Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay talk about the team's preparation ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Wide receiver Davante Adams discusses returning to practice and gearing up for the Rams' Wild Card game at Bank of America Stadium.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Matthew.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
You touched on this on Sunday, but as you we're
fighting back from.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
The back injury during a training camp, Like.
Speaker 3 (00:07):
How deep were your concerns just about what first.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Season I per day?
Speaker 4 (00:13):
Yeah? It was.
Speaker 5 (00:13):
I mean there were some lean moments, you know, touching
go there for a little bit, had a lot of
conversations with Reggie and his group, with Sean and them,
and just trying to figure out what's best. A lot
of treatments and things that I did to try and
help myself, you know, get to this point. Didn't know
if I would get there, but you know, it was
just you know, I went out there and it was
(00:34):
kind of waiting, see that's two what happens, and and
you know, luckily it turned out pretty good.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
In all of that.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Like how does it feel to be here preparing for
another playoff?
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (00:44):
I mean, to be honest, like I said, I think
after the game, I just don't take any of these
opportunities for granted, whether it's playing in you know, getting
to play in this weekend where you know, only half
the league's you know, still playing football and enjoying those moments,
or it's week one. You know, I just I really
do appreciate and love playing this game week in and
week out, and I don't take them for granted because
(01:05):
I've had years where either haven't been able to play
in the playoffs or I haven't been able to play in
certain games because of injury. So it feels great to
be at this point. It's on us to just continue
to be the team that we've been prepare the way
we know how to prepare, go out there and play,
and then see where that takes us.
Speaker 6 (01:19):
With the Panthers, how much time do you spend studying
the film for when you guys played them earlier this
season versus the film.
Speaker 5 (01:25):
And what they've been doing, it'll be Yeah, it's all
part of it, you know, it's all part of it.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Obviously how they played us.
Speaker 5 (01:31):
We're a little bit of a different team now than
we were back then. They're healthier now than they were
when we played them, so you know, there's there's some
things that are going to change that are different from
what what happened when we played them. Obviously, still a
really talented team speaking you know, specifically against what I'll
be facing and our offense to be facing their defense
playing really good football right now. The last few weeks,
they've you know, shut down some offenses that have done
(01:53):
a really nice job, so we'll have our work cut
out for us. They got good players at all three
levels and are really well coached. So a ton of
respect for them and what they can any.
Speaker 6 (02:00):
Areas specifically, I know them things like that can change, obviously,
but any areas specifically from that game that you guys
want to obviously.
Speaker 5 (02:09):
Yeah, I mean I I'd like not to throw it
to their team, and uh, you know, I think that
was the story of the game when you think about it.
I mean, we moved the ball well in some areas,
scored a couple you know in the red zone, did
some nice things, ran it well, and and.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
Just had the turnovers.
Speaker 5 (02:23):
And really, you look at their defense, that's what they've
been able to do to a lot of teams, you know,
whether it's getting a tip at the line of scrimmage
and somebody making a play on it or somebody in
the back end making a player or stripping the ball.
So they're they're an opportunistic group with a bunch of playmakers.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
How do you getting Juicy quarnback on that defense?
Speaker 7 (02:38):
Change?
Speaker 2 (02:38):
You know, the way that Dave operated from what you've
seen on team.
Speaker 5 (02:41):
Yeah, I mean I feel like they call similar things,
but it's just adding in a you know, all pro
type player. I think both their corners are as good
as you'll see in the league, have unique skill sets
to themselves.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
They play to their strengths.
Speaker 5 (02:53):
Their defense, you know, helps those guys play to their strength,
and uh, you know, they're they're really good football players.
I think, you know, as far as back ends go,
it's about as good as as we've seen all year.
And and it'll be a good challenge for us what
he learned about the bad since he signed here in March.
A ton good golfer, you know, a really good route runner. No,
(03:15):
he's he's a he's a great teammate, you know. I
think that's something that you've always seen him, you know,
just dominate, uh, the opposing defenses. The dbs, make great plays,
do all these things. But he's just a great teammate.
And that's happened through early season when maybe I wasn't
getting them, you know, the ball in some good spots
and we struggled to hit a few things early in
the season to where he was, you know, absolutely dominating
(03:36):
people in the red Dune then when he's been you know,
off the grass for use as of late.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
With the injury.
Speaker 5 (03:40):
Just watching him handle all of that, you know, as
a human being, but also as a teammate, and how
he has affected our team in a positive way in.
Speaker 4 (03:47):
All of those phases. Is is really cool.
Speaker 5 (03:49):
And unique and it just goes to you know, it
goes to show you what kind of what kind of
person he is, and what kind of player he is.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
All the kind of suit out for.
Speaker 8 (04:05):
No.
Speaker 4 (04:05):
You know, I think we've learned through it all.
Speaker 5 (04:07):
I think we've learned through you know, the really good
the really good times and uh you know some of the.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
Times where we came up short.
Speaker 5 (04:13):
You know, we've we've kind of had opportunities to learn
about our group and our team throughout the season, and
whether we win the game or lose them, we're always
trying to find a way to be better. I can't
think of one moment that has impacted me the most,
but I do appreciate all of them.
Speaker 7 (04:26):
You and Buck, you're a.
Speaker 9 (04:30):
What is that.
Speaker 6 (04:32):
Just say?
Speaker 5 (04:37):
You know, as far as candidate or whatever, I mean,
I just I wanted to play as good as I
possibly can this year, like I do every season. You
know obviously have great football you know, players around me,
coaches around me that, uh put myself in our offense
and a chance to succeed in the opportunity to succeed.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
So we we were able to do that.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
And as far as what it, you know, feels like
at this point in the in my career, I don't know,
you know, I I've been playing this game for a
long time. I appreciate it, but I don't know that
it feels different now. I'm sure I'll think about it
some sometime down the road, but not thinking about it
at the moment.
Speaker 7 (05:12):
You and DeVante both talked about how it took you
a little while to get on the same page early
in the season with him out for three games, and you, guys,
do you feel like you can just pick up where
you left off before he went out or does it
take some time to get that?
Speaker 4 (05:26):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (05:26):
I think so, you know, I think we've got enough
you know, reps on our belt. Will obviously get some
practice time this week, which would be great. I was
able to he's doing some individual last week, was able
to you know, throw with him again and see all that.
But uh, he's such a great player. I just got
to put in the ballpark and let him go do
his thing.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
This is your second con sec you short week, six days.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
This type of fatigue is that is that an issue? No?
Speaker 5 (05:48):
No, no, no, I mean adrenaline will be great and we'll
be ready to rock and roll's playoff football. Let's go,
you know, is it my favorite thing?
Speaker 4 (05:55):
No?
Speaker 5 (05:55):
But at the same time, I'm just happy to be,
you know, playing this weekend and getting an opportunity to
go play.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
So is it the same in terms of your mental
and physical preparation.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
Just taking yesterday as.
Speaker 5 (06:07):
The day, it's just all sped up a little bit,
you know, all sped up. You usually come in on
a Monday, get a nice run on the lift, kind
of flush the last game, start on the next opponent tuesdays,
and a nice off day, and that just kind of
all gets condensed into one day and then we come
out here and and start going. You know it is
it is kind of nice. I'll take this over a
Monday one though, you know, I mean I'd rather play,
let's get let's get our feedback in the grass and
(06:28):
go rather than sit around and watch a bunch of
football all weekend and be the last game playing this.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Team does seem to do better with the adrenaline in
the short weeks.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Is there a reason?
