LB Bradley Chubb
(How does it feel to be in Miami?) – “It feels great man, to be honest with you. It feels great just to get around the guys and get around Coach (Mike) McDaniel and see the culture that’s already here. There’s a lot of leaders on this team. I’m just glad I could come in and fall to a good position where guys are winning, guys care. And we can get after this playoff run and Super Bowl and accomplish all the goals we go out there and fight for.”
(It seemed like, from our perspective, from our vantage point, it seemed like all this happened in a whirlwind. You’re traded on Tuesday and come Thursday morning you sign a new deal. I mean, were you aware that you might be headed to Miami? I’m sure you’re probably looking for new deal. Can kind of walk us through the past couple of days, weeks, from your perspective?) – “So we get back from London with the Broncos and I kind of see my name on Twitter and stuff and different teams had interest and stuff like that. I didn’t really know what to expect. And then I got a call from our GM and he told me I was being traded to Miami. He told me about the opportunity it was for me, for this organization. As soon as he told me I was being traded in Miami, man, I kind of like zoned out. I’m not going to lie to you. I just started thinking about everything I could do. Getting my stuff down there. Now I’m going to be a Dolphin. So I got to look up the guys, I got to look at the roster, I got to look at the numbers (and see) what numbers are open. So that’s kind of where my head went and then I flew down Tuesday night, woke up Wednesday morning, did the physical and got out onto the practice field, meeting, and just trying to get caught up on everything now. It’s been a whirlwind. There have been a lot of highs and lows in these past couple of days because you never want to get traded from the team that you get drafted by and started your career with. But at the end of the day, God has a bigger plan than I could ever imagine. So I’m glad I’m here now.”
(What did you know about Head Coach Mike McDaniel before you got here?) – “Luckily I had a couple of teammates – DJ (D.J. Jones), and K’Waun (Williams) who told me a lot about him before even all this even happened. Then when I did get traded, they were like ‘man, you’re going to love him. It’s going to be a great opportunity. He’s a little quirky, but he’s going get the job done. He’s going to get everybody bought in.’ So I see what they’re saying now. He is a good dude. I’m just glad to be around him. And hopefully, we can be around each other for a long time.”
(Did you FaceTime Head Coach Mike McDaniel? Like there’s a video of him FaceTiming QB Tua Tagovailoa when he first got the job? Did he FaceTime you?) – “He didn’t FaceTime me, but he called me for sure. Yeah, he called me, low key probably five minutes after I got the notification I was going to be traded. He was quick with it, for sure.”
(How much do you appreciate that this team was not only willing to trade a first-round pick for you, but reached this extension that you just signed?) – “Man, it’s huge. It’s just a testament to what I’ve been doing. I just got to come out here and continue to do it. I can’t take a step back or make excuses for myself that I’m in a different city or whatever. I’ve just got to hit the ground running. I’m looking forward to doing that with the opportunity against Chicago this week. Just learning my teammates, learning about getting their trust, letting them understand the type of player I am, letting them see it, putting it all out there for them. And like I said, we got bigger goals. We got so many things ahead of us. It’s just about how are we going to get there?”
(Is it going to be hard not to press because a new team, a new contract, all that kind of stuff? I mean, is it enough to be yourself? Or do you think you’ll be a little anxious?) – “To be honest with you, I might be a little anxious. Like you said, it’s a whole new situation, a whole new everything. But at the end of the day, where I’m at now is because I’ve been doing the things that got me here. I can’t change just because of the situation. I might be a little nervous for sure, get the jitters out and all that. But at the end of the day, I know I believe in my abilities, I believe in the guys I’m around on that practice field every day, these past couple of days, and I know we’re going to get the job done. So I’m excited about it.”
(You played with a very talented end in Denver with Von Miller, and now you come here. There’s some anticipation about what you and LB Jaelen Phillips can do, not just this year, but in the long term. What do you know about Jaelan’s game? And what do you envision that you and he could do together?) – “So it’s crazy, man. We actually played the Jets kind of like right after the Dolphins did, so I got a chance to see him rush and see this whole defense play out. I always watch the edge guys because I’m going against the tackle. So I’m trying to figure out what they got and stuff like that. But when I watched that whole room man, with ‘Gink’ (Andrew Van Ginkel), and ‘Mel’ (Melvin Ingram), and ‘JP’ (Jaelan Phillips), and all those guys that were rushing the passer, and (Emmanuel) Ogbah man, it’s a beautiful sight to see. I’m glad I could just be a piece of that. I know all the things that Jaelan does well, his length, his size. He’s one of the biggest humans I’ve seen, seeing him face to face. And I get to practice that every day with him. It’s going to be a great opportunity. I know he brings that power. He brings that finesse. He does a great job of bringing both so I know we can match each other with that, so I’m excited about it.”
(People who don’t know your game, can you kind of give us a self-scouting report?) – “Yeah. I’m a relentless guy. I’m going to run to the bal. If there is a ball 30 yards downfield, I’m going to try to do everything I can to get down there and try to get the ball out. When it comes to rushing the quarterback, I like to do a little bit everything. I feel like I got a good combination of size and speed so I can use my power, I can use the finesse, whatever the situation comes to and I’m just like I said, relentless and doing everything I can to help my team win.”
(On that same note, how do you think this multiple defense suits your skillset?) – “It’s pretty much the same thing I’ve been doing for the past couple of years. It’s just the language is a little bit different. And the calls and stuff like that, I’ve just got to study and make sure I’m good on every call like I kind of knew the Denver defense like the back of my hand because I was in it for four years at the time. So it’s just like a refresher on having to be a better pro and studying my playbook every night and getting to it. I’m up for the challenge and I’m excited about it.”
(Anything specific within this defense that you’re excited to maybe do on Sunday and in the future?) – “To be honest, I’m still learning.I’m still learning but I know once I get it like I knew my previous defense, I know there’s going to be opportunities in there for me to take shots, take chances and do what I do. But at the end of the day, I’m just going to try to focus on everything I can and get to be in the best number two I can be.”
(What did you and Jeff Wilson Jr. do on the private plane?) – “Sleep. (laughter) I honestly didn’t even see Jeff come on the plane. I was so knocked out because we had – I didn’t wake me up. We were going from Denver to Dallas and I was knocked out, feet up, had a blanket on me and all I remember was getting to Florida. It was about 2 a.m. when we landed too. We didn’t even barely say anything in the car. But the next morning, we were happy for each other and happy for the opportunity.”
(Did the Dolphins come up in any like film study that you were doing with the Broncos? Like I know these teams haven’t played each other obviously. But what did you know about Miami as a team? I don’t know if they’d come up when you’re doing film study and other opponents.) – “Yeah, to be honest, like throughout the week in Denver, we used to watch like situational football and stuff like that. So I saw like the ending of the Bills game, how Josh Allen tried to throw it to Stefon Diggs and he couldn’t get out of bounds and it ended up being bad for them. The Dolphins won. So when I got traded, I start thinking about all the stuff I saw the Dolphins with. I’m like that’s crazy because it’s been on the back of my mind. Then like I said, we played the Jets after the Dolphins so I kind of got to see those guys rush and get after it. And yeah, those are probably the two games I watched this past season. And the news too. Like I was able to watch the Cincinnati game because it was a Thursday night prime time. I have vivid memories of every time I watch the Dolphins play, which is crazy now.”
(On the outside, some people are talking about what level this team can reach with this move. Some people are talking AFC Championship contention, Super Bowl contention. Where do you see that this team stands?) – “I see the sky’s the limit. Like I said the leadership, that’s what’s going to take it to wherever we need to go. I’m just now getting here and we got player-led meetings on both days and it really means something to guys. You see how we practice in jog-through yesterday running to the ball 30 yards down the field. And, and I’m looking around like, ‘Am I doing this right? Bring me along to.’ I feel like the sky’s the limit because everybody in this organization, in this building cares, and they understand that to play championship football, you got to go the extra mile.”
