affect just some timing tomorrow trying
to get out. But it looks good. It looks promising anyway for our window to get out of here
sort of on time with not too many delays or hiccups in the next 24 hours or so.”
(On if he expects TE Evan Engram to return on Sunday vs. Chicago) “Well, it’s looking good
today. For practice, obviously, you don’t want any setbacks. You don’t want anything to
happen during the week. But we’ll limit his volume, ramp him up, give him what he needs
and see how he is at the end of the week. But him being back is definitely a boost for the
offense.”
(On how the Jaguars’ previous experiences traveling to London helps the young players
adjust smoothly) “Yeah, that’s the biggest thing I think is just you just ease their minds,
ease the tension of most of these guys have probably never traveled overseas, out of the
country. The Jaguars do a great job of really overcommunicating and clarifying everything
and the timing of stuff, when we need to get our passports turned in, to how we’re going to
pack, how we’re going to travel, when we’re going to travel, everything is just ironed out. It
makes it easy for all of us and particularly the young guys.”
(On if team has an advantage because of the prior experience playing back-to-back in
London) “It’s familiar to the guys, the guys that have been there. As far as an advantage
goes, we still have to get over there and get acclimated quickly. But I think staying at The
Grove, the travel, all of that is familiar to us. That does make it sort of – gives you a peace of
mind, I would say, traveling over there. Bottom line is when you get there, you still have to
get acclimated, keep the guys rolling Friday. Saturday and get ready for the game on
Sunday.”
(On the advantage of staying at the same hotel for the entirety of the time in London) “Yeah,
I mean, it’s nice. You just come right back to the same place. You don’t have to load up like
we did last year after a couple of days in one spot and go to another hotel, another spot.
But it’ll be nice. Unload your bag and you make that home for the next week and a half. It’s
great after the game. Come right back there. It’s your room and your stuff and you get ready
for the next week.”
(On if the team has permission to let S Tashaun Gipson Sr. travel to London) “Yes, yes. Even
though this week is his sixth week, much like [OL] Cam Robinson last year, getting
permission because his window was going to open after this game. So yes, we did.”
(On Gipson Sr. helping the team in Week 7 vs. New England) “That’s something we’ve got to
take a look at. We’re Week 6 now. You’re looking at Tyson potentially Week 7. Then you’re
looking at Foye [LB Foye Oluokun], you’re looking at Dewey [S Andrew Wingard]. You’re
looking at some of these guys that are injured, Tashaun Gipson. You’re looking at these
guys now. We’ve got to start the conversation, obviously, and see where we’re at. Because
you never know. Week to week injuries are going to happen, and different things are going to
change periodically. But yeah, we’re in the process of trying to figure some of that out now.”
(On if the team has changed any travel procedures in the wake of former K Brandon
McManus’ lawsuit) “I think it’s important for everybody that travels with us, whether they’re
part of the team or they’re apart of the business staff. That’s an extension of our building.
That’s an extension of, really, NFL property. We make it clear to everybody that there’s a
certain way we travel. And we have to respect who our owner – our owner allows us to
travel a certain way and travel extremely well. We’ve got to respect that. We revisited, back
in training camp when we went to Atlanta in the first preseason game. You just continue to
revisit the policy, the NFL policies, our policies on how we travel, and we’ve had good trips
so far.”
(On if Campbell will be ready for Week 7 vs. New England) “We’re leaning that way, yes.”
(On Foye Oluokun’s progression through injury) “Foye’s trending good. He’s out of the boot.
He’s being able to do more things mobility-wise. It’s still a little ways away, maybe a couple
of weeks, but, yeah, I think you’re looking at Week 7, Week 8, somewhere in there for him.
So, we’ll see. But it just depends on how the rehab goes, I would say, these next two weeks,
for sure.”
(On if Foye Oluokun will travel to London) “Yeah. He’ll come over, so we can have hands-on
with him and his rehab.”
