Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and tight end Colby Parkinson discuss chemistry and success in the tight end room, while inside linebacker Nate Landman reflects on his Week 14 interception against the Arizona Cardinals.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey Sean. Uh, first of all, how are you feeling?
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Feel great? Gary?
Speaker 3 (00:06):
Just outstanding now? I I I appreciate you asking my man.
I feel a little bit better, you know. I I
think we adrenaline kicked in during the game, and then
after the game ended, I felt like totally again, but
feeling much better now. So on the mend, you know,
it's uh no reason to talk about my health anymore.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
I'm in good shape, even though I look bad right now.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Any injuries coming out of that game anyway, can you tell?
Speaker 3 (00:36):
I think uh, I think we came out pretty clean
with the initial reports. Talking to Reggie after the game
last night, haven't gotten with him since guys have gotten
in this morning. I'll have more updates for you guys
on Wednesday.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
Any plan do you know yet what the plan will be?
If there is one uh to a possibly activate to
to at well this week?
Speaker 2 (00:58):
I have not have not gone down that road.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Yeah, Gary, I think you know a lot of that
could be contingent upon any sort of injury information that
I get, and then a lot of it is predicated
on once we get in and dive into the prep
for the Lions exactly how we want to approach things.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
And then finally for me, just wondering, as in terms
of your peace of mind with the way Harris and
Meavs has come in and seemed to solidify that kicking game,
what does that do for you just as a as
a coach, you know, in terms of mindset and ability
not to have to worry about that too much.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Well, I think it's a tremendous credit to the work
that's gone into that phase, you know, from you know
that group, from from Chase, from Ben, you know, from
all the guys that are involved in the protection from
Jake mcquaide, coming in from Meavs. Over the last five weeks,
Ethan Evans on the holds and so you know, the
last five weeks we've been clean and I'm really pleased
(01:56):
with it. And you know, we always talk about humilities
only you know, day away, and so we want to
continue to lean into the work, continue to improve. But overall,
I can't say enough about how pleased I've been with
the operation.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
It couldn't be any better. And that's that's the truth.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Thanks very much, You.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Got it, man, Sarah Sean.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
On Friday you were talking about you asked about Michael
Floor and you were talking about how much trust you
have in him. It sounds like from talking to you
yesterday and some players that he took kind of a
big role when you were away from the team when
you were sick. What did you either hear about him
and kind of the job he did, or what did
you see on Sunday from him?
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Yeah, it just confirms all the things. It's it's funny.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
It's almost like you guys knew I was going to
wake up in the middle of the night and just
get terribly sick on Friday, you know, you and Gary
ask me about that, But it didn't It didn't surprise me.
It just confirmed, you know, how fortunate and grateful I
am to have a you know, a leader like Mike
and a and a great coaching staff on the offensive side,
and really you know, coaching staff in general that you know,
(02:57):
guys just you know are they do a great job
within there roles and then if they're asked to step up,
all they do is just answer the bell and take
it to another level. And so, you know, in a
lot of instances, because of the approach that we're typically
accustomed to taking on Saturday leading into Sunday, you know,
I missed a large portion of that, whether it's dialogue
with in the walkthroughs, dialogue.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
With Matthew, in terms of how we categorize, how we want.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
To be able to call the game, and we were
able to kind of.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
You know, do that collectively.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
You know, normally I'm the one that's kind of got
the direct communication. Mike ended up having that yesterday because
of some of the things that I missed, and he
did a phenomenal job and you know, made some great
decisions and then we were, like anything, whether I have
it or whether he had it. You know, there's always
great collaboration. But I thought him and Ryan when Bell
and David going Nate Shieldhouse, really you know, Ron Gould,
(03:46):
Eric Yarber, Calabresee, Zach Kromer, Brian Allen, you know, all
of our offensive coaches.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Scooter Huff did such a cool job. You know that.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
I just can't say enough about it. But nothing surprised me, Sarah.
It just continued to confirm out fortune and lucky I
am to work with, you know, a great coach like Mike,
a great leader, and it's special.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
To clarify Mike was the one actually giving the play
call to Matthew during.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
The game, it was yep, he was.
Speaker 4 (04:14):
Did you get any feedback from Matthew about how that went?
Speaker 2 (04:18):
H I didn't.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
I did not get any feedback, but it was I mean,
I'm on there, so I can hear everything that he's saying,
and we're all communicating. So he did a hell of
a job getting it in a timely fashion, and then
you know, it was a really smooth operation.
Speaker 4 (04:31):
You talked about wanting to give Blake more carries this
year in an effort not only because of the running
back he is, but because you wanted to be able
to keep Kiren fresh. What kind of I guess discipline
did that take and when you get into the flow
of the game to make sure you hold yourself to
that And how have you seen it payoff now in
(04:52):
week fourteen.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
I think it's I think it's really just trust in
both of those players. But also, you know, Ron Gould
does a good job Sarah getting a feel and then
I think there's a cool understanding of like if you
need a blow, like you know, let the other guy
come in. And I think, you know, I think Blake
articulated it really well in his postgame with you guys yesterday.
How they positively spell one another, they positively push one another.
(05:14):
But you know, I think Blake's emergence has been awesome.
Kiren's obviously done a great job for the last few years,
and you're seeing Blake just earn, you know, more and
more confidence, you know, with the production that.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
He's having, and it's it's a special thing to witness.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
But I love the way those two are playing off
of one another, and Ron does a great job with
his feel Thank you.
Speaker 5 (05:34):
Beacon.
Speaker 6 (05:35):
Hey Sean, we've seen what you do when you have
two games in five days, what you do between the
two games. But do you do anything different this week
to prepare for the two games in five days stretch
that you have coming up?
Speaker 3 (05:46):
You know, not necessarily, Greg, I think this time of
the year, when you're talking about just the last quarter
of the season, you inevitably have to adjust and adapt
just based on where are we at with some of
the performance metrics, the numbers, and then you know, if
we do need to take a look little bit of
the physical workload off, does that affect and influence how
we want to practice Wednesday through Friday, And so you
(06:08):
might see a little bit more of a modified approach
is that to do with the last quarter of the
season or playing on a Thursday game.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
I think it's a little bit of both.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
But in the early parts of the season you're not
necessarily as worried about it. So I guess to appropriately
answer your question, there is there is a yes because
of the time of the year with that Thursday game
coming up.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
But don't get it to us that our sole focus and.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Concentration is on, you know, trying to have a great
week of preparation for the Lions.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
Yeah, you've a separate note. You've used three tight ends
a lot. You know, we've talked about it yesterday. You
used them a ton like I think it's the most
you've ever used three tight ends in a game here.
Does that have a cumulative effect in terms of like
preserving running backs receivers, getting them a few less snaps
that make them maybe a little bit fresher down the road?
Is that any concern or is it just attacking the
game with what it presents you every week.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
It's a great point, Greg, It's absolutely a part of
the equation. You know, I think there's multiple things without
getting you know, too specific from a tactical standpoint, but
when you talk about it lessens the workloads for some
of those other skill players.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
There's real benefits to that. I think.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
You know, I've alluded to this before when we talked about,
you know, just using all forty eight guys up on
our roster. You know, our tight ends had higher numbers,
the receivers were a little bit lower.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Obviously, when you're able to get a.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
Lead, you know you're going to lean on running it
a little bit more and trying to be able to
really compete against the clock as opposed to the opponent.
You know, once we got up a handful of possessions
and so that was why we were able to get
off a bunch of those snaps. And then in the
early parts of the game, you know, they came out
in a lighter grouping and they basically dared you to
run it based on what they were doing. And to
(07:44):
the guys credit and you know Coleman, the offensive line
of Matthew and you know the rest of the tight
ends and the receiver that were on the field, they
did a good job of being able to recognize it
and get good efficient runs.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Early on, you got it Man got.
Speaker 7 (07:59):
Them Bishan and week one when you deployed twelve and
thirteen against the Texans. It was a matchup based decision
similar to last year against the Vikings. That's obvious to
say that.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
Again, sorry, the first the first part of your question
cut out, my bad.
Speaker 7 (08:15):
No, no, no. In week one when you deployed thirteen
and twelve against the Texans, it was a matchup based
decision similar to last year against the Vikings. That's obviously
shifted mid season into an identity for this year's offense.
What were the conversations like between you and your staff
as that shift started to happen mid season from matchups
(08:35):
to identity.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Yeah, it's funny.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
I mean, you know, we're always figuring out ways to
try to be able to advance. A lot of it,
I think a lot of it came up organically. You know,
we really sprinkled in thirteen for the first time, you know,
we had some twelve personnel like you're talking about. But
then the first time that we actually got three tight
ends out on the field was against Baltimore and some
situational stuff and the tight red that when we were
(08:59):
off and they were jumping into some heavier groupings, you know,
But it was just sprinkled you know, and then you
start saying, okay, what can we do with this? Pooka
ended up getting injured. We were obviously you know, without
two two against Baltimore, and so that Jacksonville, you know,
that week in Baltimore leading up to Jacksonville, but it
was really it kind of just sprinkled it.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Then we were able to have you know, a handful of.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
Snaps that we got off against Jacksonville in London, and
it's really just kind of we've just kind of built
on it since and so the guys have played really well.
I think it's helped give us an identity and you know,
and it's really done a lot of the things that
Greg talked about relative to taking advantage of all of
our players, but also lessening the workload that allows some
of the skilled players, particularly the White House, to be fresher.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
In some known past situations.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
And so, you know, we want to continue to be multiple,
you know, and it's not always going to be applicable.