(At one point, you had made a mention, I think it was this past offseason, about how the Chiefs were getting under your skin. The rivalry between the two teams. Did you and WR Tyreek Hill share a laugh now that you’re on the same side?) – “We didn’t talk about it yet because it’s still a little sensitive subject for me. (laughter) I’m just playing. I used to hate that dude, man. Not going to lie to you. Not because of the person he is. Just because of the team he was on and all the things he did against us and stuff like that. But now I’m happy I’m on the same sideline as him. I’m going to level him up every time he throws out the peace sign and I’m going to do it too. It’s going to be a good time. I’m excited.”
(This contract puts you in a sphere with guys like TJ Watt, Joey Bosa, Myles Garrett, Khalil Mack. Can you talk about where you would like your personal legacy to go from here eventually?) – “I just want to be in that conversation consistently. I feel like I’ve had good seasons. And then I have had bad seasons as well with the injuries and stuff. I just want to be consistent with my play, consistent with my leadership, consistent with everything I do. I feel like if I do that, the sky’s the limit not only for me but this organization because I’m going to be here for a while. So I’m going to do everything I can to be a key piece, a key focal piece, and bring my teammates along. And like I said, the leadership is already here. I’m just an addition to it. So I’m excited to grow as a leader, as a man, as a person, as a football player. And like I said, just continue to be consistent.”
(I have a question out of left field. I believe your rookie year, you guys played San Francisco and Jeff Wilson Jr. Do you remember – can you give us a scouting report on Jeff?) – “We actually played them this past year too. Week 3. So yeah, man he runs hard. He’s one of the hardest running (running) backs in the game. He can catch the ball out the backfield. He can do a lot of great things for this offense. He can do a lot of things to open it up. He’s just one of those guys that when we game-planned against them, we said it’s going to take the whole group, the whole defense to bring 22 down. So he’s what, 23 now? It’s going to take the whole defense to take 23 down. So I’m excited to see what he does.”
(Is there any specific meaning to choosing number two? Or is that just the jersey that was available?) – “At first, it was the coolest looking number available. And then when I started thinking about it, it’s part two of my life. My whole adult life I’ve been in Denver. It’s part two. It’s a new beginning. It’s a new everything. It’s kind of like part two for me, so that’s what I put my focus towards now.”
(I know that you said there’s leaders already on the team, you’re just adding to it. But what kind of things do you need to do, coming into a locker room that you’ve never played with before, and already being one of the highest paid guys on the team?) – “I’ve just got to earn the trust of my teammates and continue to be me. I feel like when I go out there and play, and loving up my teammates after they make a play, and them loving me up after I make a play, it’s going to happen organically. Now it’s just like a little weird because like you said, I haven’t played with these guys. I barely know – I know Teddy. I played with him. So he’s seen me put in the work. He’s seen me do a lot of stuff. I know how weird it is to for somebody to come into a new team and get paid and not put no stain with them. So my main thing is just trying to be the best me I can be, show these guys that I’m a hard worker, I’m going to do everything right or try to do everything right because nobody’s perfect. I’m going to try to do everything right and whatever it takes for this team to win, (No.) 2 is going be there to do it.”
(How much Clemson crap has DT Christian Wilkins already talked to you?) – “We actually had a laugh about the towel stealing a couple years ago. We had a laugh about it. He said ‘do you know where I got the towel stealing from?’ And he pointed at me. (laughter) I’m glad we already played them. It didn’t work out for us. But I’m glad we already played them so we don’t have to have that conversation upcoming. But at the end of the day, man, he knows NC State is probably the better team. But you know what it is. (laughter)”
(Closing Statement) – “I want to thank Mr. (Chris) Grier, Coach (Mike) McDaniel, Mr. (Stephen) Ross for believing in me, trading a lot for me and being able to pay me and do all that. So it’s a blessing. It’s an honor. I’m excited to get this thing going. I just want to thank all the people out in Denver too with George Paton, John Elway, the Bowlen family, the Walton family that just came in, for the opportunity as well. I appreciate you all.”
RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
(What was that first moment like when you, Head Coach Mike McDaniel and RB Raheem Mostert got back together?) – “Man, it felt like a reunion. When I first came in the league, those were the guys I knew. Raheem – like nobody knows, but when I was undrafted, he was the person that took me out to breakfast and sat down and explained everything to me and talked to me and told me what to expect, how to work. So before I even played a down, before I even knew who he was, before he even really knew who I was – he took me out to eat, brought me in, just gave me that big brother feel. So that’s the type of person he is. And Mike (McDaniel), man. Mike is Mike. Y’all know, Mike, so we’ve been tied in ever since we met.”
(I was just curious, I mean is this a move that you saw coming? Obviously the 49ers traded for RB Christian McCaffrey a couple weeks ago. Did you have any inkling that you know, you might be headed somewhere else?) – “It was something that I asked (for). There’s a lot of love over there, so they understand. They understand the situation, so they knew where I was at and where I was trying to go. So it was a (mutual) agreement thing.”
(Did you have like, a list, maybe an idea in your head or like, places that would be good destinations for you when you asked to be traded?) – “No, not really. Because the type of person I am, I try to focus on the now. So I was still playing with them. I was still getting ready for games with them. So that was my concern. And once I asked where I landed, I had no clue. So that was something I couldn’t control, so I didn’t really worry about it.”
(You know this offense. What do you like about it and why do you fit so well into it?) – “Man, it’s just almost like riding a bike. I’ve been doing this since Day 1. Same run styles, same passes, the same one-on-one matchups to get you in the open field. So everything is the same. And you know, it’s something that I’ve been doing, and it’s something that I’m comfortable with now. So it’s very, very familiar to me and I’m excited to be in this offense.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel told us a story yesterday about when he flew out to Denton, when you were coming out of UNT. What do you remember about that workout with him?) – “Man, I remember everything. Like at first, I remember being so uptight, like palms sweating. I felt like, just nervous, like a nervous wreck. And the first thing Mike (McDaniel), comes in and y’all – like I said, y’all know Mike now – he makes a joke and I just bust out laughing. It was like the ice was broken so after that, it just felt almost if I’d been working with this guy all my life. It was just the vibe we had, how he was talking, going through the motions that he was taking me through. You just felt the love. We didn’t even know each other then, so that was real cool. I’ll never forget that day.”
(In this offense right now, is it some new terminology you might have to know or as soon as something, you see it kind of unfold in front of you, you kind of know exactly what it is because you’ve seen it so much?) – “Oh, yeah, you know, terminology has definitely been key and in this offense, it’s a lot of details. So it’s not the exact same. It’s similar, but it’s not the exact same at all. So I’ve got to hone-in on all those little details and things. That way I can try to be at my best to try to help this team.”
(How much have you been able to kind of watch this offense – obviously I’m sure you’re not watching the Dolphins film when you were with the 49ers, but as a football fan, what are your thoughts on this offense and its potential?) – “Explosive and fast. I mean, just seeing the highlights from them, obviously the NFL posts. To see all of the plays on there – obviously Tyreek (Hill) and Jaylen (Waddle) are top five receivers in receiving yards. So seeing all that and just watching those guys – obviously I knew Raheem (Mostert), Salvon (Ahmed), I knew him. He was with us before at the 49ers. Myles Gaskin – I grew up watching him at Washington. He was a person I kind of tried to compare myself with. Like his numbers are first, so I got to – you know what I mean? So all those guys, I already knew about them, heard about them and I’m just excited to be here with him and help them.”
(How would you describe your approach to running?) – “I’m downhill. I don’t like to play too many games. I like to get to where I’m going and get there as fast as I can. That’s how I kind of take it.”
(LB Jaelan Phillips and T Terron Armstead are two musicians in the Dolphins locker room. Armstead is a rapper and Phillips does the guitar and the piano. I heard you play drums?) – “Oh yeah, most definitely. I grew up in a church playing them, but I play all types of genres, man.”