(On how injuries last year have changed the approach to this year) “That’s a good question
because those are all conversations we’ve had this year. I think when you look at the history
of soft tissue, these things linger. They could be four weeks, they could be six weeks, they
could be longer. You don’t want to be in a position – and now that you can standard elevate
your practice squad. I mean, that obviously comes into play. But we’ve got to take, one, the
health of the player and at the same time we’ve got to look at the roster and we’ve got to
maximize the number of healthy bodies we can pick from of the 53 to get to 48. We’ve been
a little more proactive at this, and I think it eases the player’s mind too with the injury. It
doesn’t force him to come back too fast. If he does go on IR, then you know you’ve got at
least four weeks there that they can rehab and be 100 percent when they come back.”
(On what change he’s seen from the Bears, from Weeks 1-3 to Weeks 4-5) “I think the
quarterback’s playing better, number one. I think he’s seeing things – seeing the field better.
We know the talent that he is. Great talent, young player, and has the ability to move in the
pocket and run and escape. I think that’s, for them, I think there’s consistency there. The O-
line is playing better. Again, just this whole thing takes time. It’s a new signal-caller back
there, they’ve got some pieces they’re all trying to gel together, and I guess just try to learn a
little bit, and so you’re seeing that improvement each week. Defensively, this is a good
defense. They’re one of the top-scoring defenses since they got [Bears DE] Montez Sweat
and rightfully so. He’s a great player, great edge rusher, so we’ve got our work cut out for
us.”
(On if he’s spoken to Defensive Coordinator Ryan Nielsen about the coverages used in the
last six minutes of Sunday’s game vs. Indianapolis) “Yeah, look, we’ve had conversation
about that. We, as coaches, we’ve got to make sure that we communicate, obviously,
better with our players and they understand the situation of the game, and what we’re
asking of them. All things that are fixable, all things that are correctable, and now, we’ve
just got to drill down and make sure the players understand those situations and what
we’re asking of them.”
(On how the London trip can help the team bond) “I think it’s a lot. I think it’s great. A lot in a
good way. I think it’s positive that we’re in the same hotel, that were around each other all
the time. Obviously, the meals and dinners and things like that. Guys like to – I do give them
time after the game Sunday and Monday to, if they want to go into the city and be in and
experience London and do it with their teammates. Those are all, as I mentioned, those are
all galvanizing moments. Those bring you closer, and the fact that too, you get to bring your
practice squad. They get to kind of experience this whole thing too is good for our
organization, good for our team, and we’ve had positive experiences doing it. So, it’s
definitely a plus to do this.”
RB TRAVIS ETIENNE JR.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
(On if his shoulder is limiting him at all) “I mean, I’m feeling good. I feel like I’ve just got to
just find ways to continue to push through the game. Just continue to be a spark for the
team and just go out there and make plays when I get the opportunity to and not really
worry about it. Just understand that I’ve got a job to do, to try and go out there and get a win
for the team. So, just continue to push through, for real.”
(On if the injury is taking plays away from him) I feel like it’s like a play-by-play type of
situation. It comes and goes, so I feel like I’ve just got to find a way to just continue to get
healthy, and I feel like that just will rely on my preparation throughout the week to get my
body in the best position that I can be for Sunday, so I can go out there and be on the field
for the team.”
(On him and RB Tank Bigsby complementing each other in the run game) “Honestly, it’s
been very important. I feel like that’s been a bright spot for the team just week-in and week-
out, just to go out there and have two guys whenever the second guy comes in there’s no
drop-off. I feel like that’s just going to help to continue to elevate our offense. It kind of puts
pressure on the defensive coordinator, because now you’ve got to worry about both of us,
there’s no drop-off, and it gets the other guys around us open. I feel like we kind of have
that – we both have different styles of running, so we complement each other, and I really
love what Tank’s been doing out there.”
