HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024
(On injury updates to the players listed on Wednesday’s injury report) “We know [OL]
Walker Little, he’ll be out with the ankle—probably miss the rest of the year. Savage [S
Darnell Savage] is still in the concussion protocol. Day-to-day, obviously. So, we’ll see how
that progresses. Ventrell’s [LB Ventrell Miller] ankle, didn’t do anything yesterday. We’ll see
today. Probably will be limited today. He’s the latest. Everyone else is dinged up, obviously,
but should be—[TE] Brenton Strange will be fine, Tyson [CB Tyson Campbell] is good, the
ones that came out of the game but returned will all be good for the game.”
(On if OL Cole Van Lanen will be playing left tackle for the remainder of the season) “Yeah.
Definitely want to see Cole in there. He had a good preseason as we know, and he’s filled in
nicely, so we’ll see him over there. This will be good for him.”
(On if he’s seen anything different with Tennessee’s offense under Titans QB Mason
Rudolph) “No, I mean, still trying to push the ball down the field, obviously, with Calvin
[Titans WR Clavin Ridley], some of the speed they have. Still the ability to run the football,
screens, [Titans RB] Tony Pollard, getting him the ball when they can. I think one of the
things too you’re seeing is the defense is also creating some takeaways. They’re taking the
football away, giving their offense some opportunities. Not a whole lot. Still just running the
offense.”
(On if he likes playing a team a second time this close together in the season) “It’s fine. I
mean, it’s OK. Obviously, they know us, we know them. We’re going to have to play them
again at some point during the season. But the familiarity with both teams and where both
teams are within three weeks—this will be the fourth week, I guess—is OK.”
(On the reason for the disparity in the offensive line’s pass blocking versus run blocking) “I
think, obviously, two different skill sets. Sometimes too, we’re seeing, by scheme, run-
through linebackers, anticipating runs where we’re not coming off on those combos quick
enough and/or sometimes not targeted in the right direction. That’s a possibility as well
with some of the runs. You also have to look at the backs and see if the backs are hitting the
hole or hitting where we anticipate the ball to go and things like that. So, it’s probably a lot
more moving parts in the run game. Then, just being able to sustain it. Sometimes two
yards, we don’t think is great, but it can be, and you’ve just kind of continue to stick with it.
The times that we’ve been able to stick with the run, we’ve had a little bit of success.”
(On how to improve the run game with this offensive line for next season) “I think it starts
with just looking at the scheme, looking at the things we’re doing and also what are we
doing well. We need to focus on that, and what are the skillsets of the guys. I think it’s still
an athletic group, our tackles especially, where we can get out and run. So, we’ve got to
look at some of that. Then, just overall, that’s where you have to look at it and cut back
where you can cut back, increase what is good, and just focus on that.”
(On what made Ridley a special player last year and seeing his success in Tennessee) “I
think in Calvin’s case, the thing that really sets him apart from a lot of guys is just his work
ethic. The way he came in here and worked right away, and wanted to get in with Trevor [QB
Trevor Lawrence] and learn the offense and get as many catches as he could from the
quarterbacks. Just the way, again, he attacks practice during the week. He practices like he
plays, and when you do that, you’re going to have success on game day. That’s something
that really sets him apart from a lot of people, a lot of receivers and it’s what made him a
really good receiver, a great receiver in this league. Of course, we know his ability to run and
stretch the defense. I think just his work ethic and the way he attacks it and the way he
approaches it sets him apart.”
(On if S Andrew Wingard will start on Sunday vs. Titans) “We’re looking at that right now.
There’s a possibility, yes.”
(On if Wingard showed enough vs. Las Vegas to prove he was capable of starting this week)
“Yeah, I think the health, where he is, is one thing. I think, two, understanding the defense is
another. My only if there is a regret is that he got hurt in camp and he didn’t really get a
chance to start the season. He’s coming into his own right now. He played well last week
and look forward to these next couple of weeks watching him go.”