Speaker 6 (09:53):
You know.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
We were a little bit more twelve oriented against Tampa,
and so every week presents a different approach. But I
do think the multiple personnels and the more multiple wee
can be while taking advantage of our players, and then
how does that ultimately give us matchup in tactical advantages
both from a personnel and a schematic standpoint against the
upcoming opponent or all the factors. But just kind of
(10:13):
an organic evolution based on you know, some things that
ended up happening and where we kind of just really
started sprinkling it in against Baltimore and little bite sized increments.
Speaker 7 (10:23):
Yeah, guys have talked about those bite sized increments too.
How do you decide how to parcel that out when
you're installing a whole personnel package midseason.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
Well, number one, you know, it takes really smart players.
Our tight end room is incredibly smart. Like I can't
say enough about obviously Higgs is out right now, but
how smart he is Kolbe, Davis Allen, you know. And
then just the overall versatility of Terrence Ferguson, I mean,
the amount of different positions and you know, I know
he might not have shown up on the stat sheet,
but that guy is doing a hell of a job
(10:54):
for us.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
He's going to be a hell of a player, and
he's becoming a hell of a player before our eyes.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
But just their versatility, they're smarts, you do it a
little bit at a time, but if there's sequencing behind it,
and then you've got a great coach and Scooter Huff
and the things make sense where it kind of fits
off of previous things that they know, you can just
kind of build on it.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
And that's what we've been able to do.
Speaker 7 (11:17):
And how do you how does that impact practice, particularly
before the team portion of the day.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
In what regards do you mean.
Speaker 7 (11:26):
Like does it impact like the way like we've seen
some install when quarterbacks would normally be doing receiver lines
with the tight ends or something like that, like, oh.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
I got you, Yeah, you know what, we might have
a little bit more individual oriented stuff. You know, we're
getting a lot of stuff where tackles, tight ends are
spending some time together. But I would say the biggest
you know, it doesn't influence a whole lot because once
you get to this part of the season, you know,
we'll do a couple competitive things against our defense, but
for the most part, it's projecting what are the looks
(11:56):
that we're expecting against the opposing team that we're preparing
for or Wednesday through Friday, and so you know, you
maybe adjust a little bit of the individual portions that
are you know, more specific to what's going to be
asked within the framework of the game for your players,
But hasn't been too drastic, just based on the nature
of you know, how we're practicing. But again going back
(12:18):
to Greg's point, it does kind of lessen the load
of just the amount of just sheer volume on our
receivers where we were almost exclusively eleven in previous years
and now there's there's a lot of balance and yesterday
we were a lot heavier in thirteen and you know
who knows exactly what it's going to, you know, appear
against Detroit once we get our plan together and figure
out what's the best way to attack them, let you
(12:39):
know on Monday morning.
Speaker 7 (12:41):
Has this been a fun challenge for you and your
staff to conceptualize some of these plays after living in
eleven for so long.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
It has been you know, Ryan Wendell and I were
talking about that as last week, and I just think
the more ball you get exposed to different groupings, different
personnel matches, different ways that you can take advantage of
your players, it has been stimulating for our coaching staff.
And you know, like I said, you know, Mike and
those guys. They've just done such a great job of
allowing this thing to, you know, organically evolve as the
(13:09):
season's gone, just based on our players, and that's always
where it starts with our guys.
Speaker 7 (13:13):
Thanks Sean, You're welcome, dude.
Speaker 8 (13:16):
Then whyatt Sean sticking with the tight end room? Just
what have you seen specifically from Kobe Parkinson specifically this
year and how is he a different player maybe compared
to last year when he was in his first year
with the team.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
I've just seen a guy that just is so present
and so settled and just so enjoyed playing. And he's
obviously so gifted, but he works hard. He's got the
right mindset.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Mentally and physically. He's got a great skill set.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
I think he's surrounded by a bunch of teammates that
love and care about him and believe in him. And
it's the same thing with his coaches, and you know,
you try to put him in situations that maximize the
things that he does well.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
And he's doing a lot of really cool stuff right now.
Speaker 3 (13:56):
He's making great plays in the past game, it's being
a key critical factor in the run game, and in
a lot of instances he's at the point of attack
and you know, he's he's he's done a great job,
you know. And I could say the same thing for
Davis and I mentioned about Ferg but just just really
happy for him.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
But a guy.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
I think our players are at their best when they're
enjoying it and they're locked in, and that's what I'm
seeing from Kolbe and it's been really fun to witness.
Speaker 8 (14:21):
And then for you, this is seventh time in your
nine years as head coach with ten wins season. Obviously
that takes you know, staff players, like a collective effort
to achieve that, and I know you wouldn't be the
first person to take individual credit for that. So with
that in mind, just what does you know that measure
of success mean to you? Knowing the you know, the
(14:42):
staffs and the and the kinds of players you've worked
with to achieve that.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Yeah, it's it's it's about the people. You just said it, Stu.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
I think the first thing that comes to mind is
is gratitude, appreciation for being surrounded by a lot of
people you know that do a phenomenal job and their
roles and push you to want to be better for them.
And that's players and coaches, and so I think you
know that that consistency of people we talk about all
the time.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
Consistency is the truest measure of performance.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
I'll tell you what's been consistent is great people that
I've been surrounded with, and you you know, you really
just sometimes want to get out of the way and
let them do, you know, their thing. And I think
you're getting more and more comfortable with understanding, you know,
where you're needed, where you could fit, but also realizing
how fortunate I am to be surrounded by great players
and coaches and cherish it, enjoy it, lean in every
(15:30):
single day. But the number one thing that comes to
mind is is, uh, you know, just very appreciative of
being surrounded by special.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
People because that's what will always matter.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
That's the most important thing, and it will always be
the most important thing, and that will never be forgotten here.
Speaker 8 (15:46):
Thank you, appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
You got it man.
Speaker 9 (15:50):
What hey, Sean, this run game has been super successful,
especially recently, and you know, leaning on outside zone and
and do so what makes the offensive line and the
tight ends and the skilled players who block like what
makes those so successful?
Speaker 1 (16:06):
Concepts?
Speaker 9 (16:07):
For you guys?
Speaker 3 (16:08):
Well, I think the execution it's it's about the players.
You know that the players are ultimately bringing it to life.
They're executing. I think yesterday was a great illustration of
guys getting connected, and then I thought the Backs, you know,
got everything was blocked for and then more, you know,
you look at Blake's long run, Kiren had a handful
of good slash running, you know, and so it always
(16:29):
takes all eleven. But you know, it doesn't necessarily matter
what the concept is. They're just bringing it to life.
I think they have an ownership and an understanding of
what the intent is, so there's that clarity. There's great
communication pre snap and then the post sap execution and
the strain and finish, and then Backs are doing their thing.
And so it's been really good, especially the last few weeks,
(16:50):
and you know, we got to continue to do that because,
like I've told you, guys, before you show me a
good offense, I'll show an offense that can do either or.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
And it doesn't necessarily but you know, it's.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
A numbers game, and if they want to lean one
way or the other, you have to be able to
make them pay. And I think our guys have done
a great job of being able to keep teams off
balance and in a lot of instances, we're avoiding third
downs because of the efficiency that these guys are having
on early downs from a run.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
And you know, when we decided to throw the football perspective.
Speaker 9 (17:19):
And we've seen a lot of different guys step up
into into you know, larger roles this year, whether it
was Xavier Smith or Blake Korum, and a lot of
people have talked about just your ability to instill belief
in in people. So I guess what's your approach in
you know, just getting people to believe that they're capable
of more than.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
They might have ever thought themselves.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
Yeah, you know, I don't know that there's a there's
not a specific approach. There's a consistency in terms of
trying to authentically, you know, make them feel that way.
It's cool to hear, but you know, I think it's
more about actions, the consistent rhythm and routine, the way
that you act, interact and respond, and the way that
you try to pour into these guys. We try to be,
(18:02):
you know, really transformational, but there's a lot of love
that you have for these people and you try to
really lean into helping them reach and realize their highest potential.
And that's as you know, people, but and then that's
also as players. But and it's people first and players second.
But you know that that's I think that's the job
of the of a coach is to shine light on others.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
And you know, and.
Speaker 3 (18:23):
That's what we really try to do in an authentic way.
And when guys say that, that sure makes uh makes
me very very happy.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Thank you, You're welcome.
Speaker 5 (18:34):
All right, thanks coach.
Speaker 2 (18:35):
Okay, thank you guys.
Speaker 10 (18:36):
Hey, Koby, how are you good man?
Speaker 5 (18:39):
Doing well?
Speaker 10 (18:40):
Uh? Yesterday, you guys had your best rushing performance of
the season and really in a long time. Just as
someone who's out there on those plays as a blocker,
what what is that feeling like to build that type
of performance throughout a game to a point where whether
it's kiring back there, Blake or even Ronnie that that
you're able to just keep running and keep finding success.
Speaker 7 (19:00):
Yes.
Speaker 11 (19:00):
Yeah, I mean we had a great plan going into
the game. Obviously, the Cardinals pose a lot of different
looks defensively, you know that three safety defense. They're flying
around all over the place. So we had a great
plan throughout the week and we're able to just trust
each other out there, and that first drive you kind
of got a feel for how things were going to go,
and just building confidence playing and play out and having
(19:20):
guys like Iron and Blake and Ronnie being able to
run the ball like they do, and it makes a
lot of fun.
Speaker 10 (19:26):
And you guys ran lots of thirteen personnel. You've done
that this year, but more yesterday than ever before and
obviously paid off in the run game in the scoreboard.
Just can you explain to someone as one of those
three tight ends out there or what kind of advantage
does it give you to be one of three different
tight ends when it comes to the run game in
the past game.
Speaker 11 (19:47):
Yeah, we're just able to handle different looks, you know.
Like I said, the Cardinals, they have a good defense
and it's hard sometimes to know where they're going to fit.
