| (WITH DETROIT MEDIA) On the Lions rushing three defenders and how that affects their offense: “Well, the thing they do such a great job of is they present so many different looks, and it really truly is a challenge not knowing what you’re going to get on each and every play. I’ve always had a lot of respect for (Lions Head Coach) Matt Patricia and I went against him when we were in Atlanta in 2016. Just all the different looks out of the same personnel groupings, out of multiple personnel groupings – they can do a lot. They just present a lot of different looks. It is a challenge for the offense.” On WR Davante Adams’ injury status after not practicing today: “Yeah, you guys must not have gotten the memo that we don’t really talk about injuries a whole bunch. It’s just kind of a wait-and-see deal, and I know he’s doing everything in his power to come back as soon as possible.” On why he is having more success than other first-year head coaches: “I think it’s a credit to our players. I think we have some really good players on both sides of the ball. Our team has really come together and are battling for each other. I just can’t say enough about the guys in that locker room.” On what stands out about the Lions’ offense after four games: “They have a lot of playmakers. They’re pushing the ball down the field. You know, Matthew Stafford, I think he is an elite quarterback. He is a natural thrower. He is extremely accurate. I haven’t really gone against him too many times on teams that I’ve been on, but we all watch the same tape, and I’ve always thought he was an elite quarterback.” On how he defines an elite quarterback: “It’s just somebody that when he’s on your team, that you’re confident that you have a chance each and every week to go in and win the football game.” On how many elite quarterbacks are in the NFL: “I don’t know to be honest with you. I know he’s one of them though.” On if every coach in the NFL believes they have a quarterback that they can win with every week: “I can’t speak for other guys, but I’m sure there are some guys that go into certain games and might not feel the same.” On if he feels comfortable going into games with QB Aaron Rodgers: “Yeah, I feel like our guy is pretty good.” On what has impressed him about LB Rashan Gary’s development in his first season: “I think he’s getting a little bit better each and every week. I think it usually takes those rushers some time before they really come into their own and reach their full potential. What’s been so impressive about Rashan is just the way he attacks each and every day. He’s got some good role models in that room with both Preston (Smith), Za’Darius (Smith), Kyler Fackrell – who push him each and every day. I know that you’re going to get his best effort every time we take the field.” On what has he learned about QB Aaron Rodgers after working with him: “There is not a throw that he can’t make. He is something special. I think it’s just so cool to see how he attacks every day and just how competitive he is. He’s just so in control at all times.” On what is the advantage of taking a head coaching position when he has QB Aaron Rodgers: “I think it’s just having that veteran leadership and then just with some of the pieces that we added on the defensive side of the ball. I feel like there is good leadership really in all three phases of the game and I think that’s so important because all of the good teams that I’ve been around, the best teams have been player-led. I feel fortunate that we have, like I said, we have good leaders in all three phases.” On if he grew up a Lions fan: “No comment.” On if he has been to a lot of Lions games: “The one thing I’ll say, when I was growing up, my dad obviously, he coached at Central Michigan (University) his whole career. When I was really getting into football, I mean that was about the time Barry Sanders got drafted. Naturally, how could you not love watching Barry Sanders. I thought he was, not only from a football perspective, but in all the sports, he was one of the most electric athletes in all of sports. I always enjoyed watching him every Sunday during the fall.” On how often he went to Lions games as a kid: “Not too many games just because, like I said, we were usually busy with my dad being a college football coach. I was at all those games at Central (Michigan University) or wherever they were playing almost every weekend.” On if his friends and family will support the Lions or the Packers during the game on Monday: “They are all on board with the Packers. One thing that was surprising to me, especially growing up in Michigan and then coaching up – I did one year up at Northern Michigan University. I couldn’t believe how many Packer fans were in the Upper Peninsula. We’ve definitely been able to convert a few in the Lower Peninsula.” |