(On if potentially finishing the season with a winning record vs. division opponents is a
motivating factor) “Yes. It is. I think, one, you finish the way you want to finish. Obviously,
two division opponents. It carries you. It carries you into the offseason. It’s the momentum
that you want. So, yeah, there’s something to be said about that, to play well this week and
try to do everything you can, try to get a win this week and go to next week. If you can do
that, then I think that’s something you can look at because then you have to look at the rest
of your schedule and go, ‘Where did we miss?’ Where did we come up short in some of the
other games because then it puts you in a position to each year kind of compete for your
division, your division champion. So, this definitely would be a positive going into the
offseason if we can do that.”
(On what he’s seen DE Josh Hines-Allen this season) “Probably give you a better answer
once the season is over and we look at everything. Coming in and learning a new scheme, a
little bit different technique for him and really all the D-linemen, D-ends. Teams know we
have two great edge rushers too. I mean, that goes without saying, and they’re going to
spend a lot of time, and we see a lot of times with tight ends and backs, chipping on the
edges and slowing our guys down. That’s been a big part of it too, because we do that any
time we face good edge rushers like we do each week. He’s really built himself and really
made himself, I think personally, into an edge rusher that can continue to improve,
meaning there’s more out there for him to continue to learn even though he’s five years in,
six years in. Just learning and growing and maybe even moving him around a little bit more.
But he’s someone that, his athleticism, his length, his speed; we have to find, as a staff,
opportunities for him too to get after the passer. I think one of the things too, learning how
to set the edge is a little bit different, learning the run, all these different things are all
techniques that he and Travon [DE Travon Walker] and Arik [DE Arik Armstead] really
learned this year. But, with that, I think they’re going to continue to improve and get better
even into next year.”
(On if he has any Christmas traditions with his family) “No, not really. We’ve always done
Christmas Eve. Of course, Christmas Eve is my wife’s birthday. I’ve got to make sure
everything’s separated. It’s got to be birthday first, take a pause, then we go into Christmas
Eve. But just having the family Christmas Eve, the gifts and things like that on Christmas
Eve. Then of course, growing up when our boys were young and even when I was young,
Santa would always come overnight and be there Christmas morning. So, we’ve kind of
carried those traditions with our boys and even with our grandkids now. It’s fun to kind of
see the evolution because our boys, as they begin their families, and the traditions and
things that carry on. It’s a special time of the year, obviously, to be around your family and
being able to kind of reminisce a little bit.”
(On if he has any New Year’s resolutions) “Yeah, we’re going to change a lot of things. I think
obviously, from this role, how can I be a better version? How can I help our team? I think
about those things. We’ve got to win. Bottom line, we’ve got to win. I think a lot about that,
and of course, you think about your health and your age and all the different things that
come with that. Yeah, I need to work out more, I need to eat less and do all that, but about
two weeks in, I’m done with that. Let’s stick to football.”
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR PRESS TAYLOR
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024
(On what makes Titans WR Calvin Ridley special) “Calvin is obviously super talented. His
ability to stop on a dime the way he does, the way he attacks off the line of scrimmage, it
just threatens off-coverage all the time. But really, the coolest thing being around him was
just the way he worked. He did that every single day in practice. It was impressive. He
wants to be in the front of the line, he wants to go a million miles an hour on everything we
do. He does it in walkthrough too. I think, if you have the skillset he has, and add that work
ethic to it, I mean, it’s a high floor, is what I’d say. Calvin’s done a great job through the
course of his career, and it’s no surprise that he continues to have success.”
(On the team’s run game production this year) “The run game can be tough at times. You
play certain teams that have personnel issues inside, you play these guys, their two
defensive tackles are really, really good players. Sometimes it’s the scheme, it’s the
numbers inside. I think a lot of guys, it just comes down to a lot of matchups. There are a
number of different things in the run game. A lot of times it’s 11 guys doing it the exact same
way. Maybe the quarterback getting us in the right run for certain looks, whether we have a
kill or we get to something better or get out of an issue right there. I think there’s a number
of things that come into play with that.”