But when you're playing with you know, tight ends that
kind of see the game the same way through the
same lens, it's very helpful to when those last minute moves,
last second moves before the snap happened. Defensively, we're able
(20:07):
to just play off each other, me Davis and figure
out there yesterday. So it helps a ton and it's
a lot of fun being able to get all three
of us going, and obviously looking forward Gettinghiggs back here soon.
Speaker 10 (20:18):
And then just lastly, what do you notice that that
personnel grouping does for quarterback like Matthew Stafford, who's so
experienced and said so much before the snap to be
able to kind of manipulate or make decisions with that
group out there.
Speaker 11 (20:34):
Yeah, I mean he has total control out there. He's
so much fun to be in the huddle with and
just see his control of the game. I think he
likes thirteen a lot. Obviously, there's a lot of different
things we can do. We can run the ball, we
can get into some you know, drop back stuff and
play action stuff too, So it kind of just opens
opens up the playbook. But all of that starts with
running the ball. Well, so that first drive really opened
(20:56):
up the whole playbook for us yesterday.
Speaker 5 (20:58):
Thank you. Yep, Stu.
Speaker 8 (21:02):
You've been getting a lot of practice with the crabhands
Selly the last five weeks. So I don't know if
you know, but that was your fourth touchdown catching your
last five games. Just how would you describe, you know,
the enjoyment that you've been playing with, you know, this
season and the way you've been able to, you know,
contribute and impact the team's success.
Speaker 11 (21:21):
Yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head there.
It's just been an enjoyable year. You know, I'm not
out there trying to score touchdowns for myself or do
this or that selfishly. I really just want the team
to do well and to play to the best my
abilities for the team and whatever that looks like.
Speaker 5 (21:37):
You know, early on, wasn't getting the ball as.
Speaker 11 (21:40):
Much in the red zone, and I was totally fine
with it as long as I was helping the team win.
And I think all all of us titands have that
same mindset. So it's really fun to be a part
of a selfless group like that who or sorry, where
everyone just wants to help the team and no one's
concerned about themselves too much. So it's been a lot
of fun and we're excited to, you know, keep it
going this week.
Speaker 8 (21:59):
Is there a big difference that there's been for you
between you know, your second year with the team versus
your first. I mean, obviously you've played in the NFL
for a while, but just in terms of comfortability with
the offense or whatever it may be, Like, what does
that look like for you this year definitely.
Speaker 11 (22:13):
You know, go into a new place is always a
little difficult. There's some growing pains, just being comfortable with
the playbook, being comfortable with the with the guys, with
the coaching staff and everyone. So uh, just coming back
for the second year with the Rams has been such
a blast and gangs know, Sean Moore and and the
whole offensive staff. I just feel super comfortable here and
it's it's been fun and I think that shows with
(22:35):
all this tight ends out there on the field too.
Speaker 6 (22:37):
Thank you appreciate it.
Speaker 12 (22:38):
Yeah, thanks Dennis.
Speaker 5 (22:42):
Kobe, How are you good?
Speaker 12 (22:44):
I would you describe, well, how much have you learned
under h or working with Matthew?
Speaker 5 (22:51):
Yeah? A ton.
Speaker 11 (22:51):
I mean he sees the game like no one I've
played with before. His understanding of concepts of the playbook,
of what every single person on the field is doing
it on every single play. It's it's really impressive and
it's really fun to be around and just to see
his brain working the way it does. You know, it's
inspires me to try to be better and and take
(23:13):
the game to the next level like he does.
Speaker 12 (23:15):
And where would you say, say your level of play
has will be at right now, I suppose when you
first got into the league.
Speaker 11 (23:22):
Yeah, I mean I've definitely grown a lot as a blocker.
You know, coming into the league, I was you know,
I was more of a pass catcher in college. So
taking on that role early on in my career to
make myself the best blocker I can be.
Speaker 5 (23:34):
And you know, it's it's a work in progress.
Speaker 11 (23:36):
I'm I've never never want to feel like I've arrived,
because I never will arrive.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
You know.
Speaker 11 (23:40):
It's a work in progress, trying to get better each
and every week. And I think the humility, like I've
said about this whole tight end group, it shows in practice.
You know, we go out every week and we are
trying to get better every single day. And it's a
it's a really fun and enjoyable environment to be a
part of.
Speaker 12 (23:56):
Thank you, Thank you, Adam.
Speaker 7 (24:00):
It cool be Thanks for doing this. You know, to
circle back to some of the thirteen personnel stuff, I'm curious,
like what it's been like just being part of that
position group as that package and really just like the
whole personnel grouping of it has been installed mid season
kind of on the fly, week by week.
Speaker 5 (24:19):
Yeah, it's been a ton of fun.
Speaker 11 (24:20):
You know, in camp we all talked about as a
tight end group that we need to earn the right
to be in twelve personnel, earned the right to be
in thirteen personnel, And I think we took that mindset
into the season, just trying to play to the best
of our abilities and make us be a benefit to
the team when we're all on the field.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
So each week when.
Speaker 11 (24:38):
We get the installs, we all scroll to the bottom
to see what type of thirteen stuff we have in
And you know, this past week was fun to see
the install and see what the plan was going against
the Cardinals to run a lot of thirteen and obviously
worked out pretty well.
Speaker 5 (24:50):
So hopefully we can keep doing more of that.
Speaker 7 (24:53):
I know, like the package started to grow, you know,
the Ravens and Jaguars weeks, But like, did you in
the room as a whole feel like you had earned
that right like you talked about in camp.
Speaker 11 (25:07):
Yeah, I mean, like you said, Ravens week was the
first week we had thirteen up and did pretty well
with that. Jaguars we also did pretty well, So I
think after that we kind of realized that the better
we play in thirteen, the more likely we are to
get more of it up week in and week out. So,
like I said that, we never feel like we've arrived.
We got to keep earning it each and every week
(25:28):
and starts.
Speaker 7 (25:28):
In practice, we saw some plays being installed during what
would usually be like the receiver line drill and things
like that during practice. Just in what other ways has
that install impacted like the usual rhythms of practice through
that period of time.
Speaker 11 (25:44):
Well, in practice, we are all getting a lot more
reps than normal usually. I mean last year specifically, I
mean I'm used to eleven personnel and you know, we're
each getting a third of the reps. But now in thirteen,
we're all out there for pretty much every play, So
that's been a little different.
Speaker 5 (25:58):
But other than that, too much has changed.
Speaker 7 (26:01):
And a couple of years ago, when the offense shifted
to do a run block, Sean addressed the team about
the philosophical change in the blocking scheme. Has there been
any moment like that or is it really just happened
more gradually and naturally?
Speaker 11 (26:14):
I think gradually. You know, we've earned that confidence over
the course of these last whatever. It's been six seven
weeks since the Ravens game, and it's more of a
mindset throughout the tight end room too. It's like, hey,
they trust us, let's keep earning that trust every week.
Thanks Coling, Yeah, thanks, and.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
Then we'll wrap with Gary and then Brock.
Speaker 1 (26:34):
Hey, Kobe, thank you for doing this. Appreciate it. You know,
Sean was saying that although it may not show on
the stat sheet, Terrence is really growing by leaps and bounds,
and just curious from your perspective what you've seen from
him since he arrived to what he's doing now.
Speaker 11 (26:55):
Yeah, I mean, Fergus a great guy. He is willing
and able to do anything that he's asked to do.
You know, early on in the thirteen personal stuff, he
wasn't doing as much blocking, but you see him out
there now he is, He's getting in there and he
is helping the team out for sure. So I completely
agree with what Sean said. He's he's grown a ton
in these this first first year of his will definitely
(27:16):
be a long career. So thankfully have him on the team,
excited to see him continue to grow. And you know,
you've seen glimpses of what he's done in the past
game and you know he's he's definitely a special talent,
so excited to be a part of his career.
Speaker 1 (27:31):
Early on, Wait, you had mentioned, you know, like when
you first came into the league, you had to make
some adjustments just in terms of because in blocking and
learning how to how to perfect that.
Speaker 8 (27:42):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
In watching in watching his development, what do you recall
about him initially and and kind of the player that
that now he's with the confidence he's playing with now.
Speaker 5 (27:53):
Yeah, I think he nailed it there. It's just confidence.
Speaker 11 (27:55):
You know, early on, I can remember being a rookie
not really too sure of myself, not really sure of
the scheme that I was walking into, and then as
the years progress, just becoming more and more confident. And
you can definitely see that in him, the way he's
he's playing out there, his understanding of the playbook. We
ask him to do a lot of things offensively, especially
in these thirteen personnel packages where he's moving all over
(28:16):
the place and.
Speaker 5 (28:18):
He's on it.
Speaker 11 (28:18):
You know, he's got a great football football mind and
he's able to do the right thing pretty much all
the time, which is really impressive for a rookie.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
And again, like I said, he's.
Speaker 11 (28:27):
Willing and able to block and do whatever he's asked
of him.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
Thanks very much.
Speaker 5 (28:32):
Yeah, thank you.
Speaker 12 (28:34):
Rock.
Speaker 13 (28:36):
As you go on as a player and then also
have to first how you doing?
Speaker 5 (28:43):
Yeah, man, how you doing?
Speaker 13 (28:45):
But as you're learning different schemes, techniques and also changes
of scenery, how does having three different tight ends coaches
over three years impact you doing that?
Speaker 5 (28:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 11 (28:54):
I mean each of them are very unique, and I'm
very thankful for all my titands coaches. I think I've
pulled things from each of them and added to my
my tool belt throughout the years.
Speaker 5 (29:04):
So thankful for each of them.
