Wednesday, August 7, 2024
CB Kendall Fuller
(How did it feel going against QB Michael Penix Jr.? What have you seen from him moving to the NFL? What are some things that you saw?) – “That would be tough for me to answer right now, just because when you’re out there, you’re not thinking about what quarterback you’re playing against because you get a lot of reps with Kirk (Cousins) as well. Even in film, you’re not necessarily paying attention too much to what they are doing, more so what we are doing. If I said anything right now, it would be just empty words. I couldn’t even really answer that question.”
(Have you enjoyed your fist couple of weeks being a teammate of CB Jalen Ramsey knowing all of the things he’s able to do?) – “Yeah man, it’s been fun. Jalen (Ramsey), he is who he is every single day. One thing I respect about him is the level of play that people see him play on on Sundays, he comes out that way every single day. That’s something that’s been big for our group, big for our defense and for our team. We definitely rely on and appreciate the way he comes into work.”
(Did you see much of WR Drake London in coverage today?) – “Yeah, a couple of times.”
(What do you think of him as a player?) – “He’s pretty good. I played against him last year. Big receiver, can make tough catches, so I think he has a good future.”
(Was there anything today that you think went beyond the line of what should be done in joint practices as far as fights between the teams? Or was it all just normal training camp stuff where nothing got too out of hand from your view?) – “I think a lot of the fights happened when I was on the field, so I wasn’t necessarily paying attention to what exactly was happening. But I mean, at the end of the day, you never want to see fights. At the end of the day, each team, we’re going to protect each other at the end of the day. So some of that you respect and then other parts of it you want to come in and get to work so all of us can get better. I’m sure both teams, you always want to know that your teammates are going to protect you, but at the same time we want to make sure we get our work.”
(It seems like the second day of joint practices there is usually more of an edge. I know this is the only week you’re going to have two of them. Is two of them too many? Is one joint practice enough for you to see another team?) – “As much as I can say no, I can also see that a lot of the times the second day is usually that day. I’ve been a part of some practices where the first day is the same way. I think it’s a part of football. You got the 1% of guys that it takes a certain mentality to get here, so if you put that many guys on the field at one time, some things are bound to happen. By the end of the day, if you can keep it at a minimum and we can come out here and get good work against a different opponent – at the end of the day, I love it. Just in that mist of you getting into that process of training camp and to be able to go against a different jersey, a different group of guys, different offense, it’s definitely fun.”
(TE Kyle Pitts, WR Drake London and RB Bijon Robinson, they have guys that can play receiver from different positions that have played running back and tight end. How does seeing different body types and skillsets from those groups lined up at receiver help you get better?) – “You always try to go against different type of guys to just work your whole skill, because it might take different techniques, different mindsets, different leverages whenever you’re going against different guys. It’s fun just to practice that, because throughout the season you’re going to get different body types, different skillsets and things like that. Being able to get that in practice as we get into the preseason and all the joint practices, it definitely prepares you going into the season.”
(What stood out to you amongst the young cornerbacks?) – “Who has stood out? All of them. (Jason) Maitre, he’s been making plays, Storm (Duck) has been making plays, Isaiah (Johnson) has been making plays. All of them man. They go out there and compete, and that’s what we say all the time. At the end of the day, we’ll coach up the technique and things like that, but just go out there and compete. You can see the growth that all of them are making, so it’s been fun.”
(After watching CB Ethan Bonner and being a teammate of him for about four months, what’s your conclusion on what he can be as an NFL player?) – “For me, he looks like a good football player. I wasn’t here last year; I didn’t see the type of player that he was last year but they talk so much about his growth. For me coming in, he looks more than just like a guy that can run, which he can, but he looks like a football player. Somebody that can come out there, set the edge, get his hands on the ball, so to me he looks like a complete football player.”
