RB Jeff Wilson Jr.
(Obviously you were sidelined for a couple of practices. Was that just a precautionary soft tissue thing?) – “Yeah, it was just a precaution thing. Just being on top of eveyrhting, make sure everything is good. Everything is fine though.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel has said that he wants to run the ball more this season. Have you seen such a commitment? Does that have to wait until preseason games? How is that going?) – “Oh, yes sir. It is going right as planned. Obviously, that comes with us putting in the work and making him feel comfortable every day that we go out there. So I feel like the o-line has been doing a tremendous job. We all still have room to improve and room to grow, so I just can’t wait to see it all finally come together, and we get this thing rolling.”
(From what you know of Head Coach Mike McDaniel, and you know him well, does he prioritize and value the run game?) – “Oh yeah, no doubt. I remember back when he was the run game coordinator where I used to be, so obviously that never leaves. That’s a love of his and he knows that’s a love of ours. So with us and the o-line, it’s our job, like I said, to make him feel comfortable every day when we go out there working and make him be willing to call the plays.”
(So knowing that, at any point last season, did it surprise you that the team ran the ball so little, the second lowest in rushing attempts?) – “No, not at all. I mean, shoot, you’ve got to think, we’ve got electric people on the outside as well with a tremendous quarterback. It’s hard not to utilize those guys at times, but like I said, mainly it goes back to us of doing our jobs and making it hard to go away from us. So we just have to keep working that way, so we could be just as good as everybody else on the field.”
(Last year, the last five games of the season, you guys rushed for 125 yards per game which was about 40 more than the rest of the season. Do you feel that there was kind of continuity building that got you to that to where the running game took off more late in the year?) – “It was just more of a mindset thing. You got to think, people hear the chatter just like everybody else does, so it comes to a point where you have to stand up as a man and as a player and say that we’re not a one-dimensional team. Just like those guys like to pass block, they like to run block as well. And just like we like to pass block, we definitely love to run the ball, so it goes hand in hand. Like I said, it just reverts back to us going out there every day and doing what we need to do that way when they do call, we’ll be ready to execute every time.”
(How do you think that continuity carries over from pretty much the same running back room, obviously you added a couple rookies and a lot of the same offensive line coming back. How do you think that benefits the run game and just the relationship y’all have working together for so long now?) – “Like you said, that’s the main thing – relationships, the last part of that question. We’re all together. We all know each other. We all know each other’s goal, so that being said, we’re going to try to put each and every player in the best position. So just like they have to make the right block, we have to make sure we make the right cuts to make sure they have the right block and right reads. So it all plays hand in hand, and like I said, it’s not our first year together (where) we didn’t train together in the offseason, and we didn’t have our camaraderie. So now it’s just time to get on the field and put it to work.”
(What do you make of the RB Dalvin Cook chatter? He’s made it no secret he’d like to be here.) – “Shoot, he’s a great player. If he comes, we’d love to have him. It’d just makes our room that much more competitive, and it makes everybody step up to another level, even though we’re already at another level. Still, competition always breeds greatness in players, so to have him come and be the tremendous player that he is, that’s just another addition to a Super Bowl run.”
(When you and RB Raheem Mostert have ever been around General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel, do you ever get curious, have you ever asked, “Hey, what’s going on with Dalvin,” just because it impacts your position? Or is that nothing you guys would ever ask Chris Grier jokingly or good naturedly?) – “Me personally, I wouldn’t. Our job is to work here. Their job is to make decisions on that aspect. So I feel like … that’s almost disrespectful if our job is to come out here work and do everything we can to be the best that we can be. Whatever happens before or after that, that’s what happens. That’s the decision upstairs. We’re players and we’re here to play the game.”
(From a running back’s perspective, I’d like to know about the defense. To us, DT Christian Wilkins has been unstoppable, the front seven has been really good. What have you seen from the front seven?) – “Oh, definitely that. He’s a pain, man. And he’ll let you know he’s a pain. So that makes him even (more), you know what I’m saying? But no, they’re tremendous and I love our front seven. They’re making our o-line great. So you have to understand those guys are some of the best in the league, so if you’re going against that every day, like I told them, you aren’t going to see too much harder than that when you go on Sundays. So if those guys keep on honing in and doing what they’re doing and they’re getting better every day competing with those guys, it’s going to be a beautiful sight at the end of camp and when we get rolling in the regular season, because it’s not going to be too much of nothing they haven’t really seen.”
