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Opening Comments:
John Lynch: "Excited for the training camp.We are both very excited.We are all.Just a few procedural points to give you an idea. We are still undergoing medical exams, but these are things we are sure we've been discussing in recent days. "Active List / PUP, [G] Jonathan Cooper will be on it. [WR] Trent Taylor goes start on the active list / PUP. [LB] Dekoda Watson will do it too.Just talk very quickly about each of these guys, we feel that each of them, they have been erased. come out of their rehab.We feel that there must be some conditioning.John Cooper, again, we feel comfortable that we want to see a little more on the side before throwing it Over there, Trent, we're just cautious there, we want him there do not have your first contact in the field. Make it grow a little on the side. Dekoda, part of his calf injury still lingers a bit. NFI list; [LB] Malcolm Smith, it will be a little surprise for all of you. It was a surprise for us. Malcolm just last week, something has come up and we are not worried. We overcame that because we examined it. But, we still feel, caution is to give it a few days early just to make sure it feels good and that we feel good. [S] Marcell Harris, same type of case. Has cleared through the rehabilitation part of its rehabilitation. Now we will get it with [head strength and conditioning coach] Ray Wright to make sure the conditioning. So, of course, you all know Kentavius Street [DL] who will be on the NFI list.
What is the situation of Malcolm Smith ? What is his injury?
JL: "It's something in the lower leg that has popped up over the past two weeks – and good for Malcolm, it's an honest guy." That worried him. enough to inform us He was with [vice president of medical services & head athletic trainer Jeff Ferguson] Ferg and [medical director/orthopaedic surgeon] Doctor [Tim] McAdams in recent days.They feel good about it, but as I said, just a few days on the I do not think it will be long. "
Did CB Richard Sherman still have his physique?
Kyle Shanahan: "They are all going through this now, but it is good to go in. It has been cleaned up and it will be training on Thursday, and today, Wednesday. Is not it? "
No PUP?
KS: "No PUP, it will be, just our plan with him for two days, a day off and then we will go this fourth day and we will withdraw the day of the fifth day and we will reevaluate it after that." [19659013] When Smith came out, who will be with the unit of the first team inside the linebacker?
KS: "There are a lot of guys who can do it, I'm sure we'll start with [LB] Brock [Coyle] and then we have [LB] Fred [Warner] right behind him. group of guys that are interchangeable, even at the WILL position, so we'll see how our defensive guys balance that out, but our MIKE and WILL are pretty much interchangeable, but now I'll wait for Brock to start it. "
When you talk to the whole team for the first time, are you going to talk about your expectations or your goals with this team? I wonder, do you see this as a playoff team?
KS: "I see ourselves as a team that has a chance to be better than last year. I think we have improved our talent. I think we all improved at the plan level. I believe we are a better team, but it 's just paper – based experience. We have to go out and put the work. We finished last year strong, but it has nothing to do with this year. It starts today and I will not get up in front of the team tonight and make a big speech. It's very simple. It's a long season, it's a grind. The camp is long and all we need to do is work and work as hard as possible. Nothing else, maybe I could say something magical that could inspire some people. But, it boils down to hard work and usually when you work hard, good things happen. "
When you talk about Richard's plan, what do you want to see from him and what do you expect from him?"
KS: "I just want to see him get down to the # 39; ease. It's different with Richard. There are a lot of guys in our team, we are very excited and we think we have a chance to have a good future and some guys who have had success. But Richard is one of our few guys who has done it for longer. We all played against him, we know what Richard is and Richard is also a guy that I believe we trust in how he thinks, how he works. We know that it is important for him to go out as anyone in this world. It is someone we will communicate a lot. Much depends on Richard. Now we have to make sure that if Richard is a bit too aggressive, it's our job to bring him back a bit. But, we have to communicate the right way because all that really matters, Richard, is to become Richard again at week 1 and he can not do it again. here then, so be honest with us because it's a matter of time when he comes back and we just want to make sure we're smart with that and not having a setback. "
What kind of approach do you take with LB Reuben Foster ? Knowing that you will not get it for two games, how much are you going to balance trying to figure out who will the guy Week 1 -?
