Friday, December 22, 2023
T Terron Armstead
(A player like Dallas LB Micah Parsons, why is he so hard to defend?) – “He’s a freak, a monster. He plays really hard too. He’s not just a guy who relies on his talent and ability. His effort is second to none. Somebody you always have to keep an eye on. You have to know where he is pre-snap and know where he is post-snap.”
(Is this a team, from what you saw on film, that when they get ahead on the scoreboard, their defense plays even better then what they’ve been playing? Do they play differently when they have the lead?) – “Not necessarily differently, but their d-line and pass rushers get more opportunities to pass rush. They got some pass rush specialists over there that are very good at what they do, and have really perfected their craft in pass rush. With a lead, you get more opportunities to do so. I would say that’s the same for most defenses. Get a lead, you’re going to get the chance to be more relentless.”
(With RB Raheem Mostert being at the doorstep of 1,000 yards, I know for linemen that’s a major goal for you guys. How proud are you guys of what he’s accomplished this season?) – “Yeah, that’s a milestone. We’re all going to wear it. We can’t wait for him to clip that 1k and more. We see the work he puts in everyday and his journey. That’s my brother. He’s inspiring, motivational through his whole career and just how he goes about his business. I can’t wait for him to break that 1,000.”
(You guys, from an offensive line standpoint, are battling a lot of things but are there for the team. What’s that process and mindset like fighting through these injuries in this final stretch of the year?) – “Yeah, I mean it don’t matter. It don’t matter. Everybody is dealing with something. It’s just the game. We train in the sense that everybody is available and ready. When you get later in the year, you have to see what that depth is like. Man, we got guys that come in and we don’t miss a beat because it don’t matter. The scoreboard is not going to say that we’re out three o-linemen or four o-linemen. It don’t matter. We got to line up and play, regardless of what you’re dealing with and who’s in the game. You got to go play.”
(What was it like seeing OL Liam Eichenberg specifically help you out battling through what he’s going through?) – “Liam is tough. He’s as tough as they come. We definitely needed him to be in there and do everything that he did and we’ll continue to lean on him. He’s stepping into more of a leadership role. It’s been great to watch his progression and move positions and honing in at center. Being a very smart guy, putting guys in the right position, ID’ing correctly. He’s been monumental for us.”
(You mentioned it doesn’t matter when guys get hurt, you still have to keep rolling. From the outside looking in, you’re leading the league in fewest quarterback hits and you’re probably close to leading the league in most different offensive line combinations. I’m kind of wondering how have you been able to keep it rolling? Does it ever surprise you on a unit where cohesion and continuity is so important, you’ve been able to overcome it all?) – “Yeah, I mean it goes to the work that’s been put in. That’s not to be dismissed at all. (Offensive Line Coach) Butch Barry and individually, everybody coming in and working on their craft and development – off days, we get a whole group in here on off days. We go out there and we work our technique and go through calls and we simulate games and all those things. So it’s not for nothing. Then we got the full operation too. We try yo give Tua (Tagovailoa) enough time to let him do what he does. He’s incredible. He’s laser quick, reads really well pre-snap. We just try to do our best.”
(RB Raheem Mostert was talking yesterday about being a 30-plus year old back with injuries and people doubt you for that. Have you all connected at all about that?) – “About being over 30?” (laughter)
(They’re narratives that once you hit 30, it’s downhill, so being at the top of your game still at that age.) – “No, I think it’s a blessing man. It’s a blessing to be doing this game for an extended period of time. Being over 30, because we know that’s the mark that people look for the decline or whatever. But guys like Raheem and myself too, we’ve always been – the narrative’s been written for us. It’s been a cap on what I’d be able to do, what Raheem would be able to do. We write our own stories. I got my own pen and paper. I write my own story. Regardless of what this play was or what this game was, I know who I am. I know the work I put in. And same thing for Raheem. He’s had injuries. He’s been cut. He never wavered from what he believed in and himself writing his own story. Record holder. Franchise record holder. Who would have thought? Him. He thought the whole time.”
(I know guys really appreciate the value you provide on Tuesday in terms of the structure to coming in and improve. Is there someone in particular you feel proud of? Like a big brother. A guy who has really taken advantage of Tuesday sessions and you’ve seen significant growth from them?) – “Yeah, I mean we’ve had everybody come in. But Rob Jones, Kion Smith. Yeah Kion Smith, that’s my son. (laughter) That’s my oldest. He’s one that I would say the most. He’s not going to miss a day or opportunity to work. But it’s really just that’s how the group is, how our room is. If the guys are feeling well enough to get out there, we go put the work in.”
(What’s your sense on how unique those Tuesday sessions are among other teams?) – “I’m not sure. I’ve been like this my whole career. It’s a day to improve, to get better. Off days and offseason. It’s hard to really make technique jumps in season. You want to do what you’re being coached to do. In practice, you only get so many reps to take that step. So off days and offseason is when you see the most growth.”
(Did you get a look at OL Austin Jackson in practice, and if so, how did he look?) – “Oh no, I’m on the other side, so I didn’t get a chance to check him out. I knew he came out there today and moved around in indy. I’m not sure how much team he did. But he’s somebody that’s been putting in overtime to be available. But I don’t know his status at all.”
(I know a lot of the time wide receiver and cornerback battles get hyped. Do you get hyped when there is a star pass rusher on the other side? Not sure how much he ends up being on you but obviously LB Micah Parsons is a name that’s mentioned a lot.) – “Nah, I just try to go out and do my job no matter who’s over there. All them guys get paid to rush the passer, so I just try to do my best to keep my quarterback clean and create lanes for the running backs. I don’t really go off who’s lined up. I just try to execute and keep the quarterback clean. I’m going to have a plan for each individual rusher for sure, but I don’t get into the names.”
Friday, December 22, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(Are you able or willing at this point to rule out either OL Robert Hunt or OL Austin Jackson for Sunday?) – “I can rule out Robert Hunt. I cannot rule out Austin Jackson. I would not like to rule him out and he shouldn’t be ruled out. We’ll get some work with him today and see how that goes.”