(Do you have drums in the garage that you’re going to bring here?) – “I’m thinking about it. I might just go the electric way since it’s so quick. Electric way, you just play it out like that because I don’t want to – you don’t know how the neighbors and stuff are going to be about it. (laughter) We’ll figure it out though. We’ll figure that out when the time comes.”
(We asked LB Bradley Chubb about you, a little scouting report. What’s your scouting report on LB Bradley Chubb?) – “Oh, man. He’s a beast, man. He’s a straight up beast. Obviously, we played him earlier in this year and got to face him, but besides that, just to see the type of person he was working out, getting ready for the Combine – we were together out there in Carlsbad at EXOS. So just to get that connection with him (then), and he’s the same person he is now. Even after signing his contract, he’s still that same person and that’s what I love about him most. He’s never changing. I haven’t even been with him that period of time, but every time we link, he’s still the same (Bradley) Chubb. That’s what I love about him, man. Obviously, he’s a tremendous player and one of the greats in this league.”
(I read an article about how you grew up in a small town in Texas. East Texas or West Texas?) – “East Texas. No, don’t do that. (laughter) Don’t put me in a bad spot. No, East Texas though.”
(How does where you grew up, how does that play into who you are and where you’ve come from? How do you approach everything?) – “It humbled me. That’s what I would say more than anything, and then the city that I’m in, it’s a place where everybody knows everybody. Almost the half of the city is family. It’s just being around that love and that compassion and feeling all those feelings that they felt, seeing my family at the games and always being there, it’s great. And then, my father, he’s a real big believer, so God was instilled in me coming out the womb. My dad also was a gospel singer, so that’s how I grew up playing the drums. I used to play the drums with him. So it’s just my faith and that’s what made me the person I am today.”
(Talk about coming from a 2A high school. I mean that’s – 2A and then you go to North Texas?) – “That was definitely difficult. Everybody was like, ‘Y’all do this,’ or ‘You had this, this, this,’ but we would lose by 30 or 40 points every game. It turned around. We ended up going to the playoffs. We weren’t too too bad my senior year, but it was different. The players you’re around, if you go to a 5A (school), you’ve got everybody looking at scholarships. You’re seeing 20 or 30 scouts coming to the school. You didn’t see none of that where I was. You only saw one or two, and that was my senior year when they finally started to come. It was so small. Didn’t have a lot of offers because a lot of people told me they didn’t even know where I was. It was a graduating class of 67 people. I mean, that pretty much tells you right there. Like I said, beyond all that, I’ve got so much love in that town, so much love in that place, you almost can’t even go down there and say nothing bad about me – it’s that kind of love. I love that place, and I’m glad I was raised there.”
DT Christian Wilkins
(On acquisition of LB Bradley Chubb) – “… and he’ll add a lot to our team and what we like to do. There’s one issue I do have with him – well, he has with me. I went to Clemson. He went to NC State, and I’m part of the reason why he never got a win against Clemson, so there’s a little battle there. (laughter) But other than that, it’s cool. I’m excited about it. It’s a move that makes everyone who’s already here better and our defense better.”
(You made sure to remind him of that?) – “Absolutely. (laughter) Absolutely. I’ve been throwing subtle jabs here and there, but yeah, I’ve been on him about it.”
(I know you’re kind of one of the elder statesmen on the team… a lot of turnover since 2019. You’ve seen this team, for lack of a better word building for the future in 2019 and 2020, and now that you’ve seen them get WR Tyreek Hill, get LB Bradley Chubb, make those big moves, even bringing in T Terron Armstead – how exciting is it to see the front office really making moves…?) – “No, it’s definitely good. It just changes your mindset as a player. It’s not like – we’re good enough. You see everyone believes in us around the building. Everybody upstairs. And it shows, too. It changes your mindset now at practice when you’re out there working, when you could be sitting down doing nothing; you’re like, no, now’s the time. You’ve got to kind of change your mindset and why wait? Why let the opportunities pass by?”
(You bring in a guy like LB Bradley Chubb. Is it easy to bring in a guy into that defensive line or does the chemistry maybe take a week or two?) – “No, I think we’re all pros and we all handle our business and we’re all excited to have him. He’s going to add a lot to what we do. Like I said earlier, so yeah, it’s definitely big-time and he’s a good guy for us and for our defense. He’s come in with the right energy immediately. Humble, excited to be a part of what we’ve got. He’s not thinking anything else. He’s just adding to what we have and he’s going to do great things for us.”
(You go against Bears QB Justin Fields. Does it help that you’ve seen some mobile quarterbacks like Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, like Bills QB Josh Allen?) – “Of course and all of those guys are a little different. They bring a little something to the game and they’re all dynamic and stuff, but Justin (Fields) is definitely a heck of a player and I’m excited to go up against him. We’re just going to have to do our best to rush smart and even when they’ve got some QB-designed runs and things like that, that he does a good job with; so we’re just going to have to play good, smart, sound defense.”
(I hate to bring up a sore topic but what happened with the lining up offsides the other day?) – “Honestly that’s just something you’ve got to learn from. In the game, I didn’t think I was doing anything different than I normally do, just as far as lining up. I always line up with a close alignment, but they called me on it once. I thought I made the adjustment. Apparently I didn’t. Then they banged me on it two more times. It’s just something to learn and grow from and something I’ll get better from and I’ll be pretty damn pissed if I cost my teammates or cost this team like that again, so it’s definitely a point of emphasis from me to not let it happen again.”
T Terron Armstead
(How does a player like LB Bradley Chubb, a player of his caliber, how does he strengthen the team?) – “A great addition, great addition. I’m a fan of the player. I was just talking about him. You bring in somebody of (Bradley) Chubb’s caliber, only great things. We see him being extremely disruptive (in the) run game and pass game, opening up lanes and opportunities for other guys on the defense, too.”
(How much do you know about RB Jeff Wilson Jr.? I think he’s more of a power runner, but what does that add to your offense?) – “I had watched some of his film after we acquired him – explosive, physical, understands the scheme, he knows the scheme. He comes from the same tree, so I’m definitely excited to get out there and block for him.”
(Are you pretty much set and happy with the routine that you have now with the one practice on Thursdays?) – “No. As much as I can get out there and practice would be great. I wasn’t able to do too much today, so maybe I’ll try to hit the field tomorrow and see if I can get some quality work in.”
(Do you find any difference when you play on Sundays without as much practice as usual?) – “Me personally, I always like to finetune, try to get the timing right, footwork, all those good things, the chemistry with the guys. So I think it’s important.”
(How would you describe your matchup with DE Aidan Hutchinson last week?) – “He’s an explosive player. You can definitely see why he was drafted so high. His size (and) ability, he’s going to be a problem for a long time. He’s going to be a huge problem. His effort – I was impressed. I was impressed.”
(Where are you right now with your happiness with your level of play?) – “I’m just trying to do my job. I just try to do my job. Whatever that play is, do my assignment and go to the next one. Next game. Every week – if you look at the list of pass rushers I’ve blocked this year, I’m just trying to do my job. Never get too high or too low, always room for improvement, trying to get better, all of us across the board. I think we’re getting better in a lot of areas, run game and pass protection – just try to keep that train going. But good plays, bad plays, it happens. I’ve been having good and bad plays my whole career.”
(You guys had offensive linemen step into the fold throughout the last couple of weeks. How do you guys as a unit feel you’ve done and the chemistry that you’ve gained? Or has it taken maybe a little bit of time to get that as guys come in and out of games?) – “It’s a challenge. It’s a challenge. It’s a testament to the guys that have had to come in – it’s hard to prepare for multiple positions. I’ve been fortunate enough to lock in at one spot, and I’m studying one or two guys in pass protection, but it’s hard to be a swing guy and come in cold. It’s got to be an extremely tough situation. Those guys have put in the work and make sure they’ve been ready. Rob Jones, it’s his time now coming in at left guard and he’s ready. He’s excited. I’m ready and excited for him.”