KS: "Right now, nothing at all. Personally, you lose beginner linebackers during a Friday practice and this team scouts the whole week and it has to start on Sunday and play a whole game. So I'm watching this because our room is going to be hurt the first couple games, but yes, it's different from its suspension so we know it in advance. I do not want this to affect, we expect to play with him the rest of the year and Reuben needs to do his job, especially since he missed some OTAs and things like that. Reuben is our linebacker. We are going to go there as we would before the beginning of the year and I think as we get closer to Minnesota, we will re-evaluate that and obviously we will give our players who play in that match the best chance of being "
How do you react to the accusations of Reuben Foster and his ability to go forward?
KS: "I think Reuben did a good job. What they initially asked him is as bad as you can imagine. It's a very embarrassing thing because of the seriousness of the situation. To have all this control over you and to have to go through there, I think it would be a challenge for every human being. It would ruin a lot of people. I was very, very impressed with Reuben in the way he handled it, the process that he went through while it was happening and after it had fallen how has he been doing since? I know that he has learned a lot from this. We've talked a lot about it at the beginning, that some things seem so bad, but if you do, it can be a good thing in the long run. If you succeed, it can enlighten you on certain things and help you grow. I really think it was for Reuben and I think it has benefited him in the long run, understanding a little more about how the world works. "
When we talked, it was before the guys left for the summer and the two your messages for them were to make sure that you keep your foot on the gas and not I do not know how much you have been able to monitor things and you have had your first look at the guys coming back here.Do you feel that summer has come? went well for them?
KS: "All I hear, it sounds as good as I could have hoped. I was just talking to Ray, who was watching guys and all that. We had such an important group coming here when there were no coaches here, nothing. I know it was much bigger than last year and I hear it is the biggest that they have had here for a long time. We have a lot of guys working, a lot of guys ready to go. We have a conditioning test this afternoon which is not very difficult. I'm waiting for these guys to pass this, but you have a better idea once you see them there at this first practice. Usually, guys who do not do a lot, usually something happens to them and they miss a week or two. I hope this will not happen with our guys. I am pretty confident. "
Given what you saw about Richard during OTAs, what do you expect from him while he brings young DBs
KS:" That's it the only thing about our team I was saying all by now, we have a lot of guys in our team who are passionate about us and we think we have a chance to have a good future. We also have a ton of young guys who have not done it before or who have only done it for five games or seven or whatever. Sherman is a guy who has done it year after year. [T Joe] Staley is a guy like that. When we look at the guys who went to this second contract, who started all their first years and then started all their second contracts, we probably have about six guys and that's not a lot. So I think guys are important because they've already done it. The guys who are lucky to be like them, they are guys that they want to talk to. "How can I stay mentally strong every day? When I have a bad day, how can I always believe that I can do it? At first, you humiliate yourself all the time. Nobody goes out every day. Nobody dominates. So, there is always someone who will take you and you must have this advantage where you know you can succeed and Sherm has that. I think a lot of our young guys have the ability to have that, but it comes with success and it just has a guy like Sherm on whom to support it. "
JL:" One thing I would add to that, Sherm, Kyle did a lot of football in the NFL. I've been around a lot of football in the NFL. People always associate high IQ, the smartest football players, they usually talk about quarterback. I would tell you in the abilities that I have been around him in the short time we have had, he is one of the smartest football players I have been around. The way he understands concepts. I know he and Kyle are going to talk, and even the way he understands the offense. We really believe that it is contagious. Then, his work habits. He has not been much on the ground, but he has already had a huge impact on the guys around him. It's a real positive thing. We do it too, we brought him here to be a hell of a player, so I think he will provide that to us both.
Is there an update on WR Dante Pettis ?
] JL: "You know, I am fully confident that it will be here. I am really. I'm expecting him to be here at the first meeting and would be surprised if he was not there. "
So, you'll sign it soon?
JL:" We're not there yet, so I'm ". I'm not saying that. But, I am fully confident that we will get there. "
When is the first meeting?
JL:" 1:30? "
KS:" We have a bunch of management meetings for five hours, yeah. The first real meeting is 6:30. Conditioning test 1h30.
What you saw from RB Jerick McKinnon up to now being on film and not on pads, how do you think it fits in that you would like to do, when you look at guys like Atlanta Falcons RB Devonta Freeman and the guys who have this skill game? Do you think it sticks to this mold?