(On if it’s difficult for QB Mac Jones to have success without a productive run game) “Yeah, I
think even the last game, we put ourselves in so many long-yardage situations. We had
more P-and-10 penalties than we’ve had all season long. So, you’re playing first-and-20,
second-and-20, whatever that may be. We wiped out a 24-yarder to Brian [WR Brian
Thomas Jr.] to start a drive. I think we started two drives there with P-and-10 penalties, and
then the next one, we had the 15-yard run to fumble. So, it’s just kind of getting in our own
way with stuff like that; illegal formations, just little things that we’re in control of and things
like that. So that gives you the ability to stay on task, to be efficient in your early down runs
and get more runs. I think you see guys kind of get lathered up, not just the running backs,
but the linemen as well, fitting blocks, repeating runs to where they get settled into this guy
made this adjustment on that one. So, when I get this again, here’s how we’re going to
combo this, whatever that looks like. I think it’s a lot of things go into play with it.”
(On how he would assess OL Cole Van Lanen’s performance vs. Las Vegas) “I thought Cole
did a good job. It’s like we talk about with backup quarterbacks: you’re one play away, and it
could happen in the first series, the first quarter, the second quarter. You’ve got to catch up
to the speed of the game at that point. You’re sitting on the sideline watching. Now you’ve
got to go out there and block a guy that’s been lathered up throughout the course of the
game. So, I thought Cole did a good job. He’s kind of always done that whenever we’ve
thrown him in the fire like that. That’s kind of life as a backup though.”
(On if OL Javon Foster will get game time) “Yeah. We rotate those guys a lot, especially your
top eight that are going into a game. Those guys get a lot of rotation throughout the course
of practice. So, Von will just get more and more opportunities right there. We’re pleased
with the progression he’s had as a young player through his first year.”
(On if the ball has to be thrown past six yards on the fourth-and-11 play vs. Las Vegas)
“Yeah, you would certainly like it to be. Honestly, that’s the exact same play. We run that
play for a million times in three years. It was the exact same play we ran on a fourth-and-
eight in ‘22 against Baltimore. We hit [former Jaguars WR] Zay Jones. The same cover but it’s
a different variation of getting to it. But it was cloud, and we threw one up over the top.
You’d like it to go past the sticks, but at the end of the day, Mac felt best to put the ball in
play right there. And D’Ernest [RB D’Ernest Johnson] tried to run for it, and we came up
short. So that’s something I’ve got to do a better job communicating that with Mac, of what
we’re looking for, what the intention of this call is, understanding the situation, and giving
ourselves an opportunity to continue the game at that point.”
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR RYAN NIELSEN
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024
(On how much he is planning on altering the scheme to face Tennessee a second time)
“Yeah, we have to change some things. That’s the biggest, how we call it. Down and
distance situationally, things like that. But we are who we are at the same time. We’ve been
doing that for a while, so just how we call it I think is going to be a little bit different than we
did last time. Different quarterback too so that goes into part of it.”
(On what he hopes to see from S Andrew Wingard) “Same to what we saw last week. Made
some plays on the ball. Really good communication on the field. Brings a lot of energy. So
those things that we need defensively and what he did last week, so we’ll just get some
more of that this week.”
(On if he saw starting potential in Wingard in training camp) “He was in the plan. Yeah, for
sure. He was in the plan. The whole way, the rotation, the plan from the very beginning. So,
he made some plays. He had a good camp and then had an unfortunate injury, and we
changed some things defensively, personnel-wise because of that. We’re glad to have him
back. It’s good to see him out there. Fiery, physical, running around, high energy. So that
was good. It was good to have him back for sure.”
(On if he thought DT Maason Smith’s performance vs. Las Vegas was his best game as a
pro) “Yeah, I agree with that. He pass-rushed a lot better. He was using his hands a lot
better. Getting off blocks, tackles. The batted ball was huge in the third down in the fringe
area. That was huge on third down. So, he played better. You can see his confidence
growing. Sometimes it just takes time. So hopefully we’ll continue that this week.”