(Where does DT Christian Wilkins rank in smack talk?) – “(laughter) Yeah, he’s top tier. He’s definitely top tier.”
(On the team or in the league?) – “I would say in the league. This is my sixth year and I’ve been around and have heard some guys talk, but I don’t know. Christian, it’s just like he’s got the aggravating trash talk. It’s like, ‘Ah, I want to kick your,’ you know what I’m saying? (laughter) But it all comes from a good place and a good spot in his heart, so it just makes everybody come out and play that much better, so I love it.”
(Who are some other guys around the league that are in your top 10?) – “In what, trash talk?”
(Yeah.) – “Oh, that’s tough. I’d have to really think about that one, because I’ve seen a lot. I already know, there’s some out there for sure, I’ll tell you that.”
(When it’s not live and they’re tagging off, is there a pretty healthy debate about whether or not I would have broken that tackle or no, I would’ve gotten you down? Do you guys kind of go back and forth about that?) – “Oh yeah, most definitely. It’s an ego thing. Defense is always going to think they make a tackle, even if they put a fingernail on you. So that competitiveness, that’s another edge that keeps us driving. That’s why when we get in pads, it’s just that much more fun and that much more competitive, because we already know those guys think that they’re the beast on the field and they’re unstoppable. But shoot, we’re unstoppable, too, so it’s a pretty thing.”
(What have you seen from RB De’Von Achane and what has communication been like between you and him with you as a veteran?) – “Oh yeah, he’s going to be great. He’s going to be great. He already knows anything he ever needs, he can call on me and he can ask me. It’s not a thing where I won’t give him every tool that he needs to be great. Even though we’re in competition, that’s not the state here, because at the same time, I remember when I was a rookie and I had a guy, Jerick McKinnon, Raheem (Mostert), Matt Breida, those guys did the same thing for me. So I feel like it’s only right for me to do the same thing for anybody else that comes in, for him and Chris (Brooks). So he’s going to be a great player. He’s learning the game fast and he’s already fast. It’s going to be a great sight. It’s going to be a great sight for him. I can’t wait to see his future.”
(I didn’t notice T Terron Armstead out there much, I only noticed him out there for one snap. But was there any tangible difference, a boost or anything from having him out? Or is it too soon to tell?) – “He’s a vet. Anytime you see him come around, every time he’s around, you feel his presence. So it’s like even when he’s not there, he’s there. He’s always talking. He’s always giving advice and he’s another guy that if you need something and you ask him, he’s going to tell you and he’s going to be completely honest. He’s going to give you every tool that you need to be great because he’s a great player. He’s an awesome player. I love having him around. I love feeling his presence. I just can’t wait to play with him again.”
(Did you get the scooter out much in the offseason?) – “Oh yeah, I took it to the house. I got tired of people stealing it from me, riding around, wasting my battery then I’ve got to come back and charge it up. (laughter) But I take it through the neighborhood now, so it’s all good. (laughter).”
WR Tyreek Hill
(How’s the second training camp going for you compared to when you were brand new here last year at this?) – “It’s going good man. I’m getting open a lot. It’s nothing new. It’s still the same thing for me. I’m still trying to learn the offense, trying to learn exactly where Tua (Tagovailoa) wants me to be and things like that. Any way I can help the offense, I’m going to do that. That’s my mindset.”
(You seemed to have chemistry with QB Tua Tagovailoa from very early on with Tua. How is it going into year two?) – “It’s grown crazy. Just the reception I had yesterday where he was able to throw it between like three defenders was crazy. It just goes to show the amount of trust he has in me, and I just feel like it’s going to continue to grow.”
(If it was a real game, you might have taken a big hit. How do you feel about that?) – “I play football. That’s what I signed up for, to get hit right? I’m not scared. That’s what I do. I’m big bodied. They don’t bring you here just for the followers or whatever. They brought me here to make those kinds of catches. I feel like I’ve proved throughout my whole entire career I’m able to make those kinds of catches through contact.”
(How important is it for you guys to have a number three receiver as a wide receiver? Would you be just as happy if it was a tight end or running back?) – “If I had it my way, I would have all receivers out there because I play receiver. I’m a receiver guy. If I had it my way, I would have all receivers out there.”