(With the toe, is it basically pain tolerance at this point? Is it something that you think you’re going to have to deal with for the rest of the year?) – “I hope not. I hope it continues to improve. It’s tricky, man. It’s a tricky injury, especially for a bigger guy. It’s been tough. It’s been challenging to deal with, but as long as it’s functional, I’m rolling.”
(These two trades, from the fan and media standpoint, it gives you more attention and higher profile. What do you think that does with your opponents? Are you guys going to be – are they going to circle this game a little bit more now because of the trades?) – “I don’t care. I don’t think anybody in the locker room, we don’t really get into that. We’re just more so focused on our weekly preparation, getting ready to go out and play ball. Anything that goes on – you can circle whoever you want to circle. (laughter) We don’t get into any of that, we just go out and try to win games.”
Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith
(RB Jeff Wilson Jr., what does what does he bring to the table. Talk about his skill set a little bit.) – “I think he brings physicality as a runner. Like his speed, like his vision. I think he’s a great complement for us. Obviously his experience in the system will be extremely helpful. Just when the opportunity presented itself, it was something that with Mike’s (McDaniel) history with him and all the guys in San Francisco; it just seemed like it was an option that we just had to take action on.”
(As a coach and particularly an offensive coordinator who’s involved in the game planning, how do you go about working RB Jeff Wilson Jr. in? I mean, Head Coach Mike McDaniel said that he would play but how much he plays on Sunday is to be determined, but midweek, making the trade, how you go about kind of incorporating him into the game plan, knowing his skillset and making sure that he’s ready to go?) – “I think that we just use the practice time – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – to dictate his familiarity with what we’re going to ask him to do, make sure that whether it’s a package of plays or on a rotational basis, I think that we use the practice time to really dictate that. Obviously, he has help coming from being in the system. The terminology is going to be the same, so we’re hoping that the evolution for him to make it to the field will be very quick and smooth.”
(On Sunday, I think the offense kind of broke out in a way that we haven’t seen since Week 2 against Baltimore particularly on third down. There were a lot of times where you face third-and-7, third-and-8, even longer, and you were able to convert and QB Tua Tagovailoa specifically has been really, really good on third down. What would you attribute that to? Because it seems like in a league where teams are building defenses more to stop the deep passing and stop the long passes, it seems like you guys are executing that and doing what you want.) – “Well, I think between the time of early in the season to now we’ve had a three-game stretch where we were working through some, we had injury issues, guys in and out of the lineup. And obviously the second week, back with Tua (Tagovailoa) and the guys working together who honestly have the whole offseason worked together; I think that allows you to build on certain things that you had done earlier in the season. And then obviously with the Pittsburgh game, work into, I mean in reality, it’s like Tua’s first game and second against Baltimore. First game’s back against the Steelers, the next game back is versus the Lions. So honestly, I just think that guys working together, familiarity is the No. 1 thing that helps. And then I just think that the collaboration between the staff and the players and making sure they have a clear vision of what we’re trying to execute on was excellent last week. And I think that’s just like everything, it’s a constantly work in progress. We’re trying to challenge ourselves to maintain that standard and with the Bears this week, that’ll be another challenge.”
(We always hear familiarity and continuity is very important with offensive line. I think last week was the third time this year, you guys made a mid-game change – T Terron Armstead, OL Austin Jackson and OL Liam Eichenberg. But anyway, what is the big challenge there when a guy comes in mid game? Is it communication? Or what is the big challenge?) – “Yeah, communication, and then also getting into the flow of the game. I mean, once you’ve played for a while, you kind of get a feel to how your guy’s playing blocks, how he’s playing his rush plan. So I think that just making sure that – how do you help a player who comes in mid-game? You have good communication on the sideline throughout to make sure that they’re hearing and seeing what’s occurring. So that way when they come in, they kind of already understand the way the flow of the game is going, how the blocks are being played out. All right, what the pass rush plan is. We think ultimately that’s the best way is that overall we’re communicating as a staff to the players and that the players are also communicating with each other. So when we’re on the sideline, they’re talking to each other, making sure they’re communicating what they’re seeing, and they’re also communicating with the guys who are on the sideline from what they’re seeing, because sometimes the vantage point is different. So I think overall, like you said, communication in the huddle, on the line of scrimmage and also if we’re having good communication on the sideline through the players; that you’re hoping it’s going to be a seamless transition.”
(What are some of the OL Robert Jones plusses that he has going for him?) – “Rob (Jones) has done a great job for us. I mean, young in his career. Learning really the techniques we’re trying to do. He has great strength, has really good upper body strength, physicality. Really like his anchor. I mean, there’s a lot of stuff with him that you just feel like the physical skills are really there to be a really strong blocker. And this will be a great chance for him all right, as we’re working through things, to really take a next step in his game. And then I think ultimately all the guys, as they get opportunities to play, that’s where you got to take what you’ve done on the practice field, all the investment in the offseason. It’s your opportunity to show your advancement in our techniques and our stuff. So we like what Rob has done so far and ultimately our guys that have been coming off of the backup role have had to really step up this year. And I think that, ultimately, that’s the best thing that as coaches we can ask for, is the guys that have to come up in the middle of a game or have to step up the next game are prepared and ready to go and execute.”
(I’d like to ask you about a problem that you’ll never have. And that is I’m curious about an offensive coordinator’s perspective if you’re going against a team, as I’m sure you do several times this year, with the quality of edge rushers that this team has now with LB Jaelan Phillips and LB Bradley Chubb, especially. When you’re in such a situation and you’re putting together a game plan, what are some of the first questions you ask yourself to sort of plot out a point of attack, a plan of attack rather?) – “Yeah, that’s a great question. I think it goes back to – like when you said that, I thought back to my first couple years in Oakland where it was Von (Miller) and Bradley (Chubb) in Denver – two good edge rushers. Or a couple years ago in Chicago, where it was Khalil (Mack) and Leonard (Floyd) on the edge. I think ultimately your first thought process too is like, okay, what are the pressures that you’re seeing? How are you going to have to handle the pressures? Then after that you’re looking at, alright, how do they deploy the rushers? How do we try to minimize their strengths? Are you getting guys on the line of scrimmage to affect their speed rush? Are you getting guys coming out of the backfield that chip as they go? What do they do well and how do they affect it? And is that going to be a challenge for you? So like last year, I mean, I can remember specifically, we’re playing Cleveland. Rashawn Slater, he’s blocking Myles Garrett. He didn’t want to chip. He said, ‘No, I don’t want to do that, like you’re screwing me up.’ Like he said, ‘get all the way so I can see where he is so I can block him.’ And then at that point, you’re going, ‘okay.’ And I think because ultimately the last element is your guys. So how do they feel about where they’re going to be spatially and how they feel in their matchup? Like Rashawn being a rookie is one of those where you’re like, ‘Okay, bro, whatever you say, man.’ (laughter) ‘Whatever you want.’ Because he had that confidence in himself and he was prepared, like he’d been in the NFL for five years. So I think ultimately, you look at it, you go, okay, what are the schematic elements that are going to be a challenge that are not going to allow you to be able to assist? How can you assist to take away what they want to do well in their rush? And then ultimately, how do your guys feel about how they want to set the guy and how can you help them? I think it’s a combination of things between the coaches, the players to be basically work to contain the elite rushers in the NFL.”