Speaker 11 (29:07):
I was able to see you know, Pat last week
against the Panthers, and obviously we saw Cale's first week
against the Texans, and now with Scooter. It's been been
a blessing to have three really really great tight end
coaches and thankful for all of them.
Speaker 13 (29:20):
And current coach Scott Huff he has an interesting personality.
How does that? How does that impact the tat end woman?
How has that you know developed into the offense as well?
Speaker 5 (29:31):
Yeah?
Speaker 11 (29:31):
Yeah, Huff is the man. I mean, he is a
phenomenal coach. We all love him and super thankful for him.
His I think his history of being a player playing
center at Boise and all that is really helpful. You know,
he understands the game at a player level really well,
and he's able to relate to us and and and
break it down pretty simply for us. And it's a
(29:53):
He's a fun guy to play for and we all
love and respect him for sure.
Speaker 13 (29:59):
My last question outside of the rams, of course, your
former collegiate offensive coordinator to Heza Pritchard just got rehired
by your own modern as head coach. Canse you your
thoughts on the move and what people can expect from him.
Speaker 11 (30:09):
Yeah, I'm super excited for Toa. I mean, he is
a phenomenal dude. I think that is a great hire
for Stanford. Excited to see what he does with the
program moving forward. I know it's only up from here.
So Tavida is a very personable guy. He's going to
do I mean, he's going to kill it with recruiting.
He's the perfect Stanford man. Obviously, he played there in
the early two thousands and we've had some, i mean
(30:32):
some of the most memorable games in Stanford history. So
excited to see what he does and excited to get
back on the farm and you know see him up there.
Speaker 5 (30:40):
Thank you, Thank you. Okay, thank you, Kobe, all right,
thanks God blest guys.
Speaker 8 (30:44):
Yeah, Nate, we're so used to the peanut punch force fumbles.
But obviously getting an interception on Sunday, what was it
like being able to, you know, create yet another takeaway
and impact the game in that way and in particular
get a pick.
Speaker 5 (30:58):
Yeah, it was cool.
Speaker 14 (30:59):
Then I told Sean mcveida before that in lockermows do
whether I was a punchout or something. So it got
glad it came to light. But yeah, it's good coverage
you know by the other guys, and Kobe had to
go through his read and then came came back and
I don't think he saw me. The rush was in
his face. So definitely a definitely a team effort, but
(31:21):
a good opportunity.
Speaker 8 (31:22):
And let to some points mentioned the team effort. I
think the entire defense was involved in that celebration after
the interception too. Was that like planned? I guess just
what what inspired that? And also you know, giving Kobe
the ball to have him spike it at the very end.
Speaker 5 (31:38):
Yeah, it was all unplanned. We had we hadn't talked
about it.
Speaker 14 (31:43):
Uh, when I stood up and you know, everybody runs
the sideline and I just slid. For whatever reason, everybody
joined in and then I liked the big man spikes
on offense, so I saw I saw Kobe there and
it was all natural, and I think that's why it
turned out so good.
Speaker 2 (31:58):
Appreciate it, Thank you, Adam.
Speaker 7 (32:03):
Was Kobe ever able to find the ball for you?
Speaker 14 (32:07):
Yeah? I think I think Stu actually picked it up,
because when he spiked it, it went, it went like
twenty feet in the air. I think I think Stuke
picked it up. I got it though at the end
of the game.
Speaker 5 (32:17):
Okay, good.
Speaker 7 (32:19):
I'm sure you guys haven't started looking at Lion's film yet.
But a pretty big challenge coming in in that Detroit backfield.
Like what, what are just kind of your early impressions
from watching this season what Gibbs and Monty are doing.
Speaker 14 (32:31):
Yeah, the good combo between those two obviously Gibbs, you know,
the speed that he plays with is is a game changer.
His ability to you know, join the past route the
past three and affect the game that way. And then
you know, you got Montgomery the way he runs downhill
and it's kind of a good one two punch. They
play off each other. Got a good quarterback, got good skill,
(32:54):
It's gonna be a good battle.
Speaker 7 (32:55):
Though, through the course of your career, teams have started
to lean more on that like two running back system
in terms of having that one two punch. I'm curious
like how that has impacted either preparation or just like
how you guys play against the run, knowing that they
have different things that they can run for different guys
on a week to week basis.
Speaker 14 (33:16):
Yeah, you pick up on different tendencies. What do you
like to do with different backs. You know, some guys
better at pass throw, some guys are better at outside
zone versus inside zone runners. So you look at that
back skill set obviously with with Gibbs speed, so they
want to get him out in space, get them out
on the route tree quick or motion to empty, so
(33:39):
you can kind of change and narrow down your mindset
of kind of the offensive calls that you're going to
get and then match that with you know, the right
defensive goal.
Speaker 5 (33:48):
Thanks Naan.
Speaker 12 (33:50):
Dennis, And how are you great things?
Speaker 5 (33:54):
How are you doing good?
Speaker 12 (33:56):
How would you describe the identity of the defensive unit?
Speaker 14 (34:01):
Just relentless, you know, our mantras is kind of make
them snap it one more time. It's an imperfect game
and we all want to have our best games, you know,
every game, but that's the reality, that's not the case.
I think we do a good job of building off
each other, playing with playing with relentless effort and then
making them snap it one more time, you know, making
them go the long, hard way down to the end
(34:23):
zone and not giving up explosives, but just that you know,
relentless mindset that they're gonna have to deal with us
every snap I think is you know, leading to our success.
Speaker 12 (34:36):
And as a vedroom player, how how important is the
communication on game day between everybody?
Speaker 14 (34:41):
It's huge. Communication is you know, is prior toy number one.
And that starts with me getting the call in from shoot.
If we're all lined up and get the call on
quick and everybody's reading their keys, I think that's when.
Speaker 5 (34:54):
We're at our best.
Speaker 14 (34:56):
So and then you know, that starts with communication, me
getting everybody lined up and getting everybody to call, you know,
and then each given call has two or three checks
in it, get into the right check. That's you know,
advantageous for us. So communication is you know, the paramount
thing for us for sure.
Speaker 12 (35:13):
All right, thank you, So much.
Speaker 13 (35:15):
Thank you, and then we'll wrap with Gary and then.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
Why hey Nate, thank you for doing this. Appreciate it.
You know, looking back at yesterday's game, what what happened
during that first drive and and what changed after after
that initial time on the field.
Speaker 14 (35:36):
Yeah, you know, we gotta start faster, and that starts
with myself. You know, we did good job stopping the
run on that first play and then they came out
with the screen and you know, poor tackling on my end.
I got to make the tackle to limit that game.
Put that one on me, and then you know they
had a good play call on the next one they
hit you know the tighten up to seem and then
(35:59):
you know kind of had us on our heels a
little bit and then we kind of locked in as
the game kept going, got you know, got them off
the field that next drive, and you know, we start
a little slow, which is not what we want to do.
We want to you know, start fast and build as
the game keeps going. It's something that we'll work on
the practice this week, for sure.
Speaker 1 (36:18):
Is there any kind of like emotional reset you know
after something like that happens, because obviously not the way
you guys want to start. But when you get to
the sideline or when you're preparing to go back out,
is it just kind of business as usual or is
there some kind of collective coming together before you go
out there again?
Speaker 5 (36:36):
Uh? Yeah, you know, I might.
Speaker 14 (36:38):
I might bring the guys up and say something, but
it's no panic on our end. You know this this
game is full of ebbs and flows. You're gonna have
small amounts of adversity in every part of the game.
So it's responding that in the right way. It's not
taking the highs too high and the low is too low.
So just trying to keep everybody even keel and you know,
trusting our process, trusting our game plan, and.
Speaker 5 (37:00):
You know, start a little faster. You know, that's what
we'd hope to do.
Speaker 14 (37:03):
But once we settled in, played our game and played
our keys, you know that that's when we're at our best.
Speaker 1 (37:11):
You mentioned kind of the one two punch of that
running Backs offer you and Omar kind of offer a
one two punch on the defensive side. What's it been
like playing next to him and how would you kind
of describe for you know, a fan that's just watching,
you know, what what he's.
Speaker 14 (37:29):
Like Yeah, he's uh, he's a quite guy off the field,
and then when he gets in between those white lines,
he kind of flips a switch.
Speaker 5 (37:37):
You know.
Speaker 14 (37:37):
Omar is kind of the unsung hero of this defense.
Doesn't get as much credit as I think he deserves.
He's great in the run, great communicator. Me and him
play off each other well, and you know, just strong
physical presence there, a true middle linebacker. You can see
his knock back tackles in the run game, you know, great,
(37:58):
and zone coverage great, great, anything you need to do,
you know, breaks glass when he blitzes.
Speaker 5 (38:03):
So true onsung here of this defense.
Speaker 14 (38:05):
Love playing next to Oh, he's making me a better player,
and I definitely wouldn't be having, you know, the success
that defense wouldn't have the success that it's happened without
Omar for sure.
Speaker 1 (38:16):
Thanks very much.
Speaker 9 (38:18):
Thank you, By and Nate, thanks for doing this. You know,
between the punch outs and you know, just how you've
played this year, you've kind of become somewhat of a
of a fan favorite. Do you feel kind of that
that love and is that something that you've experienced before, you.
Speaker 14 (38:36):
Know, kind of go back to college days and Boulder.
It's not I'm not crazy active on social media and
stuff like that. I don't see too much, but you know,
you can definitely feel the crowd, you know, when we're
playing it so far, even even this Sunday in Arizona,
the crowd is great. You know, glad that the fans
are coming out to sport and we just want to
(38:57):
win for them, you know, when win for this program.
So you can definitely feel the rise of the fan
engagement for the team for sure.
Speaker 9 (39:06):
Thank you, Thanks Nate.