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
WR River Cracraft
(What’s this camp been like for you? I think it’s your third here?) – “Yeah, it’s my third here. The more you get under your belt in this offense, the more comfortable you are each year. Lucky for me I’ve been surrounded by guys like ‘10’ (Tyreek Hill) and ‘17’ (Jaylen Waddle) that are able to carry over year to year, so we’re able to build that relationship and become better teammates, and ultimately work together.”
(What is it like to be the No. 1 pick of the wide receiver draft every single year?) – “It’s an honor, it’s a privilege, but it’s for a reason. I do respect ‘10’ (Tyreek Hill) and his decision, and I appreciate him choosing me. But at the same time I’ve worked for that and I think I’ve earned that. I’m proud of myself for that, and I’m going to keep trying to be that.”
(What do you think the reason is from WR Tyreek Hill’s point of view?) – “As humbly as I can put it, I’m making plays. So I think that’s why he picks me.”
(With QB Mike White and QB Skylar Thompson what’s the process like trying to develop chemistry with either one of those quarterbacks?) – “Very easy. Those guys are likable people. That whole quarterback room is amazing. Those guys are easy to talk to in the locker room. I think that’s where everything starts. Guys are approachable, if they’re not afraid to call you out if you’re wrong or if you’re right, and that way you can correct each other and ultimately build chemistry. That’s what everybody is trying to do, so having good people in that room which we have, makes it easy for anybody to build relationships and that connection.”
(I saw you catch a pancake on RB Jeff Wilson Jr.’s touchdown run down here. I know run blocking is a big emphasis in that room – no block, no rock, right? I’m curious to hear your perspective on the mindset of the receivers when it comes to the run blocking game?) – “We take pride in it. It’s a big part of our offense, and the way that our backs run, it’s one of those deals like you have a Braxton Berrios at returner. When you have a guy that can take it to the house every single play, that makes you want to play harder. When we hear run plays called and we know what we have in the backfield, we want the plays to work. If the play is going to depend on our perimeter blocking because we know the line is going to handle their stuff – but if a play is going to depend on us rather it’s a touchdown or not then we want to make sure we get it handled.”
(A minute ago you said I’m making plays. That’s the sound of a confident player. Can you describe how your confidence has grown since you’ve arrived here?) – “I think it’s the belief that the coaches have in me to succeed. Throughout my career, it has felt that the belief has all come from myself. Over the last few years building the relationships that I have here in Miami, they’ve allowed me to not only maintain that confidence in myself, but have shown the confidence back in me and that makes players better and that makes them play better. That’s why I think I’m having a little bit more success than I’ve had in the past, because when that confidence is reciprocated between player and coach, that’s when your team grows and that’s when players grow.”
(What’s been your approach to the wide receivers group the last couple of practices? You don’t have WR Jaylen Waddle, WR Braxton Berrios, WR Odell Beckham Jr. is on PUP?) – “It’s opportunities, it’s fun. We have guys making plays. Malik (Washington) was balling today – you love to see the young guys balling. But it just presents opportunities. Injuries happen every year – 10 (Tyreek Hill) and 17 (Jaylen Waddle) have missed games my entire years here. It’s just no surprise and it’s very real. You know you have to see who step up when those guys go down. It’s unfortunate because the numbers are low and things like that, but it presents opportunities like I said, and it makes it fun.”
(We’d be shocked if you didn’t make the team. But do you like having the uneasy feeling of never being 100% sure at the start of camp that you’re going to be on the team, or would you like to someday have a comfort level of I’m on the team it’s not going to affect my motivation I’m driven every day?) – “I think it’s important to not think that you’ve arrived and that’s the mentality that I like to have. Just so we’re clear, nobody has said you’re making the team, anything of that. That information is not given to you, so I’m not sitting here saying anything like that. I think it’s important that guys, especially in my position who have in the past been a bubble guy and trying to break that mold, it’s important to keep that chip on your shoulder and act like you need to earn a spot every single way, because that’s the only way you’re ultimately going to get that spot.”