(QB Tua Tagovailoa said yesterday that sometimes Head Coach Mike McDaniel is so overly positive that he has to step away and find someone else who will be real with him, and he pointed out QBs/Passing Game Coordinator Darrell Bevell as somebody who does that for him. Have you seen him do that? Or have you seen sort of interaction of Tua trying to be positive and McDaniel being positive to him and him maybe needing more of that toughness?) – “I think that Darrell Bevell is the perfect complement to what we’re doing with the quarterbacks. I mean, he is so just methodical in his approach. On the little details of all the things, I mean, he’s just always so locked in on making sure that the quarterbacks are fundamentally sound, understanding the execution of each play, the timing of each play, understanding the nuances of what we’re trying to do. And I think it’s a perfect complement for us because with his experience of being a coordinator in this league for so long, and then with Mike’s personality, a lot of our personalities and Tua’s personality, it’s just a great offset because as you get through the league, you don’t want to have a staff full of everyone with the same personality type, everyone of the same mindset. Otherwise, you just sit there and it’s either you’re going to get a ton accomplished or you’re going to get nothing accomplished. But having guys with different personalities, viewpoints, vantage points; that allows you to have one, creative thought; two, challenging perspectives because I think that’s ultimately in life, you want to surround yourself with people with different perspectives and different viewpoints to things. That’s why you challenge yourself and I think that’s why Darrell (Bevell) coming from outside the system has been such a great offset and then just who he is as a guy is a perfect fit for Tua and Mike.”
(And how would you describe Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s coaching style and personality compared to previous head coaches that you’ve worked under?) – “If you go through my gauntlet, okay … Jon (Gruden) has an unbridled love of football that you can feel it every day. And so does Mike (McDaniel). John Fox had an unbelievable, like energy for each day. And (Brandon) Staley, just with the one year with him, I mean, he had a positive outlook to things. And then Sean Payton, he had a great feel towards what was needed at the day. He was a great communicator of the vision for the week and each day’s daily needs with the players and the staff. But Mike overall, I mean, the greatest thing about Mike is who he is. And as a person, what you see is what you get. He’s so genuine. The positive nature is just, he never believes he’s out of the fight. It’s always there’s a way, we can find a way if we just stay towards the mission and we don’t distract ourselves with any negative emotion or negative thought. It’s really a joy to work for a guy like Mike, just because the way he sees football and then he adds that energy to it. I mean, it just – when your boss brings that kind of energy and positivity to what you do, I mean, it’s infectious. I think it’s especially infectious here as you’re starting off on a new staff, you’re really trying to set the tone and then when the leader of the football team has that unwavering positivity every day, you just feel like, ‘man, what’s going to happen today?’ You just feel like you got to match it or exceed it, so hopefully, that’s what you guys feel when we’re out of practice. You don’t think it’s a bunch of people just standing there with their heads down. It’s like you have an energy and passion for your day because it starts with your leadership, and I think that when the leadership sets the tone that way, it’s easy for all of us to set the vision and be able to follow.”
(With QB Tua Tagovailoa, we in here have seen him show more of his personality, like throwing jabs at critics and whatnot. Since you’ve gotten here, is that the Tua you’ve always seen or have you seen that kind of grow on him coming out of his shell?) – “You saw signs of it. That’s kind of who he is, though. He has a lot of fun, great energy and passion towards what he’s been doing. I think that it’s always been there and then the hard thing is, when you come into a new staff is that players, they’re trying to feel you out a little bit and trying to figure out where are we going to be, you know, in relationship? Is it going to be – are you going to be up and down? I think that when you said – I mean, it goes back to the last question of when the culture and the standard and the communication patterns are set and it’s based in positivity and energy, it makes it easy to just be yourself because you’re not worried about the consequences of, you know, necessarily, like you’re getting every play, you’re getting whatever. You just worry about being your best and I think that’s where you can see with Tua, his concentration with ‘Bev’ (Darrell Bevell) has been to be fundamentally sound, understand what we’re trying to accomplish in our plays, and then now, with the success comes out your personality. So yes, as I circled all the way back around, (laughter) yeah, this is kind of the guy that we kind of saw. We saw the glimmers of, because you see it in your interactions with him kind of when you first met him. And now I mean, it’s just really exciting, because now we’re hitting essentially the middle of the season and then as we talked about in here, we’re starting to really feel what this football team is. And now we just got to keep executing and playing upon the good things we’re doing. And it’s a constant challenge to improve on the things that each week presents a new challenge that we have to clean up to get better for the next week.”
(Along those lines kind of going on the field, if there’s one thing – yesterday QB Tua Tagovailoa joked with us when we asked what have you most improved, and he said the deep balls, you know, obviously kind of as a slight at the critics. On the field, if there’s one thing you can pinpoint that he’s grown at whether it’s the footwork, seeing the fields, like manipulating defenders; what is the one thing we say, okay, he’s really operating at a higher level than earlier in the year, maybe last year’s film, previous film that you’ve seen?) – “I think ultimately, you would say that he has a great understanding of the timing of each play and where everyone’s supposed to be. And also, that in turn, is because the guys around him understand where they need to be in the time of each play. So I think that his understanding of what the offense is trying to do and working with the guys to be where they need to be, allows you now to take the next step of working aspects of the coverage, manipulating defenders more. So I think that would probably be the biggest thing outside of the fundamentals that he’s really, I mean, he already kind of naturally had. Like you could see it. And now you can see now the timing of each play and the consistency. I think that’s where he’s made the most growth.”
Defensive Coordinator Josh Boyer
(You had an early Christmas present the other day. What’s your reaction to the new addition of LB Bradley Chubb?) – “Obviously, we’re excited. Any time that you can add a quality player to your roster, obviously, you’re very excited to get that. Then he got here, I know it was a quick turnaround for him, but we’ve been fast at work, getting him caught up with really the terminology and things that we’re going to ask him to do. We’re very excited to get him out there on the field.”
(When you picture him, perhaps, on one side and LB Jaelan Phillips on the other, what are some of the things that go through your mind in terms of the potential for those two guys?) – “I think both of them have shown that they can do multiple things. They both can set edges, they both can rush the passer, they both can drop from time to time. I would say that they’re productive, they’re physical. Obviously, we have a multitude of players that we feel like we can use and put in those spots as well. And the more you have, the better we feel we’ll be. We’re really excited about the addition and getting him caught up to speed. Like everything, you’re trying to get better from week to week, and we feel like he definitely can help us do that.”
(I hope this question makes sense. Is LB Bradley Chubb a specific good fit for this defense? Or is he so good, you just take his talent?) – “That’s a good question. He’s a good fit for our defense, so I don’t really look at the other question. I know he fits what we’ll ask him to do. I think we’ll be able to highlight his skillset, and I think he’ll help our defense. So I think it’s a good marriage.”
(Can you take us through the decision to play S Verone McKinley III at free safety and now S Jevon Holland playing a lot in the box? Is that matchup based? Or do you think that’s something you want to continue doing?) – “Well, I would say, to us each week is based on what’s available to us, what the offense is doing to us and then what we think is going to be the best going into that week. So I think the key point in all of it is to progress players as we’re going along, get other players a little bit more multiple as we’re going along, and then each week, you just choose what you feel is the best way for you to win that week. So I wouldn’t say anything is set in stone like, ‘This guy is going to be this this week, this guy is going to be that this week.’ Usually, if you line up the same way or you – you’re always tweaking things as you go, you really are. I think the key thing is to understand what we’re asking guys to do and for them to get better at things that maybe we’re asking them to do that’s new, if that makes sense.”
(Back to the LB Bradley Chubb acquisition, one of the talking points you see is how important is it get pressure with four-man rushes in today’s NFL. I’m just curious your take on that and kind of how he adds to your ability to get pressure with just four rushers?) – “Obviously, if you’re rushing with four and you’re getting pressure with four, you have more guys in coverage. Again, I’m not real good with math, but I do know the more guys you put in coverage, usually, you have an opportunity to do things a little bit more multiple than you do the more guys that you send. Again, I think it’s dependent on how you feel about your matchups week to week and what you feel like the offense is doing to you on how you use guys and where you put them. I think that’s kind of – is it advantageous? Again, you can get a sack on a three-man rush, or you could rush eight and have really good coverage in the back end. It goes hand-in-hand, but I would say it opens up a lot more avenues to you from a coverage perspective when you can rush with four.”
(What would you say the one single biggest factor in the defense pitching a shutout the past two weeks?) – “In the second half?”