(OL Austin Jackson is practicing today?) – “Yeah, he’ll be participating in a limited fashion.”
(And WR Tyreek Hill, what’s his status and was it a high-ankle sprain for him?) – “I mean, it was his ankle. There is a lot of science behind it that I just was like (motions over his head). He’s had a good week. No setbacks, so we’ll see how he does today. Feel good about him. We have the present day to go through, but he’ll be out there working, so excited about that. And no setbacks from yesterday.”
(I know it was just a workout, but we have a history with DT Ndamukong Suh, and when I say ‘we,’ I mean people in the media and people in the organization. Obviously, you guys wouldn’t be looking at him if you felt that there wasn’t a need or that you didn’t see it as a viable option. But have you considered adding somebody like that could change or alter the dynamics of your locker room?) – “Absolutely. I think the main thing is that Chris Grier does not stay bored, ever. There’s a list that he doesn’t need to dust off because it doesn’t accumulate dust. I think it’s important that we explore all scenarios. Sometimes if you just close your mind off to something and say ‘no, I’m assuming this would be like this, or this person, his mind is at this spot,’ you kind of just have to really go in with open – basically, you don’t want to assume that things wouldn’t work out because you’re assuming things. So removing assumptions, I think we had a nice discussion. I don’t see anything imminent happening, but I think it’s important to not ever close your mind off to whatever and just keep open discourse to see where guys are at. And that’s all that was.”
(The decisions with S Jevon Holland and CB Xavien Howard. Is there a certain point in the season where even as conscientious and diligent as you guys have been about protecting a player from themselves and having a trainer have a major part in these decisions, is there a point during the season whether it’s a season finale, a playoff game, where you defer entirely to the players and say it’s your call no matter what the trainer is advising you about risk of potential re-injury?) – “I think there’s a point in your relationship with people where over time, you learn to trust their word. Everybody’s different, so they might mean I’m good to go and that means they can play a quarter and a half or two and a half quarters. Well, you’re also protecting the team as well because when you have someone that goes into a game that maybe is short-sighted and then has to come out early, that tangibly affects the rest of the team and the depth and how stretched thin because of the league-wide mandate on how many actives you can have. There are a bunch of things at work, but kind of in the vein and the spirit of what you’re asking, I do think that adjusts as the season progresses and as you develop your relationships with people and know, by consistency, what they mean and how that’s going to play out.”
(And with those two guys in particular, S Jevon Holland and CB Xavien Howard, any sense on Sunday?) – “We’ll see how today progresses. I mean, there’s just a lot of guys in those categories that you don’t want to get ahead of yourself. I think Xavien specifically yesterday had some encouraging practice and didn’t take a step back. Both of them, I’m not feeling at liberty to say I know what they’re going to feel like tomorrow, let alone after they get some work today. So we’ll progress through that and then make a decision collectively with all parties, including them, involved.”
(S DeShon Elliott went through a full practice yesterday. Is he through concussion protocol yet? Is he in the final stages?) – “He’s in the final stages. He’s now cleared for contact for today and so we’re hoping that he gets fully cleared after practice. But things have gone well.”
(RB Raheem Mostert was a DNP twice. Is there any reason for concern there or is that extra vet rest?) – “Extra vet rest with a guy that doesn’t like taking it. But at this point in our relationship, I’m like, I don’t care Raheem, you’re not practicing. And then he says, okay. That’s how that works. (laughter)”
(What about RB De’Von Achane? It seems like he’s gone through a few different things lately. How is he doing now?) – “You find out new things about your younger players each and every day and he is garnering the regard and respect of the locker room because he’s had some things and he’s learning how the NFL goes and how you play with some of that stuff. We’ve had to take some extra precautions with his workload the last two weeks. No setbacks and he’s doing well, so I’m expecting to see him. I can tell you that. I’m expecting to see him on Sunday … He’s doing well, and hopefully he’ll be able to get even more reps as the coming weeks come. Happy about him.”
(How much does what you do on offense transform itself from say, September to December, as you find out about your team?) – “Interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever answered that question, but it’s like ever-present, every single season, where you’re very aware of what you’re practicing and the concepts that your players are comfortable with. And then you’re very aware of what defenses see and what your tendencies are, so then you’re evolving things constantly, new problem solving’s occur. And by the end of the season, you’re orchestrating – our offense knows more plays and knows the offense so much better than they do Week 1. And some of the stuff that you do because you’re accumulating reps and as long as you’re building upon things and building upon each other, we couldn’t come to the players Week 1 with the game plan that we have Week 16, because it would be like, whoa.”
(So you’re adding a lot but not…?) – “Yeah, you’re adjusting and like you’re alluding to, you’re adjusting to what works for your players. You’re doubling down on new things. And then you’re evolving to how defense are really going against you. So it’s a multiplicity of evolution every single year. I’ve always found that at the end of the season, typically, especially last year, this year for our guys, is our offense is more complex because they have spent more time and have been more diligent and know more things. And we have new motions and different snap points and new combination blocks and all sorts of things that are building. It’s one of the best parts about everything that we are doing here. It’s truly a players’ scheme because it’s highlighting what they do well and having them evolve live speed during the course of a season. So it’s very much a different scope than when we first started in September.”
(Kind of expanding that timeline, you mentioned Cowboys DC Dan Quinn earlier this week. You’ve worked with him. You’ve gone against him. Do you draw on that past experience against him in terms of game planning for it? Or is it just 2023 Cowboys for the gameplan?) – “No, you do to a certain degree, where you understand when you watch tape, I know firmly – I can actually hear him conduct the team meeting. There’s a couple plays I was watching, I was like, ‘Oh, he loved this clip’. He said, ‘This is us, for sure.’ And then you kind of know where he’s going to emphasize, but for me it’s like once you see it, you can’t unsee it. I can see all his relationships with is players, how connected he is, and how willing they are to strain on every play that I watch. So I can see his coaching just littered within the actual scheme. Then you also know that I knew the second the game had happened last week, that the version of the Dallas Cowboys we were about to see, was going into the game expecting to have their best tackling day and to force some turnovers, because the second a defense that has really been as good as anyone in the league at both of those things, everybody has down games, but you’re going to return to your priorities, to your mantra, to the backbone of what makes you you after a game where guys are a little irritated. Much like us two weeks ago, this Dallas Cowboys team has a bone to pick with football in general and we’re going to get their best shot, which is what we want because we’re not just trying to accumulate wins, we’re trying to get better and be our best in this time of the year. We built up all year to have a challenge like this, so we’re excited to take it.”