Speaker 5 (06:37):
Just a young quarterback that's what helps him? Young guy
leading the way turning over quick.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
No, I uh, I don't know.
Speaker 5 (06:45):
I just I know we love to go out there compete,
and we love to play. And obviously, you know, it
showcases you know some of the you know, the brains
and the acumen that are that our coaches have to
be able to get all that done in a short
amount of time and be able to relay it to
us clearly and concisely so that we can go out
to and play fast. And you know, got a bunch
of smart players on our team know how to a
take care of themselves and be get mentally ready to go.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Guys that would be projected as d NPS today, Kevin Dottson,
Jordan Whittington, Terrence Ferguson, and Josh Wallace.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Everybody else was either limited or full.
Speaker 4 (07:16):
He expected Kevin, d.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Uh, We'll see, you know, we'll take it a day
at a time, but you know, we'll just I'll give
you an update on uh whatever whatever what is today Tuesday?
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Give you an update on Thursday.
Speaker 10 (07:28):
Do you have any additional information on what happened to
Sean Dolac and Jordan Waiting Ta.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Yeah, so unfortunately, you know, we had to put Sean
Dolac on I R. I got his PCL. He's a
tough guy. He's done a great job for us, so
he'll be missed. Jordan, you know, just got rolled up on,
you know, on the back of his knee. We're optimistic
and hopeful we'll see if he's gonna be able to
make it for this week, but wasn't as significant and
so got some good positive.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
News on that meat surgery. You know, I don't know
that yet.
Speaker 6 (07:56):
Sean. What are your biggest takeaways from your earlier season
game against the Panther.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
You know, we just didn't do the things that were necessary,
lindsay to be able to win the game. You know,
I think starting off, the obvious big big point of
emphasis was the three turnovers, and they you know, they
didn't have any. They had some key and critical you know,
third and fourth downs. I thought they were able to
run the ball and kind of control the clock, you know,
and the possessions were limited, and so you know that
that was a big thing. But you know, you give
(08:21):
them respect. They they made the plays and did the
thing to be able to win the football game. And
it's a good humbling day for us, and we're excited
about the challenge going against them again.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Effectives running the back, they're good. You know, I thought
they played physical and tough.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
They're runners level of pads off you know, so you
give them credit, you know, you you you know, you
could see they're a physical offensive line. There's an identity
in the run game. They got a couple of different
backs that you know, do a nice job being able
to press it. Obviously, there's a thread of you know,
the quarterback being able to run the football as well.
Usually it's in some of the off schedule situations in scenarios.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
I mean, you look at the fourth down.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
That he ended up hitting Temac on and it's a
great job extending the play on a play that typically
the ball's got to come out a little bit quicker,
but because the call we were in, it allowed him
to be able to extend it and then he and
you know Tea Mack ended up making a great play
that ended up being a big difference. But you know,
they're a good football team. They do an excellent job.
You know, got a ton of respect for their coaching
staff obviously familiar with a handful of those guys, particularly
(09:17):
on the defensive side.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Of the ball. But they've earned the right to be here.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
And you know, we're looking forward to the challenge, and
and we know what a great challenge it is based on,
you know, the experience that we had just you know,
about a month ago.
Speaker 10 (09:28):
You talked about like you'd rather get a game a
short week and wait all weekend to play the same game.
Speaker 9 (09:34):
You look at.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
It like that, Oh yeah, I mean you feel like
your wait, especially you know when you go play a
Monday night game on the.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
East Coast, that's torture.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
So I mean, it just feels like you're sitting around
all day and then you're ready to take a nap
or go to sleep by the time kickoff comes.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
So I've always been a.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Big advocate of you know, you get up and you go.
You know, I've always liked those East Coast windows. Most importantly,
it's about the players. And so what I think is
good for us is four thirty kickoff. Is normally we're
accustomed to at one twenty five, one thirty kickoff out here.
You know, we did a short week last week, and
I think our guys are in a good little rhythm.
You know, you come in and typically, you know, it's
a little bit accelerated for the coaches and they've got
(10:12):
to be able to turn over. But they did a
great job handling kind of just an above the neck
approach today. And we've had some experiences handling these things
and the guys always do a great job.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
But I'm in alignment with Matthew on that sure.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
I think very start his last year, you're hearing his
down and pop up the player of the year, And
where have you seen the most work for.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
I think just the consistency, you know, the way that
he works, Sarah.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
He you know he's going to get better, you know,
just because of the way physically takes care of his body,
the understanding of the game, the way that he's able.
You know, he's really conscientious. He's got a great feel
and as you accumulate experience, you know, that can be
a really great learning opportunity, like we've talked about with Matthew,
and I think he's really leaned into Devonte. I think
Davante's you know, kind of helped him continue to take
(10:54):
his game to another level. But he's so physically and
mentally tough. What I think he's done a great job
of is he he's consistently caught the ball really well.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
I mean, he's really worked on that.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
He's always had great natural hands, but you know, sometimes
these guys that have those great hands, you can kind
of almost just start to get upfield before you end
up looking the ball all the way in. And I
just think he's been really consistent. And that's not exclusive
to when the balls in his hands. I mean, he
makes a big difference for us as part of the
run blocking surface, and he's been outstanding. And you know,
I can't say enough good things about him.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
How well you mentioned Matthew joked on Sunday that he
just wanted to get to week one.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
That was his only goal during change.
Speaker 10 (11:30):
Yeah, what has stood out to you the most about
the way he spot through to get to this.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
Point of the year.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
I just think, you know, I'm just so impressed with
the consistency of him. You know, I just talked about
it with Pooka, but you talk about over seventeen years,
the consistent approach, you know, some of the different things
that he's had overcome.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
I mean, you know, it's touch and go.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
We thought, you know, I didn't really know, and we
weren't getting some of the responses that we were hoping
for for the back, and you know, you're sitting there
and you could see almost just kind of flipped the
switch and made a decision. You know, you're close to saying,
all right, are we going to just rest you and
maybe you just take the cup first four weeks and
then we revisit it so that we don't have this
imaginary timetable that causes unnecessary anxiety. And then he goes
out there and he was going to just do individual
(12:09):
and the next thing, you know, he hasn't looked back.
And so I don't think anybody but him can really understand,
you know, what he's overcome, what it takes to be
able to maintain where he's at. But what I think
you do feel that rubs off on his teammates at him,
is how much he loves this game. You know, at
the end of the day, it is a blessing to
be able to do this, whether it's coaching or playing.
There's a lot at stake. But man, what a guy
(12:30):
that you just watch that he is totally present. He's
enjoying the moment, and I think that's when we're at
our best. And I think this team has taken on
a lot of the great traits, the toughness mentally and physically,
and just the overall enjoyment for you know, the chance
to go compete, but also the ability to celebrate your teammates.
And he's elevated everybody that he's around. But that's it's
it's been really impressive. I wouldn't say I'm surprised, though,
(12:52):
you know, this has kind of been consistent for him
over the five years that we've been together, and I
think just just grateful to be able to have the
opportunity to be up with him.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Your two great questions, I'll come back.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
To you two questions as any you were stealing it
before anyone else can.