(Yeah, in the second half. Sorry – details, details.) – “(laughter) The first half, we committed way too many penalties, which continued in the second half, which, obviously, we got to get cleaned up. Then there are penalties that really have nothing to do with talent or effort, so we definitely need to get that cleaned up. We had some opportunities for plays – they kind of went against us, I would say. This week was a little bit different than the previous week at half. There was, I would say, substantial adjustments this week than there was the week before. But it’s really a credit to our players and our coaching staff because halftime is 12 minutes. So really you talk about it as a staff for – I was actually talking to a couple guys walking up the tunnel. You talk about it for a couple minutes, and then you go, ‘Alright, we’re going to do this, this and this. We’re putting this in on this. We’re going to put this and on this. Let’s make sure that we got this on this.’ And our assistant coaches didn’t miss a beat, our players didn’t miss a beat and we were able to make some adjustments that helped us out. I think we’re working very hard to start faster, especially on the road. So, again, there’s always things that you’re going, ‘OK, we’ve got to get this better. And what are we doing to get it better? How are we going to get it better?’ Then the things that you’re doing well, obviously you try to keep continuing doing those and build. I think the big thing is just the mentality of our coaching staff and our players allows us to handle whatever comes our way. Our guys are built to handle adversity. Now, obviously, we would not like to put ourselves in that situation time and time again, but they’re definitely built to handle that. That’s a credit to them, and it’s a credit to our coaching staff.”
(You’re one of the few remaining coaches from 2019 when the team and the franchise were, for lack of a better word, building for the future. I know you’re focused on the now, but can you kind of speak on a coach level and maybe the organizational level, the excitement of the team bringing in LB Bradley Chubb, months after bringing WR Tyreek Hill and making moves that kind of signal that this team really believes it can win now and is ready to win now?) – “I think as a coach, regardless of what your circumstance is, your intent and your expectation is always to win. I really believe that, like we said last week, like there’s going to be one team that’s happy at the end of the year, and there’s going to be the 31 others trying to figure out how to be that team. I think that’s why you’re in the business is to win championships. I think when you go out and you play each week, the expectation – and for our opponents, I’m sure the expectation is the same. We’re going to go out, we’re going to have a good plan, and we’re going to win. – that’s our expectation. Obviously, when you acquire players that are good players, proven players, that have done it, the beauty of it is you actually get to see firsthand. Like, I knew Tyreek Hill was a good player when I was coaching at New England. The amount of respect that I have for him now seeing how he practices, seeing how he approaches the game, seeing how he attacks things, it’s on a whole new level. There’s usually a common thread between guys that are really special in this league – it’s their effort, their attention to detail, their routine. I think you’re always trying to acquire the best that you can be in the NFL from a player standpoint. Whether it was (2019) or now, I don’t think the expectation has changed one bit.”
(Has the belief changed?) – “For me? No, not at all. Each week, we expect to win. We expect to do good things. Like I said, you’re in this business to win the last game of the season. It’s not – I think that’s what all competitors want to be and want to do. I don’t think it’s about contract, it’s not about sponsorship, it’s not about – when you’re in it in a competitive manner, you’re trying to win the game that’s in front of you, and you’re trying to do that week after week to set yourself up to be in a position to have a chance in the tournament.”
(QB Tua Tagovailoa said that he had to learn to be less hard on himself because Head Coach Mike McDaniel is so positive and encouraging. I’m wondering, in your first year of working with him and having been here previously, have you had to learn that as well and maybe learn to adjust maybe some of your own coaching styles to match his encouraging sort of supportive style?) – “Well, I think to be genuine, you have to be who you are. So I don’t think from that standpoint, it changes. What it does is it gives you an opportunity to learn from somebody else, and I think those are valuable lessons from all the coaches, not just (Head Coach) Mike (McDaniel) included, which I’ve learned a lot from Mike since he’s been here. But I’ve had conversations with ‘Embo’ (Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends Jon Embree). I’ve had conversations with (Quarterbacks/Passing Game Coordinator Darrell) Bevell, (Offensive Coordinator) Frank (Smith). Obviously, I knew (Wide Receivers Coach) Wes (Welker) from before when he was a player, but there’s a lot of guys that you have conversations with. I think it’s always a great opportunity to learn and to improve yourself, because I think, again, as individuals or human beings, you’re always striving to be better than you were the day before. When you’re presented with an opportunity from people that give you a new perspective, it’s a really an opportunity for growth. So I’ve been very fortunate in that regard and very, very happy that those conversations exist.”
If I’m not mistaken, this team has played four undrafted rookies, three on defense – DL Ben Stille, CB Kader Kohou and S Verone McKinley III. Can you take me through the process of those guys from when they come into camp, getting the coaches attention, gaining their own confidence and then for two of them to start last week is just kind of incredible. How do you gain confidence in them? And how do they? It seems like it’s a much tougher road for them.) – “Yeah, I think it comes in and it really starts with consistency in practice. I think it starts with, obviously, the execution that you see on the field. Their opportunities arise on the practice field before you can get them in the game situations. Obviously, we had some preseason games that they got opportunities. Then you definitely see how they handle themselves off the field and all their preparation that goes into it. Then really, it’s like all of us – it’s a production business and comes down to when you get opportunities, can you produce? They take coaching. They all pride themselves in trying not to make the same mistake twice, because, like all of us, they’re going to make mistakes. I mean, I make probably – I would hate to quantify how many mistakes I make a day, but it happens every day, and you just try to learn from them and get better. And they do. They try not to repeat errors. Then they have the physical ability, the right mentality and they’ve been able to be productive for us. They’ve earned everything that they’ve been given.”
(Are they, I guess, allowed to make fewer mistakes, for lack of a better term, than maybe a veteran player or a drafted player?) – “I think you know when you go in, you have a plan in place and you know or anticipate some things are going to come up. That’s just a natural thing. The big thing is, and like (Head Coach) Mike (McDaniel) said all year, adversity is really just an opportunity. So what they do when they’re faced with adversity or a bad play really kind of tells you a lot and how they learn from that and how they move on.”
(Which part of CB Kader Kohou’s college film has sort of shown from a physical skills strength perspective in the early portion of his career?) – “I think we’ve seen it all. I really do. I think we’ve seen that he was a physical player in college. He attacked the ball when he had opportunities. He was able to track the ball and his coverage skills, which obviously, we’re working to improve all those things, but I think you see all of those transfer to our league.”
(The Bears obviously run the ball for a bunch of yards, a couple of really strong running backs and a quarterback that involves himself in the running game a lot. How do you handle both those running backs but also a team that can insert the quarterback in the run game both designed and with a scramble yardage?) – “They make it very challenging. I mean, they have a really strong one-two punch with (David) Montgomery and (Khalil) Herbert – two different types of runners, but they’re both very productive. They both get opportunities. They are a team that is committed to the run. They have a quarterback that’s very dynamic when he is running. He’s very fast, very strong. He’s physical. He’s elusive in the open field. So there’s a lot of assignment football, if you will, that has to be detailed with every call that we have, with every play that we could possibly face. So it’s a massive undertaking, but we’re really excited for the challenge. We have nothing but the utmost respect for their running game. We know they’re going to be committed to it. They’ve got two really good backs, and they use the quarterback in it as well. They’ll also – they’re using their receivers on jet sweeps, or reverses, whatever you want to call them. So it’s a very dynamic running game that I would say that’s very diverse.”
(How many minutes before you got over the Detroit Lions win?) – “(laughter) That anger process started a little early for me, that was probably somewhere in the first or second quarter. But no – I mean, I would say it’s the same thing. You just move on. Obviously, there are some things that you look back on and reflect that you’re like, ‘OK, we could have done this better. We need to get this better.’ Like the penalties, that stuck out in your head right away. I think there were some things that we did improve and some things that we changed going along the way. So you obviously feel good about that and building on that, but it quickly turned to, ‘We need to get a win this week,’ which I don’t – you can go all the way back to (2006) when I started my career, maybe I didn’t know this at that time, or like the question about 2019 to now, but it’s the same process. It really is. I mean, you put that in every week with the expectation of winning. I’ve never went into a game going, ‘I don’t know about this one.’ I mean, you always put a plan in that you’re going ‘OK, we’ve got to do this. If we hit our targets and we execute, we’re going to win.’ So I think that’s kind of the expectation and that’s all the preparation that goes into it to get to that point.”