(In the last Hard Knocks episode, you showed a lot of accountability for your play calls. What do you hope that brings the team?) – “How else would I be? I think you have to set the tone of what you want things to be like. And if you want accountable players, you better be accountable at every turn for yourself. So I think that’s my obligation as a head coach is to, in any moment that I know that I can be better, I shouldn’t keep it to myself because there’s no point in that. I mean, that is the least that these players deserve. The least. You want to talk about they come to work every day and are listening to people who are instructing them things and their dreams hang in the balance. That’s a tough life to live, and they have to hear so often, ‘Hey, do this way, do this that way.’ I mean that’s a big deal. And for you to better as a football team, we are depending on them to be accountable. If I’m depending on people to be accountable for me to even have a job, the very least I can do is the exact thing that I’m asking of people. Yeah, it just seems like it’s not that big of deal. Yeah, it was a bad play call. I think people, out of insecurity, I think people try to run away from ever being wrong and I don’t think that’s the game of life. I think everyone messes up. Everyone’s fallible inherently. So, it’s about learning from things. I’ll always be accountable. Like this answer is probably too long.” (laughter)
(On the play calling, how much do you like having Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith in your ear on game days to remind you of things? Is that something you encourage from him as far as certain things you want to get to?) – “I think on game day, the coaches all do an outstanding job, but namely Frank does an outstanding job of kind of adapting to the communication timing and being able to know the things to say and the timing to say them, and kind of keep me from deviating from a certain course or get me on to the right track. It’s collaborative in that we all are just trying to have the best play called that we have available to us. So however we get there, that communication starts with Frank, but goes to every position coach and assistant. People will chime in with the only standard being the idea of talking just to talk, that’s not. So we aren’t too heavy verbally on game day because people know to speak when adding a piece of information that’s helpful for the next decision.”
(How far in advance, there’s so little time in between plays and so much going on on the sidelines I’m sure, so how far in advance do you plan the plays? Are you one-two-three plays ahead and do you script plays at the beginning of the game for that matter?) – “So you script the first 24 to start the game off but typically on any down, I’m thinking one of three things. The next call, so the play is called and I have about three plays on my mind; one for an earned first down, one for zero to negative gain, and one for half the gain. So for instance, if it’s first-and-10, I’m thinking for the next play call while we’re lining up for first-and-10, second-and-5 or second-and-10. So you have those three so you can keep the tempo of the game and then you get to second down and then it goes to two scenarios, or I guess it’s three still. It’s your first-and-10 call, if you get no yardage what that third down and distance, and then if you’re somewhere in between. So you’re doing that on every play, at least that’s how I do it, every play for three hours, which is why you shouldn’t judge me so much in my postgame press conferences.” (laughter)
(Do you follow the 24?) – “Yeah, typically yeah. I mean, you just adjust usually the first couple plays. Usually the first 24 plays we really like. If you get off of them for a situational reason, usually I’ll go back to them. But at the same time, that’s not 100 percent because so often defenses are doing things that they’ve never put on tape before, so then you’re adjusting with that. There is a lot of adjustment.”
Thursday, December 21, 2023
OL Liam Eichenberg
(What’s the challenge of playing through your injury?) – “It’s all mental. I would say it’s all mental. That’s kind of what it is. I think game day, I feel fine every game day. It doesn’t matter what I’m dealing with, I’m going to be out there trying to help the team win.”
(I know you may not line up necessarily against him, but when Cowboys LB Micah Parsons is brought up in the offensive line rooms in those meetings, what really gets said about him and the way he plays?) – “He’s a great player, plays hard, very physical, has great speed. He’s somebody that we’re focused on. It’s kind of one of those situations that when he lines up over you, you’ve got to understand what’s coming and be on top of your technique and your fundamentals. That’s the biggest thing.”
(Being around DT Christian Wilkins and DT Zach Sieler for a couple of years, obviously you practiced against them a lot in August. Have you seen their pass rush moves improve? What do you think has been key to them putting up sack numbers that are unprecedented for Zach and for Christian?) – “I would say they’re guys who – definitely their pass rush has improved, but I think at the end of the day, they play hard and they play throughout the whole entire play and they play every play. I think a lot of guys kind of to take some plays off occasionally. But I know with those two, whenever they’re lined up over me, they’re going the whole play and some. They have a crazy good work ethic and it’s displayed on the field every Sunday.”
(Does that friendship kind of breed like a friendly competition between the two, almost like who can get there in the backfield first?) – “Yeah, I mean, I think that’s probably the case. I couldn’t really tell you. It seems like the d-line in general kind of competes with each other every single game, every single practice. Those guys are in here on off days working out. Even Raekwon (Davis) is in there working out too so you got the big boy in there. But I think it’s more about how they do everything. It’s just not about Sunday’s. It’s all the little things.”
Thursday, December 21, 2023
RB Raheem Mostert
(FB Alec Ingold thought one of the ball was going to Canton. Is that true? Or is it simply going in your living room?) – “I think one of them went to Canton. I don’t know yet. I know it’s probably in the archives. That’s what I was told. I have the second ball. So that one is probably more important because I actually set the standard for more touchdowns.”
(So you want to keep rotating the balls until the final one?) – “Yeah, until I can’t anymore this year.” (laughter)
(Was there a moment maybe on your couch or with your wife on Sunday night just thinking about all the great players that have played for the Dolphins and you have scored more touchdowns in a single year then all of them?) – “I was sitting there thinking about Ricky Williams. I grew up a big Ricky Williams fan. Just this past Tuesday, I drove back to my hometown and me and my brother got to hang out at the park and we started reminiscing about life. There was a time we both wore Ricky Williams’ jersey at one point when we were younger. So to be able to break that record, it’s so surreal for both him and I. We looked up to Ricky when we were younger.”