Speaker 7 (13:07):
Requests to talk to anyone on your staff other than
Chris Shula, have you got I.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Got a couple of requests for some trades for me.
I'm just kidding.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
No, No, I don't think so yet, but I do
know that those are based on just some of the
things that I've heard.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
I would imagine that Chris will get a couple of requests.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
I'd be very surprised if that doesn't happen, But nothing
official as of.
Speaker 7 (13:28):
Yet, and no one else at this point, not anybody else. Okay,
And then I'm secondly sorry in regard to DeVante in
terms of what you envision for him compared to how
he's performed, specifically in the red zone. Yeah, has that
exceeded your expectations? Is about what you expected from him?
Speaker 2 (13:45):
You know, I had high expectations for for him, but
I think, you know, I think what I was, what
I've been so impressed with is how automatic and just
his game day demeanor and just his everyday approach. So
I had high expectations just because of, you know, the
way that I had admired his body you have worked
from afar. But he's even better than I thought. He's
even more importantly, he's even better as a person. I've
really loved to be able to get to know him.
(14:07):
But the attention that he elicits, and then you know,
like we've we've talked about, the stats don't always show,
I mean, how many pis he's drawn, how many you know,
illegal contacts where you know you're moving the chains, and
they might not go on the stats, but he's got
you know, a few hundred yards for sure, and pis
that he's drawn. And then obviously what he's been able
to do. I mean, to lead the league in touchdowns
(14:27):
and miss the last handful of games. What a tremendous
tribute to him. And to do it with three different teams.
I don't think that's ever been done in you know,
in the history of this game. And so when you
start doing things like that, that tells you, you know,
he's in rarefied air and that's who he is.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Seanda year ago tomorrow is this crazy fire. Yeah, when
you look back in the totality of that, which stands
out about.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
Being Renny for perspective, you know, I think perspective and
how proud I was to be a part of our
football team and the way the guys handled it, you know,
there was it was a lot bigger than football, and
I think our guys, you know, I was so proud
to just be a small part of just watching the
way they represented for the city and you could see,
you know, there's a lot of cool things that sports do,
especially when there's big, real problems going on, and how
(15:10):
that can kind of unite as city or at least
provide a temporary relief from some of the things that
were going on that were very real and people still
feel the ramifications and the effects of that. But I
just thought it was such a cool reflection of our group,
the caliber of the men that play on our football team,
and just their overall competitive character and what they're about.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
And it was a.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Special opportunity to be able to try to provide a
temporary relief for a city that was grieving. And you know,
I don't ever want to say that that was cool.
It was cool the way our guys handled it, But yeah,
we were talking about that the other day.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
Actually, do you feel a pulse on your on this team,
knowing that every team is different as you step into them.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Yeah, I feel a great pulse on this team. I
love the maturity. I think. I think that a lot
of the I think we've had a lot of different
experiences through the seventeen weeks, and I really appreciate the
experience that we had the other day where you go
down four points and to be able to, you know,
get a couple stops, to be able to have Ethan
Evans do a great job of kicking it off where
he lands it in the landing zone ends up as
a touch back, the offense goes and scores three touchdowns
(16:11):
and next thing you know, you look up and you're
up seventeen. And I think it was good for us
to face a little bit of adversity. And I think
we've been callous the right way, and you know, we're
excited to be able to go swing now that this
tournament has started.
Speaker 8 (16:22):
Talk about into.
Speaker 3 (16:26):
Back that sort of gets.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Out the regular and yeah, no, I know you absolutely
look back and you want to use it.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
You don't want to live in the past, but.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
You want to use it as learning opportunities of you know,
good experiences and how do we replicate that And then
when some of these scenarios that we want to handle differently,
all right, how can we use the learning that we
had to try to be able to apply it?
Speaker 1 (16:46):
And so these guys have done a great job of that.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
I think we've had a bunch of different experiences in
the seventeen games. We've had, you know, some really challenging
results that you know, as you know, unique as I've been.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
A part of.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
But I think it's calloused us the right way and
wouldn't want it any other way. And I think this
group is, you know, ready to go.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Answer the bell against a great team on Saturday.
Speaker 9 (17:07):
Welcome back to Monte.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
How you feeling. What's it like to be out there
practicing with the team?
Speaker 8 (17:13):
Feeling good and it feels great. I mean it feels
like it's been a year since I've been out there.
It's only been a little less than a month now.
But it's excited and I'm excited to be back for sure.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Sean had said towards last week that if last week
would have been a flat game, you could have played,
but they're holding out and you just describe just not
the physical challenge, but also the mental challenge in the
last couple of weeks.
Speaker 8 (17:35):
Yeah, I mean you mean the part of me not
being on the field. I mean, yeah, that's That's one
of the things. I was just talking about this with
Cuta the other day. That's one of the things that
I feel like I have never really figured out is
just how to manage that. You know, the first few
days is always like, you know, feeling sorry for yourself,
and then you realize, you know, especially me being in
a position I'm in, you know, guys are looking to
(17:55):
me for you know, leadership and directions still, you know,
in the midst of me dealing with the you know,
battling injury, so still got to be there for them,
you know, being strong for the team, being present, and
you know, just finding a way to still include myself
into things.
Speaker 9 (18:09):
And be helpful.
Speaker 8 (18:10):
So you know, the first like I said, first few days,
is gonna be tougher with that. But as you get
into it and get into a rhythm, start seeing the
treatment and the rehab heading in the right direction, it's
it's a little easier to kind of wrap your mind
around everything, and you know when you're seeing results and
you're starting to get better. So that's for me, it
was the mental part was tougher than the physical. And
you know, I feel like, like like Sean said last week,
(18:32):
if we had to, could have could have went, but
trying to give it a little bit more time, just
to be smart about it and you know, to load
up and be ready to go for for a week
like this.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
Four years since your last playoff appear in Slaves. Finding
your career without being in advance.
Speaker 8 (18:45):
Like, does lack of change your perspective going into this opportunity, Well,
I mean it it makes you more you know, grateful
to you know, obviously be in a situation like this
where you can have a chance. I didn't play meaning
football at this point in the year, but you know,
I also with that said, I played in four NFC
championship games in eight years in Green Bay. So I
(19:07):
was just talking about this with a couple of guys like,
you have to forgive me if we're not cheasing, you know,
year to year after after the first win, you know,
obviously we're gonna go out there and do everything we
gotta do to get that win. And you know, we
got to play the right type of ball first off
to in order to be in that position. But you know,
we got bigger mind or bigger goals in mind and
to just you know, survive the first round of the playoffs.
So I think everybody's gonna have that mindset of just
(19:28):
being locked in the whole time and you know, staying
present and in the moment so we can take care
of business, you know, this week and then you know,
get ready for the next week.
Speaker 9 (19:35):
You know, if that presents itself.
Speaker 8 (19:49):
Well, first, I mean, obviously having I've been blessed with
some pretty good quarterbacks in my my career, so having
some guys that understand you know, my body language, you know,
coaching that understand you know, what I can bring to
the game, and just having a notes for the end zone.
I guess you know, it's kind of been that way
since college. We're been able to just find it and
you know, been putting in some good situations by my
(20:10):
teammates and coaches.