(On Smith attributing his on-field improvement to his off-the-field habits improving)
“Absolutely. Body composition, sleep at night. All that stuff matters. So, see him come in
the building. It takes a little bit in professional football. You can see him growing and
maturing and those type of things. I think it’s what you’re seeing on the field.”
(On his thoughts on Smith’s sack celebration) “I didn’t see it. So, we’ll take a look at it next
week.”
(On if he thinks players listen to each other about having good off-the-field habits) “I think
each individual case is its own case. Some guys go to some veterans and follow veteran
leadership. Some guys do it on their own. Everybody’s different. So, we treat everybody
differently and individuals to come together and play defense for us. I think we have some
good leadership on this team, and he’s learned from some guys that maybe sat him down
and said some things to him and get you off-the-field habits better. You can see his body
composition and the way he’s eating. He’ll even tell you I’m eating better, which is a huge
thing. You feel like he’s playing faster. I think that’s the biggest thing. He’s playing faster and
then the repetitions, the accumulation of the reps have added up. So, he’s seeing things
faster too. I think it’s everything.”
(On why the pass rush has not been producing up to expectations) “Something we got to
look at. We really need to look at it and find out and get to the bottom of exactly what’s
happening out there. We would have hoped to have more production, I think for sure. I think
everybody, and all the players and coaches all together, would have hoped to have more
production. I think it’s something that we’ve got to really do a deep dive into and find out
and get to the bottom of it.”
QUARTERBACK MAC JONES
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2024
(On who he spent his Christmas with) “Just my family and my grandma, so it was, like, five
of us. Wasn’t too bad.”
(On if it’s been a while since he’s been home for Christmas) “Yeah, it has been. Yeah, it’s
been a few years, actually. Coach Saban [former Alabama head coach Nick Saban], he
used to give us, like, half a day off. So that was always nice. We get Christmas morning off,
maybe (laughs).”
(On the advantages of seeing a team twice in four weeks) “Yeah, definitely part of the NFL
scheduling. I’ve been in this situation before. When you’re a younger player in the league,
and it happens, you’re kind of like, ‘Oh, we just played them.’ Then you’re kind of like, all
right, it’s football and they can change their game plan. You can change yours. So, you
never know what you’re going to get. But at this point in the season, everyone does what
they do. Once again, it’s a great defense that we get to go against. A lot of good players,
good coaches. So, looking forward to the opportunity.”
(On if potentially finishing the season with a winning record vs. division opponents is a
motivating factor) “As we know, we’re trying to win them all. Hasn’t gone our way this year,
but we do have a great opportunity this weekend. If you’re a competitor and you get a
chance to play in the NFL, you’re going to go out there and play your heart out. So, that’s
how I view it. I know the guys on our team are feeling the same way. Obviously, it’s a
circumstance we may not want to be in, but you’ve got to really view it as a challenge and
take it one play at a time, like I always say, and go out there and put good stuff on tape
because somebody’s watching.”
(On how big of an opportunity starting at left tackle will be OL Cole Van Lanen) “It’s
awesome. I love Cole. We’ve had a good friendship growing here. So, definitely started on
the scout field and OTAs and whatnot. Just keeping it loose, keeping it fun. He’s done a
good job. He works really hard. He’s in my draft class. When I got here, just building that
friendship meant a lot to me. So, I’m excited for him. He obviously stepped in the last time
we played these guys and did a good job. I think that’s a great example of a guy trying to get
some great film and put his best foot forward. Hopefully, everyone else can do the same.”
(On if he expected TE Brenton Strange to get as many targets as he’s had) “Yeah, for sure. I
think there are definitely a few young, bright spots on this team. That’s always exciting as a
fourth-year player to see some young guys make really good plays in a game. I think they
can build on that, and like I said, don’t put too much pressure on you. Every week is a new
week. So, he’s already forgotten about that play. He’s made a lot of great plays in practice
this week. Same with B.T. [WR Brian Thomas Jr.] and Parker [WR Parker Washington] and
everybody. We’ve got a good group out there. Like I said, we’re growing together. The
communication needs to be really good when you’ve got a group with some new guys on it.