(Have you met Ricky Williams and did he reach out to you?) – “Yeah, I’ve met Ricky. He reached out to me. He congratulated me on social media. It was pretty cool.”
(You’re about to get 1,000 yards for the first time in your career. What will that mean to you?) – “It’ll mean a lot. Being a running back, that’s always the goal is to try to get 1,000 and break that 1k. But I try not to think about it and just go out there play the game. I know I got 34 yards left I got to accomplish, but all in all, I’m just ready to play this game.”
(Is there something you’ve added to your game this season?) – “No, nothing too crazy. I just try to work on my body as much as I possibly can and try to create a routine for myself.”
(How are you doing this at 31?) – “Staying up to date with everything. Staying in tune with everybody and the whole organization and even the training staff. I got a great regimen from them.”
(When you watch film of Dallas from last week, were you kind of picturing how can we get some of these 266 yards?) – “Of course. You’re always trying to picture that. But at the end of the day, sometimes it doesn’t play out like that. I try not to hype myself up too much. But it’s always appealing when you see the team before we play them get that many rushing yards like that. You get anxious and excited, but you do have to calm your nerves to because at the end of the day, every Sunday is a different Sunday.”
(How do you balance that watching that last game and the body of work this season?) – “I mean, the film doesn’t lie. You got to watch the film and see what they bring. Last week was probably one of their off weeks. Who knows? Maybe they didn’t get the right call in at times. Maybe Buffalo drew up some good schemes against them on the offensive side of the ball. There’s a lot of different variables that go into it. But at the end of the day, we got to do what we have to do and bring our A game.”
(At the start of the week, as far as total rushing yards, it was Christian McCaffrey then James Cook after a big game Sunday, then you. Would leading the AFC in rushing or the league be meaningful? I know winning takes priority over everything, but does that have much meaning to you?) – “Not so much right now at the moment. I just want to help this team as best as I can and try to get into the postseason. Once that happens, I feel like I’m a little fireball and start rolling in the postseason. Once you get in that postseason talk, that’s when things ramp up. But right now, it’s Dallas and we’re trying to win against them.”
(Mike McDaniel talked a lot this week after you set the record about seeing you grow from your days with the 49ers. Do you remember the first conversation when he brought you over to Miami and reconnecting here?) – “Yeah, I remember the first conversation I had with Mike. I was just a curious cat, just trying to figure out how I can elevate my game, especially in the run game, especially with outside zone. I’ve always been a running back that can fit in pretty much any system, in the pass game or whether it be in the run game, and flourish. But I was more shotgun. Especially in college, we didn’t necessarily run outside zone like we do now. Just seeing the different variables of the offense and trying to understand what it takes to achieve the highest level within this offense, it’s something I started having conversations with Mike back in San Fran. And then him coming here made it easier for me to make my decision to come here as well and try to grow as a player and as an individual. I’m somebody that wants to take it to new heights. I keep hearing these chatters about age and everything. Obviously, my age isn’t stopping anything. I’m just trying to set the standard for a group of guys who want to come in and feel like if you want to be a 31-, 32-year-old running back, it’s ok. You can go out here and still produce at a high level because obviously I’m doing that at an exceptional rate. It’s just a lot of fun and I’m having fun doing it.”
(Sorry if this was already covered, but what would it mean to be a 1,000-yard back?) – “Yeah, it was already covered. But it’ll mean a lot. As a running back, it’s what you want. Touching that 1k is special. As a running back, like I said, it’s what you want. For me to be able to be right there, only need 34 yards, is very exciting. That’s literally one run – one run away. But I’m not trying to worry about that. I’m trying to worry about Dallas right now. I’m trying to worry about winning against them and dominating against them and trying to get to the postseason.”
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith
(You have a five-game sample size of OL Liam Eichenberg at center this year, obviously the first time in his career. How has it gone in your view?) – “It’s been great. You can’t say enough about what Liam’s been able to do and the whole line just in general with all the different scenarios that we’ve faced. A lot of it goes back to, like we talked about, just kind of the whole way we went into the off-season and training camp, just making guys versatile and flexible. I can’t say enough about what Liam’s been able to do. Just his mental toughness. Just really loving the position. Each one that he’s learning, the perspective that you get is invaluable. I can’t say enough about what’s been able to do to help this football team this year.”
(What about what OL Liam Eichenberg went through last week where he gutted through an injury that was pretty substantial and not practice and then play.) – “It’s pretty cool. But it’s kind of the whole group, just their collective mindset to if we can go, we’ll go and help this football team. Consummate teammates. You’ve heard from them. Their group standard of what they want their play to look like and how they want to play together, it’s been awesome to watch them all year just respond to the challenges the season faces and respond to who we’re going to need to fill roles throughout the games. Great work we’ve done so far. We’ll have another great test this week and we’ll have to respond appropriately.”
(If I could follow up, you’ve built offensive lines before. You’ve coached that unit working your way up in the league. What does it take to build a unit with that kind of camaraderie and chemistry and development?) – “It’s kind of when you’re looking at it, really when you’re building anything, you look at what kind of foundation you’re going to build upon. If you build a building, it’ll crumble even if it gets the highest if the foundation is weak. We try to make sure we have men of character, guys who really love football. They have the instincts, the vision, the willingness to grow and learn. There’s so much that you try to look for. Who’s the person that we’re bringing in here, along with now coupled with the coaches you put into the room? So I mean ultimately when you’re talking about the environment, which we create here to have players have the opportunity to be their best every day, everything is about them. So we make sure we put the best resources around them. Put the people with the best coaches we can bring, the best men, teachers. Then ultimately, you keep growing with a system that fits, understanding of the system, growth through it. I think ultimately if you take all those components, you build something that lasts. Just it’s been really fun for us reflecting on a lot of things, through spring to now, the challenges that you have to face to grow the unit together, different variables, different pieces, and to watch them respond, it’s been awesome. Like I said, it’ll be another great challenge this week.”