KS: "Yes, I think it's very similar.Several style runners, but the main thing is that it starts by being a step back.You have to be a good running back for really have the effects of being good in the pass game because if you are only good in the pass game, then they can just treat you as a receiver and it's different.So it starts with to be a step back and we really like him as a running back.We have studied every race that he had in Minnesota.I think he's enrolled in the type of races. that we are doing very well.He has the speed.He has the ability to cut and he has the stamina to pass arm attacks.Then the pass game is the huge bonus. 39, is a problem of confrontation .It is very good in his roads.I think it is similar to Free this way with the guy q which you were raising. In terms of versatility, he will help us a lot. "
QB Jimmy Garoppolo Obviously getting his contract and ascending as a player that he becomes, he made the headlines in the offseason that he was his former coach texting him or with whom he was seen in public, do you need to talk to him about making these adjustments based on how he's seen off the field as a quarterback of the franchise or is it? is something you trust in him that he can handle alone?
KS: "I have never heard of these articles. What are you talking about? No, you talk to people and Jimmy comes from a place where he has seen a lot of people handle this spot and everything. So, I think Jimmy has an idea. I think everyone has an idea of how you should handle the spotlight. But not everyone is in this situation. I have never commented on a player 's date in July of my life, so I will not start today because I do not think it really concerns us. But, I think it's a very good example. Even if you know, sometimes you have to learn how we are all under the microscope. It's not just the quarterback. That's all the players. The quarterback certainly receives more than everyone else, but I think it's a good learning experience for him and he needs to know what comes with it. "
Because of the way you ended the season last year big for a 6-10 team, do you feel that at all and if so, do you have to address to you and the team?
KS: "Well, I mean, it would be nice if everyone did not talk time. I know this is one of them, but that is what is happening outside here. If our guys make a living just by reading and listening to radio shows, that kind of thing might bother you. I am aware that people have talked a lot about us and that is what comes with the territory when you win your last five games after starting so badly. I mean, we all know that does not mean anything. This is not the case. You have to work and you have to take care of your business. I could sit here and talk about all the expectations to our players, but all I do is talk about what people are talking about outside of here. I do not feel it with our guys. If we had guys who did not show up for the last 40 days, if I thought the guys were going through the OTAs, I felt we had run out late last year and I think we're working even harder strong this year. I did not know was possible. So, I do not feel anything with our team. I am very aware of what is happening on the outside and I know that if we start with some losses, it will just be "Oh, they thought that they had arrived." We do not think at all. We were 6-10 last year. We have won these last five games and we have not only blown up the guys. I just mentioned all the young people we have and that can go in many ways. Each season is hard. Nothing is easy and we do not think it will happen. We are ready to go to work and we know it will be difficult. We know that we will face adversity. What will separate us is, hopefully, the way we react to adversity.
Now that you have a full season to your credit as a head coach, how will you approach this camp compared to last year? Obviously, the circumstances are very different, but what will you do with similar and different?
KS: "I think I've removed a few of their representatives very early.This is a brand new team, but we have a better idea of most of our players than they are. last year we added new guys and things, but last year we had all gone through OTAs and we are still trying to understand people.It is really hard to change of culture, which means that it was a philosophy and now you are trying to do yours.You can say whatever you want, but you have to drill that and you have to preach it every day. Well this year, it's that our guys know it and the new players have come in. I, John, the coaches, we do not have to beat him as much because the other players do it. world has a much better idea, which makes it a little more exciting.This gives you the impression that you can pr take steps to get better a little faster. On the other hand, every year it's a new team and we have to see how this team comes together. We have to mix the new parts and we have to make sure that the people who were here improve and are not worse. "
Would you say that the right-hander and the bettor are open competitions?"
KS: "Yeah, you know, I think the real guard is a real big one. I would say that the bettor is too. We have a lot of competition in our team. The right guard is a place that I think would probably be the biggest on our line. We just signed [G] Laken [Tomlinson] just after the OTAs. We are obviously waiting for him to start guarding left, but if he has a horrible camp and the guy behind him is much better, we will always play what we think gives us the best chance of winning . But, these are probably the most open places. "
John, as you have tinkered with and built your list during this offseason, how much of that, if any, was with an eye to Rams [19659004] and what they have and what they do?