Speaker 5 (39:09):
Appreciate it having you
Hey Sean. Uh, first of all, how are you feeling?
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Feel great? Gary?
Speaker 3 (00:06):
Just outstanding now? I I I appreciate you asking my man.
I feel a little bit better, you know. I I
think we adrenaline kicked in during the game, and then
after the game ended, I felt like totally again, but
feeling much better now. So on the mend, you know,
it's uh no reason to talk about my health anymore.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
I'm in good shape, even though I look bad right now.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Any injuries coming out of that game anyway, can you tell?
Speaker 3 (00:36):
I think uh, I think we came out pretty clean
with the initial reports. Talking to Reggie after the game
last night, haven't gotten with him since guys have gotten
in this morning. I'll have more updates for you guys
on Wednesday.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
Any plan do you know yet what the plan will be?
If there is one uh to a possibly activate to
to at well this week?
Speaker 2 (00:58):
I have not have not gone down that road.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Yeah, Gary, I think you know a lot of that
could be contingent upon any sort of injury information that
I get, and then a lot of it is predicated
on once we get in and dive into the prep
for the Lions exactly how we want to approach things.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
And then finally for me, just wondering, as in terms
of your peace of mind with the way Harris and
Meavs has come in and seemed to solidify that kicking game,
what does that do for you just as a as
a coach, you know, in terms of mindset and ability
not to have to worry about that too much.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Well, I think it's a tremendous credit to the work
that's gone into that phase, you know, from you know
that group, from from Chase, from Ben, you know, from
all the guys that are involved in the protection from
Jake mcquaide, coming in from Meavs. Over the last five weeks,
Ethan Evans on the holds and so you know, the
last five weeks we've been clean and I'm really pleased
(01:56):
with it. And you know, we always talk about humilities
only you know, day away, and so we want to
continue to lean into the work, continue to improve. But overall,
I can't say enough about how pleased I've been with
the operation.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
It couldn't be any better. And that's that's the truth.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
Thanks very much, You.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Got it, man, Sarah Sean.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
On Friday you were talking about you asked about Michael
Floor and you were talking about how much trust you
have in him. It sounds like from talking to you
yesterday and some players that he took kind of a
big role when you were away from the team when
you were sick. What did you either hear about him
and kind of the job he did, or what did
you see on Sunday from him?
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Yeah, it just confirms all the things. It's it's funny.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
It's almost like you guys knew I was going to
wake up in the middle of the night and just
get terribly sick on Friday, you know, you and Gary
ask me about that, But it didn't It didn't surprise me.
It just confirmed, you know, how fortunate and grateful I
am to have a you know, a leader like Mike
and a and a great coaching staff on the offensive side,
and really you know, coaching staff in general that you know,
(02:57):
guys just you know are they do a great job
within there roles and then if they're asked to step up,
all they do is just answer the bell and take
it to another level. And so, you know, in a
lot of instances, because of the approach that we're typically
accustomed to taking on Saturday leading into Sunday, you know,
I missed a large portion of that, whether it's dialogue
with in the walkthroughs, dialogue.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
With Matthew, in terms of how we categorize, how we want.
Speaker 3 (03:20):
To be able to call the game, and we were
able to kind of.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
You know, do that collectively.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
You know, normally I'm the one that's kind of got
the direct communication. Mike ended up having that yesterday because
of some of the things that I missed, and he
did a phenomenal job and you know, made some great
decisions and then we were, like anything, whether I have
it or whether he had it. You know, there's always
great collaboration. But I thought him and Ryan when Bell
and David going Nate Shieldhouse, really you know, Ron Gould,
(03:46):
Eric Yarber, Calabresee, Zach Kromer, Brian Allen, you know, all
of our offensive coaches.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Scooter Huff did such a cool job. You know that.
Speaker 3 (03:56):
I just can't say enough about it. But nothing surprised me, Sarah.
It just continued to confirm out fortune and lucky I
am to work with, you know, a great coach like Mike,
a great leader, and it's special.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
To clarify Mike was the one actually giving the play
call to Matthew during.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
The game, it was yep, he was.
Speaker 4 (04:14):
Did you get any feedback from Matthew about how that went?
Speaker 2 (04:18):
H I didn't.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
I did not get any feedback, but it was I mean,
I'm on there, so I can hear everything that he's saying,
and we're all communicating. So he did a hell of
a job getting it in a timely fashion, and then
you know, it was a really smooth operation.
Speaker 4 (04:31):
You talked about wanting to give Blake more carries this
year in an effort not only because of the running
back he is, but because you wanted to be able
to keep Kiren fresh. What kind of I guess discipline
did that take and when you get into the flow
of the game to make sure you hold yourself to
that And how have you seen it payoff now in
(04:52):
week fourteen.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
I think it's I think it's really just trust in
both of those players. But also, you know, Ron Gould
does a good job Sarah getting a feel and then
I think there's a cool understanding of like if you
need a blow, like you know, let the other guy
come in. And I think, you know, I think Blake
articulated it really well in his postgame with you guys yesterday.
How they positively spell one another, they positively push one another.
(05:14):
But you know, I think Blake's emergence has been awesome.
Kiren's obviously done a great job for the last few years,
and you're seeing Blake just earn, you know, more and
more confidence, you know, with the production that.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
He's having, and it's it's a special thing to witness.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
But I love the way those two are playing off
of one another, and Ron does a great job with
his feel Thank you.
Speaker 5 (05:34):
Beacon.
Speaker 6 (05:35):
Hey Sean, we've seen what you do when you have
two games in five days, what you do between the
two games. But do you do anything different this week
to prepare for the two games in five days stretch
that you have coming up?
Speaker 3 (05:46):
You know, not necessarily, Greg, I think this time of
the year, when you're talking about just the last quarter
of the season, you inevitably have to adjust and adapt
just based on where are we at with some of
the performance metrics, the numbers, and then you know, if
we do need to take a look little bit of
the physical workload off, does that affect and influence how
we want to practice Wednesday through Friday, And so you
(06:08):
might see a little bit more of a modified approach
is that to do with the last quarter of the
season or playing on a Thursday game.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
I think it's a little bit of both.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
But in the early parts of the season you're not
necessarily as worried about it. So I guess to appropriately
answer your question, there is there is a yes because
of the time of the year with that Thursday game
coming up.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
But don't get it to us that our sole focus and.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Concentration is on, you know, trying to have a great
week of preparation for the Lions.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
Yeah, you've a separate note. You've used three tight ends
a lot. You know, we've talked about it yesterday. You
used them a ton like I think it's the most
you've ever used three tight ends in a game here.
Does that have a cumulative effect in terms of like
preserving running backs receivers, getting them a few less snaps
that make them maybe a little bit fresher down the road?
Is that any concern or is it just attacking the
game with what it presents you every week.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
It's a great point, Greg, It's absolutely a part of
the equation. You know, I think there's multiple things without
getting you know, too specific from a tactical standpoint, but
when you talk about it lessens the workloads for some
of those other skill players.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
There's real benefits to that. I think.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
You know, I've alluded to this before when we talked about,
you know, just using all forty eight guys up on
our roster. You know, our tight ends had higher numbers,
the receivers were a little bit lower.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Obviously, when you're able to get a.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
Lead, you know you're going to lean on running it
a little bit more and trying to be able to
really compete against the clock as opposed to the opponent.
You know, once we got up a handful of possessions
and so that was why we were able to get
off a bunch of those snaps. And then in the
early parts of the game, you know, they came out
in a lighter grouping and they basically dared you to
run it based on what they were doing. And to
(07:44):
the guys credit and you know Coleman, the offensive line
of Matthew and you know the rest of the tight
ends and the receiver that were on the field, they
did a good job of being able to recognize it
and get good efficient runs.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Early on, you got it Man got.
Speaker 7 (07:59):
Them Bishan and week one when you deployed twelve and
thirteen against the Texans. It was a matchup based decision
similar to last year against the Vikings. That's obvious to
say that.
Speaker 3 (08:11):
Again, sorry, the first the first part of your question
cut out, my bad.
Speaker 7 (08:15):
No, no, no. In week one when you deployed thirteen
and twelve against the Texans, it was a matchup based
decision similar to last year against the Vikings. That's obviously
shifted mid season into an identity for this year's offense.
What were the conversations like between you and your staff
as that shift started to happen mid season from matchups
(08:35):
to identity.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Yeah, it's funny.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
I mean, you know, we're always figuring out ways to
try to be able to advance. A lot of it,
I think a lot of it came up organically. You know,
we really sprinkled in thirteen for the first time, you know,
we had some twelve personnel like you're talking about. But
then the first time that we actually got three tight
ends out on the field was against Baltimore and some
situational stuff and the tight red that when we were
(08:59):
off and they were jumping into some heavier groupings, you know,
But it was just sprinkled you know, and then you
start saying, okay, what can we do with this? Pooka
ended up getting injured. We were obviously you know, without
two two against Baltimore, and so that Jacksonville, you know,
that week in Baltimore leading up to Jacksonville, but it
was really it kind of just sprinkled it.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Then we were able to have you know, a handful of.
Speaker 3 (09:22):
Snaps that we got off against Jacksonville in London, and
it's really just kind of we've just kind of built
on it since and so the guys have played really well.
I think it's helped give us an identity and you know,
and it's really done a lot of the things that
Greg talked about relative to taking advantage of all of
our players, but also lessening the workload that allows some
of the skilled players, particularly the White House, to be fresher.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
In some known past situations.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
And so, you know, we want to continue to be multiple,
you know, and it's not always going to be applicable.