(What is the skill from CB Cam Smith that you’ve noticed you think might make him a good NFL player?) – “He definitely has the size and just the intangibles of just being that physical corner. I think a lot of people don’t realize is that what y’all see is – you may see him make a play, but I’m sure in his mind, there are ways for him to get better from that rep. I saw a rep from him yesterday where we watched it as a receiver room. It was on the goal line where he broke up a pass. To me, it was a bad ball by the quarterback. I’m sure Cam could tell you too that if that was a better ball, that was caught. From what I’m seeing from Cam Smith, he’s doing a tremendous job. He’s making plays and he’s going to continue to make plays.”
(What was your reaction when you heard that CB Eli Apple was signing?) – “Well, when I heard about it, coach had called me. He was like ‘Reek, we’re fixing to sign somebody.’ I was like ‘who y’all fixing to sign?’ He said, ‘we’re fixing to sign Eli Apple.’ I was like ‘alright, cool.’ He was like, ‘you don’t have a problem with that?’ ‘No, I don’t have a problem with that. Why would I have a problem with that?’ I just feel like a lot of people get fed into what’s going on in social media. That’s not really what it is. I was fired up for us to be able to add another competitor to this team because that’s going to make us better in the long run having that cornerback depth. Eli is a great guy. I know we had some battles. But at the end of the day, we’re all trying to win. We’re all trying to get better. Now, my looking from it is, now I get to embarrass him every day. It’s a win-win for me. (laughter) I haven’t gone against him because every time I try to go in one-on-ones, it’s either like ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) trying to go against me or Kader (Kohou) or Noah (Igbinoghene). I’m like ‘bro, let me go against somebody else.’ They be calling me out every day. I’m like ‘no, I don’t want to go against y’all. Let me go against Eli or Cam (Smith) somebody else.’ Those guys be calling me out.”
(What would it be like if you and CB Eli Apple faced each other?) – “I’m going to try to bully him off the line. I’m going to try something different. I’m going to try to push him off the line. I’m going to win the rep.”
(When is that going to happen?) – “Man, look. The day that ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) don’t call me out. Because when ‘X’ calls me out, I feel like if I don’t go, then the receivers are going to look at me like ‘you scared?’ Then I’m going to be like, ‘Nah.’ So, the day ‘X’ doesn’t call me out.”
(CB Kader Kohou, it looks like he’s been covering you quite a bit. You guys have been going back and forth with competition. How have you seen his game kind of come along here in year two?) – “Kader is another guy that a lot of people may say that Cam (Smith) is making a lot of plays, but Kader is another guy to look out for this year for a breakout season. Undrafted guy and he’s a dawg. He’s small, but he’s very strong at the line of scrimmage, and he isn’t afraid to tackle. I’m looking for him to have a breakout year this year. I’m very excited to see him play.”
(General Manager Chris Grier mentioned that he called you about the CB Eli Apple signing. Does it feel good to work for people who obviously know what a great player you are and want to include you in things even if it’s just to give you a heads up. Is that a good feeling?) – “It is a good feeling, but I feel like they messed up my time with that. I was asleep when they called me. (laughter) I’m like y’all calling me and I got to be up there at 6:30 in the morning. What’s going on? I thought I was in trouble or something. I was like man, are y’all fixing to cut me or something? (laughter) Y’all calling me this late? Y’all could’ve saved that for the morning. But he was like we’re fixing to sign Eli Apple. I was like alright, cool.”
(We saw the offense come out of the gates last year, and then have that little bit of a lull that coincides with the five-game losing streak. I’m curious what you as a team and offense can take from that and be better for this year?) – “I know a lot of ways that we can be better. And this is speaking from one of the leaders in the offense. We have to fix our pre-snap penalties for us to be better at anything. I believe us having referees out here is going to help us get better from that. I believe we were like 31st last year in pre-snap penalties. That’s bad, right? If we clean those up, and we execute, and we do what we’ve been doing out here in practice each and every day, I can see us being another top five offense in this NFL. It definitely can get scary when you think about all the weapons that the Dolphins have. And just the people that they have added to this team to protect our quarterback. It can get real scary.”
(I know that you’ve moved along from the offseason incident, have you heard anything from the league?) – “I haven’t heard nothing from the NFL, so I believe that is good news for myself. I’m still waiting.”
(Is it still pending?) – “Still pending.”
