HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2023
(On the biggest takeaways from camp so far) “Biggest takeaways, I think just where we left off as a unit,
as a team both offensively and defensively, and special teams. The guys came back in the right frame of
mind, ready to go to work. Those are all things in the last couple of days that kind of stood out to me.
The leadership is really shown itself within the team and those are all things that really show. Next
week, we put the pads on so we’ll take another step in that direction, but I’m pleased where everybody
is right now.”
(On status of some players with minor injuries) “Yeah, DaVon [DT DaVon Hamilton] is progressing well,
he’s still working through the back and the spasms there. Hopefully by next week he’s cleared and ready
to get back. He’s doing walkthrough stuff and he’s doing some individual stuff and all that. We’re just
keeping him out of the team stuff for right now. For Tyson, [CB Tyson Campbell] this is also the time
when these guys come back, this is why we do acclimation phase and their legs get a little sore, they get
a little tight. We’re just precautionary. We don’t want it to progress to anything serious, so we monitor
these guys really well. [Vice President of Player Health and Performance] Jeff Ferguson does a great job
of that and coaches do a nice job of getting some of the younger guys more reps that way. Again, just
precautionary, and we just don’t want something major to come out of it.”
(On if any player has stood out to him during training camp this week) “I would say Calvin [WR Calvin
Ridley]. Ridley on offense, just the way he practices is just a different speed and a different level. It’s
encouraging to me as a coach because it feeds to the rest of the guys, particularly the young guys. He’s
one that’s really stood out there. Defensively, Tyson [CB Tyson Campbell]. I just love the way he came
back and really has embraced, I think, him being in that conversation of one of the top corners in the
league. He’s picking up where he left off and doing well.”
(On importance of CB Tyson Campbell going against WR Calvin Ridley in practices) “It’s great. That’s why
I like to go with the starters together and practice together because you’re getting those quality reps
and game-speed reps. When Calvin [WR Calvin Ridley] and Christian [WR Christian Kirk] and Zay [WR Zay
Jones] and Evan [TE Evan Engram] and TJ [WR Tim Jones] and those guys are practicing full speed, that’s
what we need. It just makes us better.”
(On how the evaluation process of players changes next week with pads on) “Not a lot, when the pads
come on there’s more physicality, you see that. Schematically, nothing changes, right? It’s just a matter
of now offensive linemen having something to hang onto. It’s just kind of getting used to having the
pads on again, really. Evaluation wise, it really doesn’t change a whole lot because we’re looking at
everybody, what they know, what they don’t know, and taking it from there.”
(On the comfortability level of OLB Travon Walker and OL Anton Harrison) “Yeah, obviously when you’re
in shorts like we’re in, it’s a little harder for the offensive and defensive lines. I try to control the tempo
there and control the pace. I just don’t need a lot of bodies on the ground. There’s a different tempo
when the pads come on, we’re okay, let’s go and cut it loose. So, we’ll see a little bit more next week as
we begin but Travon [OLB Travon Walker] has done a nice job so far. Even our guys on offense have said
that he’s definitely improved from a year ago.”
(On what’s been noticed out of FB Derek Parrish) “Good. He’s doing well. A young guy that’s learning,
obviously converted d-lineman, who we’ve asked to play a little bit of fullback, tight end. He’s kind of
learning a new position and just like any new young player, it’s challenged. It’s a lot of information to
know and to process. But he’s doing well, for the first couple of days, he’s doing good.”
(On if learning a new position is like learning a new language) “Oh, yeah. It’s different from playing
defensive line. You’re in a five technique, now he’s [FB Derek Parrish] got to hear all these words in a
huddle and figure things out, know where to lineup and all that. He’s doing good and learning every
day.”
(On understanding OLB Travon Walker’s style of playing better) “I think so. I think last year was big. He
can go back, and what he did all of offseason, is go back and watch himself. Then, go back and watch
other top edge rushers in this league and really start putting his pieces together. Just understanding the
type of player he wants to be, the type of player we ask him to be, and whether he’s on the edge or
inside, that versatility he has and the length that he has. Those are all things he definitely has
improved.”
(On a first-round draft pick feeling pressure in year two) “I mean, that’s probably a better question for
him [OLB Travon Walker] to answer. I was never a first round pick so I couldn’t tell you that. I would say
with these guys, once you start playing meaningful games, I think all of that goes away. I think it’s more
for writers and the public. He’s trying to help us win games.”