Speaker 6 (09:53):
You know.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
We were a little bit more twelve oriented against Tampa,
and so every week presents a different approach. But I
do think the multiple personnels and the more multiple wee
can be while taking advantage of our players, and then
how does that ultimately give us matchup in tactical advantages
both from a personnel and a schematic standpoint against the
upcoming opponent or all the factors. But just kind of
(10:13):
an organic evolution based on you know, some things that
ended up happening and where we kind of just really
started sprinkling it in against Baltimore and little bite sized increments.
Speaker 7 (10:23):
Yeah, guys have talked about those bite sized increments too.
How do you decide how to parcel that out when
you're installing a whole personnel package midseason.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
Well, number one, you know, it takes really smart players.
Our tight end room is incredibly smart. Like I can't
say enough about obviously Higgs is out right now, but
how smart he is Kolbe, Davis Allen, you know. And
then just the overall versatility of Terrence Ferguson, I mean,
the amount of different positions and you know, I know
he might not have shown up on the stat sheet,
but that guy is doing a hell of a job
(10:54):
for us.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
He's going to be a hell of a player, and
he's becoming a hell of a player before our eyes.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
But just their versatility, they're smarts, you do it a
little bit at a time, but if there's sequencing behind it,
and then you've got a great coach and Scooter Huff
and the things make sense where it kind of fits
off of previous things that they know, you can just
kind of build on it.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
And that's what we've been able to do.
Speaker 7 (11:17):
And how do you how does that impact practice, particularly
before the team portion of the day.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
In what regards do you mean.
Speaker 7 (11:26):
Like does it impact like the way like we've seen
some install when quarterbacks would normally be doing receiver lines
with the tight ends or something like that, like, oh.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
I got you, Yeah, you know what, we might have
a little bit more individual oriented stuff. You know, we're
getting a lot of stuff where tackles, tight ends are
spending some time together. But I would say the biggest
you know, it doesn't influence a whole lot because once
you get to this part of the season, you know,
we'll do a couple competitive things against our defense, but
for the most part, it's projecting what are the looks
(11:56):
that we're expecting against the opposing team that we're preparing
for or Wednesday through Friday, and so you know, you
maybe adjust a little bit of the individual portions that
are you know, more specific to what's going to be
asked within the framework of the game for your players,
But hasn't been too drastic, just based on the nature
of you know, how we're practicing. But again going back
(12:18):
to Greg's point, it does kind of lessen the load
of just the amount of just sheer volume on our
receivers where we were almost exclusively eleven in previous years
and now there's there's a lot of balance and yesterday
we were a lot heavier in thirteen and you know
who knows exactly what it's going to, you know, appear
against Detroit once we get our plan together and figure
out what's the best way to attack them, let you
(12:39):
know on Monday morning.
Speaker 7 (12:41):
Has this been a fun challenge for you and your
staff to conceptualize some of these plays after living in
eleven for so long.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
It has been you know, Ryan Wendell and I were
talking about that as last week, and I just think
the more ball you get exposed to different groupings, different
personnel matches, different ways that you can take advantage of
your players, it has been stimulating for our coaching staff.
And you know, like I said, you know, Mike and
those guys. They've just done such a great job of
allowing this thing to, you know, organically evolve as the
(13:09):
season's gone, just based on our players, and that's always
where it starts with our guys.
Speaker 7 (13:13):
Thanks Sean, You're welcome, dude.
Speaker 8 (13:16):
Then whyatt Sean sticking with the tight end room? Just
what have you seen specifically from Kobe Parkinson specifically this
year and how is he a different player maybe compared
to last year when he was in his first year
with the team.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
I've just seen a guy that just is so present
and so settled and just so enjoyed playing. And he's
obviously so gifted, but he works hard. He's got the
right mindset.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
Mentally and physically. He's got a great skill set.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
I think he's surrounded by a bunch of teammates that
love and care about him and believe in him. And
it's the same thing with his coaches, and you know,
you try to put him in situations that maximize the
things that he does well.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
And he's doing a lot of really cool stuff right now.
Speaker 3 (13:56):
He's making great plays in the past game, it's being
a key critical factor in the run game, and in
a lot of instances he's at the point of attack
and you know, he's he's he's done a great job,
you know. And I could say the same thing for
Davis and I mentioned about Ferg but just just really
happy for him.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
But a guy.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
I think our players are at their best when they're
enjoying it and they're locked in, and that's what I'm
seeing from Kolbe and it's been really fun to witness.
Speaker 8 (14:21):
And then for you, this is seventh time in your
nine years as head coach with ten wins season. Obviously
that takes you know, staff players, like a collective effort
to achieve that, and I know you wouldn't be the
first person to take individual credit for that. So with
that in mind, just what does you know that measure
of success mean to you? Knowing the you know, the
(14:42):
staffs and the and the kinds of players you've worked
with to achieve that.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Yeah, it's it's it's about the people. You just said it, Stu.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
I think the first thing that comes to mind is
is gratitude, appreciation for being surrounded by a lot of
people you know that do a phenomenal job and their
roles and push you to want to be better for them.
And that's players and coaches, and so I think you
know that that consistency of people we talk about all
the time.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
Consistency is the truest measure of performance.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
I'll tell you what's been consistent is great people that
I've been surrounded with, and you you know, you really
just sometimes want to get out of the way and
let them do, you know, their thing. And I think
you're getting more and more comfortable with understanding, you know,
where you're needed, where you could fit, but also realizing
how fortunate I am to be surrounded by great players
and coaches and cherish it, enjoy it, lean in every
(15:30):
single day. But the number one thing that comes to
mind is is, uh, you know, just very appreciative of
being surrounded by special.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
People because that's what will always matter.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
That's the most important thing, and it will always be
the most important thing, and that will never be forgotten here.
Speaker 8 (15:46):
Thank you, appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
You got it man.
Speaker 9 (15:50):
What hey, Sean, this run game has been super successful,
especially recently, and you know, leaning on outside zone and
and do so what makes the offensive line and the
tight ends and the skilled players who block like what
makes those so successful?
Speaker 1 (16:06):
Concepts?
Speaker 9 (16:07):
For you guys?
Speaker 3 (16:08):
Well, I think the execution it's it's about the players.
You know that the players are ultimately bringing it to life.
They're executing. I think yesterday was a great illustration of
guys getting connected, and then I thought the Backs, you know,
got everything was blocked for and then more, you know,
you look at Blake's long run, Kiren had a handful
of good slash running, you know, and so it always
(16:29):
takes all eleven. But you know, it doesn't necessarily matter
what the concept is. They're just bringing it to life.
I think they have an ownership and an understanding of
what the intent is, so there's that clarity. There's great
communication pre snap and then the post sap execution and
the strain and finish, and then Backs are doing their thing.
And so it's been really good, especially the last few weeks,
(16:50):
and you know, we got to continue to do that because,
like I've told you, guys, before you show me a
good offense, I'll show an offense that can do either or.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
And it doesn't necessarily but you know, it's.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
A numbers game, and if they want to lean one
way or the other, you have to be able to
make them pay. And I think our guys have done
a great job of being able to keep teams off
balance and in a lot of instances, we're avoiding third
downs because of the efficiency that these guys are having
on early downs from a run.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
And you know, when we decided to throw the football perspective.
Speaker 9 (17:19):
And we've seen a lot of different guys step up
into into you know, larger roles this year, whether it
was Xavier Smith or Blake Korum, and a lot of
people have talked about just your ability to instill belief
in in people. So I guess what's your approach in
you know, just getting people to believe that they're capable
of more than.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
They might have ever thought themselves.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
Yeah, you know, I don't know that there's a there's
not a specific approach. There's a consistency in terms of
trying to authentically, you know, make them feel that way.
It's cool to hear, but you know, I think it's
more about actions, the consistent rhythm and routine, the way
that you act, interact and respond, and the way that
you try to pour into these guys. We try to be,
(18:02):
you know, really transformational, but there's a lot of love
that you have for these people and you try to
really lean into helping them reach and realize their highest potential.
And that's as you know, people, but and then that's
also as players. But and it's people first and players second.
But you know that that's I think that's the job
of the of a coach is to shine light on others.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
And you know, and.
Speaker 3 (18:23):
That's what we really try to do in an authentic way.
And when guys say that, that sure makes uh makes
me very very happy.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
Thank you, You're welcome.
Speaker 5 (18:34):
All right, thanks coach.
Speaker 2 (18:35):
Okay, thank you guys.
Speaker 10 (18:36):
Hey, Koby, how are you good man?
Speaker 5 (18:39):
Doing well?
Speaker 10 (18:40):
Uh? Yesterday, you guys had your best rushing performance of
the season and really in a long time. Just as
someone who's out there on those plays as a blocker,
what what is that feeling like to build that type
of performance throughout a game to a point where whether
it's kiring back there, Blake or even Ronnie that that
you're able to just keep running and keep finding success.
Speaker 7 (19:00):
Yes.
Speaker 11 (19:00):
Yeah, I mean we had a great plan going into
the game. Obviously, the Cardinals pose a lot of different
looks defensively, you know that three safety defense. They're flying
around all over the place. So we had a great
plan throughout the week and we're able to just trust
each other out there, and that first drive you kind
of got a feel for how things were going to go,
and just building confidence playing and play out and having
(19:20):
guys like Iron and Blake and Ronnie being able to
run the ball like they do, and it makes a
lot of fun.
Speaker 10 (19:26):
And you guys ran lots of thirteen personnel. You've done
that this year, but more yesterday than ever before and
obviously paid off in the run game in the scoreboard.
Just can you explain to someone as one of those
three tight ends out there or what kind of advantage
does it give you to be one of three different
tight ends when it comes to the run game in
the past game.
Speaker 11 (19:47):
Yeah, we're just able to handle different looks, you know.
Like I said, the Cardinals, they have a good defense
and it's hard sometimes to know where they're going to fit.