Speaker 9 (20:12):
To be able to succeed. So I just try to
capitalize on as much as.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
Like you see, even started, it actually took you and
Matthew a little time to you know, build a connection
that you guys really got rolling help easier challenging.
Speaker 4 (20:24):
Is it to just kind of start that back up after.
Speaker 8 (20:26):
A few weeks off, Yeah, I mean I don't I
don't think taking a few weeks off. You know, I've
been out there catching balls, you know, last week at least,
and still trying to find a way to stay connected
with them. But I don't think a couple of weeks
off at this point it is gonna you know, deteriorate
our the success and the you know, the growth that
we've been able to have over the over the course
(20:46):
of the season. So you know, I don't have any expectations.
I'm not saying we're gonna go ten for ten or
you know, whatever it is when we get out there.
But at the end of the day, we've put into
work and we understand each other a lot better than
what we did, you know, we first started the season.
Speaker 9 (20:58):
So you know, hopefully that takes care of that.
Speaker 7 (21:01):
You have a nose for the end zone, but it
kind of goes beyond that, obviously, with what you've been
able to do.
Speaker 4 (21:08):
What is so what is it?
Speaker 7 (21:09):
I mean it when you look at yourself, you look
at other receivers in the league, what separates for you
in that particular part of the field.
Speaker 8 (21:19):
Well, I think one of the main things is obviously
my ability to separate, so being able to be sudden
down there.
Speaker 9 (21:25):
It's a it's a tight area. So if you're you know,
you're a receiver that that banks on making.
Speaker 8 (21:29):
Contested catches a lot, you know that you can, there's
a place for that, But there's also a place for
for somebody that can, you know, create separation quickly and
find windows. You know, understanding space and you know, just
a lot of it is not even just me too,
Like I said, it's understanding how to communicate with the
quarterback and knowing you know, what he sees, being able
to react and and you know, the second touchdown against
(21:51):
UH Carolina actually this year, you know, I'm running in
running the route that's going across this way, and I
see him just for a quick second start to make
his way back that way. So to be able to
get the DB's hands off, you know, have the awareness
and not get pushed out of bounds. You know, it's
a lot of little small nuances that help you to
you know, be able to get just that one more
a little bit of you know, an extra foot of
separation that can you know, lead to you know, a
(22:13):
lot of these times if the throw isn't perfect, you
got to have some separation, you.
Speaker 9 (22:17):
Know, that way you can still have a chance at
the ball.
Speaker 8 (22:19):
So I put a lot on myself to be able
to separate and create some some space for the quarterback.
Speaker 9 (22:24):
And you know, the quarterback does a good job of
funding me to.
Speaker 6 (22:27):
Anything specific that you learned in that first Patchmick and
some Panthers that you take into Saturday, I.
Speaker 8 (22:33):
Mean, I mean there's a lot, honestly, but I think
they got a really solid team. A lot a lot
of I don't think we took them lightly at all.
I think we just came out and played some a
little bit of sloppy ball times, played some good football too,
but it was uncharacteristic of us to turn the ball
over the way that we did. So just being you
know a little bit more ball aware, I guess, you know,
(22:54):
make sure we're not turning over where there's interceptions, you know,
fumbling the ball, whatever it is. Just just being in
would have protected because a team like that'll be able
to take advantage if you make bad mistakes like that.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
When you look back at the regular season, do you
feel like the the vision that Sean pitched you when
he was recruiting you during the else's and do you
feel like.
Speaker 8 (23:11):
That can't to fruition and it's entirety Yeah, I mean
it was. He didn't come out and say, hey, I
might have him get you the receiving record or you
know you're gonna have whatever. He he he just hyped
up what he saw on tape. And you know, he
he told me I had a plan for how he
used me, and yeah, stuck to that for sure.
Speaker 9 (23:26):
But young guy heard against Detroit.
Speaker 4 (23:28):
How serious that your feel it was in the moment
and how long did it take you to.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
Know that the message not over.
Speaker 4 (23:32):
I'm movie back.
Speaker 9 (23:34):
Well, I thought it was worse than what it was.
Speaker 8 (23:36):
I think I I kind of helped the situation a
little bit by when I gave out instead of trying to,
you know, continue to push through, cause that's what guys
do sometime, to see the ball and keep running trying
to get to it and then something, you know, creates
more damage. So me kind of bailing out of it
right there.
Speaker 9 (23:50):
I think I said it a little bit.
Speaker 6 (23:51):
But what was that?
Speaker 9 (23:53):
What was the second part of that?
Speaker 8 (23:56):
Yeah, I knew kind of I would say by the
time I'm I got assessed in the locker room that
it wasn't gonna be as bad as what we were
all thinking. And just based off how I was feeling
walking in wasn't fun. But still from you know, maybe
like five minutes after that, I realized. Unfortunately, I didn't
realize that my need had any anything until I got
home at night, and then it kind of set in
at at night, and that's why I realized we had
(24:18):
to take a look at that one. And but yeah,
as far as the the hamstring, yeah, I I was
grateful that it wasn't as bad as we thought.
Speaker 4 (24:27):
I was.
Speaker 9 (24:28):
Yeah, and but yeah, all of that is good. You
guys definitely knew that right Detroit. It was the same
same game, yeah, Dubante.
Speaker 3 (24:38):
When UH coach mcbase says this team is calloused in
the right way. With your experience in the league and
big games and playoffs, what do you like about this
specific team going.
Speaker 9 (24:49):
Into the postseason.
Speaker 8 (24:51):
I mean, yeah, I think, like like you said, anytime
that you are callous the way that we have.
Speaker 9 (24:56):
You've experienced some of the.
Speaker 8 (24:57):
You know, the games that we have, the the comebacks,
some of the times that you know, we lost the game,
and I think, you know, we we've been able to
kind of treat those as lessons and there's really nothing
that we haven't seen at this point. So sometime if
you just had this smooth sailing year where you don't
have any adversity, you know, you get woken up in
a in a bad way once you get to the playoffs.
And I think we've seen so many things where we
(25:18):
we understand all the possibilities, and you know, we also
locked in and hungry enough to be able to you know,
conquer some of those things and ultimately get where.
Speaker 9 (25:26):
We want to be.
Speaker 8 (25:27):
So very mature team to be so young, as I
mentioned before, and it just it gives me a lot
of hope and confidence in us moving forward.
Speaker 10 (25:34):
For you personally, being being a part of a playoff team,
and say, imagine one of the biggest reasons why you
signed with this team. You know, just what's it been like,
you know, being one of the biggest reasons why the
team is in this position and now having the opportunity
to you know, help them on a playoff run, return
to the playoffs.
Speaker 8 (25:50):
Yeah, I mean, it's it's just an overall blessing for me.
You know, I'm just a piece in this thing. And
that's what I made mentioned as Sean before I got here,
you know, all the receivers when I got here, just
letting them know, like you know, this is not the
Davante Show in any way, shape or formance. Is just
me coming here to you know, hopefully you know, help
and and you know, push this team over the over
the edge and and and get where we else we
want to be. And yeah, like I said, Sean, bringing
(26:12):
me here and and allowing me to you know, be
myself and and go out there and put the ball
in the end zone and help us win some games,
I'm just excited to be back on the field and
give us more opportunities to do that.