(I’m curious how your individual relationship has grown with QB Tua Tagovailoa in year two as you guys have more and more success?) – “Yeah, I just think like all the guys, Tua especially, when you get to know the person better, you get to know efficient communication. You make sure you know intent and understand things. I think ultimately, when we have a lot of guys on offense who are trying to get the pieces, as you grow and know each other better, I think it’s just efficiency of communication. You’re able to make sure you get what is necessary and quickly because they’re going from their position coach, me, Mike (McDaniel). Whoever it is, I think ultimately knowing what they need, how efficiently can you communicate it and get them going to the next opportunity to play, I think that’s the biggest thing over time, we really get to know them better. And I think that’s all relationships. The more you know someone, the easier it is to communicate. The basis of our industry is elite communication. I think that’s one of the things that really is a benefit.”
(I wonder about the coaching chess match that goes on, not just on gameday, but during the week in terms of you look at film of Dallas, they got gashed on the ground with their run defense last week. So maybe there’s a temptation to see what you can do on the ground. But I also hear Mike McDaniel say they’re going to focus on shoring up that part of their defense. So how do you weight all of that in terms of putting together a game plan, not just this week, but any week?) – “If you look at the result of the game and you focus on that is who they are, then it’s extremely misleading. You look at a defense and their body of work, who they are, how they work together, how they communicate, when are they at their best, how do they try and feature their guys. All the things that go into our gameplan, that drives your decision. It’s not like, ‘man, they gave up this so therefore they’re that.’ One individual result doesn’t necessarily equal who they are. They have a great coaching staff, players who really understand what they’re doing. So you know they’re going to be working on what they need to do to improve. Ultimately, when we look at things and the variables that we’re trying to control, we look at who are our personnel going to be for the game, who are they as a defense, how do they work together, how do they move their defense in and out and how do we attack it? That’s kind of our driving force. Not necessarily like you’d say, they struggled here, but then maybe it’s not only that was that game. If someone shows something that they’re working on, they’re a good staff. They should go back to the lab and get it fixed. So you have to weigh the variables out of more of the entirety more than one individual game.”
(They have one of the best players in the league in LB Micah Parsons. Do you guys have a phrase that you use, like ok he’s a guy we circle or we star or a halo guy? I’m sure you highlight that this is a guy if we don’t find a way to slow him down, we don’t have a chance. Do you guys start with one guy?) – “Yes, you have to be very aware. He’s an elite player in the league. Wherever he lines up, they’re very aware too and they’re versatile with how they deploy him throughout their front of the defense. When you start, you look at overall how does the defense, how do they play it? Then how do they use their personnel inside of it? Then ok, do we try to work our matchups to control their matchups? If you go too far down the rabbit hole, you’re sitting there going through too many what if’s as opposed to focusing on what you do know and how we play at our best. But yeah, they have several players on their defense that are very good and we’ll have to be on it. The greatest thing is it’s December football. You just really want to be having these games at home and be able to keep getting better and showcase where we want to go and how we’ve grown from September to now.”
(These last three games are not about any individual, but quarterbacks are different. For QB Tua Tagovailoa, what’s at stake here as far as winning in December, getting confidence, all those types of things?) – “It just all comes down to the offense and what we’re doing together. Things don’t necessarily go – you’re looking at one guy and all that. We’re collectively trying to get better together and keep growing on great lessons from the last week. And how do we keep growing as a unit? Each guy is an individual component and obviously the quarterback has an effect on a lot of parts of it. But for us, it’s all about today. How do we get better today? What are we focusing on today? What part of the gameplan are we focusing on today to get better? The reality is when you look too far out and all that, that’s not what we do here. We focus on today, each play and how do we make sure we’re maximizing our moments to be our very best.”
(A lot of people look at RB Raheem Mostert as a speed back. What has made him so successful punching the ball into the end zone, and running between the tackles sometimes?) – “In his past, you could see the speed, but he had the physical element. Now it’s one of those things that when you work with the guy, you can see his passion for the game, and how so many parts as his career went. He has that natural chip on his shoulder ready to play every day. I think it’s just part of his running style. You saw a lot of the speed in the past, but now you’re seeing him really showcasing who he is. We, as a staff, can’t say enough about him and what he brings to this football team, and who he is as a man. He is what you look for in football players.”
(Quarterbacks/Passing Game Coordinator Darrell Bevell was in here earlier and labelled QB Tua Tagovailoa’s superpowers as anticipation, timing, accuracy, and vision. One of the examples he gave was a throw against the Chargers earlier this year with like four defenders around. Any throws of Tua’s this season, any anecdotal stories that come to mind?) – “I don’t know if it is one necessarily. That one that he referenced was obviously very impressive. But there have been so many over the course of the last two years. He had the touchdown to River Cracraft last year vs. Buffalo where he threw it in there off the break in quarters. The anticipation play he made last year to Tyreek (Hill) vs. Green Bay. There are so many things you look at. His ability to execute within the offense has been great. That comes from him building the trust with the guys to be in the right place at the right time, the execution of the line to understand the intent of the timing of the play. There are so many parts of when you have a collective piece coming together the way it is that for him to be able to play that way, it’s a result of so many other people. It’s been awesome to watch, especially when you’re going, ‘this week, how can we make sure we keep getting better and working on those same things.’ Yeah, he’s doing an awesome job.”
(Yesterday QB Tua Tagovailoa talked about WR Jaylen Waddle and how with the arrival of WR Tyreek Hill, it’s kind of natural to wonder you were the No. 1 option as a rookie, how are you going to fit in? This year we know he’s dealt with injuries and sometimes not having the production that we all anticipated, he anticipated. After the game he had with WR Tyreek Hill out, what has stood out to you about how he handled this season with the injuries or maybe not getting the opportunities we expected on a week-in and week-out basis?) – “I think it really shows his character that we see every day. He had an excellent spring and an excellent offseason. The way he went about everything. Just the daily process to get better. When you see somebody go about their business so deliberate for months, you’re not surprised when the opportunity arrives for them to showcase all the banked work they’ve done. I think it’s a testament to who he is. He knew what time it was. He and Tua obviously work together well. I think when you get moments to showcase like that, you can’t be more proud of the guy because you watched him in April, May. You watched it so it’s no surprise to a lot of us because of his daily process.”