But when you're playing with you know, tight ends that
kind of see the game the same way through the
same lens, it's very helpful to when those last minute moves,
last second moves before the snap happened. Defensively, we're able
(20:07):
to just play off each other, me Davis and figure
out there yesterday. So it helps a ton and it's
a lot of fun being able to get all three
of us going, and obviously looking forward Gettinghiggs back here soon.
Speaker 10 (20:18):
And then just lastly, what do you notice that that
personnel grouping does for quarterback like Matthew Stafford, who's so
experienced and said so much before the snap to be
able to kind of manipulate or make decisions with that
group out there.
Speaker 11 (20:34):
Yeah, I mean he has total control out there. He's
so much fun to be in the huddle with and
just see his control of the game. I think he
likes thirteen a lot. Obviously, there's a lot of different
things we can do. We can run the ball, we
can get into some you know, drop back stuff and
play action stuff too, So it kind of just opens
opens up the playbook. But all of that starts with
running the ball. Well, so that first drive really opened
(20:56):
up the whole playbook for us yesterday.
Speaker 5 (20:58):
Thank you. Yep, Stu.
Speaker 8 (21:02):
You've been getting a lot of practice with the crabhands
Selly the last five weeks. So I don't know if
you know, but that was your fourth touchdown catching your
last five games. Just how would you describe, you know,
the enjoyment that you've been playing with, you know, this
season and the way you've been able to, you know,
contribute and impact the team's success.
Speaker 11 (21:21):
Yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head there.
It's just been an enjoyable year. You know, I'm not
out there trying to score touchdowns for myself or do
this or that selfishly. I really just want the team
to do well and to play to the best my
abilities for the team and whatever that looks like.
Speaker 5 (21:37):
You know, early on, wasn't getting the ball as.
Speaker 11 (21:40):
Much in the red zone, and I was totally fine
with it as long as I was helping the team win.
And I think all all of us titands have that
same mindset. So it's really fun to be a part
of a selfless group like that who or sorry, where
everyone just wants to help the team and no one's
concerned about themselves too much. So it's been a lot
of fun and we're excited to, you know, keep it
going this week.
Speaker 8 (21:59):
Is there a big difference that there's been for you
between you know, your second year with the team versus
your first. I mean, obviously you've played in the NFL
for a while, but just in terms of comfortability with
the offense or whatever it may be, Like, what does
that look like for you this year definitely.
Speaker 11 (22:13):
You know, go into a new place is always a
little difficult. There's some growing pains, just being comfortable with
the playbook, being comfortable with the with the guys, with
the coaching staff and everyone. So uh, just coming back
for the second year with the Rams has been such
a blast and gangs know, Sean Moore and and the
whole offensive staff. I just feel super comfortable here and
it's it's been fun and I think that shows with
(22:35):
all this tight ends out there on the field too.
Speaker 6 (22:37):
Thank you appreciate it.
Speaker 12 (22:38):
Yeah, thanks Dennis.
Speaker 5 (22:42):
Kobe, How are you good?
Speaker 12 (22:44):
I would you describe, well, how much have you learned
under h or working with Matthew?
Speaker 5 (22:51):
Yeah? A ton.
Speaker 11 (22:51):
I mean he sees the game like no one I've
played with before. His understanding of concepts of the playbook,
of what every single person on the field is doing
it on every single play. It's it's really impressive and
it's really fun to be around and just to see
his brain working the way it does. You know, it's
inspires me to try to be better and and take
(23:13):
the game to the next level like he does.
Speaker 12 (23:15):
And where would you say, say your level of play
has will be at right now, I suppose when you
first got into the league.
Speaker 11 (23:22):
Yeah, I mean I've definitely grown a lot as a blocker.
You know, coming into the league, I was you know,
I was more of a pass catcher in college. So
taking on that role early on in my career to
make myself the best blocker I can be.
Speaker 5 (23:34):
And you know, it's it's a work in progress.
Speaker 11 (23:36):
I'm I've never never want to feel like I've arrived,
because I never will arrive.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
You know.
Speaker 11 (23:40):
It's a work in progress, trying to get better each
and every week. And I think the humility, like I've
said about this whole tight end group, it shows in practice.
You know, we go out every week and we are
trying to get better every single day. And it's a
it's a really fun and enjoyable environment to be a
part of.
Speaker 12 (23:56):
Thank you, Thank you, Adam.
Speaker 7 (24:00):
It cool be Thanks for doing this. You know, to
circle back to some of the thirteen personnel stuff, I'm curious,
like what it's been like just being part of that
position group as that package and really just like the
whole personnel grouping of it has been installed mid season
kind of on the fly, week by week.
Speaker 5 (24:19):
Yeah, it's been a ton of fun.
Speaker 11 (24:20):
You know, in camp we all talked about as a
tight end group that we need to earn the right
to be in twelve personnel, earned the right to be
in thirteen personnel, And I think we took that mindset
into the season, just trying to play to the best
of our abilities and make us be a benefit to
the team when we're all on the field.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
So each week when.
Speaker 11 (24:38):
We get the installs, we all scroll to the bottom
to see what type of thirteen stuff we have in
And you know, this past week was fun to see
the install and see what the plan was going against
the Cardinals to run a lot of thirteen and obviously
worked out pretty well.
Speaker 5 (24:50):
So hopefully we can keep doing more of that.
Speaker 7 (24:53):
I know, like the package started to grow, you know,
the Ravens and Jaguars weeks, But like, did you in
the room as a whole feel like you had earned
that right like you talked about in camp.
Speaker 11 (25:07):
Yeah, I mean, like you said, Ravens week was the
first week we had thirteen up and did pretty well
with that. Jaguars we also did pretty well, So I
think after that we kind of realized that the better
we play in thirteen, the more likely we are to
get more of it up week in and week out. So,
like I said that, we never feel like we've arrived.
We got to keep earning it each and every week
(25:28):
and starts.
Speaker 7 (25:28):
In practice, we saw some plays being installed during what
would usually be like the receiver line drill and things
like that during practice. Just in what other ways has
that install impacted like the usual rhythms of practice through
that period of time.
Speaker 11 (25:44):
Well, in practice, we are all getting a lot more
reps than normal usually. I mean last year specifically, I
mean I'm used to eleven personnel and you know, we're
each getting a third of the reps. But now in thirteen,
we're all out there for pretty much every play, So
that's been a little different.
Speaker 5 (25:58):
But other than that, too much has changed.
Speaker 7 (26:01):
And a couple of years ago, when the offense shifted
to do a run block, Sean addressed the team about
the philosophical change in the blocking scheme. Has there been
any moment like that or is it really just happened
more gradually and naturally?
Speaker 11 (26:14):
I think gradually. You know, we've earned that confidence over
the course of these last whatever. It's been six seven
weeks since the Ravens game, and it's more of a
mindset throughout the tight end room too. It's like, hey,
they trust us, let's keep earning that trust every week.
Thanks Coling, Yeah, thanks, and.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
Then we'll wrap with Gary and then Brock.
Speaker 1 (26:34):
Hey, Kobe, thank you for doing this. Appreciate it. You know,
Sean was saying that although it may not show on
the stat sheet, Terrence is really growing by leaps and bounds,
and just curious from your perspective what you've seen from
him since he arrived to what he's doing now.
Speaker 11 (26:55):
Yeah, I mean, Fergus a great guy. He is willing
and able to do anything that he's asked to do.
You know, early on in the thirteen personal stuff, he
wasn't doing as much blocking, but you see him out
there now he is, He's getting in there and he
is helping the team out for sure. So I completely
agree with what Sean said. He's he's grown a ton
in these this first first year of his will definitely
(27:16):
be a long career. So thankfully have him on the team,
excited to see him continue to grow. And you know,
you've seen glimpses of what he's done in the past
game and you know he's he's definitely a special talent,
so excited to be a part of his career.
Speaker 1 (27:31):
Early on, Wait, you had mentioned, you know, like when
you first came into the league, you had to make
some adjustments just in terms of because in blocking and
learning how to how to perfect that.
Speaker 8 (27:42):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
In watching in watching his development, what do you recall
about him initially and and kind of the player that
that now he's with the confidence he's playing with now.
Speaker 5 (27:53):
Yeah, I think he nailed it there. It's just confidence.
Speaker 11 (27:55):
You know, early on, I can remember being a rookie
not really too sure of myself, not really sure of
the scheme that I was walking into, and then as
the years progress, just becoming more and more confident. And
you can definitely see that in him, the way he's
he's playing out there, his understanding of the playbook. We
ask him to do a lot of things offensively, especially
in these thirteen personnel packages where he's moving all over
(28:16):
the place and.
Speaker 5 (28:18):
He's on it.
Speaker 11 (28:18):
You know, he's got a great football football mind and
he's able to do the right thing pretty much all
the time, which is really impressive for a rookie.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
And again, like I said, he's.
Speaker 11 (28:27):
Willing and able to block and do whatever he's asked
of him.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
Thanks very much.
Speaker 5 (28:32):
Yeah, thank you.
Speaker 12 (28:34):
Rock.
Speaker 13 (28:36):
As you go on as a player and then also
have to first how you doing?
Speaker 5 (28:43):
Yeah, man, how you doing?
Speaker 13 (28:45):
But as you're learning different schemes, techniques and also changes
of scenery, how does having three different tight ends coaches
over three years impact you doing that?
Speaker 5 (28:54):
Yeah?
Speaker 11 (28:54):
I mean each of them are very unique, and I'm
very thankful for all my titands coaches. I think I've
pulled things from each of them and added to my
my tool belt throughout the years.
Speaker 5 (29:04):
So thankful for each of them.