Matthew.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
You touched on this on Sunday, but as you we're
fighting back from.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
The back injury during a training camp, Like.
Speaker 3 (00:07):
How deep were your concerns just about what first.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Season I per day?
Speaker 4 (00:13):
Yeah? It was.
Speaker 5 (00:13):
I mean there were some lean moments, you know, touching
go there for a little bit, had a lot of
conversations with Reggie and his group, with Sean and them,
and just trying to figure out what's best. A lot
of treatments and things that I did to try and
help myself, you know, get to this point. Didn't know
if I would get there, but you know, it was
just you know, I went out there and it was
(00:34):
kind of waiting, see that's two what happens, and and
you know, luckily it turned out pretty good.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
In all of that.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Like how does it feel to be here preparing for
another playoff?
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (00:44):
I mean, to be honest, like I said, I think
after the game, I just don't take any of these
opportunities for granted, whether it's playing in you know, getting
to play in this weekend where you know, only half
the league's you know, still playing football and enjoying those moments,
or it's week one. You know, I just I really
do appreciate and love playing this game week in and
week out, and I don't take them for granted because
(01:05):
I've had years where either haven't been able to play
in the playoffs or I haven't been able to play in
certain games because of injury. So it feels great to
be at this point. It's on us to just continue
to be the team that we've been prepare the way
we know how to prepare, go out there and play,
and then see where that takes us.
Speaker 6 (01:19):
With the Panthers, how much time do you spend studying
the film for when you guys played them earlier this
season versus the film.
Speaker 5 (01:25):
And what they've been doing, it'll be Yeah, it's all
part of it, you know, it's all part of it.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Obviously how they played us.
Speaker 5 (01:31):
We're a little bit of a different team now than
we were back then. They're healthier now than they were
when we played them, so you know, there's there's some
things that are going to change that are different from
what what happened when we played them. Obviously, still a
really talented team speaking you know, specifically against what I'll
be facing and our offense to be facing their defense
playing really good football right now. The last few weeks,
they've you know, shut down some offenses that have done
(01:53):
a really nice job, so we'll have our work cut
out for us. They got good players at all three
levels and are really well coached. So a ton of
respect for them and what they can any.
Speaker 6 (02:00):
Areas specifically, I know them things like that can change, obviously,
but any areas specifically from that game that you guys
want to obviously.
Speaker 5 (02:09):
Yeah, I mean I I'd like not to throw it
to their team, and uh, you know, I think that
was the story of the game when you think about it.
I mean, we moved the ball well in some areas,
scored a couple you know in the red zone, did
some nice things, ran it well, and and.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
Just had the turnovers.
Speaker 5 (02:23):
And really, you look at their defense, that's what they've
been able to do to a lot of teams, you know,
whether it's getting a tip at the line of scrimmage
and somebody making a play on it or somebody in
the back end making a player or stripping the ball.
So they're they're an opportunistic group with a bunch of playmakers.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
How do you getting Juicy quarnback on that defense?
Speaker 7 (02:38):
Change?
Speaker 2 (02:38):
You know, the way that Dave operated from what you've
seen on team.
Speaker 5 (02:41):
Yeah, I mean I feel like they call similar things,
but it's just adding in a you know, all pro
type player. I think both their corners are as good
as you'll see in the league, have unique skill sets
to themselves.
Speaker 4 (02:52):
They play to their strengths.
Speaker 5 (02:53):
Their defense, you know, helps those guys play to their strength,
and uh, you know, they're they're really good football players.
I think, you know, as far as back ends go,
it's about as good as as we've seen all year.
And and it'll be a good challenge for us what
he learned about the bad since he signed here in March.
A ton good golfer, you know, a really good route runner. No,
(03:15):
he's he's a he's a great teammate, you know. I
think that's something that you've always seen him, you know,
just dominate, uh, the opposing defenses. The dbs, make great plays,
do all these things. But he's just a great teammate.
And that's happened through early season when maybe I wasn't
getting them, you know, the ball in some good spots
and we struggled to hit a few things early in
the season to where he was, you know, absolutely dominating
(03:36):
people in the red Dune then when he's been you know,
off the grass for use as of late.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
With the injury.
Speaker 5 (03:40):
Just watching him handle all of that, you know, as
a human being, but also as a teammate, and how
he has affected our team in a positive way in.
Speaker 4 (03:47):
All of those phases. Is is really cool.
Speaker 5 (03:49):
And unique and it just goes to you know, it
goes to show you what kind of what kind of
person he is, and what kind of player he is.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
All the kind of suit out for.
Speaker 8 (04:05):
No.
Speaker 4 (04:05):
You know, I think we've learned through it all.
Speaker 5 (04:07):
I think we've learned through you know, the really good
the really good times and uh you know some of the.
Speaker 4 (04:11):
Times where we came up short.
Speaker 5 (04:13):
You know, we've we've kind of had opportunities to learn
about our group and our team throughout the season, and
whether we win the game or lose them, we're always
trying to find a way to be better. I can't
think of one moment that has impacted me the most,
but I do appreciate all of them.
Speaker 7 (04:26):
You and Buck, you're a.
Speaker 9 (04:30):
What is that.
Speaker 6 (04:32):
Just say?
Speaker 5 (04:37):
You know, as far as candidate or whatever, I mean,
I just I wanted to play as good as I
possibly can this year, like I do every season. You
know obviously have great football you know, players around me,
coaches around me that, uh put myself in our offense
and a chance to succeed in the opportunity to succeed.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
So we we were able to do that.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
And as far as what it, you know, feels like
at this point in the in my career, I don't know,
you know, I I've been playing this game for a
long time. I appreciate it, but I don't know that
it feels different now. I'm sure I'll think about it
some sometime down the road, but not thinking about it
at the moment.
Speaker 7 (05:12):
You and DeVante both talked about how it took you
a little while to get on the same page early
in the season with him out for three games, and you, guys,
do you feel like you can just pick up where
you left off before he went out or does it
take some time to get that?
Speaker 4 (05:26):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (05:26):
I think so, you know, I think we've got enough
you know, reps on our belt. Will obviously get some
practice time this week, which would be great. I was
able to he's doing some individual last week, was able
to you know, throw with him again and see all that.
But uh, he's such a great player. I just got
to put in the ballpark and let him go do
his thing.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
This is your second con sec you short week, six days.
Speaker 4 (05:44):
This type of fatigue is that is that an issue? No?
Speaker 5 (05:48):
No, no, no, I mean adrenaline will be great and we'll
be ready to rock and roll's playoff football. Let's go,
you know, is it my favorite thing?
Speaker 4 (05:55):
No?
Speaker 5 (05:55):
But at the same time, I'm just happy to be,
you know, playing this weekend and getting an opportunity to
go play.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
So is it the same in terms of your mental
and physical preparation.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
Just taking yesterday as.
Speaker 5 (06:07):
The day, it's just all sped up a little bit,
you know, all sped up. You usually come in on
a Monday, get a nice run on the lift, kind
of flush the last game, start on the next opponent tuesdays,
and a nice off day, and that just kind of
all gets condensed into one day and then we come
out here and and start going. You know it is
it is kind of nice. I'll take this over a
Monday one though, you know, I mean I'd rather play,
let's get let's get our feedback in the grass and
(06:28):
go rather than sit around and watch a bunch of
football all weekend and be the last game playing this.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Team does seem to do better with the adrenaline in
the short weeks.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Is there a reason?