JL: "It's a good question. I think you should always get what you want to get in this league, what I learned, is that you must own your division. This is the ultimate goal. I think we are very attentive and Kyle and I spend a lot of time, 'What kind of players are we looking for?' That's really what we're counting on, but I can not tell you when you're talking about Laken Tomlinson's signature, you say, "Hey, we'd better have someone." One to block [Los Angeles Rams DL] Aaron Donald.So, of course, I think the people you face, the same goes for Seattle and Arizona.I think sometimes you know about it, but in reality, our litmus test are the things that we believe translate into championship players and championship teams.We have it very well defined, but yes, I think you have an idea about who you are most competing with and it's 39, is your division. "
KS:" Also, it's difficult for us competitive.Every decision you make is to succeed now and in the future.Therefore, you have to balance both. What you think, is, "How's this guy going to go against this guy?" It's year after year and it can really make you feel better in a game, but maybe this guy does not matter. Now it ruined us. There are many things that come into play. Our goal is to win our division. So we have three teams that we compete with, more than anyone in this league. But, we are still trying to make the right decision, not just to be defeated by beating one of these three. "
Are you looking for receivers of free veterans or guys who might be available via the trade?"
JL: "We are still watching. We will always try to improve our team. But, we have been pretty firm. We love our home body, we really do it. We are delighted with the group we have. We truly believe that they will emerge. We like to have [WR] Peter [Garçon] back and make him work with [WR] Marquise [Goodwin] and Trent and Dante and [WR] Kendrick [Bourne]. The list continues. We are excited about some of the guys on the bangs in the background. It's something right now, but of course we always look out there and if we see a fit that we can improve our team or things are always fluid with injuries and the like, we'll be ready to react in result. "
What are your expectations for Solomon Thomas ?
KS:" Just improvement. The first round choices have a pressure on them that is different from everyone else because that is the name that everyone knows about getting out of the rough draft. It's the one that everyone wants to see immediate success. People are written in the first round and they know it too. It's a pressure that these guys have to undergo. Sometimes they lobby and try to do too much and that is why I never say I want to see him get so many bags. I just want to see him get better. He did good things for us last year. I think he has plenty of room to grow and it is very important for him, for me, for the 49ers, that he takes a step forward and I am very confident he will do it and that's what you want him to do every year. D-Linemen, in my experience, takes a little longer than most. But, this is not a league of patients, either. We expect it to be better. "
Is the plan for DB Jimmie Ward to play the cornerback to start the camp?
KS:" Yes that's definitely the plan. We will keep it at the corner until it makes sense to use it elsewhere. This has to do with injuries, this has to do with the balance of the entire list. We have 90 guys here so there is no problem and we want to put him on the corner right now. "
How much does this testify to what CB KW Waun Williams was able to do last year especially at the end of the season? Is that part of the decision of keep Jimmie comfortable with K & # 39; Waun?
KS: "Yes. I think K & # 39; Waun plays this nickel position at a very high level. I also think Jimmie Ward has the ability to do it at a very high level. Jimmie was our starting point in OTAs with Richard. Richard is coming back and we all know how bad he is and we are going to take him very easily with him too. I'm still planning on Jimmie, even though he does not have the reps starting around the corner, he's going to have rehearsals starting because Sherm will be going in and out a lot. We still want Jimmie to get that job. We can have other packages and other things with other groups where we expect to put it in and get those positions. I think Jimmie will push K & # 39; Waun. Jimmie can play that. He can also play security. That's what's great with Jimmie and that's also what makes him so difficult for Jimmie because he has the ability to be the best at five positions. He was also almost second best at each of those five. We must see how it is played and how it is done, and all that goes into the 53. We keep a number of corners, we keep a number of securities. Guys must be able to play indoors, on the outside, guys have to play special teams. We only dress very little, so it is a very complicated decision that it is not this guy against this guy. "
To track this, there are usually only a certain number of players in certain positions.With the new rule of the send-off, it would seem that a lot of teams to whom I have spoken have thought to keep a little more time behind O-Lineman because he needs more space on the returns and a lot more sprint on the cover teams. How can the new send-off rule adjust the list?