(Did you feel any pressure as the orange jersey player to take control of that aux and make sure practice was bumping with your playlist? Did you feel any pressure for that?) – “Feel any pressure? Oh no, not at all. No, I was very confident in my music. We started out with Biggie and then we went to Toby Keith, I mean what better transition. (laughter) I was real happy with that. All the music that I did not know, those were the receivers’ other song. I asked everybody to help me out with a song.”
(You took requests?) – “I did, absolutely. Well I needed like two hours’ worth of songs. I was like, ‘Man, I’ve only got like six.’”
(The joint practices are done; everything is wrapping up now. Now being in that setting with the first preseason game coming up, you guys are going into Hard Rock, how is the team looking?) – “I think great. I think we progressed really well. As I was saying last time, we were installing plays up until a certain point and we still are installing situational things, but for the most part we got everything in. Now we are ironing out details. You just need reps. Getting game-like experience especially for the young guys particularly in our room – Malik (Washington), it’s very exciting to see what he’s going to do. I’m excited, he’s balling right now and his confidence is going up. That’s what we need in that room.”
(You’re a soothing leader and speaking of WR Malik Washington, was there any advice you gave him as a leader over the last few days because obviously he’s played better these last few practices?) – “Yeah, well he’s gotten opportunities which is awesome. A guy like Malik (Washington), he’s very thoughtful, he’s very methodical when it comes to his work ethic. He’s a good person, and I think that’s important to have people like that in the room because those guys want to get better. With these guys out, I have pulled Malik to the side at times when the time is right, just telling him to take advantage of this opportunity. I was telling him today, we had a play called up and told him if they tossed it to him, I said, ‘Hey, man. You’ve got to get the crowd going. I want you to go slap high fives across the fans,’ we ended up changing the play. (laughter) Just things like that to make him comfortable, to put a smile on his face, to let him know he’s doing a great job and to keep working, I think that’s where I come in.”
(Did you get to meet the new guy WR Mike Harley Jr. today?) – “Yes, I met him.”
(What were your impressions of him?) – “He seemed like a great guy. He said he played with Braxton (Berrios) at ‘The U.’ We haven’t gotten to know each other that well. He wasn’t able to be in the meetings this morning. I think he was going through all of his medical stuff. So we kind of just saw him on the field, he got thrown into the fire a little bit, but he did a great job. He’s got great feet and excited to watch him play.”
(As important as these joint practices are psychologically, how much does it take it to the next level on Friday to be in the stadium and playing in an actual game?) – “It’s a feeling that most people are familiar with, but if you’re a rookie or a guy who hasn’t played in a game yet then there’s a lot of nerves. I think those nerves are good. I’m excited to see everybody play, and I’m excited to get out there myself and just get on the field, get into Hard Rock, feel the momentum, feel the stadium. It’s a lot of people’s happy place, so I’m excited to get back.”
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(What are you comfortable sharing with regard to why we haven’t seen WR Jaylen Waddle and WR Braxton Berrios this week? Could their absence be a question of days or weeks?) – “The answer is obvious, provide you with a solid question. Minor stuff, we have a collection of minor things going on. Good news is they aren’t major things, but some stuff has been fluctuating the players out there on the field.”
(With WR Jaylen Waddle last year, he played through a lot. Is there anything you guys can do to minimize some of that impact he takes?) – “For sure. I think our mindset each and every year with every player is to take information that you are accumulating it to better serve the players and him in particular. I think that’s a part of the reason you haven’t seen him. We understand his body. We understand how to be a little more proactive with something. We understand how tough he is, and he’s probably one of the toughest wide receivers that I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach and that is a great thing. However, when you’re trying to make sure that you get the season started on the right foot and that you best facilitate the best-case scenario of health, then you take measures and you learn new things or red flags or whatever it may be with that particular player.”