(On QB Trevor Lawrence’s potential challenges entering year three in the league) “That’s a great
question, because now, as you look at last year, there were some struggles for the first part of the
season. There were some miscues in the first part of the season. Back half of the year, we got better, he
[QB Trevor Lawrence] got better. He was more efficient and understood more situations. Now, it has to
be consistent. It has to just be for the 17-game schedule, every single week has got to be like that. Now
his understanding of our offense, he can verbalize and communicate things to us better as a staff, his
likes and dislikes as we get into the regular season. But just having the consistency, one thing that really
helps him is having the type of guys around him that he has and the way they practice every single day
that puts him in game-like situations. It’s my job to make sure we are practicing these scenarios and that
he understands exactly what we’re trying to get done. I think that consistency now will continue to
elevate and get his game even better as we go.”
(On what’s been discussed within the team as more injuries around the league arise) “I just focus on us
and do what’s best for us. It’s unfortunate, it seems like every year there’s a couple of guys that get
knicked early in training camp. I can’t necessarily worry about all of that, I just have to prepare the
football team the best I can and put them in these tough situations. The players do a great job of taking
care of themselves and preparing their bodies and they obviously know the risks involved. I don’t spend
a lot of time worrying about changing something. I have a pulse of the team, if I do want to change
something I will. We’re just full steam ahead.”
(On how moving OL Walker Little to left tackle due to OL Cam Robinson’s suspension is going) “Great.”
(On who has taken advantage of the open cornerback position on defense) “Yeah, there’s a bunch of
different combinations there. Antonio Johnson [S Antonio Johnson] has played some, Erick Hallett’s [CB
Erick Hallett II] been in there, Christian Braswell [CB Christian Braswell] has been in there. We’ve got
some guys, Greg Junior [CB Gregory Junior] has really stepped up a little bit, he’s kind of caught the
attention. Again, second year player coming in, Montaric Brown [CB Montaric Brown]. These guys are
second year players who have taken that, just like Snoop [RB Snoop Conner] on offense. You take that
second-year leap. What I see, I think this goes back to the evaluation when we put pads on, just seeing
how they move and tackle in preseason games. All that becomes part of the evaluation process. All of
those guys have done a nice job. There’s still obviously mistakes that we have to clean up, but I think for
the most part, these guys have really handled the information. Also, what I see is that they spend time
with their coaches at night. They really want to understand the defense in better.”
(On talent of CB Gregory Junior) “I think just seeing his maturity. I think you’re seeing a second year
understanding the defense, the terminology. Those are the things I see with him and those second-year
players having the understanding of even how we practice. That goes a long way.”
(On what’s being seen out of RB Travis Etienne Jr.) “Yeah, he came back in great shape. Ready and eager
to go, and just having an offseason where he didn’t necessarily have to rehab. That just takes it off your
mind, too. You can just focus on getting yourself conditioned to come back to training camp. The areas
that we’re focusing are him being such a good shotgun runner throughout his career, more under-center
stuff with him. We can get better there. Just keep improving the vision of all the running backs and
understanding the front, where the hole is, and where it could be. All of that comes with time and reps
and again, yes, a third-year player, but only in his second year. He’s another one that works out and
about and eager once the pads come on to see him work.”
(On thoughts on the current tight end room) “A good room. Evan [TE Evan Engram] obviously picked up
where he left off. Luke [TE Luke Farrell] is another one who is a young player and this is going to be big
for him, a great opportunity for him. Brenton Strange [TE Brenton Strange] is learning and improving
everyday. There’s going to be a setback here and there, right? It’s all apart of the process. Then, we’ve
got some young guys, Gerrit Prince [TE Gerrit Prince] who’s been here. Another second-year player
who’s been on practice squad a year ago. He’s done some good things, and overall, Derek’s [FB Derek
Parish] in that mix, Sammis [TE Sammis Reyes], Josh [TE Josh Pederson], it’s a good group and some
good competition there.”
(On what OL Brandon Scherff brings to the team) “There’s a calmness. Especially having a rookie right
tackle next to him, there’s a calmness there. There’s a maturity level, he keeps things really simple and
grounded. Again, he’s another one that when you watch him, I know you guys don’t see it, but the way
he comes into the building and the way he prepares himself for practice and gets his mind right and the
whole thing, that’s what pays dividends to the rest of his linemen guys. He’s done it for so many years
and he’s been a pro at it for so many years that it’s just that his overall presence in that group just calms
everybody down and he does a nice job with it.”