OL Dan Feeney
(I’ve got a general question here as it relates to communication and pass protection. Do you have any idea how many sacks would be attributable to lack of communication as opposed to somebody getting physically beaten one-on-one? Is it 50/50?) – “I don’t really have a number for you, in all honesty. I think it’s holistic. The whole o-line works together, so if one guy is off, they pull the string. Some guys are in other stressful positions, so I think it’s holistic. The o-line never wants to give up a sack, no matter what. That’s like the worst feeling for an o-lineman. So we do our best to communicate and make sure everybody is on the same page and know IDs, know who bigs are and things of that nature.”
(Is communication the No. 1 thing in pass protection or scheme or being able to go one-on-one?) – “I think it’s communication and just knowing who you’re working with. Sometimes you play with a guard who is a little more aggressive, some guys like to set a little back. So I think it’s just knowing who you’re working with, because obviously you’ve got moving pieces going around, football happens. I think just knowing the guys, communicating is the biggest thing for the o-line.”
(And that gets into the continuity?) – “Exactly.”
(Coach talked about the kind of trust the offensive linemen have to take in the coaching in the system with playing more aggressive and going out and getting blocks. I know you played in a similar system last year, but how have you kind of adapted to that trust and playing more aggressive to fit in the system?) – “Luckily, I’ve been in a system similar to this the last two years, so it’s not too big of a jump. I think it just adds this whole offense – like the o-line being aggressive, running off the ball, doing what we want to do, making the run game work will open up (Jaylen) Waddle, Tyreek Hill, all these guys that have world-class speed. So if we do our job, they’ll do their job and then the team wins.”
(Did you come here at peace with the possibility of just being a top bench player in terms of center and guard? Or did you come here with any hope and expectations of competing for a starting job?) – “I want to play, no doubt. We have to figure it out. It’s early in camp, positions move, but we’ll see what happens. Obviously, I want to play. I’m a football player. I would love to be out there and play, help the team win and do whatever I can, but circumstances are circumstances, so we’ll see what happens.”
(There are a lot of players on the roster who can play left guard and they’re all competing. You obviously can. Have you gotten much work there in this camp so far?) – “Yeah, we’ve been moving people around a lot. I think there hasn’t really been too many set spot. A lot of guys moving, just kind of getting guys reps in different positions. I think that’s kind of how they want to do it. Like I said earlier, football happens. It’s a tough game. It’s an aggressive game. But everybody wants to be good at what they can do and being able to do a couple things never hurts.”
(I only noticed T Terron Armstead out there for one snap, I have no idea how much he was out there. But any noticeable difference, any tangible difference with him and his participation increasing?) – “I really don’t know too much, honestly. You’d have to ask him that, but it’s just good to have him in the room, just a great vet. Just picking his brain, letting him talk and just sitting there and absorbing his knowledge is incredible. He’s an 11-year vet and he’s got nothing but great knowledge to give to the younger tackles in the room.”
LB Andrew Van Ginkel
(What’s the arm workout routine looking like these days?) – “Same thing, as usual. Just worked on my diet a little bit more this offseason and tried to come back in shape, obviously with this heat in South Florida. So just taking care of my body and trying to eat healthier.”
(Is it just eating healthier? What did you cut out?) – “I just tried to eat more veggies and protein, a high protein diet, and not as many carbs. More fruit. But yeah.”
(What’s been the breakdown would you say so far inside snaps compared to outside snaps, about what so far?) – “I’m getting reps at both. Obviously Vic (Fangio) is trying to use me so I can be versatile. And obviously, the more I can do, just being able to excel at it and accepting my role, no matter what it is. If somebody goes down or something happens, I can be able to step up no matter what position it is.”
(Is it about equal or half?) – “Yeah, somewhere around there, I guess.”
(What’s the biggest difference playing inside as opposed to outside?) – “I guess, outside you’re just more one-on-one combat. You got to read everything right in front of you, kind of just you read more of the tip of the pad of the guy you’re on. Inside, you got to have more of a broad view, you got to see tight ends, a motioning back, you get to see all these missile motions. And so you got to have a broad approach to it. That’s the biggest difference.”
(How much experience have you had inside, like going back to high school at all?) – “Yeah, in high school I played a little linebacker and safety. And then my first year at South Dakota, I did. And then ever since then, they switched me to outside linebacker. But I got a couple of reps at it in my past, but obviously not to this level.”
(Going back to when you decided to come back here. You took some trips and some visits. What was the deciding factor? Was it just that this was already home for you? Or you want to in this defense? Or continue with this team?) – “Yeah, a little bit of everything. Obviously, we got a home down here. We love it down here. It’s a beautiful place to live. Obviously being in the South Florida heat is awesome. And then the scheme, it allows players to make plays. And they see that in me. I feel appreciated here and they’ve taken good care of me, so it’s a good spot to be.”