(The Bears were also active at the trade deadline. I’m curious, how do you prepare for an offense that may feature a new receiver in WR Chase Claypool? What’s the process there? Are you just watching him in his previous team and extrapolating? How do you do that?) – “Yeah, I would say you look at what the team does offensively, then you look at the skillset of the player that they acquired and you take an educated guess on how they might use him. Obviously, it was two weeks ago that we played Chase Claypool. So, we have a little bit of familiarity from call it a skillset standpoint. Obviously, the schemes are – I would say they’re vastly different. So it’s a little bit of, ‘OK, how will they use him in this?’ But I think our players are very aware of who the player is, how they might use him and how we need to defend the scheme and the player.”
Quarterbacks Coach Darrell Bevell
(It seems like one of the areas that QB Tua Tagovailoa has really excelled with is the pre-snap and getting the football out quick and the anticipation. How impressive is that for a guy playing in just his fifth or sixth game within the system?) – “Well, I think Tua has done a great job in terms of really diving into this offense and trying to make sure that he knows where all the bones are buried and the important parts of the play. He’s really bought into the footwork. I think that’s the thing – I’ve had a few conversations with you guys about that. He’s just done a really nice job of understanding what the concept is of what we’re trying to do, and then letting his feet speak to him.”
(If there’s one thing – we spoke to QB Tua Tagovailoa yesterday and we asked him what’s one thing you’ve improved on, and he joked that he has improved on the deep balls the most. If there’s one thing that you can pinpoint and say he’s operating at a higher level than earlier in the year or in past film that you’ve been able to see, what would you say that is?) – “I think it’s the overall understanding of what we’re trying to do. There’s just so much nuance to the quarterback position – anything from the cadence to his pre-snap reads to his post-snap reads. Then I’m going to continue to say his feet and how that’s helping him get through those progressions.”
(The word timing comes up a lot when we talk about this passing game and QB Tua Tagovailoa. I’m wondering, how different or is the timing much different than everybody in this offense has seen? So is it different for WR Tyreek Hill, is it different for TE Mike Gesicki, is it that much different for Tua? And could you talk a little bit about that?) – “Yeah, I would say I think it’s a little bit different than probably where guys have been, or things that they’ve been in. Their footwork is as critical as our quarterback’s footwork, and being able to blend those whether it’s – because different things can shake up the timing. If a receiver has free access versus somebody that’s pressed on top of them, right? And that’s going to change the footwork to whatever it’s going to change it to. So does it change it to a depth? Does it change it to still counting your steps? So those things, with all those guys buying into that being where they’re supposed to be and when they’re supposed to be there, and then marry that with Tua’s feet, and it’s been pretty successful so far.”
(QB Tua Tagovailoa himself brought up his deep ball. Where do you feel he is in that aspect? Has there been growth, or has he always had it since you got here? What do you feel?) – “There’s been some people have been pretty hard on Tua. And we’ve been, from day one, we’ve been very confident in him. Can he throw the deep ball? Yes. Has he been able to throw the deep ball? Yes. Is he throwing it? Is he throwing it well? Yeah, he is throwing it well. Can we improve? Absolutely. You’re still learning your players. I mean, as you can tell, Tyreek (Hill) is very fast. And so is Jaylen (Waddle). So there’s difference throwing deep balls to those guys. I thought the one that he threw to Jaylen in the game for the touchdown was about as good of a the throw as he’s made so far. I really liked that throw. When you can, you need to let those guys run. So those are all conversations that we’re talking about all the time. I love where Tua is at with really all areas. I mean, he’s grown in so many areas behind the scenes that you guys don’t even get to see just in terms of his preparation, the things that he’s doing off the field to make sure that he’s working on his game, he’s working on his team, and he’s doing a great job with that.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel had praised the throw against the zero coverage with WR Tyreek Hill down the field, kind of like what you’re talking about. I just want to hear your perspective on that play and what QB Tua Tagovailoa saw and how he’s able to get that ball down there to him.) – “Yeah, I mean he was able to see the coverage. It was zero coverage that they put out there. So we know that there’s going to be one free guy that Tua is going to be responsible for. He was able to read it, feel it, and he put it exactly in the spot that we want him to. Can we be picky and say throw it about two yards further? Yes, we can. But he had that free guy, and there’s timing on when that guy is going to be free and how fast the guy can get there, and the way it ended up turning out, Tua did a great job of that.”
(Have you ever seen a receiver close ground like WR Tyreek Hill does? I mean, it felt like he was 30 yards downfield before you blink.) – “No. It’s incredible to watch. It’s fun to watch every day. The old saying is if he’s even, he’s leaving. I mean, that’s about – I’ve never seen it more true than him. I mean, if he’s getting within five yards of the guy, I mean that’s about even for him. He’s leaving.”
Linebackers Coach Anthony Campanile
(What was the scene like when you got the news that LB Bradley Chubb was coming?) – “Fired up. Everybody was fired up. You’re kind of in the midst of working, so you’re trying to keep it contained because you have to stay on the task at hand. But definitely fired up.”
(How did you find out about this? Did Head Coach Mike McDaniel call a coaches meeting? Or did you find out on Twitter?) – “No, I didn’t. (laughter) Everybody just found out at once. It was a collective moment of happiness for everybody. We were fired up. It was good.”
(Was there an actual reaction of fist-pumping? Or ‘Yeah!?’) – “Not necessarily. I don’t know. Everybody was like, ‘That’s awesome! Great news!’ Everybody was fired up and just kind of enjoying that, getting that news, and then getting back to work. Not necessarily some of the craziness that I’ve been involved in with college football when a recruit signs and everybody goes crazy and all of that. (laughter) It was a great moment, for sure.”
(How do you describe the challenge of balancing this acquisition with making sure that you get everybody involved with play-time, snap counts and all of that good stuff?) – “I think our system kind of lends to that because there’s a lot of on-your-feet players in a 3-4. That’s kind of the cool part of what we do. There’s a bunch of different packages within our system every week. I think when guys watch us, they’ll see that. That’s kind of the fun part of it, to me.”
(I’m curious if you can kind of speak to the growth of LB Duke Riley in this system. I was just browsing some stats and he’s averaging like the second fewest yards per completion when he’s targeted or something like that. I know he made another good play in coverage Sunday that was nullified by penalty. But can you kind of speak to his growth?) – “Yeah, I think even that play, that’s a big play in the game because they have the opportunity to take the penalty or if they make good on the play, obviously they can go ahead with that. He’s just been – what a great guy to coach. Like unbelievable. I think everybody in the locker room loves him. I generally love coaching the guy. He’s just a great human being in general. But that kind of speaks to his work ethic. He’s constantly trying to do extra, this guy. His notes and everything, just down to the very last detail, he’s the type of guy that you want to coach. He’s just kind of gotten better and better every day since he’s been here. I feel that way. I think he feels that way. I think a lot of the guys on the team feel that way. He’s definitely producing for us and doing a great job when he’s out there.”
(What’s your LB Channing Tindall progress report since the last time we spoke to you?) – “Channing is progressing. He’s doing some really good things. Like I said, he’s got a ton of ability and is an explosive guy. (He) certainly has a hunger to learn. He’s in the room with a lot of great people. We’re pushing him to be his best every day, so he’s progressing about right where we thought he would, to be honest with you. I think he’s doing a good job. He’s getting better every day and certainly contributing on special (teams) and all of that stuff. He’s doing a good job.”