(On what he’s seen from the Bears’ defense) “I mean, I feel like you’ve got [Bears DE]
Montez Sweat out there. I feel like we’ve got to be dialed in for him, we can’t let him wreck
the game. And they’ve got a great corner out there. Just really just be on high alert for where
he is at all times, and understand that the backers are long, physical guys, and we’ve got to
kind of just run through and finish with our pads, and just put pressure on them for four
quarters and make them make tackles the whole game.”
(On what he’s seen from the offensive line, particularly in the last two games) “I mean, just
the brotherhood, just the camaraderie that they have, I feel like we’re all playing for the love
of each other. We’re all playing for the guy next to us. I feel like as long as we just continue
to go out there and just play for each other, we’re going to be great. You just kind of see the
kind of mood that they’ve got going on, and just the camaraderie they have. I feel like that’s
really propelling us to have great games.”
(On how he would compare the run game this year to his previous years in Jacksonville)
“Honestly, about the same. If you really look at the numbers we—it depends on how the
game goes, honestly. I feel like we have to kind of just put that in perspective. I feel like we
haven’t run as much as we’d like to, but I feel like we have been running a little more and I
feel like as long as we keep staying above the chains and keep moving the ball, I feel like
that’s when you’re able to get more runs called.”
WIDE RECEIVER CHRISTIAN KIRK
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
(On the benefits of having played in London in previous years) “Yeah, I think just the training
staff and everybody in place has a great plan for us that has worked over the past couple
years to do everything they can to help mitigate, whether it’s jet lag or guys when it comes
to flushing their legs and just getting their bodies ready to go. So, I’ve always thought ever
since I’ve gotten here playing over in London that they’ve had a great plan in place and
whether it’s your first time or not, as long as you follow that plan, you should be set up
pretty well to be able to go out there and perform on Sunday.”
(On his thoughts on the Bears’ defense) “Yeah, well I think it starts up front with them.
Obviously, the addition of [DE] Montez Sweat has really helped them in their front. But they
have a lot of talented guys up there. Their back end is really talented, two corners and
safeties as well. I guess Brisker [Bears DB Jaquan Brisker], we’ll see if he’ll be out there or
not. He’s a really talented a young safety. They have [Bears DB] Kevin Byard as well. Just a
lot of guys back there that are very opportunistic. They’ve got great ball skills and they’re
sticky in coverage. Definitely a challenge for us on the perimeter. There are definitely areas
that we feel like we can manipulate. We’ve just got to hone into the game plan and go out
and execute.”
(On how the offense has attacked the middle of the field this year compared to last year) “I
think it’s just one of those things where the run game really helps us. In my opinion, the run
game really helps kind of open up the middle of the field for us because when you talk
about being successful in the run game, especially against light boxes, it helps kind of open
those things up, helps linebackers get a little bit more aggressive and being able to step up
to the line of scrimmage and then you’re able to take those opportunities over the middle of
the field. I thought we’ve done a good job of being able to diversify how we’re able to spread
the ball outside of the numbers and over the middle of the field. I know it’s something that
we want to do a little more of too because we’re really good at it when we’re doing it
successfully.”
(On the impact of TE Evan Engram potentially returning on the passing game) “Yeah, I
mean, Evan does a lot. He’s a mismatch. He’s a matchup nightmare. We saw that obviously
last year with the season that he had. Obviously, he hasn’t had many opportunities this
year with only one game played but we’re really excited to get him back just with his
physicality, his presence and then obviously with what he’s able to do with his routes. He
runs routes like a receiver so like I said, he’s a mismatch nightmare. I’m just really happy
that he’s going to be back over there and just his presence in the middle of the field, short
intermediate routes. It’s going to be big for us and I know he’s big for Trevor [QB Trevor
Lawrence] when it comes to just having that security. Just another piece, a huge part of our
offense, getting him back will be big.”