(In your first two seasons you chose not to use QB Tua Tagovailoa in the preseason opener. If everything goes great in today’s joint practice as planned, is that the likely scenario?) – “I think the way that I really look at today and the value of it, I think you understand what our procedure always has been, that we collect all the data, fit the needs to the player and establish how we want to approach those preseason games – we’re doing that tomorrow as a staff. I can’t – tomorrow at my press conference, right? Do I have one? (Laughter) But I do not want to get ahead of myself with all the guys because I take that serious in terms of making sure that we are getting each and every player to fit their needs and where their games at. Do I expect from past scenarios that you’re going to be surprised with, as you’d put it, a deviation from the last two years? I don’t think you’re going to be surprised.”
(When we think about staying unpredictable in Year 3 of this offense, how do you keep the mystique going when you’re having joint practices and you have different opponents?) – “The mindset isn’t totally to be unpredictable. The mindset is to be able to, with conviction, make a defense or an offense, really as an offense, defend the whole field, and as a defense, compress the field. And within that, you’re trying to assert something and then force the opponent to stop that and the ways they stop that, you take advantage of that overplay. Literally on all phases it’s that abstract, but that’s what we’re doing. So from a joint practice perspective, you get different players utilizing different techniques within a different scheme so you can apply your techniques and fundamentals, and your scheme, however your scheme is evolving to how defenses or offenses are playing, it’s a great opportunity. There is a competitive advantage when you’re finding new tools schematically that you don’t want your opponent to totally be able to dive into and what those are and how big of a piece they are it’s up to the scripters and what you put on the paper. Working with Atlanta Falcons, and specifically Raheem Morris and my relationship with him, it’s helpful in that we can not worry about some of the nuances that you might worry with an unknown coaching staff or people that you don’t have this strong of a relationship with. So you can just really put your scheme and what individual players are working on and what you’re working on as a group, you can just really apply it without hesitation in situations like that and that’s kind of really the way we utilize this opportunity, both teams. In talking to Raheem (Morris), it’s a cool opportunity to solve problems that you can take out of your list of problems that you have to solve during the season. Whether that’s different rules, whether that’s success or failure, there’s really, really good stuff to get out of these things and yesterday was one of those days that we got some good stuff out of it.”
(What did you like offensively and defensively from your team yesterday?) – “Overall, I thought a big thing for us is our standard with which we approach practice, and that is a non-negotiable, deliberate, intentional, high-effort, fast, physical, with elite technique. And what I saw was, on defense, I saw a spirit that I was very confident in, but you don’t know until you actually face a different squad. And that spirit, energy and standard of play, it’s something that was really cool and definitely present throughout the practice, you look at the first play to the last and there was some real cool, fun football being played in that way. I think the connectivity from (Defensive Coordinator) Anthony Weaver down on the coaching staff to the players and that immersed, one common goal with complete connectivity, it was on display and I was pumped with that. Offensively as the play caller, understanding how unique an opportunity is, I’m looking very specifically for things within our game, and out on the field I’m really not concerned with the result. In that, on the field I was looking at things very positive and as I looked at the tape, I was pumped about the things that I was really looking for that were tangible things that we’ve been working on since April. But beyond that, you also have expectations on things that if you’re going to emphasize one thing, you know other things are going to be right where they should be which is in a process of development. So in that your expectations are like, ‘Huh, I’m expecting to be good at something, I don’t know what we’re not going to be good at,’ and I think that was why I felt supreme conviction in why yesterday was fully utilized. The things that – there are always things. What you don’t want to do is feel like you’re at full strength in your first joint practice. I think each year in this stage we’ve had some good production against opposing defenses relative to other years. I wasn’t really looking at that, I was really focused on how we, for instance, how we block people. And then you block people well, but you have some issues from an offensive drop back standpoint where you either don’t like your hot throw or you’re really anticipating blitz from one side and it comes from the other. Those things have to be ironed out, and I don’t expect any Week 1 practice to really be anything other than that. So it was what I expected, but I was really pumped at the stuff that I was looking for. But I’m expecting improvement from mistakes yesterday and the same conviction and the same line of scrimmage that I saw at yesterday’s will be important as well.”