KS: "It interests me to see. You try to make assumptions and everything, but I want to see how it goes in the pre-season. I do not plan to change what we have in game on match day, but it's one of the things I like in the pre-season, it's that you're learning things you may not know before you prepare. make the right decisions Week 1 when that is important. I hope we learn a little, but I would be surprised if it affected something. You know you have an O-Lineman or something, if you have two injuries in a match and it's very difficult to play if you put a goal in the guard. Basically, the game is over. Sometimes it's like "Why are you bringing this O-Lineman every week? He will never play all year, many special teams will ask me. I'll tell myself: "If we have two wounds, the game is over." We can place someone else at L4 or a shooter and the game is not over. This is the difficult dilemma and why many times I always want to take three halves in one game, then this third guy you never use. Then you take two in a game and you get bad in the warm ups and you go all the game with a go back and the guy is fighting for obvious reasons. Man, we must always raise three. But, it's a risk every week. Hope that someday they will let us raise everyone.
John, last year, you talked about having so many holes to fill that it was hard to do everything in a dead season. Thinking back to this offseason, how different was it to be able to fill the depth and do some of those things and how do you feel about global alignment?
JL: "We feel a lot better this time last year, I mean, there's no doubt about it, I think we're a much more talented team. think we are a deeper team.We went into the rough and one of the things is, we are always looking for game changers .It will still be important, but I think to be able to put pieces to the puzzle before last year, there were many times where it is like, 'We have to find a slot receiver.We have to find this, we have to find that.' is just like, "Who's the best player and who's doing what we do best? Who's our type of guy?" We're in a much better place from this point of view. We should be. But, it's a testimony of the team of coaches, staff working together and I think we are on the right track. I always do it. "
KS:" J'aime toujours aller au début du camp et regarder toute la liste. «Combien allons-nous être autorisés à chaque position sur les 53?» Avant le début du camp, regardez «D'accord, combien de joueurs de la NFL avons-nous sur notre liste que nous allons devoir couper?» Parfois, vous pouvez voyez, 'Très bien, nous avons 12 récepteurs. Nous savons que nous allons en prendre six. Quatre de ces gars ne peuvent pas le faire et c'est juste à ce type de battre l'autre. Si l'un d'entre eux se blesse, le gars dont nous avons besoin n'est pas dans notre équipe. Nous devons sortir et le sortir de la rue. »Ce qui est différent dans cette année, dont il vient d'élaborer, c'est la profondeur. Nous allons devoir couper quelques gars qui vont jouer pour d'autres personnes cette année. C'est une chose difficile à la fin, mais c'est notre objectif. C'est ce que vous voulez. "
Qu'avez-vous fait du programme hors saison de Mike McGlinchey ?
KS:" Je veux dire, je sais que Mike travaille. Je ne l'ai pas suivi alors je ne suis pas sûr de ce qu'il a fait. J'étais hors de la ville la plupart du temps. "
Désolé, je voulais dire le programme hors saison pendant les OTA.
KS:" Oh, je pensais que vous vouliez dire les 40 jours. J'étais comme si je le laissais seul. Non, il était génial. Il était exactement ce qu'il pensait qu'il était comme annoncé. Mike arrive et comme nous l'avons dit lors de la conférence de presse originale, il a l'air d'un vétérinaire de 10 ans. Il se gère de la bonne façon. Il a lutté tout au long du camp. Je pense que c'est toujours difficile pour O-Linemen dans les OTA. Il est plus difficile de bloquer les gens quand les gens n'ont pas de coussinets. Ils sont beaucoup plus glissants Maintenant, je pense que ce sera plus amusant d'avoir ces pads et d'aller contre certains de ces gars. Mais j'étais enthousiasmé par les OTA et je m'attends à ce qu'il s'améliore pendant le camp d'entraînement. »
Vous mettez beaucoup de choses dans son assiette avec l'horaire. Dans l'Ouest de l'AFC, vous avez Oakland Raiders DE Khalil Mack Chargeurs de Los Angeles DE Joey Bosa et un tas de ces gars . Est-ce qu'il s'est déjà mis au travail pour regarder des films sur ces gars et est-ce que vous avez abordé cela spécifiquement, le type d'affrontements qu'il va avoir?
