QUARTERBACK MAC JONES
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024
(On how different the Las Vegas’ defense is without Raiders DE Maxx Crosby) “For sure,
played against him a few times and obviously Maxx is a premier player in this league. I think
they did a good job this past week and played hard. They try to confuse the quarterback
and put the defensive guys in different spots. I have some familiarity with it. Obviously,
Coach Graham [Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham] has done a great job. I’ve
practiced against this defense a few times. It definitely has some new wrinkles, and they’ve
done a good job.”
(On what he’s focused on doing better in these last three games) “Just taking it one day at a
time. Starts today at practice, and really just being where my feet are. That’s in the games,
that’s in practice, that’s everything in between. I think that’s when I’m my best, just going
out there, having fun, slinging it around and I’m going to continue to do that. But really just
get back to that one-play-at-a-time mindset. I think sometimes you put so much weight on
a certain play in a game, and really, they’re just plays. You can’t look at it, whether it’s the
first drive of the game or the last drive, you’ve just got to go out there and play and do your
job. If you do your job on the play, then that’s really all you can ask for yourself.”
(On if his positive energy radiates onto his teammates) “Yeah, I think so. I think we’ve had
some good results here in terms of moving the ball, and like you said, having fun, guys
making plays and really not letting one play turn into a snowball effect. So, just kind of just
playing one play at a time and keeping it loose whether we did something good on the first
series or something bad. You’ve got to play each play, like I’ve said always. I think it
definitely carries over to them. I think that fits the personalities in the room, myself
included and the coaches. It’s not been the best season so far, but we’re also still striving
for perfection and keeping it fun and loose and trying to win.”
(On how many times he’s done the spin move before) “Only on the dance floor (laughs). But
we’ll probably pocket that one, just see if we can just get touchdowns.”
(On the reaction of his friends to the spin move) “A little bit. I didn’t really know the
significance of all that. I don’t look at the social media too much, but my girlfriend definitely
said something about it, and was like, ‘What was that?’ But yeah, it was good, again, to
have fun. I think that energizes the team when the quarterback can make a play. It’s just, for
me, looking at the film, just finishing those plays and finishing the game, and everyone’s
going to be in a great mood because we won, right? That’s just the NFL, it’s getting to the
fourth quarter and making those plays and energizing the team.”
(On if he’s thought about being traded to Jacksonville in the offseason to be a backup
quarterback and potentially moving on next season) “Not really. I’ve always just been
blessed to be part of a team. Really, that’s why I play football. It’s to have fun, throw
touchdowns and have fun with my teammates. It’s all about the team, whether it’s the
offensive guys or the defensive guys, and the bond that you can create and the friendships
that you make. I’ve been fortunate to be here and made a lot of good friendships, coaches
and players, and people around the building that I’ve known for a long time which is kind of
fun. I’m just going to finish this thing strong, and I hope everyone else does the same. I
know they will. I know we have the right guys in the locker room and I’m looking forward to
the challenges ahead.”
(On what it is about TE Brenton Strange that makes him trusted on the field) “I think, like I
said after the game, just he’s really tough. When you have a tough tight end like that, who
can block, run routes, do all that stuff. He really can do it all. It’s just the challenge of
consistency with him. He’s done a great job when he’s been in there, and really just
opportunity. He’s taken it and ran with it. The challenge is to keep doing that each week. I
know he will. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just go out there and be a leader like
he’s been. He was a captain last week and stuff. He’s done a good job.”
HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024
(On injury updates to the team) “Actually, we’re in a pretty good spot. Brenton [TE Brenton
Strange] A.C. [joint] sprain coming out of the game, just be a little limited. He’ll be fine.
Walker’s [OL Walker Little] ankle is fine. Just the wear and tear on Brandon [OL Brandon
Scherff] so we’ll limit him like we normally do. [OL] Mitch Morse, the same thing. Just where
we are in the season, just monitor their reps during the week. But all are good for the game.”
(On what he’s seen from Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers) “Great player. Good young
player. Just his ability to separate, get open. Obviously, using him the right way and just
making plays for him. He’s a dynamic tight end.”
(On if it’s rare to see a rookie tight end have success early in his career) “Not really. I think
any more the way teams use tight ends, sometimes like a receiver, and put them in receiver
positions, but they’re a bigger body, so you can create some matchups. That’s what you
see. He runs extremely well obviously. Again, the creativity and how they’re getting the
football. Again, from a quarterback’s perspective, it’s that nice security blanket to have a
nice tight end.”
(On clarification on which shoulder Strange’s A.C. joint sprain is on and the degree of the
sprain) “I think it’s left. That’s [sprain] all it is.”
(On if Strange will be available on Sunday vs. the Raiders) “Yes. Correct. We’ll just limit him
today, no contract, things like that.”
(On if Raiders DE K’Lavon Chaisson is standing out for their defense) “He is. He’s playing
really well. Providing a spark and obviously now, with Maxx [Raiders DE Maxx Crosby] not
there, he’ll step up and do even more. It’s a great opportunity for him, but you’re seeing that
on film. He brings a lot of energy to that defense and has done a nice job with him.”