Speaker 5 (06:37):
Just a young quarterback that's what helps him? Young guy
leading the way turning over quick.
Speaker 4 (06:43):
No, I uh, I don't know.
Speaker 5 (06:45):
I just I know we love to go out there compete,
and we love to play. And obviously, you know, it
showcases you know some of the you know, the brains
and the acumen that are that our coaches have to
be able to get all that done in a short
amount of time and be able to relay it to
us clearly and concisely so that we can go out
to and play fast. And you know, got a bunch
of smart players on our team know how to a
take care of themselves and be get mentally ready to go.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Guys that would be projected as d NPS today, Kevin Dottson,
Jordan Whittington, Terrence Ferguson, and Josh Wallace.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Everybody else was either limited or full.
Speaker 4 (07:16):
He expected Kevin, d.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Uh, We'll see, you know, we'll take it a day
at a time, but you know, we'll just I'll give
you an update on uh whatever whatever what is today Tuesday?
Speaker 1 (07:27):
Give you an update on Thursday.
Speaker 10 (07:28):
Do you have any additional information on what happened to
Sean Dolac and Jordan Waiting Ta.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Yeah, so unfortunately, you know, we had to put Sean
Dolac on I R. I got his PCL. He's a
tough guy. He's done a great job for us, so
he'll be missed. Jordan, you know, just got rolled up on,
you know, on the back of his knee. We're optimistic
and hopeful we'll see if he's gonna be able to
make it for this week, but wasn't as significant and
so got some good positive.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
News on that meat surgery. You know, I don't know
that yet.
Speaker 6 (07:56):
Sean. What are your biggest takeaways from your earlier season
game against the Panther.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
You know, we just didn't do the things that were necessary,
lindsay to be able to win the game. You know,
I think starting off, the obvious big big point of
emphasis was the three turnovers, and they you know, they
didn't have any. They had some key and critical you know,
third and fourth downs. I thought they were able to
run the ball and kind of control the clock, you know,
and the possessions were limited, and so you know that
that was a big thing. But you know, you give
(08:21):
them respect. They they made the plays and did the
thing to be able to win the football game. And
it's a good humbling day for us, and we're excited
about the challenge going against them again.
Speaker 1 (08:30):
Effectives running the back, they're good. You know, I thought
they played physical and tough.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
They're runners level of pads off you know, so you
give them credit, you know, you you you know, you
could see they're a physical offensive line. There's an identity
in the run game. They got a couple of different
backs that you know, do a nice job being able
to press it. Obviously, there's a thread of you know,
the quarterback being able to run the football as well.
Usually it's in some of the off schedule situations in scenarios.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
I mean, you look at the fourth down.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
That he ended up hitting Temac on and it's a
great job extending the play on a play that typically
the ball's got to come out a little bit quicker,
but because the call we were in, it allowed him
to be able to extend it and then he and
you know Tea Mack ended up making a great play
that ended up being a big difference. But you know,
they're a good football team. They do an excellent job.
You know, got a ton of respect for their coaching
staff obviously familiar with a handful of those guys, particularly
(09:17):
on the defensive side.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
Of the ball. But they've earned the right to be here.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
And you know, we're looking forward to the challenge, and
and we know what a great challenge it is based on,
you know, the experience that we had just you know,
about a month ago.
Speaker 10 (09:28):
You talked about like you'd rather get a game a
short week and wait all weekend to play the same game.
Speaker 9 (09:34):
You look at.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
It like that, Oh yeah, I mean you feel like
your wait, especially you know when you go play a
Monday night game on the.
Speaker 1 (09:40):
East Coast, that's torture.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
So I mean, it just feels like you're sitting around
all day and then you're ready to take a nap
or go to sleep by the time kickoff comes.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
So I've always been a.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Big advocate of you know, you get up and you go.
You know, I've always liked those East Coast windows. Most importantly,
it's about the players. And so what I think is
good for us is four thirty kickoff. Is normally we're
accustomed to at one twenty five, one thirty kickoff out here.
You know, we did a short week last week, and
I think our guys are in a good little rhythm.
You know, you come in and typically, you know, it's
a little bit accelerated for the coaches and they've got
(10:12):
to be able to turn over. But they did a
great job handling kind of just an above the neck
approach today. And we've had some experiences handling these things
and the guys always do a great job.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
But I'm in alignment with Matthew on that sure.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
I think very start his last year, you're hearing his
down and pop up the player of the year, And
where have you seen the most work for.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
I think just the consistency, you know, the way that
he works, Sarah.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
He you know he's going to get better, you know,
just because of the way physically takes care of his body,
the understanding of the game, the way that he's able.
You know, he's really conscientious. He's got a great feel
and as you accumulate experience, you know, that can be
a really great learning opportunity, like we've talked about with Matthew,
and I think he's really leaned into Devonte. I think
Davante's you know, kind of helped him continue to take
(10:54):
his game to another level. But he's so physically and
mentally tough. What I think he's done a great job
of is he he's consistently caught the ball really well.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
I mean, he's really worked on that.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
He's always had great natural hands, but you know, sometimes
these guys that have those great hands, you can kind
of almost just start to get upfield before you end
up looking the ball all the way in. And I
just think he's been really consistent. And that's not exclusive
to when the balls in his hands. I mean, he
makes a big difference for us as part of the
run blocking surface, and he's been outstanding. And you know,
I can't say enough good things about him.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
How well you mentioned Matthew joked on Sunday that he
just wanted to get to week one.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
That was his only goal during change.
Speaker 10 (11:30):
Yeah, what has stood out to you the most about
the way he spot through to get to this.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
Point of the year.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
I just think, you know, I'm just so impressed with
the consistency of him. You know, I just talked about
it with Pooka, but you talk about over seventeen years,
the consistent approach, you know, some of the different things
that he's had overcome.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
I mean, you know, it's touch and go.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
We thought, you know, I didn't really know, and we
weren't getting some of the responses that we were hoping
for for the back, and you know, you're sitting there
and you could see almost just kind of flipped the
switch and made a decision. You know, you're close to saying,
all right, are we going to just rest you and
maybe you just take the cup first four weeks and
then we revisit it so that we don't have this
imaginary timetable that causes unnecessary anxiety. And then he goes
out there and he was going to just do individual
(12:09):
and the next thing, you know, he hasn't looked back.
And so I don't think anybody but him can really understand,
you know, what he's overcome, what it takes to be
able to maintain where he's at. But what I think
you do feel that rubs off on his teammates at him,
is how much he loves this game. You know, at
the end of the day, it is a blessing to
be able to do this, whether it's coaching or playing.
There's a lot at stake. But man, what a guy
(12:30):
that you just watch that he is totally present. He's
enjoying the moment, and I think that's when we're at
our best. And I think this team has taken on
a lot of the great traits, the toughness mentally and physically,
and just the overall enjoyment for you know, the chance
to go compete, but also the ability to celebrate your teammates.
And he's elevated everybody that he's around. But that's it's
it's been really impressive. I wouldn't say I'm surprised, though,
(12:52):
you know, this has kind of been consistent for him
over the five years that we've been together, and I
think just just grateful to be able to have the
opportunity to be up with him.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Your two great questions, I'll come back.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
To you two questions as any you were stealing it
before anyone else can.