(On the team’s message this week going into London) “Yeah, I think I said after the game,
definitely we’re going to enjoy it. Came in here Monday and I thought everybody had the
right attitude. Proud of what we did but there’s a lot of areas where we can get better. There
are still some areas that feel like could’ve resulted in the game going the other way and
we’re critical of that and we understand that. But we’re just getting one week better, and we
can’t get all four games that we dropped back in one. We’ve got to take it one week at a time
and so it’s just another week. It’s a big week because it’s the next one and we’ve got a good
team that we’re playing over there in London and so we’re just focused on taking it one day
at a time and just building on this momentum.”
(On the impact of the running back duo of Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne Jr.) “It’s been
huge. They’re both dynamic players with obviously what they’re able to do, handing them
the ball off in the run game inside the tackles and even on the perimeter and then in the
pass game as well. Screens and Travis is a great route runner out of the backfield and Tank
is becoming increasingly better as well just with what they’re able to do after contact.
They’re both physical backs, great contact balance. They’re just huge and for us as
receivers in our room, it’s even bigger for us because we know we have to get to the second
level, and we’ve got to make our blocks because we know those two can spring at any time.
We take a lot of pride in making sure we get those guys to the next level because when it
comes to pass protection and blitz pick-up, they’re back there sticking their heads in there.
We take a lot of pride in being a part of the run game and we want to get those two going
even more.”
(On if the team’s familiarity with playing in London has been advantageous) “I wouldn’t
necessarily say an advantage. I think both teams have to deal with some of the elements
and everything that comes with traveling over to London. Obviously, it poses a lot of
different things. You’re overseas, time change, the whole nine. Everybody’s got to deal with
it. So, it’s just all about going out there and executing and playing our game. At the end of
the day, when that whistle blows, it’s an even playing field in my opinion. Like I said, I would
just say that you have to go through the week of preparation the same way you would any
other game. Just go out there and come out fast and be efficient with what we’re doing.”
DEFENSIVE END JOSH HINES-ALLEN
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
(On the book he referenced on Sunday) “Yeah, it was Relentless by Tim Grover.”
(On when he first read that book and how he’s used that for inspiration) “I’ve been listening
to the audio book for two years now and [TE] Evan Engram is another guy that I’ve
experienced these moments with, then having Travon [DE Travon Walker] be introduced to
it, him learning some things from that book. It’s a give and take in the book, there are a lot of
things that you think are unnecessary, a lot of things that I can take something from it. So,
I’m not saying it will help everybody but for what you’re looking for you can definitely get
something out of it.”
(On how DE Travon Walker has embodied that book and the growth he has seen from him)
“I mean, it was really just that one play. We just line up and play ball at the end of the day
once Sunday does come. It was just like at that last series when he mentioned it to me he
told me that this is how he’s been feeling all game. So, not knowing that he was actually
reading the book, or listening to the audio book or whatever. Just knowing at that moment
he just mentioned it to me and I just thought it was really cool.”
(On how much different traveling to London is now than his first trip in 2019) “I don’t know. I
don’t think you can ever get used to the travel but once you get there, it is what it is. At the
end of the day, we’ve got a game to win. That’s really our main focus. We just have that extra
week after that to get adjusted back to official timing out there so week two is probably a
bigger change for us, but we like it and we do good out there.
(On how being in London for two weeks helps build team chemistry) “I mean at the one
hotel we stayed at there is nothing else to do. It doesn’t force people to be together but it
just allows us to find opportunities to connect with others and just get to know more
people outside of here. So, as you guys know in the locker room we mixed it up a little bit so
guys are not really blocked off in their groups now. So that allows us to get to know the
person next to us. Moving over there, we’ll get to know these guys a little bit more. Probably
get to hangout with some people, just sitting down chilling, enjoying the time and someone
will probably be doing the same thing. We just start a conversation and get to know what
everybody’s about.”
(On how much he has been following the WNBA playoffs and if he knows his sister is in the
finals) “Yes I know that. And I know that they are probably about to win the championship.
It’s crazy.”