(Last season, just based on the numbers, QB Tua Tagovailoa was attempting a lot more passes further downfield. This year, he’s getting it out quicker, a lot more passes going closer to the line of scrimmage. How much did developing that kind of gameplan factor into the goal of keeping him healthy and limiting the amount of times he’s been hit this season?) – “I think it’s more of we look at things like how do we appropriately attack the defense and put stress on them? Yes, you want them to understand that you have a vertical passing game, and you have to defend 100 yards. But the width of the field and the space of the field is also an area that people sometimes don’t challenge them as well, because once you get them to play the width as opposed to the length, you create natural space that you can attack. The way we try to make sure we have guys on the roster, they understand how to attack the space. You can create explosive plays through quick throws if you’re attacking the defense in the manner to which went into our preparation on how we think we can do it. It’s ultimately how the collective piece of when you use your guys and they know you can go that way, well you also have to defend this way for those lanes we can create in between. I think it’s not necessarily because of this. It’s more because if we do these things, they are going to have to respond to such, so now that’s our layering of what we’re trying to do. We’re moving the defense around the field to make sure we attack the appropriate space. That’s kind of really the driving force to all of our decisions.”
(So it’s not more like QB Tua Tagovailoa not getting hit as much or getting involved? It’s a result of this type of gameplan, but that’s not necessarily the reason why you’re doing it?) – “Yeah. Like everything, for us there is a marriage for certain parts of the plan, and then how can we do elements of the plan and then attack them at a time at which maybe there is still dropping in their zones. Maybe they are seeing a formation from us that we’re now doing something else out of it. It’s part of the attack, and sometimes those immediate throws that they are not exactly ready for, you can catch it and you can split zones. Or they have a man answer, and we have a man answer and he just didn’t get there because he didn’t attack the zone. We try to make sure we are multiple in what we do because if you’re always going for the home run, you won’t have the greatest hitting percentage. It’s like in baseball. I’m making sure we’re here, there, everywhere. That’s basically where we go to with the offense.”
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman
(What went in to being prepared for that fake punt last week? Is that film study or is that reading a key as the play happens?) – “It’s not necessarily a key. They have had some success over the last two years in those types of situations on short to medium where they’ve used it to try and get some things jumpstarted. So any of those situations, it was one of the things that we were alert for. Now once you’re alert for it, there’s a myriad of things that they could have done – run, pass, pass inside, pass outside. Good execution. The call we were in was one we thought we could be a little bit good on everything and the guys did a great job executing.”
(Were there some tells with the Jets where certain Jets players were lined up?) – “No, it was their base punt group. It was more the down and distance and field position where we were alert for something.”
(With RB Chris Brooks activated, what could he potentially bring to special teams?) – “Well, he was really doing a good job. His evolution from where he was when he got here to when he made the roster through training camp, and then each game he was participating in, he kept getting better and better. Hopefully, we’re able to restart that and at worst, start him off to where he was when we’re able to get him back on the field. But a good young player. I’m really happy that he’s back as a possible availability for the game.”
(What was that game like just with the shuffling of the special teams unit, because a lot of guys had to play defense that you usually had on special teams?) – “Yeah, it’s always an issue. When you have injuries, there’s always a trickle down. This year, especially the last couple of weeks, it has been magnified a little bit more. But that’s just part of it. You’ve got to prepare for it. You talk about it and a lot of times, it’s one of those things you talk about, you communicate, you go over stuff and it doesn’t happen. Whether you look at it as a positive or a negative, it’s happened the last couple of weeks where we’ve lost guys and guys have had to step up and groups change and play time changes and positions change. It’s a process, but the players have done a good job. And again, it all starts with Mike (McDaniel) from the jump start of hey, we’re working with a 69-man roster and guys are getting elevated at the very last second, guys getting flexed at the last second, guys roles changing at the last second. The players have bought in because, especially now that they’ve seen it happen the last couple of weeks, it really adds credence to what we’re preaching.”
(What stood out to you on what CB Ethan Bonner did on special teams? I know he got in some on defense as well. But on special teams, specifically, I saw him on some kickoffs, some punts.) – “Another deal where he was a last-second end-of-the-week elevation and played on two of the phases and did a good job of what we asked him to do. We’ve talked to him a couple times this year and in these meetings. He’s a talented young player who, once he starts getting experience, he’s got a chance to even be a better player.”
(I don’t know the exact position title, but he was on the far-left side for the kickoff coverage.) – “Yeah, he played the one spot for us on kickoff.”
(Is that a lot about speed?) – “It’s a combination. That’s a position that we ask that guy to do a couple of different things based on what we’re doing. But again, he’s a smart, heady player who hasn’t had a lot of reps and to be able to go out there and execute at the last minute, I was happy with how he performed.”
(What trait stands out with WR Braxton Barrios when you look at him as a returner?) – “Number one, ball security. We had the one muff early in the year but ball security, you feel good about him handling the football. Decision making, which is paramount in that position. And then most importantly, then once he gets the ball in his hand, he’s fearless.”
(A question for you putting on your veteran football coach hat about teams playing a team that’s coming off of a loss. Dallas is, obviously Kansas City was, Philadelphia was. You guys were laser focused last week. You haven’t lost back-to-back games. Is there something about a team coming off a loss that you worry about? How do you account for that?) – “I don’t ever think about that. I look at who they are, what they are, the personnel, how talented they are, how well-coached they are. I’m assuming every week we’re going to get their best shot. It’s the same idea when you see teams on winning streaks. Is there any difference between a team coming in on a six-game winning streak and a one-game losing? I have no control over what they’re doing. I just make sure that as much as we can, we’re focused on what we’re doing. And if you get their best shot, it’s a good football team.”