KS: "Non. Je ne pense pas que ce soit ce que tu voudrais faire à un gars comme ça maintenant. Il ne s'agit pas de savoir contre qui il va. C'est à propos de lui. Il doit être aussi bon qu'il peut l'être et cela lui donnera les meilleures chances contre qui que ce soit. Quand nous arriverons à cette semaine, nous étudierons le diable hors de lui. Mais maintenant, c'est à propos de lui. Il a beaucoup de talent et j'espère que nous l'encadrerons et que nous pourrons l'obtenir. »
JL: « Ce qu'il y a de plus cool chez lui, je pense que c'est la saison morte. C'est amusant de regarder les joueurs et de voir comment ils réagissent, Kyle en parle beaucoup, de l'adversité. Quand il manquait quelque chose, c'était amusant de le regarder comment il se corrigerait, ses entraîneurs qui l'entraînent. Il fait partie de ces gars qui ne font pas beaucoup d'erreurs encore et encore. C'était juste amusant. Vous allez faire des erreurs. Vous allez être battu dans cette ligue, mais comment répondez-vous à cela, et je dirais que c'est une chose qui nous a tous impressionnés, c'est la rapidité avec laquelle il corrige lui-même ces choses. "
Vous disiez plus tôt , mais parmi les 90 hommes ici, comment devrait être sur une liste de la NFL cette année?
KS: "Combien de Pro Bowlers avez-vous dit? Un montant décent."
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Conférence de presse – 25 juillet 2018
San Francisco 49ers
Écoutez l'audio I Centre des médias
Commentaires d'ouverture:
"De retour maintenant. C'est bon d'être de retour avec tous les gars, de voir tout le monde revenir dans les vestiaires. C'est une période excitante de l'année. "
Avez-vous déjà tenu ces sessions réservées aux joueurs pendant la pause?
" Nous avons eu quelques sessions de lancer, oui. Nous avons eu un bon groupe ensemble et tout. L'horaire de tout le monde est si différent en été, il est difficile de rassembler tout le monde, mais nous avions un bon groupe. "
Était-ce ici ou autour de San Jose?
" Autour de là, ouais. " approchez-vous de ce camp d'entraînement maintenant que c'est votre premier en tant que starter à temps plein?
"Oui, je l'ai fait à peu près comme je l'ai fait dans le passé. De toute évidence, une infraction différente et un régime différent et tout. Mais, pour l'essentiel, préparer la même manière que j'ai dans le passé. J'ai un bon état d'esprit. »
Quelle est votre philosophie de pratique? If you have a practice where you throw a couple interceptions is that a bad practice or are you trying to take risks and test boundaries and things like that and how do you interpret those?
“You never want to throw interceptions, obviously. You want to complete as many as you can and be productive on the field. We’re only given so many opportunities during training camp, so you try to make the most of each one. But, at the same time, you’re trying out new things with different guys, seeing who can make a play on a tougher throw or make that catch for you in a tight situation. There’s a lot of variables that go into it, but you don’t want to take too many of those risks because then you’re defeating the purpose of practice.”
When you say that you’re approaching this camp as you’ve had in the past, you don’t feel that you need to take greater ownership of the offense as the incumbent starter this year?
“I think that comes naturally, kind of. I’ve always kind of had the mindset of approaching it as the starter and it’s done well for me in the past. Obviously, there’s things that are different when you’re the starter versus when you’re the backup, but for the most part I think we have a good idea of what we’re doing going into this.”
You compared learning head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense last season to being a foreign language. How fluent are you in that language thus far?
“I’m feeling good with it. Obviously, as a quarterback, there’s always more things that you can learn and perfect your craft a little bit more here and there. But, for the most part, feeling pretty good about it. We had a good rhythm in OTAs and we left there feeling pretty good about ourselves.”
Why is it important to start this from the beginning like you did this offseason as opposed to piecemealing it game plan by game plan like you did last season?
“Just the situation I was in last year was so difficult because you’re preparing for a defense that you’re learning in a week, but at the same time, you’re learning brand new calls, new verbiage, all that stuff. So, it was combining all of that into one that made it so difficult. Being able to start from the ground up and learn the why’s of the offense, how it all ties together, how one play helps dictate the next play, it just makes more sense.”
You were here working out last week. How many guys were working out with you?
“There was a big group here, actually. I didn’t stay the whole summer. I went back to Chicago for a little bit for the Fourth. Did a little house shopping. That was exciting, so got to learn the area a little bit more. Yeah, I was here for the most part. Went back for the Fourth to Chicago to see my family and everything and then I was back here.”
Did you find a house?
“I did.”
Where?
“I can’t tell you where I’m living.”
You made headlines last week with a date you went on. We just asked Kyle what he thought about it and he said it was a good learning experience for you in terms of getting a feel for the microscope you’re under. What did you learn from that?