(On OL Walker Little having live reps against Chaisson last year and how that differs from
game reps) “Yeah, I mean, you get the live rep in practice, training camp, all that. But game
reps are a little bit different. Both players have grown obviously in their craft and will have a
chance to study each other a little bit this week. But it should be interesting. It’ll be fun to
watch him.”
(On how well Little has played over the last several weeks) “He’s played really well, actually.
I think each week he continues to improve and show how capable he is of handling that
starting role, and a player we knew could do that. But yeah, his improvement, the
physicality in the run game, obviously and in pass protection he does a nice job. So, I would
say he’s right where he needs to be and continues to improve.”
(On if Little has improved because he can focus on solely playing left tackle) “I think so. He
has confidence that he’s going to be the guy, and we have the confidence that he’s the guy.
So, day-in, day-out, he gets those practice reps, and he doesn’t have to worry about, ‘Am I
going to play left tackle this week or right tackle, or guard or whatever it might be?’ That has
a lot to do with it.”
(On if he will implement certain combinations of players in the secondary that he liked this
past weekend) “Yeah, you still want to be able to see some of the young players. I would like
to see Tre Prince [CB De’Antre Prince] more, get an opportunity in these next couple of
games. Obviously, A.J. [S Antonio Johnson] continues to improve and needs to play. I think
it’s good that he plays and minimizes the mistakes that he makes. Obviously, Tyson [CB
Tyson Campbell] is going to out there, Buster [CB Montaric Brown], we know what those
can do, and still want to see them compete and all of that. So, if we get the opportunity,
would love to see, particularly Tre Prince, probably more. Because all of the other guys are
playing, he’s probably the one right now that hasn’t gotten many snaps. Would like to see
him in game action.”
(On how valuable it is to get the younger players game action towards the end of the
season) “I think it’s huge. I think it’s a big step forward for these players. Really, to finish the
season the right way. Put good film on tape. Whether you’re going to be a free agent or
you’re one of ours, you still want to put good film out there. From a coaching perspective,
gives you an idea of the type of player you drafted, brought on to your team, and then for the
player, it gives him confidence going into the offseason. I look back to what Buster did his
rookie year, and then the chances he got to play early on, how that catapulted him into this
season. So, that’s a great example. Even looking ahead, the confidence you see in Tank [RB
Tank Bigsby] and the confidence you see in Brenton. Anton’s [OL Anton Harrison] been a
day one starter, but the young players that have played, [S] Antonio Johnson, playing more
this year. The better that they play in these last couple of games will give them the
confidence, I think, moving forward.”
(On how playing at the end of year sets the culture of the team) “I think it can go one of two
ways. If the players don’t have that mindset or if I don’t have that mindset, it’s going to set
you back even further. But if you come into it and you embrace it… We know our situation,
we got it. We understand that. But I think these next three weeks really can set us up for the
future, for the offseason, for next year and how we can build and where we need to add
pieces and all of that kind of stuff, the development of our roster. But having guys like
Brenton make those comments, I mean, those are the type of players you want. You want
those football players that love being here in this building soaking up football, soaking up
ball, love being on the grass. Those are the guys you can build your team around. He’s one
of several, obviously, and many that we have on the team that can do that.”
(On what it meant to have QB Trevor Lawrence, WR Christian Kirk and TE Evan Engram on
the sidelines during the game vs. New York Jets) “It was great. It was great for the guys
because they were also engaging with the players, with their teammates and helping them,
being a coach there. It was just great to have all three of them there. Obviously, we miss
them all and whatnot, but it was really a big lift, I think offensively, to have those three
there.”
(On where he thinks QB Mac Jones has made the biggest strides as a starter) “I think what
you saw in the game on Sunday, his decision-making, getting the ball out of hand, knowing
exactly where to go. Understanding the offense, understanding the route combinations
against the defense. Just taking another step in that direction. Again, he learned a new
offense this entire year and now he’s getting a chance to go play and run the show. I think
for him, just understanding what we ask of him. We’re not going to yell and scream at him.
He can just do his deal and lead the football team, but knowing we have his back and
support. I think it’s been good for him. The confidence—you’re seeing more of that
confidence come out. Sort of that chippiness, that edge that he has, which I love to see.
Every week he just takes another step in that right direction.”
(On trading for Jones in the offseason to be a backup quarterback and preparing for him to
potentially move on from the Jaguars) “It’s unique. Yeah, we did trade for him and got him in
here, and yeah, you’d hope he didn’t have to play. But he’s making the most of it. Not saying
we’re moving on or anything like that, but this is another great opportunity. These next
couple of weeks would be big for him and just continuing to improve and showing that he
can run a team.”
(On if Lawrence has cleared the concussion protocol and if his surgery has been
scheduled) “Yes and yes. He passed the protocol actually Sunday morning this past week.
So, he’s been cleared. He’s cleared on that. He actually had surgery yesterday and it was
successful, so he’s now on the road to recovery.”
(On when Engram’s surgery is scheduled for) “Evan had his on Monday. He’s good.
Everything was positive in both players’ cases, and just now looking forward to recovery
time.”
(On if Lawrence and Engram will be able to participate in OTAs) “I don’t know that yet. It’s
hard to put a timeframe on it. You don’t want to rush it. The thing is too, in both cases,
they’re not long-term, lengthy-type surgeries, recovery time. So, at some point this spring
they’ll be ready to go.”