(Dallas’ kicker has an unusual – like a lot of kickers – has an unusual background. Out of left field, do you ever watch soccer games and think..?) – “Yes, I do. But not with that idea. What he’s done, it’s really remarkable and they’ve done a great job with him. Obviously, if you take every kicker in the National Football League, they all have a soccer background. It’s all been part of it. He’s just different because his background ended a year and a half ago, in terms of playing soccer. Really impressive kid and it wouldn’t surprise me – it’s like anything else. It only takes one. I wouldn’t be surprised if more and more guys now don’t maybe pursue that route of going to some of the offseason camps and getting acquainted with some of the coaches around the league that work primarily just with punters and kickers and try and make that avenue to the National Football League. But he’s been super impressive.”
(What do you think of Lionel Messi as a kicker?) – “(laughter) More than willing. (laughter) More than willing.”
(You said you watch soccer, just you love the game?) – “Years and years ago, I had an English player who was a kicker for me in Carolina and he was a big soccer fan. I didn’t know much about it, didn’t follow it. Him constantly talking about it, and then obviously on Saturday and Sunday mornings talking about it, and it started showing up. It’s something that – (Assistant Special Teams) Brendan Farrell has it on his TV every Saturday morning so when I walk in there, there’s always something going on. It’s something I enjoy in the offseason. This time of year, I don’t watch anything.”
(Are there a lot of people in this country who could make a bunch of 65-yard field goals but the problem is they can’t consistently repeat a technique?) – “I think there’s a lot of things. Yeah, could they just go out there and put a ball on a stick and do it? Yeah. Now you add a holder. Now you add a snapper and a holder. Now you add the protection with people coming at you. Then to your point, then do it time and time again. It’s an acquired long process to be able to do it on a consistent basis, which is what makes what we’re seeing now so impressive with what’s happened in Dallas.”
(So what’s your favorite soccer team? Be careful.) – “Well, sadly for a long time I was a Chelsea supporter and it’s been hard the last couple years. (laughter)”
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio
(Last week you had CB Jalen Ramsey shadow Jets WR Garrett Wilson. Was that only because CB Xavien Howard was out, and might you consider having Jalen shadow even when Xavien returns?) – “It was because ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) was out.”
(How did CB Jalen Ramsey do? From my untrained eye it looked like he put on a clinic.) – ‘He played real well. He really did. He got challenged a few times on some tough routes that he answered. He really played a good game. He really did.”
(CB Jalen Ramsey has been really good through seven games. He’s given up hardly anything. If he’s at times matched up against WR CeeDee Lamb – we rarely talk about the opponent these days but I’m interested to talk about Ramsey and Lamb. If they do match up, what do you think about that matchup?) – “It’s one worth watching. Two really good players. Two capable players. CeeDee Lamb is one of the wide receivers in the league. Jalen is one of the top corners in the league. It will be interesting to watch. I wish I had popcorn to sit at home and watch it.”
(You guys are only two sacks away from a franchise record. It seems like everyone is part of the party. What is it about this pass-rushing group that everyone is so connected the way they get after the quarterback. You don’t have one star that has all the sacks.) – “I think we do a good job of rushing as a unit instead of rushing as individuals and realizing that a good even rush, whether you’re running games or not – we run our fair share of games – will provide results for the entire group.”
(One individual that had a great pass rushing game was LB Bradley Chubb. What did he unlock that game? He’s been pretty consistent.) – “He had a really good game obviously production wise. I think he’s been playing good all year. It’s just that this game, the production became extraordinary with the three sacks and a couple of caused fumbles .Sometimes you just get games like that. I think he’s been playing good all year. But obviously with the production last game, it was a special game for him.”
(What gives LB Bradley Chubb the knack to force so many fumbles?) – “I think he’s got the knack ingrained in him over the years. I think ‘Camp’ (Linebackers Coach Anthony Campanile) does a good job leading the takeaway charge for us as coaches. But Bradley has that knack.”
(Did you have any connection last year with DT Ndomukong Suh in Philly? What are you thoughts on him?) – “I did not have any interaction with him last year.”
(Your thoughts on DT Ndamukong Suh as a player?) – “He is an interesting guy in that we all know what a great player he has been in this league. I think we were interested to see if he has anything left and if he has mutual interest.”
(You were just mentioning the CB Jalen Ramsey vs. WR CeeDee Lamb matchup. There is going to be a lot of interesting one-on-one matchups. OL Austin Jackson vs. LB Micah Parsons is another one. Is there room for a player to get involved in a one-on-one matchup? Are you aware of who you’re going against? Is it healthy for that to be your focal point, or do you always have to play within the team concept?) – “You always have to stay within the team concept. You’ve got one-on-one matchups all over the field. It doesn’t matter who it’s with, you’ve got to focus on yours. Whether it’s man in the case that you’re alluding to, or zone, we have to execute. You can’t get carried away with who you’re lined up against.”
(On the subject of a fourth edge rusher, how did LB Cameron Goode do in his 20 defensive snaps, and does LB Melvin Ingram look to you like he’s close to NFL ready this season?) – “Cam did a nice job in the limited time he got in there. He knew his assignments, was where he was supposed to be, and did a good job. We had a lot of guys step up in that game. Elijah (Campbell) played really good at the safety spot. Obviously Brandon (Jones) has been thrown in there a few times. He played good. Duke (Riley) has been playing good ever since he’s been in there for ‘Bake’ (Jerome Baker). We’ve had a lot of guys step up. Eli Apple got back in there. It was a great team performance defensively. And Mel, last week was a different week with the short week. We didn’t really practice a whole lot other than walkthroughs. This week we’ll get him some action and today particularly. With (Emmanuel) Ogbah’s injury – he’s questionable to play – he could be up this week.”
(The Dolphins have only finished in the top 10 in offense and defense in the same year one time in the last 50 years. You guys are in that position now – one on offense, six on defense in yards. How confident do you feel that this defense is going to play to that high level in what is clearly a challenging finish to the season with three games left?) – “I’m confident but you got to go out and do it. Obviously we’ve been down some guys as of late and the guys that have come in have done a nice job. We’ve been that way all year. Jalen (Ramsey) missed the first seven games, Jevon (Holland) has now missed the last three. (Jerome) Baker has missed time. ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) missed three games. So it’s been happening all year, but really the only stat I’m worried about is wins and losses. That’s it.”