(On goals for week two of training camp) “Well, pads come on, so it kind of goes back to the injuries, you
just don’t want anybody to get hurt. We’re still going to do what we do and focus on us. Each week and
each day, the goal is to get better. Everyday is a different day because it’s a new set of challenges for the
team. Yesterday was red zone, the day before was third down, the day before was normal down and
distances. We’re putting the team in different scenarios, so just understanding that as we go each week
just to improve every situation we have.”
RUNNING BACK TRAVIS ETIENNE JR.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2023
(On how the offseason went for him) “This offseason was great. For me personally, because I was able
to work on my game. I was able to just workout with the guys and be more into it with the team instead
of working on my way to get back, just being ready for the season.”
(On thoughts of RB Tank Bigsby) “I’ve seen a lot out of Tank. I just love his grind; I love his grit. I feel like
he’s very hungry. That’s what I love about him. Just seeing his willingness to get better each and every
day. He’s a rookie, he’s new in the scheme. I’ve been there, so I’m seeing where he’s going and where
he’s coming and just his willingness to come in every day and learn. I feel like I love that about him and
that’s why you’re going to see a lot of growth from him early.”
(On relationship between him and RB Tank Bigsby and other running backs on the team) “I feel like this
year is really well, I feel like everybody is here for one reason and that’s to win football games. I feel like
that’s going to go a long ways, there’s no jealousy within the room. Everybody’s here rooting each other
and we’re all helping each other try to get better.”
(On the benefit of knowing the offense from last year) “It’s night and day, just knowing what coac is
looking for, just knowing the scheme, just knowing what my offensive linemen are doing, play-in and
play-out, just having that season behind me propels me forward. Moving forward, coaches already know
what he’s looking for. I feel like it’s going to be night and day for me and you’re going to see levels of
growth this year.”
(On feelings he gets from the coaches) “Just anticipation, being able to set things up and knowing what
I’m doing. My confidence, I feel like my first year was all about gaining my confidence back. I feel like
once you get that and once you understand that, it’s football. It’s something I’ve been playing my whole
life. You get back to yourself again.”
(On what specifically was worked on during the offseason) “My main focus was my tracks, just me
starting and getting the ball, my shoulders being squared with the offensive linemen, just things like
that. When I was watching my film last year, I was kind of predetermining things, my shoulders wouldn’t
be squared so the linebackers would get a lead of where I was going. This year was more focused on just
keeping my shoulders squared that way I’m giving myself a three-way go at all times and he’s not able to
determine anything, I’m able to play with him and take the yards that are there.”
(On the status of running back contracts in the NFL) “I feel like I really don’t have a word in it, honestly. I
feel like the market is what the market is and for me, to go out there and get the best deal for myself, I
have to come out here and work hard each and every day. If I don’t produce or be productive, I’m not
going to even be in that conversation or there won’t be anybody looking to pay me. The best thing I can
do is keep my head down and keep working to win games for my football team.”
(On he feels like it could be an uphill battle for running backs in the NFL) “Definitely, but I also feel like it
depends on the type of back you are because you see some guys getting paid, like, [San Francisco RB]
Christian McCaffrey for instance, he catches the ball out of the backfield. So, I feel like for running backs
moving forward you have to diversify your game, you have to be more than just a downhill bruiser in
order to be able to be on that level and have leverage whenever you go into those conversations. Like
you said, 300 carries and you’re seeing what the market is for guys like that. So, for us, we have to
continue to grow and evolve our game because you see the way that football’s going, it’s a passing
league now. We just have to evolve as a whole.”
(On what the offense has to do to start fast this season) “I feel like we’re going to start fast because last
year was our first year in this offense, so everyone was really learning. We were learning week in and
week out. Right now, we already have that foundation, we know what we can be, and we also added
[WR] Calvin Ridley so I feel like that’s an automatic reason we’re going to start faster. You can’t help but
start fast with guys like that on the outside. I’m very excited for this year to see where we’re going to
go.”
(On how to manage people’s expectations after last season’s success) “You can’t worry about what
everyone else is saying. I feel like when everyone gets to talking, you just have to gel with each other
because at this same time last year no one believed in us. We have to gel as a team, just focus on each
other, and focus on our games. We’re just going to come together, come closer, and work on ourselves.
Just block out the outside noise whether it’s good or bad because at the end of the day you can’t get too
high or too low. I was just reading something, and it said, ‘You drop the game winning pass, you’ll see
where all the fans will go then’. So, it’s really just honing in on yourself, your brothers, your teammates,
and just understanding that at the end of the day we are who have, and we just have to rock n’ roll like
that. “