I feel like we’ve improved in that area with Press [Offensive Coordinator Press Taylor] and
everybody. I’m looking forward to taking the field with them.”
(On throwing more to Thomas Jr. even in tight coverage) “Yeah, I’m still learning about that a
little bit. Just having played with some good receivers, I think he’s definitely one of the best
ones I’ve played with. You have to try and give him the ball, but also just see the defense
and go through your reads. I mean, I could just drop back and throw it to him every time, I
guess (laughs). We’ll see how that goes. But I do think you have to go through, hey, maybe
it’s one play, he isn’t the primary read and he does get it or he doesn’t. For him, the
challenge is to get open on every route. I mean, everyone’s watching. They know when
you’re open and when you’re not. I see it too on film. So even if the ball doesn’t go to you,
say it goes to Parker or somebody else, I’m still like, all right, well, B.T. was open by a couple
of yards and maybe I should just go straight to B.T. or whatever. So, every situation is
different. But yeah, I mean, a lot of our plays definitely start with B.T. and it’s because he’s
earned that respect.”
(On his chemistry with Thomas Jr. and how special it’s been to work alongside him this
season) “Yeah, it’s really cool. I think anytime you get a guy who plays well in college, and it
translates early in their career, it’s awesome. He’s done a great job of that. Like I said, he
needs to just stay humble and keep doing what he’s doing, and I know he’ll be here for a
long time and make a lot of plays. So, it’s been fun working with him. We’ve got two more
here. I’m excited to see what he can do.”
(On how long he thinks he could get away with throwing to Thomas Jr. on every play) “Oh, I
don’t know (laughs). Like I said, I’m just going to go through my readings and take the high-
percentage throws. But I always do watch. I mean, sometimes—there’s only one football,
right? They always say that. So, you can throw it to one guy, and obviously, you’ve got to
watch the tape and learn and see how—hey, maybe we can do this to get him open or he
was open, and I missed it. So, you’ve just got to look at it with truthful eyes.”
(On what he’s been most proud of since he’s assumed the starting quarterback role) “Yeah,
I think once it’s all said and done, we’ll review everything and see what I can get better at.
But every week is a new week for me. We’ve been in these games at the end. That’s been
really good for us. But definitely want to finish and try and win and take it one play at a time.
Like I said, I’ve done a decent job of that, and really just continue to grow and learn. That’s
all you can do. Once it’s all said and done, I always, at the end of the year, review everything
and see what I can get better at. So, the process doesn’t change. but I do believe I definitely
have good confidence going into these next two.”
(On how special it will be to play in front of his hometown crowd once more this season)
“For sure. That’s been a great experience. I really appreciate everybody here, and it’s been
great to just get back on my feet. Hopefully, we can go out there, and like I said, take it one
play at a time, march it down the field and get some points. So, it’s been obviously a dream
of mine to play here. Yeah, I’m looking forward to the next two.”
(On if it’s particularly hard to lose playing for his hometown team) “Yeah, I mean, it
definitely does. I mean, if you asked anybody that had a chance to play for their team, it’s
tough. You think about it for 168 hours. Until the next kickoff on Sunday, that’s what you’re
thinking about. What plays could I have made? Or what plays didn’t I make? Or what plays
did I make? I try to just ask myself, did I put everything into it and give the team a chance to
win at the end of the game? That’s what I care about. I know the guys feel the same way. So
obviously, those have gone both ways this year. But that’s kind of been the theme. But I
think, really, it just comes down to your mindset at the end of the game and finishing those
plays.”
(On if the College Football Playoff first-round results prove that Alabama should have been
included) “Yeah, I know I was saying that in the locker room (laughs). But we’ll see. Maybe
next year, they’ll change it again. I mean, at the end of the day, somebody’s going to be mad
that they didn’t make it in. But I’m just glad that—yeah, it’s still cool. I just thought it was
interesting to see really just the teams playing at their home stadiums is so crazy. Could
imagine an Alabama playoff game would be pretty wild.”