(I was curious if there’s anything you and the position coaches do during the week in terms of the preparation to make sure the guys who haven’t really played much and are stepping into starting roles are ready to go? Like you mentioned, CB Eli Apple hadn’t played significant snaps for several weeks, S Brandon Jones, guys like that. Is there anything you and the position coaches do to get those guys extra reps or to get ingrained?) – “Yeah, they have to do a good job, both the coaches and the player, of getting mental reps. We’re at the point in the season more so then it ever used to be, where the reps in practice are limited, when you’re actually going at a good tempo. So it’s really critical for those guys to focus in the meetings and execute in the meetings mentally. We get them all some reps during practice, but with the reps being limited, it’s really not enough that you would like ideally. So they got to just be ready. You hope through the OTA’s, if they were here with us, through training camp if they were here with us, those reps carry over. But you see Elijah (Campbell) played a lot better this past game because he got the reps all week.”
(Just want to get your take on what stands out about Cowboys QB Dak Prescott’s game on tape and how he commands that offense.) – “Yeah, he’s playing at a very high level. He has been all year. He seems really comfortable in the new offense. Mike (McCarthy) has a really good offense schematically and he does a good job of play-calling it. Prescott is really comfortable in it. They mix the quick game, mix the shots, mix their formations. I think the offense really fits Prescott.”
(Were there things that Buffalo exposed last week?) – “No, it was just one of those games where they got behind early and never could quite get on track. I don’t think so. Sometimes you get those games that are anomalies.”
(I was talking to one of your guys about CB Jalen Ramsey and he said during practice, Jalen will hop in on scout team against WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle. How frequent does that happen? Is that normal for a defensive player to do that?) – “No, it’s not normal, especially at this point in the season. But again, it’s something that he started to do once he got back to practicing because he had no offseason, had no training camp. He needed reps, as many as he could get, to get ready for those first few games that he played in. He’s just kind of carried it over. He’s not doing it quite as much as he was when he first got back, but he is still doing it some.”
(Are you surprised that the Dolphins offense has gotten deep so many times in games this year?) – “No. I mean you got good receivers that can run. We run the ball well, so you can’t be playing deep all the time. Mike (McDaniel) and Frank (Smith) do a good job of scheming it up. They’re good receivers and Tua (Tagovailoa) is capable of throwing a good deep ball.”
(Talking about CB Jalen Ramsey earlier, he mentioned to us after the game he doesn’t get a lot of activity, maybe bored for a lack of a better word. As a coordinator, do you view that as a good thing or a bad thing that they won’t throw at him?) – “It’s just part of the deal. I think some of it is by design by them. Some of it is just happenstance of the coverage we’re in and the quarterback reads take them. I mean, I don’t look at it either way, to be honest with you.”
(Has DT Christian Wilkins improved pass rush under your system surprised you? Have you expected it?) – “No, I’m not surprised by it. Like I’ve told you guys many times, I liked him coming out of the draft that year. I think he’s always had the ability to be more productive in the pass rush. This year is proving to be evidence of that.”
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
FB Alec Ingold
(In Dallas’ last game, we saw them giving up 266 rushing yards. You guys love rushing, you love running the ball. So put it together, what did you see and what are you thinking?) – “Obviously there’s a lot of context going into the game. There’s a lot of storylines, a lot of narratives. You don’t want to put all your eggs into one basket for any team, any game, any prep. Obviously we know they have a ton of strain, a ton of talent on the defensive line, the back end, and those linebackers in the middle. So as an offense, when we’re looking at that defense, you see a lot of talent, a lot of hard workers, a lot of strain. Dan Quinn has coached them up really well. That’s a dangerous team and they’re coming down here with a point to prove. They’re going to be a little ornery, so I think we’re going to expect their best game and we’ve got to give them our best game too.”
(How much more difficult does it make it facing a team that just got humiliated the week before?) – “I mean, it’s a week-to-week business but anytime you kind of get a reality check so to speak – we had one recently – everyone gets focused. Everyone dials into the details. Those make for the most impressive and exciting and fun games to be a part of. You know they’re going to bring their best stuff down here to South Florida and it’s a great opportunity for us to be able to play a really good team with a lot of wins here at Hard Rock Stadium. It’s going to be fun.”
(Just kind of a random question, with the New Year right around the corner, what are your hopes for 2024?) – “What are my hopes? Oh man. I think just hitting a good reset button, being with the family. I want to hold really good priorities this next year. I want to be the best version of myself every single day and by the time we’re talking at 2024, hopefully we’ll have more wins in the bank then we do this year.”
(You touched on the fact that you guys had to come off a tough loss and now Dallas is in that similar position. Would you rather catch a team that’s not in that kind of position that’s kind of cruising along?) – “I think the best teams, when they’re playing their best football, that’s where I have the most fun. The most competitive fourth-quarter games, those are the ones that you look for, those are the ones you’re most excited for. I don’t think you ever look forward to a down team or a team that’s a little beat up. You want this best teams with the best possible circumstance and you want to see where you measure. That’s why we play the game, that’s why we’re professionals. I think that’s the challenge that you want to expect and accept as a professional.”
(You have a couple of things going on in your room right now. RB Raheem Mostert is closing in his first 1,000-yard season. RB Chris Brooks coming back after a very strong performance early in the year. What are you most looking forward to?) – “I’m excited to give Chris his Christmas presents. We have a little Christmas thing. You might have to ask some of the other running backs about how we’re going to treat our undrafted rookie. But as an undrafted rookie myself at one point, I know how important the holiday season is. We’re really excited to treat Chris and glad he’s up on the active roster this week. We’re going to treat him right, it’ll be good.”
(You’re not going to tell us what the Christmas gift is?) – “No, I mean, you can ask him and see how he’s feeling. But it’s all good. Obviously you want to look after your guys. There’s a lot of undrafted guys in that room so we know how it goes. We’re definitely looking after him and treating him right. It’s a really close room that we’ve got and anytime you can do those little things outside of the building, outside the facility, it just makes it that much more tight.”
(You might have to retrieve another ball for RB Raheem Mostert this Sunday.) – “I will retrieve every single ball that he wants to throw near to the stands. I’ll go grab all of them so he can have them.”