Speaker 7 (13:07):
Requests to talk to anyone on your staff other than
Chris Shula, have you got I.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Got a couple of requests for some trades for me.
I'm just kidding.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
No, No, I don't think so yet, but I do
know that those are based on just some of the
things that I've heard.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
I would imagine that Chris will get a couple of requests.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
I'd be very surprised if that doesn't happen, But nothing
official as of.
Speaker 7 (13:28):
Yet, and no one else at this point, not anybody else. Okay,
And then I'm secondly sorry in regard to DeVante in
terms of what you envision for him compared to how
he's performed, specifically in the red zone. Yeah, has that
exceeded your expectations? Is about what you expected from him?
Speaker 2 (13:45):
You know, I had high expectations for for him, but
I think, you know, I think what I was, what
I've been so impressed with is how automatic and just
his game day demeanor and just his everyday approach. So
I had high expectations just because of, you know, the
way that I had admired his body you have worked
from afar. But he's even better than I thought. He's
even more importantly, he's even better as a person. I've
really loved to be able to get to know him.
(14:07):
But the attention that he elicits, and then you know,
like we've we've talked about, the stats don't always show,
I mean, how many pis he's drawn, how many you know,
illegal contacts where you know you're moving the chains, and
they might not go on the stats, but he's got
you know, a few hundred yards for sure, and pis
that he's drawn. And then obviously what he's been able
to do. I mean, to lead the league in touchdowns
(14:27):
and miss the last handful of games. What a tremendous
tribute to him. And to do it with three different teams.
I don't think that's ever been done in you know,
in the history of this game. And so when you
start doing things like that, that tells you, you know,
he's in rarefied air and that's who he is.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Seanda year ago tomorrow is this crazy fire. Yeah, when
you look back in the totality of that, which stands
out about.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
Being Renny for perspective, you know, I think perspective and
how proud I was to be a part of our
football team and the way the guys handled it, you know,
there was it was a lot bigger than football, and
I think our guys, you know, I was so proud
to just be a small part of just watching the
way they represented for the city and you could see,
you know, there's a lot of cool things that sports do,
especially when there's big, real problems going on, and how
(15:10):
that can kind of unite as city or at least
provide a temporary relief from some of the things that
were going on that were very real and people still
feel the ramifications and the effects of that. But I
just thought it was such a cool reflection of our group,
the caliber of the men that play on our football team,
and just their overall competitive character and what they're about.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
And it was a.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
Special opportunity to be able to try to provide a
temporary relief for a city that was grieving. And you know,
I don't ever want to say that that was cool.
It was cool the way our guys handled it, But yeah,
we were talking about that the other day.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
Actually, do you feel a pulse on your on this team,
knowing that every team is different as you step into them.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Yeah, I feel a great pulse on this team. I
love the maturity. I think. I think that a lot
of the I think we've had a lot of different
experiences through the seventeen weeks, and I really appreciate the
experience that we had the other day where you go
down four points and to be able to, you know,
get a couple stops, to be able to have Ethan
Evans do a great job of kicking it off where
he lands it in the landing zone ends up as
a touch back, the offense goes and scores three touchdowns
(16:11):
and next thing you know, you look up and you're
up seventeen. And I think it was good for us
to face a little bit of adversity. And I think
we've been callous the right way, and you know, we're
excited to be able to go swing now that this
tournament has started.
Speaker 8 (16:22):
Talk about into.
Speaker 3 (16:26):
Back that sort of gets.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Out the regular and yeah, no, I know you absolutely
look back and you want to use it.
Speaker 1 (16:34):
You don't want to live in the past, but.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
You want to use it as learning opportunities of you know,
good experiences and how do we replicate that And then
when some of these scenarios that we want to handle differently,
all right, how can we use the learning that we
had to try to be able to apply it?
Speaker 1 (16:46):
And so these guys have done a great job of that.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
I think we've had a bunch of different experiences in
the seventeen games. We've had, you know, some really challenging
results that you know, as you know, unique as I've been.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
A part of.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
But I think it's calloused us the right way and
wouldn't want it any other way. And I think this
group is, you know, ready to go.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Answer the bell against a great team on Saturday.
Speaker 9 (17:07):
Welcome back to Monte.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
How you feeling. What's it like to be out there
practicing with the team?
Speaker 8 (17:13):
Feeling good and it feels great. I mean it feels
like it's been a year since I've been out there.
It's only been a little less than a month now.
But it's excited and I'm excited to be back for sure.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Sean had said towards last week that if last week
would have been a flat game, you could have played,
but they're holding out and you just describe just not
the physical challenge, but also the mental challenge in the
last couple of weeks.
Speaker 8 (17:35):
Yeah, I mean you mean the part of me not
being on the field. I mean, yeah, that's That's one
of the things. I was just talking about this with
Cuta the other day. That's one of the things that
I feel like I have never really figured out is
just how to manage that. You know, the first few
days is always like, you know, feeling sorry for yourself,
and then you realize, you know, especially me being in
a position I'm in, you know, guys are looking to
(17:55):
me for you know, leadership and directions still, you know,
in the midst of me dealing with the you know,
battling injury, so still got to be there for them,
you know, being strong for the team, being present, and
you know, just finding a way to still include myself
into things.
Speaker 9 (18:09):
And be helpful.
Speaker 8 (18:10):
So you know, the first like I said, first few days,
is gonna be tougher with that. But as you get
into it and get into a rhythm, start seeing the
treatment and the rehab heading in the right direction, it's
it's a little easier to kind of wrap your mind
around everything, and you know when you're seeing results and
you're starting to get better. So that's for me, it
was the mental part was tougher than the physical. And
you know, I feel like, like like Sean said last week,
(18:32):
if we had to, could have could have went, but
trying to give it a little bit more time, just
to be smart about it and you know, to load
up and be ready to go for for a week
like this.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
Four years since your last playoff appear in Slaves. Finding
your career without being in advance.
Speaker 8 (18:45):
Like, does lack of change your perspective going into this opportunity, Well,
I mean it it makes you more you know, grateful
to you know, obviously be in a situation like this
where you can have a chance. I didn't play meaning
football at this point in the year, but you know,
I also with that said, I played in four NFC
championship games in eight years in Green Bay. So I
(19:07):
was just talking about this with a couple of guys like,
you have to forgive me if we're not cheasing, you know,
year to year after after the first win, you know,
obviously we're gonna go out there and do everything we
gotta do to get that win. And you know, we
got to play the right type of ball first off
to in order to be in that position. But you know,
we got bigger mind or bigger goals in mind and
to just you know, survive the first round of the playoffs.
So I think everybody's gonna have that mindset of just
(19:28):
being locked in the whole time and you know, staying
present and in the moment so we can take care
of business, you know, this week and then you know,
get ready for the next week.
Speaker 9 (19:35):
You know, if that presents itself.
Speaker 8 (19:49):
Well, first, I mean, obviously having I've been blessed with
some pretty good quarterbacks in my my career, so having
some guys that understand you know, my body language, you know,
coaching that understand you know, what I can bring to
the game, and just having a notes for the end zone.
I guess you know, it's kind of been that way
since college. We're been able to just find it and
you know, been putting in some good situations by my
(20:10):
teammates and coaches.