(You went to New England and Las Vegas? Pittsburgh had some interest. Was there ever a time you felt like you were on the verge of signing with any of those three teams? Like on the day of the Vegas or New England visits?) – “We took everything into consideration. We didn’t leave any stone unturned and obviously weighed out all of our options and ultimately chose Miami.”
(Is there a player or two in that linebacker room that has been helpful to you in that transition to learning both spots? And particularly the off-ball position?) – “They’re all great. Obviously, (Jerome) Baker has been inside ‘backer for a long time and excelled at it. And Duke (Riley) obviously knows everything. He’s a very reliable guy and he’s helped me along the way. So, I mean, all those guys do a good job of helping each other out. Each and every one of them want all of us to succeed. So it’s very positive and encouraging.”
(Tell us about Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense. I guess more from the outside spot because you probably have more expertise, but do you have more freedom? What’s the difference between this year and last year?) – “You’re able to make more plays, obviously. You can take a couple more chances within the defense. He allows you to play fast, whatever you see, being able to react off it and use your instincts to make plays. Last year was more gap oriented. Everybody played their gap and then come into their secondary gap. If you see an opening, and you can take it, go make it. It allows, like I said, players to make plays.”
(Does either system fit a more specific skillset better at outside?) – “They both do. Obviously I played in that system for a long time and it was pretty good to me. But I think with this system, too, I think I can excel at it.”
(How much time do you spend in the outside linebacker room versus the inside linebacker room?) – “I go back and forth. Even position drills and everything, it’s kind of back and forth. There’s really no set number here or there. It’s just kind of what we’re working on that day and what the emphasis is.”
(How’s the defense as a whole taking on the challenge of replacing CB Jalen Ramsey? Obviously a tough blow.) – “Yeah, he’s obviously an elite player, so it’s going to be tough to replace a guy like that. But you have guys stepping up, trying to compete and earn a starting role, earn a spot on this team. So the competition is very high and yeah, they’re doing a great job trying to learn the defense, which the defense is doing as a whole right now, and just being able to play fast.”
(Was it fun practicing the rain?) – “Yeah, it was. I enjoyed it.”
(When it rains, it takes away the heat and humidity. Is that good or bad?) – “I like it personally. There’s nothing playing in the rain. You feel like a high school kid again. I enjoy it.”
WR Robbie Chosen
(On his excitement to play in Hard Rock Stadium tomorrow as a Dolphin) – “I have played here before, but (it’s my first time) as a Dolphin, yes. I’m excited.”
(There’s a race to become the No. 3 receiver on this team. Do you judge yourself every day, every week? Do you worry about that role for yourself on this team?) – “No, I don’t worry. Worry is a wasted thought. I’m not concerned about things like that. I’m just here to contribute to us winning the Super Bowl and winning games, that’s it.”
(How has your camp been so far do you think?) – “I think it’s been productive.”
(Talk about your touchdown reception today, it seemed like you had a pretty good separation. What went into that? Did you just outrun the defender? Was it good moves? How did you get that open?) – “I did what they’ve been teaching me. Bro put it on the money.”
(Where are you in terms of understanding the plays at this point? Are you comfortable?) – “Yeah. Yeah.”
(Does it have much overlap in anything you’ve been in before?) – “I mean, football is football. It’s just different languages and different coaching and strategies and details and things like that.”
(It’s now been a few months back home, how has it been? Is it what you’d imagined? What’s the reality?) – “It’s better than what I imagined it would be. I’m thankful. I’m blessed and very appreciative to be home. It means a lot to me.”
(Obviously there’s a lot of receivers in the room and everybody is rotating in every unit, but I’ve noticed that you don’t get that many opportunities in 11-on-11. Have they explained to you why?) – “No, I’m not worried about that. We’re all here to get better.”
Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith
(I wanted to ask you about the race or the battle for the No. 3 receiver. Who is the guy who will get the most targets or receptions after WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle? How is that going?) – “I think the whole group has been doing a great job. I know that starting in spring, all the way through now, they’ve been really focusing on just techniques and fundamentals to really get better at all the little things we have to see from our defense and that’ll build for the season. So ultimately, I think all the guys in the room are competing. We’ve been really pleased with what they’ve done so far and I think we still have a long way to go before we’re going to make decisions with all of that stuff.”