Speaker 11 (29:07):
I was able to see you know, Pat last week
against the Panthers, and obviously we saw Cale's first week
against the Texans, and now with Scooter. It's been been
a blessing to have three really really great tight end
coaches and thankful for all of them.
Speaker 13 (29:20):
And current coach Scott Huff he has an interesting personality.
How does that? How does that impact the tat end woman?
How has that you know developed into the offense as well?
Speaker 5 (29:31):
Yeah?
Speaker 11 (29:31):
Yeah, Huff is the man. I mean, he is a
phenomenal coach. We all love him and super thankful for him.
His I think his history of being a player playing
center at Boise and all that is really helpful. You know,
he understands the game at a player level really well,
and he's able to relate to us and and and
break it down pretty simply for us. And it's a
(29:53):
He's a fun guy to play for and we all
love and respect him for sure.
Speaker 13 (29:59):
My last question outside of the rams, of course, your
former collegiate offensive coordinator to Heza Pritchard just got rehired
by your own modern as head coach. Canse you your
thoughts on the move and what people can expect from him.
Speaker 11 (30:09):
Yeah, I'm super excited for Toa. I mean, he is
a phenomenal dude. I think that is a great hire
for Stanford. Excited to see what he does with the
program moving forward. I know it's only up from here.
So Tavida is a very personable guy. He's going to
do I mean, he's going to kill it with recruiting.
He's the perfect Stanford man. Obviously, he played there in
the early two thousands and we've had some, i mean
(30:32):
some of the most memorable games in Stanford history. So
excited to see what he does and excited to get
back on the farm and you know see him up there.
Speaker 5 (30:40):
Thank you, Thank you. Okay, thank you, Kobe, all right,
thanks God blest guys.
Speaker 8 (30:44):
Yeah, Nate, we're so used to the peanut punch force fumbles.
But obviously getting an interception on Sunday, what was it
like being able to, you know, create yet another takeaway
and impact the game in that way and in particular
get a pick.
Speaker 5 (30:58):
Yeah, it was cool.
Speaker 14 (30:59):
Then I told Sean mcveida before that in lockermows do
whether I was a punchout or something. So it got
glad it came to light. But yeah, it's good coverage
you know by the other guys, and Kobe had to
go through his read and then came came back and
I don't think he saw me. The rush was in
his face. So definitely a definitely a team effort, but
(31:21):
a good opportunity.
Speaker 8 (31:22):
And let to some points mentioned the team effort. I
think the entire defense was involved in that celebration after
the interception too. Was that like planned? I guess just
what what inspired that? And also you know, giving Kobe
the ball to have him spike it at the very end.
Speaker 5 (31:38):
Yeah, it was all unplanned. We had we hadn't talked
about it.
Speaker 14 (31:43):
Uh, when I stood up and you know, everybody runs
the sideline and I just slid. For whatever reason, everybody
joined in and then I liked the big man spikes
on offense, so I saw I saw Kobe there and
it was all natural, and I think that's why it
turned out so good.
Speaker 2 (31:58):
Appreciate it, Thank you, Adam.
Speaker 7 (32:03):
Was Kobe ever able to find the ball for you?
Speaker 14 (32:07):
Yeah? I think I think Stu actually picked it up,
because when he spiked it, it went, it went like
twenty feet in the air. I think I think Stuke
picked it up. I got it though at the end
of the game.
Speaker 5 (32:17):
Okay, good.
Speaker 7 (32:19):
I'm sure you guys haven't started looking at Lion's film yet.
But a pretty big challenge coming in in that Detroit backfield.
Like what, what are just kind of your early impressions
from watching this season what Gibbs and Monty are doing.
Speaker 14 (32:31):
Yeah, the good combo between those two obviously Gibbs, you know,
the speed that he plays with is is a game changer.
His ability to you know, join the past route the
past three and affect the game that way. And then
you know, you got Montgomery the way he runs downhill
and it's kind of a good one two punch. They
play off each other. Got a good quarterback, got good skill,
(32:54):
It's gonna be a good battle.
Speaker 7 (32:55):
Though, through the course of your career, teams have started
to lean more on that like two running back system
in terms of having that one two punch. I'm curious
like how that has impacted either preparation or just like
how you guys play against the run, knowing that they
have different things that they can run for different guys
on a week to week basis.
Speaker 14 (33:16):
Yeah, you pick up on different tendencies. What do you
like to do with different backs. You know, some guys
better at pass throw, some guys are better at outside
zone versus inside zone runners. So you look at that
back skill set obviously with with Gibbs speed, so they
want to get him out in space, get them out
on the route tree quick or motion to empty, so
(33:39):
you can kind of change and narrow down your mindset
of kind of the offensive calls that you're going to
get and then match that with you know, the right
defensive goal.
Speaker 5 (33:48):
Thanks Naan.
Speaker 12 (33:50):
Dennis, And how are you great things?
Speaker 5 (33:54):
How are you doing good?
Speaker 12 (33:56):
How would you describe the identity of the defensive unit?
Speaker 14 (34:01):
Just relentless, you know, our mantras is kind of make
them snap it one more time. It's an imperfect game
and we all want to have our best games, you know,
every game, but that's the reality, that's not the case.
I think we do a good job of building off
each other, playing with playing with relentless effort and then
making them snap it one more time, you know, making
them go the long, hard way down to the end
(34:23):
zone and not giving up explosives, but just that you know,
relentless mindset that they're gonna have to deal with us
every snap I think is you know, leading to our success.
Speaker 12 (34:36):
And as a vedroom player, how how important is the
communication on game day between everybody?
Speaker 14 (34:41):
It's huge. Communication is you know, is prior toy number one.
And that starts with me getting the call in from shoot.
If we're all lined up and get the call on
quick and everybody's reading their keys, I think that's when.
Speaker 5 (34:54):
We're at our best.
Speaker 14 (34:56):
So and then you know, that starts with communication, me
getting everybody lined up and getting everybody to call, you know,
and then each given call has two or three checks
in it, get into the right check. That's you know,
advantageous for us. So communication is you know, the paramount
thing for us for sure.
Speaker 12 (35:13):
All right, thank you, So much.
Speaker 13 (35:15):
Thank you, and then we'll wrap with Gary and then.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
Why hey Nate, thank you for doing this. Appreciate it.
You know, looking back at yesterday's game, what what happened
during that first drive and and what changed after after
that initial time on the field.
Speaker 14 (35:36):
Yeah, you know, we gotta start faster, and that starts
with myself. You know, we did good job stopping the
run on that first play and then they came out
with the screen and you know, poor tackling on my end.
I got to make the tackle to limit that game.
Put that one on me, and then you know they
had a good play call on the next one they
hit you know the tighten up to seem and then
(35:59):
you know kind of had us on our heels a
little bit and then we kind of locked in as
the game kept going, got you know, got them off
the field that next drive, and you know, we start
a little slow, which is not what we want to do.
We want to you know, start fast and build as
the game keeps going. It's something that we'll work on
the practice this week, for sure.
Speaker 1 (36:18):
Is there any kind of like emotional reset you know
after something like that happens, because obviously not the way
you guys want to start. But when you get to
the sideline or when you're preparing to go back out,
is it just kind of business as usual or is
there some kind of collective coming together before you go
out there again?
Speaker 5 (36:36):
Uh? Yeah, you know, I might.
Speaker 14 (36:38):
I might bring the guys up and say something, but
it's no panic on our end. You know this this
game is full of ebbs and flows. You're gonna have
small amounts of adversity in every part of the game.
So it's responding that in the right way. It's not
taking the highs too high and the low is too low.
So just trying to keep everybody even keel and you know,
trusting our process, trusting our game plan, and.
Speaker 5 (37:00):
You know, start a little faster. You know, that's what
we'd hope to do.
Speaker 14 (37:03):
But once we settled in, played our game and played
our keys, you know that that's when we're at our best.
Speaker 1 (37:11):
You mentioned kind of the one two punch of that
running Backs offer you and Omar kind of offer a
one two punch on the defensive side. What's it been
like playing next to him and how would you kind
of describe for you know, a fan that's just watching,
you know, what what he's.
Speaker 14 (37:29):
Like Yeah, he's uh, he's a quite guy off the field,
and then when he gets in between those white lines,
he kind of flips a switch.
Speaker 5 (37:37):
You know.
Speaker 14 (37:37):
Omar is kind of the unsung hero of this defense.
Doesn't get as much credit as I think he deserves.
He's great in the run, great communicator. Me and him
play off each other well, and you know, just strong
physical presence there, a true middle linebacker. You can see
his knock back tackles in the run game, you know, great,
(37:58):
and zone coverage great, great, anything you need to do,
you know, breaks glass when he blitzes.
Speaker 5 (38:03):
So true onsung here of this defense.
Speaker 14 (38:05):
Love playing next to Oh, he's making me a better player,
and I definitely wouldn't be having, you know, the success
that defense wouldn't have the success that it's happened without
Omar for sure.
Speaker 1 (38:16):
Thanks very much.
Speaker 9 (38:18):
Thank you, By and Nate, thanks for doing this. You know,
between the punch outs and you know, just how you've
played this year, you've kind of become somewhat of a
of a fan favorite. Do you feel kind of that
that love and is that something that you've experienced before, you.
Speaker 14 (38:36):
Know, kind of go back to college days and Boulder.
It's not I'm not crazy active on social media and
stuff like that. I don't see too much, but you know,
you can definitely feel the crowd, you know, when we're
playing it so far, even even this Sunday in Arizona,
the crowd is great. You know, glad that the fans
are coming out to sport and we just want to
(38:57):
win for them, you know, when win for this program.
So you can definitely feel the rise of the fan
engagement for the team for sure.
Speaker 9 (39:06):
Thank you, Thanks Nate.
Speaker 5 (39:09):
Appreciate it having you
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