Speaker 9 (20:12):
To be able to succeed. So I just try to
capitalize on as much as.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
Like you see, even started, it actually took you and
Matthew a little time to you know, build a connection
that you guys really got rolling help easier challenging.
Speaker 4 (20:24):
Is it to just kind of start that back up after.
Speaker 8 (20:26):
A few weeks off, Yeah, I mean I don't I
don't think taking a few weeks off. You know, I've
been out there catching balls, you know, last week at least,
and still trying to find a way to stay connected
with them. But I don't think a couple of weeks
off at this point it is gonna you know, deteriorate
our the success and the you know, the growth that
we've been able to have over the over the course
(20:46):
of the season. So you know, I don't have any expectations.
I'm not saying we're gonna go ten for ten or
you know, whatever it is when we get out there.
But at the end of the day, we've put into
work and we understand each other a lot better than
what we did, you know, we first started the season.
Speaker 9 (20:58):
So you know, hopefully that takes care of that.
Speaker 7 (21:01):
You have a nose for the end zone, but it
kind of goes beyond that, obviously, with what you've been
able to do.
Speaker 4 (21:08):
What is so what is it?
Speaker 7 (21:09):
I mean it when you look at yourself, you look
at other receivers in the league, what separates for you
in that particular part of the field.
Speaker 8 (21:19):
Well, I think one of the main things is obviously
my ability to separate, so being able to be sudden
down there.
Speaker 9 (21:25):
It's a it's a tight area. So if you're you know,
you're a receiver that that banks on making.
Speaker 8 (21:29):
Contested catches a lot, you know that you can, there's
a place for that, But there's also a place for
for somebody that can, you know, create separation quickly and
find windows. You know, understanding space and you know, just
a lot of it is not even just me too,
Like I said, it's understanding how to communicate with the
quarterback and knowing you know, what he sees, being able
to react and and you know, the second touchdown against
(21:51):
UH Carolina actually this year, you know, I'm running in
running the route that's going across this way, and I
see him just for a quick second start to make
his way back that way. So to be able to
get the DB's hands off, you know, have the awareness
and not get pushed out of bounds. You know, it's
a lot of little small nuances that help you to
you know, be able to get just that one more
a little bit of you know, an extra foot of
separation that can you know, lead to you know, a
(22:13):
lot of these times if the throw isn't perfect, you
got to have some separation, you.
Speaker 9 (22:17):
Know, that way you can still have a chance at
the ball.
Speaker 8 (22:19):
So I put a lot on myself to be able
to separate and create some some space for the quarterback.
Speaker 9 (22:24):
And you know, the quarterback does a good job of
funding me to.
Speaker 6 (22:27):
Anything specific that you learned in that first Patchmick and
some Panthers that you take into Saturday, I.
Speaker 8 (22:33):
Mean, I mean there's a lot, honestly, but I think
they got a really solid team. A lot a lot
of I don't think we took them lightly at all.
I think we just came out and played some a
little bit of sloppy ball times, played some good football too,
but it was uncharacteristic of us to turn the ball
over the way that we did. So just being you
know a little bit more ball aware, I guess, you know,
(22:54):
make sure we're not turning over where there's interceptions, you know,
fumbling the ball, whatever it is. Just just being in
would have protected because a team like that'll be able
to take advantage if you make bad mistakes like that.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
When you look back at the regular season, do you
feel like the the vision that Sean pitched you when
he was recruiting you during the else's and do you
feel like.
Speaker 8 (23:11):
That can't to fruition and it's entirety Yeah, I mean
it was. He didn't come out and say, hey, I
might have him get you the receiving record or you
know you're gonna have whatever. He he he just hyped
up what he saw on tape. And you know, he
he told me I had a plan for how he
used me, and yeah, stuck to that for sure.
Speaker 9 (23:26):
But young guy heard against Detroit.
Speaker 4 (23:28):
How serious that your feel it was in the moment
and how long did it take you to.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
Know that the message not over.
Speaker 4 (23:32):
I'm movie back.
Speaker 9 (23:34):
Well, I thought it was worse than what it was.
Speaker 8 (23:36):
I think I I kind of helped the situation a
little bit by when I gave out instead of trying to,
you know, continue to push through, cause that's what guys
do sometime, to see the ball and keep running trying
to get to it and then something, you know, creates
more damage. So me kind of bailing out of it
right there.
Speaker 9 (23:50):
I think I said it a little bit.
Speaker 6 (23:51):
But what was that?
Speaker 9 (23:53):
What was the second part of that?
Speaker 8 (23:56):
Yeah, I knew kind of I would say by the
time I'm I got assessed in the locker room that
it wasn't gonna be as bad as what we were
all thinking. And just based off how I was feeling
walking in wasn't fun. But still from you know, maybe
like five minutes after that, I realized. Unfortunately, I didn't
realize that my need had any anything until I got
home at night, and then it kind of set in
at at night, and that's why I realized we had
(24:18):
to take a look at that one. And but yeah,
as far as the the hamstring, yeah, I I was
grateful that it wasn't as bad as we thought.
Speaker 4 (24:27):
I was.
Speaker 9 (24:28):
Yeah, and but yeah, all of that is good. You
guys definitely knew that right Detroit. It was the same
same game, yeah, Dubante.
Speaker 3 (24:38):
When UH coach mcbase says this team is calloused in
the right way. With your experience in the league and
big games and playoffs, what do you like about this
specific team going.
Speaker 9 (24:49):
Into the postseason.
Speaker 8 (24:51):
I mean, yeah, I think, like like you said, anytime
that you are callous the way that we have.
Speaker 9 (24:56):
You've experienced some of the.
Speaker 8 (24:57):
You know, the games that we have, the the comebacks,
some of the times that you know, we lost the game,
and I think, you know, we we've been able to
kind of treat those as lessons and there's really nothing
that we haven't seen at this point. So sometime if
you just had this smooth sailing year where you don't
have any adversity, you know, you get woken up in
a in a bad way once you get to the playoffs.
And I think we've seen so many things where we
(25:18):
we understand all the possibilities, and you know, we also
locked in and hungry enough to be able to you know,
conquer some of those things and ultimately get where.
Speaker 9 (25:26):
We want to be.
Speaker 8 (25:27):
So very mature team to be so young, as I
mentioned before, and it just it gives me a lot
of hope and confidence in us moving forward.
Speaker 10 (25:34):
For you personally, being being a part of a playoff team,
and say, imagine one of the biggest reasons why you
signed with this team. You know, just what's it been like,
you know, being one of the biggest reasons why the
team is in this position and now having the opportunity
to you know, help them on a playoff run, return
to the playoffs.
Speaker 8 (25:50):
Yeah, I mean, it's it's just an overall blessing for me.
You know, I'm just a piece in this thing. And
that's what I made mentioned as Sean before I got here,
you know, all the receivers when I got here, just
letting them know, like you know, this is not the
Davante Show in any way, shape or formance. Is just
me coming here to you know, hopefully you know, help
and and you know, push this team over the over
the edge and and and get where we else we
want to be. And yeah, like I said, Sean, bringing
(26:12):
me here and and allowing me to you know, be
myself and and go out there and put the ball
in the end zone and help us win some games,
I'm just excited to be back on the field and
give us more opportunities to do that.
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