(Is there anybody who you would think is best qualified based on their past? WR Braxton Barrios, RB Raheem Mostert, for the for the No. 3 receiving target or receiver role?) – “When we still have the whole month of August left, sitting here and trying to say anything I think is jumping to conclusions because the next two weeks, we’ve got great competition with Atlanta and going to Houston. I think a lot of guys are really focusing on each day and then with the next couple of weeks, it’s going to really show out who’s been competing and who’s really working for the job.”
(Along those lines, how imperative is it for that No. 3 guy to be able to do some of the blocking that Trent Sherfield had last year?) – “I don’t think it’s necessarily we’re looking for someone specific, a certain skillset. Ultimately every year is different with the personnel you have and you adjust to everyone’s strengths so ultimately, we’re looking for overall the right 53 for the roster. So on offense, we’re trying to find the best players and whatever those guys can do, we’ll maximize their skillset and we’ll adjust it any way we have to, to meet what they can do.”
(RB Raheem Mostert said he put some emphasis on becoming more of an elite pass catcher in the offseason. Where have you seen improvement there at all?) – “I just think his overall process is outstanding. He’s a great vet and you can see he was really on it in the spring. Just all of his fundamentals. I think just when players take that approach and they have a daily process to improve, it shows itself maybe not here, not there, but it’s going to build over time. And with him, what he’s been able to do from spring to now, we’re really excited with the way he’s been progressing.”
(We’ve heard from so many guys about the familiarity of Year 2 in the offense and how it just kind of eases the transition here in training camp in the first week so far. How have you seen this year’s first week of camp and how comfortable guys are with the system compared to where they were a year ago?) – “I think overall the guys, they hear the concept and now it’s more of a not executing an assignment, but understanding what it attacks, how it attacks, how they work together, how the quarterback’s progression fits in what they’re trying to do. I think it’s overall, when you learn something the first time, it’s just trying to make sure you get it. And this year, now you’re really taking this next level to the overall understanding of the offense and the concepts.”
(What differences have you noticed in what the offensive line now with Offensive Line Coach Butch Barry here? I know you previously had to kind of get more active with that group than maybe you would have wanted to as an OC. So what differences have you seen?) – “I think it comes into also the second year of the offense. Conceptually, a lot of the guys now have a greater understanding of what we’re trying to do and Butch (Barry) does a great job with the group. (He is an) excellent teacher and I think that in our understanding of the system and understanding what we’re trying to do plays heavy into a lot of the stuff overall, the whole offense’s improvement as far as the way we’ve gone through camp. We’re excited with what the group and how they’re growing and really the next two weeks, when we start changing the look, changing the opponent, it’ll be a really great time for that group to keep ascending.”
(On RB De’Von Achane’s development throughout camp) – “Coming out of A&M, you saw the explosive plays that he was able to make in the running game and the passing game, and just the NFL level there comes a process of understanding the volume increases, what we ask increases and he’s really working with Eric (Studesville) to understand all the nuances that come with the NFL level playing running back, especially in this offense with being able to run the ball and then catch it. So overall, where he’s been working to so far has been very promising and again the next couple weeks for the guys is going to really be the greatest growth because you go against the defense for several weeks and then now it’s going to change as we play different defenses. So it’s going to be a great opportunity for him to really grow.”
(How did the offense I guess evolve over the course of the 2022 season when you saw what QB Tua Tagovailoa could do, put more in play perhaps than you originally thought and how much freedom does he have [unintelligible]?) – “Again, with him and overall, I think all the offensive players, it’s just you evolve to the skillsets of your players and what do they do well. And this year, it’s taking what we learned from 2022 and now trying to really improve on the things that we can control and that is our effort, fundamentals, overall operation. So not just him but all of us, I think that’s where we’re all growing, especially in this camp and focusing on those things that we can control and making sure that we don’t have any issues with our operation going forward and that’s been really our growth right now this season – working on ourselves.”
(On how Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio challenges the offense) – “Through working with him in Chicago, it’s a lot of the same things of the multiplicity of what they do, the multiplicity of the coverages. It all starts looking the same. It makes us have to really be on our recognition, be on our communication and be on our fundamentals. So I think that we overall have been able to really work on our game, our techniques, what we’re trying to accomplish through what they’re providing, because hey, you assume something and the next thing you know it changes. So I think it’s helped us a lot and again, I’m excited for the next two days to really growing upon it.”