“Just that life is different now. My life off the field, I’ve never really been big on being very public with things. Even social media, I’m not out there a ton. But, my life is looked at differently and I’m under a microscope. It’s like Kyle said, it is a good learning experience. Just have to take it in stride. It is what it is.”
The last five games last year have generated a lot of excitement here. How much do you embrace that and try to carry that forward? How much do you think that it’s hard to reset that?
“I think it’s exciting for the fans. Aucun doute là dessus. It was a good end of the season, but it sounds very cliché, but it’s a new year. We have new players. Every team is different around the league now. You kind of start from the ground up and I think we started with that in OTAs and got a good jump on it, but now training camp is here and we have to take it one day at a time. I know it sounds very cliché saying that, but that’s the best way to approach it.”
Kyle was saying that he felt that you guys flushed that away pretty quickly. How do you go about blocking that stuff out and as a leader, do you take it upon yourself to make sure guys aren’t taking that to heart?
“Yeah. I think we have a good group in there. A very focused group. Especially offensively, some of our key guys are new guys. They weren’t even here for that last year. It’s all about coming together, guys staying focused on OTAs and now training camp. It’s an exciting time of year and I think we’ve got a good mindset going into it.”
Do you feel you need to play in preseason games?
“Whatever coach thinks. I think the preseason games help sharpen you up obviously, but whatever coach asks of me that’s what I’m here for.”
You were quoted in a recent article saying you believed in yourself that you could be better than New England Patriots QB Tom Brady. Obviously, as a high-level athlete, a lot of people think that way. But for you, where does that confidence stem from?
“I don’t know. It’s kind of something I’ve had since I was a little kid. I think every good athlete, in order to be great at what you do you need to be confident. Not to say that you’re better than somebody or someone is better than you. It’s belief in yourself, really. I think even stemming back to when I was a little kid. I said it in the article, I would play against my two older brothers in anything. They’re obviously bigger, faster, strong, but you just have that mindset that, ‘I’m going to go out here and win this.’ It’s good to have that.”
Do you go into this season with your confidence level as a team thinking we can make the playoffs and maybe make a run like the Eagles did last year after going 7-9 the previous season?
“First we have to have a good training camp. One step at a time there, but you know, I think we’ll set goals as a team, find out where everyone’s head’s at. We’ve got a good group of guys in there. It’s easy to tell where guys’ heads are and what we expect out of ourselves.”
We’re not sure we’ll get you again before pads come on, but from a quarterback standpoint, what changes for you when the pads come on?
“I have the red jersey, so it’s a little different. With the receivers and DBs, they get to do one-on-ones against one another, get a little more physical at the line of scrimmage. The pass rush, obviously, feels a little different when you’re back there when guys have pads on versus OTAs and stuff like that. But, all that stuff, that’s what really gets me excited. That’s when it’s really football. People start hitting each other. It’s more live.”
Is there a difference in terms of how easily your receivers come out of breaks or does it change the timing at all?
“A little bit here and there. There’s advantages and disadvantages. As a receiver, they’re getting held a lot. So, when you get pads on, maybe they can break off of them a little easier or the DB has an advantage at the line of scrimmage, maybe. It just depends on how you look at it. Both ways, I think it’s good for both sides.”
What is RB Jerick McKinnon’s ability in the pass game going to provide to this offense?
“It’s very unique. He has the ability to run good routes, separate from the defender and at the same time catch it and get the yards after the catch that are crucial in our offense.”
Your quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello said in the Spring that the one thing you hadn’t had a lot of chances to do in New England or in college was the play-action when you turn your back to the receivers and have to find them again and meet them down the field. He wanted you to get a lot of reps doing just that this offseason. Are you more comfortable with that particular set of events?
“Yeah. It’s different. Just like Rich said, it’s different than anything I’ve ever done. But, that’s the nature of the beast. Every offense is different and has its own quirks and everything. In this offense, that’s one of the big components. Initially, it was weird, but I think as time has gone on I’ve become more and more confident with it.”
CB Richard Sherman has emerged as a defensive leader here very quickly. How much have you been able to interact with him and is he a guy you can learn from on the offensive side?
“Absolutely, yeah. Very smart, savvy football player. I’m glad he’s on our side now. He was here all summer so we got a little time to talk to each other and break some things down with one another. Just a great mind to get into.”
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