(On what he has heard from guys around the league about leaving for London earlier versus
leaving when the Jaguars do a few days prior to Sunday) “I think people try to figure out
what we try to do more so then us trying to figure out what everyone is doing. We’ve been
going out there for six years so what advice is somebody going to give us about traveling?
You know with Doug [Head Coach Doug Pederson], he’s a routine guy. He’s been doing this
for the past couple of years now, so his timing isn’t going to change much if any, other than
this hurricane that is happening. But, in regards to that we’re just going to head down there.
Whenever we leave, we leave. We play ball and we get ready to go.”
(On how he’s seen the Bears offense grow in regards to giving up 14.0 sacks in the first three
games to only giving up 4.0 in the last two) “Quick game and screens. They gave the ball to
their playmakers. They’ve got a good receiving core, good offensive line as well, solid
offensive line. Quarterback who’s young, but who can make every throw so we’ve got to give
credit where credit is due. [RB] D’Andre Swift is a good running back. I still remember the
days, him back at Georgia so I’ve got to get my get back. He’s a good running back and they
do a good job with scheming defenses up. So at the end of the day, it’s really not about
them it’s about us and making sure that we’re, where we’re supposed to be each and every
play. Just to be able to play fast always and I’m really most excited about that. Excited to get
back out there. Another opportunity to go out there and dominate.”
(On if it feels like this team is where it’s supposed to be) “Definitely. I’m not going to say we
were searching for win one, but just waiting for that moment to come so we can have this
positive fuel in the locker room, in the whole building as a whole. Hopefully it can keep
carrying on. Again, even with this hurricane coming I think we still have a great plan to
execute what we need to get done. I don’t think this is a big distraction for us at all. I think
we all know that it is what it is with the hurricane and don’t let that affect what we have
going on. I think a lot of guys are really honed into that, so I can’t wait to go out there Friday
in London and do what we need to do. Just get ready for Sunday then.”
(On if there is anything different for pass rushers when facing a rookie quarterback) “I
mean, you like to play against rookie quarterbacks. You like to play against them, a lot of
them want to make the big plays when those numbers get called so they tend to hold onto
the ball a little more. I know with this quarterback he does a really good job of moving away
from sacks. So, that gives us more opportunities to rush the ball because I believe he has
all the confidence in the world that can’t nobody sack him. Obviously the first two weeks
they gave him 14.0, or first three weeks. But even still on the tape, he tries to do his best on
avoiding sacks so, we can keep our rush lanes and rush more physical upfront. Plus on the
edges we just win our one-on-one’s. If we can do those and effect him to make him step up
and make him retreat, just really go chase stuff down. Our DB’s are probably going to have
to plaster a little bit longer but if we can keep him in that pocket and hold him in there we’ll
have a lot of success this week.”
(On what he makes of the inconsistency with the defense so far) “I think just players need
to play. We need to make our plays and just start faster. If we can be able to do that we are
going to be right where we need to be.”
(On how bothersome it is that the defense has given up a touchdown on the opening drive
in the last four games) “I mean, we got to start fast. Can’t allow that.”
(On the versatility that CB Tyson Campbell brings) “He’s a corner that when he’s in his zone
you don’t want to bother on his side. So, that locks down one side of the field. Buster [CB
Montaric Brown] and Darby [CB Ronald Darby] are doing a good job so far in doing what
they are supposed to do. So, having Tyson back and having Savage [S Darnell Savage] back
brings a lot of versatility, a lot more age, a lot more experience in the back end. So, with
them I think it just allows more confidence throughout everybody else. Just to play free,
‘Oh, Tyson’s back’. You know what I mean? Just to have your starters back out there means
a lot. Even when Foye [LB Foye Oluokun] gets back, it’s going to feel a little bit different. We
haven’t had our full defensive roster since Miami. Just to be able to get everybody back at
one time, it’s going to be special. Hopefully Tyson can stay healthy, because when he is
healthy he is a heck of a player and I can’t wait to play with him again.”
JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed WR Devin Duvernay on the Reserve/Injured list, the team announced today.