(On what he looks for as a coordinator.) – “I think what we look for every day is guys trying to really execute what they’re trying to do within the play and not every play is going to be a 60-yard touchdown, but on every play, are we executing within what the concept is and the timing of the play? Are guys, really in practice, challenging themselves to put themselves in positions to grow and improve? And I think that’s ultimately what you look at. If you worry about every day and whether you have these plays, you have this, as opposed to, ‘okay, why did this occur and how did we grow?’ I think that’s what we focus on here and the players really understand that and that’s why they understand it’s going to be a process to get to Game 1, not the result of each day of practice.”
(I’m looking forward to watching QB Mike White and QB Skylar Thompson in particular to participate in the stadium on Saturday. What do you think will determine who finishes ahead and who by the time we get to the season?) – “I don’t think there’s just one specific thing or two specific things. I think it’s a collection of time. It’s a collection of opportunities. You’re gathering information over a long period of time, not just kind of saying, ‘hey, these determining factors will then therefore dictate.’ So I think again, the closure of this week with going against ourselves and then the next two weeks where really it’s going to change from week-to-week is going to be a great opportunity for those guys along with the whole offense to what have you learned, what are you doing and now the picture changes? Now how do we execute, how do we respond to that? And especially for a week here and then a week in Houston, a lot of variables that I think over time will really help clarify the situation as it plays out.”
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio
(On if he has to go back to the drawing board with CB Jalen Ramsey’s injury) – “Well, it doesn’t make you go back to the drawing board and tweak the system at all. I mean, you might have to use parts of it a little bit more than you had planned to, or you just have to always compensate. If you have a versatile system, you don’t have to go back to the drawing board. We’ve got to find players to step up and play good in his absence and go from there.”
(What are some of the improvements that LB Channing Tindall has made?) – “Channing is working every day to get better and get a better understanding of the defense. Once he gets a better understanding, I think his talent will flourish.”
(You mention guys who will have to compensate for the loss of CB Jalen Ramsey. What have you seen from two young guys, CB Cam Smith and CB Noah Igbinoghene?) – “Yeah, I think both of them are making good progress. They’re not where we need them to be just yet, but I think both of them are working hard and giving us good progress and hopefully by game one, one of them or somebody else will surface and take that position.”
(What’s one thing that you’ve been encouraged by so far? And what’s one thing that you think you need to get better at?) – “We have some good talent in some positions. We need to find guys to be able to execute and play good in all 11 positions. And we’re working to get that done. So we’re not a finished product by any means, but I do like where we’re headed.”
(What have you seen from DT Christian Wilkins in the first seven practices of camp and how good do you think he can be in this defense?) – “Christian was a guy that I really liked the year he came out in the draft. And he’s exceeded my expectations. He works really hard in practice, he grinds, he’s talented. And (with) his talent and work ethic, he’s one of the top players in the league.”
(In the offseason, the team didn’t add a clear nose tackle. I’m just curious how you see that position and are there guys who you think can play there?) – “Yeah, we’re happy with the Zach (Sieler), Christian (Wilkins) and Raekwon (Davis). We need to find two other guys, three other guys, to surface as the fourth, fifth, and sixth defensive linemen, and so far nobody has done that. So that’s an area of that we need to get better at.”
(A couple guys with position versatility, I want your thoughts on DE Emmanuel Ogbah – both hand on the ground and standing up – as well LB Andrew Van Ginkel playing inside and outside.) – “I think Van Ginkel has done a great job for us since we moved him to inside part time. He’s still outside also. He’s picked it up really well. His football instincts and acumen flourish in there. He’s done a really good job for a guy – that’s a hard transition for a guy to move from an on-the-ball position to an off-the-ball position – and he’s done very well with it. It’s going to give us some good versatility throughout this season. Ogbah, we’re moving him back and forth between the outside and inside. In nickel, he could be a guy that could rush from the outside. And in base defense, we’re trying him inside just because we still haven’t found a fourth fifth or sixth d-lineman.”
(From the front seven standpoint, does the personnel you have give you a lot of variety and flexibility to do a lot of different things with them on the field.) – “Yeah. Jaelen (Phillips)’s versatile. Bradley (Chubb)’s versatile. I think Zach (Sieler) and Christian (Wilkins) can play anywhere along the front. And then our inside ‘backers are off the ball and we can align them where we want or need to. So yeah, there is some versatility there.”