(When you look at how young LB Jaelan Phillips and LB Bradley Chubb are, what are some of the things that come to mind in terms of the potential those two might have to work together for years to come?) – “I think there’s certainly a lot of potential there. It’s great to have great players. Those guys are both great players. I think the world of Jaelan, having been around him. And everybody I’ve talked to about Bradley, and obviously he hasn’t been here that long, but he fits right in. We see those guys as two important parts of what we’re going to do in the future and we certainly have high hopes for their progress and their future as well.”
Defensive Line Coach Austin Clark
(Obviously with the team acquiring LB Bradley Chubb, I know that he’s, by position, an outside linebacker, but he’s along the defensive front. Can you kind of speak to maybe the different things that teams are able to do in terms of lining guys up? Do you anticipate more flexibility in terms of lining guys up?) – “Yeah, I think he’s smart, tough, physical. (He can) set the edge (and) can rush well. It varies at different spots. To be honest with you, we got our first full practice today, so I’m excited to work with him. I think personality-wise, he’s a great fit with the group. A lot of those things will be game-plan specific as we get going here. It’s kind of a little too early to tell, but you’ll see Sunday.”
(When the trade goes down, I’m sure you’re probably prepping or whatever for the Bears. But in the middle of this game-week prep, do you start looking at old LB Bradley Chubb film and thinking, ‘we can do this, we can do that?’) – “Yeah, I think any time you add a great player like that, it’s what fits the system and along with all the other guys, too. How can we be the best cohesive unit up front? I’m excited about all the things he brings to the table, for sure.”
(You mentioned you’re going to be working with him – is it you, or a combination of you and Outside Linebackers Coach Ty McKenzie?) – “Like with the front, all of us work together, especially when we’re doing the rush stuff. Ty does a hell of a job. (Assistant Defensive Line Coach) Derrick LeBlanc. Everybody does a great job. It’s just about affecting that quarterback. That’s what we’re focused on. And this week, stopping the run is at the forefront as well.”
(Speaking of that, you guys have a good ranking in run defense. I’m wondering what the defensive line has been doing well in that regard?) – “Yeah, I think it’s week to week. We’re playing the number one offense – run offense – in the NFL this week, and it’s going to be a big challenge for us. But pad leverage, eye control, exploding out of your hips, using your hands, pending front, pending alignment, setting the edge on the perimeter has been big for us. There’s definitely some things to clean up from the last game for sure, and we’re excited about the challenge this week.”
(How is DE Emmanuel Ogbah doing?) – “I think ‘Og’ (Emmanuel Ogbah) missed a game, came back last week. I think we saw some flashes of what we want him to do. I think early on (he had a) little bit of a fast start. Technique-wise, there’s some pad leverage things that we can clean up. But he had a great day yesterday. He’s feeling great and we’re really excited about him this weekend.”
(When a guy lines up offsides multiple times, why is that usually happening? How often is the guy actually offsides and not called for?) – “First and foremost, those offsides penalties, that’s a direct reflection of me and it’s unacceptable. And we’ve got to clean that up. I think in terms of a game, we’ve got to adjust. We’ve got to get the guy back. You’ve got to adjust to kind of how it’s being called, and those were offsides penalties. I think what happens sometimes is when the offensive line is lining up deep off the ball, in some instances, the spacing is now further and like some players can try to get tighter, but you have to line (up) off the ball, not the man. And you’ve got to adjust. I promise you this, we’ve been working on that yesterday and today. It’s literally something that takes no talent. Just align onsides and we’ll clean that up.”
(You mentioned LB Bradley Chubb having kind of a good personality to fit in with the guys. What do you do to kind of acclimate him into a room? Like I imagine it’s like a first day of school, new student type of situation? Is there something you do to try to get him into the room to just make him one of the guys?) – “I don’t think it’s anything that a coach does. I think it’s something that the players do. And I think the minute you add a great player, the great players we have on this team were fired up. They’ve got to gel together (and learn) how to rush together, how to play together. I think it’s a selfless thing. I think that our players, our team, and what Mike’s built here is phenomenal. I think a player like that can thrive.”
Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman
(What qualifies a player to be a punt returner, and why does WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. get that job?) – “There’s so many things. Cedrick’s got a little bit of a history. Not a lot, but he’s been constantly out there working and just trying to find and have somebody who’s always ready to go, which is sort of where it led us to Cedrick. He had some opportunities in this last game and took advantage of them. Hopefully we can keep building on that in the future.”
(As far as the skillset, what are you – obviously good hands?) – “Yeah, but good hands has nothing to do with catching punts. It’s completely different. Tracking it, reading the nose, reading the spin, then you throw the elements into it. So it’s really a different skillset than just catching the football. Punts, kickoffs, passes – they’re all different. But he’s done a solid job and hopefully we can keep building on that the more opportunities we get.”
(Week after week, WR Trent Sherfield leads offensive players in special teams snaps. What makes him a good special teams player?) – “Well, when you look at his history, he’s been a very good special teams player. It’s the offensive snaps that have sort of transitioned for him this season. It’s a tough load. We experienced that a little bit with Mack Hollins where he’s a special teams guy whose offensive load builds, and that’s sort of where we’re at with Trent right now. He’s doing a good job on both phases.”
(We have to ask you about the one special teams play – the fake punt this time. What happened there?) – “That’s a good play by them. We sort of played the percentages. Under two minutes, were they willing to give us the ball in scoring range? And that’s how they played the game. They played the game all out to win the football game. But we did some things where we’ve got to hold our look a little bit longer, and then they made a good play.”
(That part of the field, are you not considering a fake punt?) – “You go the track record of the coach of the head coach, the special teams coach, the personnel. There’s a lot of things that go into it. Once you’re ready to play, in that particular case, we’re looking to try and get a score before the end of the half and maybe not thinking the percentages are as high with where the ball was, especially under two minutes where they had played well and not wanting to maybe give us the lead there at the end of the half. But they made a good play.”
(They had a kick return in the game correct, the Lions did? What goes into the decision making to kick it short of the goal line?) – “There’s a lot of things. It’s the kicker, our coverage people, where we’re at with how much certain guys are playing on offense, defense, how fresh we are, who the returner is, what have they shown. So there’s a lot of things that go into it. We think we may have an opportunity to make a play. And then sometimes, the kick doesn’t end up exactly where you want it and that ties into people getting a return, which I think is what happened to us. So, there’s a lot of things that go into it.”
(I talked to a couple of players yesterday in the locker room who were rookies in 2019. And they said it was a really tough year, super tough coaching that happened that year. And they compared it to this year and said it’s a complete 180. QB Tua Tagovailoa has said as well that he’s had to learn to be less hard on himself, because Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s style is to be really encouraging and positive and supporting. So I’m wondering, since you have the history here and you’ve been here for a while, have you as a coach had to change the way that you interact with players or sort of do what Tua is doing and try to be less hard on himself and less hard on others?) – “No, I think, number one, you’ve got to be yourself. Especially to your point, I’ve been here. If I change who I am and how I approach the players, they’re going to be like, ‘Oh, this is not normal.’ So I think there’s a myriad of ways to do things. Everybody’s going to be themselves. And I think that’s the beautiful thing of – I’ve been in this league for over 20 years and every coach has got to be true to who he is because the players, you’re around then too much and they’re too sharp. If you try and be somebody that you’re truly not, they’re going to read right through that. So the fact of how guys are responding, that’s part of taking coaching of who’s coaching. And some guys respond to different people. And that’s part of the nuances of being a coach is you need to approach each player as an individual, not as an entire group, because certain things work with some guys that don’t work with others.”
(QB Tua Tagovailoa said to I think, Maria Taylor, on his NBC interview a couple of weeks ago; he said that Head Coach Mike McDaniel was the same guy throughout the losses that you guys had this year. And that was something that kind of surprised him because I think he might have been expecting some change or something because of the losses. So can you describe how McDaniel led the team through those?) – “Again, I think he was true to himself, he was true to his beliefs, understanding what was going on, was it the work, was it the performance, was it a combination and just being true to himself and belief in what he’s teaching, what we’re asking the players to do and then eventually performance you’re hoping is going to take care of itself and you get the ship righted.”