(Do you see the competition between QB Mike White and QB Skylar Thompson developing and what are the pros and cons of having one of them go the entire way in one preseason game and the other guy go the whole way versus maybe giving each a half in both games or something like that?) – “That competition is I think, something I’m very proud of in that those two competitors really gave it their best shot last year, and I thought it was a pretty close race with Mike winning it They’ve continued to develop their games, so they continue to do really good things, and each individual, I think is better than where they were last year. That’s hugely important for quarterbacks, particularly ones that don’t start or play during the season. You don’t want to regress; you want to improve. So I see that as – it’s neck and neck, and far from me even thinking about who’s going to win that job, and I think that’s a compliment just because they’re both developing very well. And I think that one of the tricky things are solving the problems of preseason games in terms of you want to get guys opportunities, but they’re also playing with different players and against different defenses that your corresponding play calls are different. So how do you make the opportunities as equal as possible? Well, for me, I try to create a scenario where they get to work with the same players that are blocking and the same players that are receiving routes or getting handoffs. That’s a little tricky because you can’t just play, there’s a lot of position battles that that need to be settled outside the quarterback position. So to do that, for me, the best compromise is trying to get guys some rhythm, some ownership of the game to see how they respond to ebbs and flows, but then also trying to get them in similar opportunities with their teammates. So the best of both worlds, a lot of times, for me, is getting guys opportunities in several games, but then making sure that in those opportunities, that a rhythm is established, that they have enough time to play and that’s kind of really the way I look at it. It’s abstract, like most things, but you’re trying to problem solve so you can give guys an opportunity to win the job, because it’s not for me to settle, it’s for them.”
(How is WR Malik Washington doing?) – “One of the more difficult things in the National Football League is that of a rookie NFL wide receiver. The game is very different in terms of timing, particularly with us, and the details with which you do your jobs and huddling and all the motioning. What Malik (Washington) has done really well is find how to be a professional very quickly, so he is operating as a vet would in terms of how he’s studying, his ownership of the playbook and how reliable he is with assignments for his teammates. There’s learning tools each and every practice. What I’m really happy about with Malik is that he is getting better with those mistakes and I’m expecting mistakes, but he improves mistakes, which is the key for rookies.”
(With OL Liam Eichenberg, we’ve seen him consistently at right guard – that’s where you guys listed him on the depth chart, the first depth chart. Why is that the position that’s best for him in your mind? And also, what would someone need to do to dislodge him? Does he have a big gap between him and the next candidate, or is it pretty close?) – “Liam Eichenberg has developed so much in the past couple seasons with us and has done so by being a master of multiplicity. He’s really found ways to not only contribute, produce but then also improve whatever position he’s playing. That versatility we’ve had to utilize for a multitude of different reason and he’s found a way to be good at that. The next step for him to find where his ceiling is as a player is in an offense that he knows forward and backwards with all of the tools that he’s learned when you’re starting at center for this offense in terms of the calls and the different problem-solving you have to do. For our team, it best serves us to really allow him that unique opportunity of stability and reps in one spot to see how his technique can go. That is – for the Dolphins, we think that we would be hard pressed to know exactly what that would be like because he hasn’t had that advantage necessarily, based upon the last two years of the whole group. The only think I knew what to expect from Liam this year was that he was going to make improvements on a lot of little things that were going to be ultimately a big thing. He is doing that and I’m finding out each day what those things are, and it’s exciting because he’s playing with more conviction and his personality is coming out in his play. The whole group is like that – you talk about guys that have been here and new players. Guys like Rob Jones, I’m seeing a new Rob Jones. There’s a lot of quality play that’s going on – Lester Cotton is doing a phenomenal job. We got a new player, Jack Driscoll, that’s getting some reps in there and they’re all developing. Guys develop at different speeds, but over the course of a month, you start to get an idea of what’s our best group. Liam being right guard is best served for him and the group, right now, but guys are pushing, and that competition is what’s making our practice as high intensity as it has been. It’s because guys are competing for everything and everything on this team with the quality of roster has to be earned.”