(At safety, obviously Jevon Holland, you guys added DeShon Elliot, we’ve seen Brandon Jones, Trill Williams come back from their injuries. How much do you think this defense can make use of three safeties package and move guys around?) – “Not right now. We’re still looking for the guy to surface next to Jevon, so once we find that, we’ll see if we have a third one.”
(What do you think of S Brandon Jones and how his skillset translates to your scheme?) – “Yeah, we’ve just seen very little of Brandon. He’s on a choreographed work schedule coming off of his injury. He’s gotten a few plays here this week. He’s really not done enough to know but I am encouraged by where he’s headed physically.”
(How has this camp been for you big picture? Obviously working with a younger guy at head coach in Mike McDaniel and new position coaches?) – “It’s been great with the coaches on defense. They’ve done a great job. They dove into learning the system and doing a great job of coaching those guys. Obviously adjusting to the camp schedule here. It’s a little different than what I’ve been used to. So that’s always a work in progress for me.”
(What do you like with Trill Williams at safety?) – “I don’t know, because again he’s similar to Brandon and on a very limited work schedule right now. Really haven’t seen much of him.”
(We’ve seen these first few weeks you’ve thrown some challenge flags and penalty flags. Were you kind of playing part time ref?) – “Yeah, a little bit. This team last year was the worst in the league on offense and defense in penalties. So to correct that, you have to emphasize it. You can’t just hope it happens. Since we didn’t have referees out there for the first few days, I became the referee.”
(What are your thoughts on what CB Eli Apple has put on film?) – “I haven’t watched him a lot in his career but I am pleased with what he’s shown since he’s gotten here. And he was a good pickup for us in light of Jalen’s (Ramsey) injury. I’m glad we were able to get him.”
(How has LB David Long Jr. taken to the defense and helped you guys on that side of the ball?) – “He’s had ups and downs. He’s made some really good plays, and then some other plays that we need to get him honed-in on better. And he’s working hard to do that. But you can’t just have flash plays. You’ve got to have good plays all the time.”
(On his coaching sabbatical and if he went out to colleges games or anywhere to take in some new stuff) – “Not really. I mean I watched college football on TV but I didn’t study it.”
(Being a former head coach, do you want to offer Mike McDaniel any things you’ve picked on or do you stick to being the defensive coordinator?) – “Well, I’m there for any time Mike wants to use me as a resource and he does on occasion. I’ve got my hands full trying to run the defense, and I’m not going to try and impose my will on things. But Mike’s not reluctant to ask an opinion, and if he wants to use it, he can. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t.”
(So what have you learned from your experience as a head coach? What did you take from what you gained in Denver that makes you a better coach now?) – “I don’t know that there’s anything along those lines because I was still the defensive coordinator in Denver. I still ran it and called it. So it’s not like I was away from doing that for three years and came back to it. Other than that, not a lot. Other than you don’t want to be the head coach during COVID.”
(On facing Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s offense in practice and what they look like) – “A lot of pre-snap movement, a lot of formation variation. They have versatile guys on offense, and they do a good job schematically with the run game and the pass game, marrying it together, just like everybody knows. And with those wide receivers, it’s a challenge. So it’s a good offense to work against.”
(What do you think your defensive gives Head Coach Mike McDaniel a big challenge?) – “Oh, I don’t know. You guys talk to him every day. You can ask him that. (laughter)”
(We see LB Bradley Chubb and LB Jaelan Phillips working off to the side before practice every day. How do those two guys make each other better?) – “Just talking with each other, what they’re seeing, what they’re feeling, what their experiences are. Just on a daily basis or big picture basis. Just talking the position and the nuances of it.”
(Any skills for cornerbacks in your system? You know the normal cornerback trait. Anything in your system that is an undervalued trait?) – “No, I think we’re pretty much looking for in corners what most teams are looking for in corners. Obviously cover ability is a top priority. And we got to have corners that can tackle because you can’t play good run defense without corners that tackle because eventually the ball is going to get out there. And so you’ve got to be able to cover and it’s a hard position to play in the NFL. That’s why they the good ones get paid a lot of money.”
(Could there be a higher importance to recognition?) – “Yeah recognition is part of it, especially when you’re playing some zone. But route recognition is important in man too. So yeah, all of that goes into it for sure.”
(On Jevon Holland) – “He’s been very impressive. He’s another guy that I really liked in the draft the year he came out and he hasn’t disappointed one bit. I think he’s a hell of a player and should just get better and better every day, every year, and should be at top safety in this league.”
