October 8, 2025 • 15 mins
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey, S Malik Mustapha, LB Fred Warner, and K Eddy Piñeiro shared insights on the team’s resilience, the impact of the rookies stepping up, and what it takes to maintain focus and execution week after week.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Christian. Last year you made your debut in Tampa. Obviously
in different circumstances. This year just kind of the last
year you've had. How big before this year compared to
kind of a year agoing Tampa.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Yeah, I feel good.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
I mean, obviously last year wasn't the year I wanted,
but you know, I've moved on, been moved on, excited
for this week, which awaiting to figure.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Out be the bandy for that Rens.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
That's tough, man, they bring so many challenges just for
the personnel and scheme, you know, you combine them both,
it's obviously tough. So definitely something we got to look at.
Speaker 4 (00:27):
Christian.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Overcoming challenges was kind of faced this team every single
week will be win on Thursday. Kind of thing for
the confidence moving forward knowing you guys can't get them.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Not fun either Carl Holler or Man. Yeah, I think
it shows, you know, shows a lot of our toughness,
a lot of our resiliency.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
I think it's got the same time though, Man, it's
how you respond after you lose is also important.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
How your spawn after you win, and you know.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
After a game like that, it's important to get back
to the john board, correct the mistakes and continue to
move forward and try to get another one this.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
Week and go Christian interested to know you was a
big storyline heading into this season and to have a
really he liked Alfred Collins and he picked that game win,
you know, punch out at the end there. How how
much confidence is that gives the team in the youth,
But then also we got like Albri Collers trying to
make plays that find his way in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Man, it's huge.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
I think, you know, youth has often talked about in
this league as a bad thing just because there's a
lack of experience, But I think youth is great.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
You know, it's it's new energy, it's fresh energy.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
It's guys to play fast, to are hungry, and if
you can get everybody dialed in mentally and up to
the standard, it's it's.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
An awesome thing.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
I think our young guys has shown so much spark
and that play that he made was one of the
best I've ever seen. So I'm definitely excited about our youth.
Speaker 5 (01:35):
What was like in the huddle, he guys that was
coming to the clothes and when we see the good
pie side frond side though, but when the games on
the line like that, what's he in the huddle?
Speaker 2 (01:44):
And in the huddle he's calm plays.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
You know, there's not a lot of uh external banter,
but you know he was dialed in, poised, calm, collected,
kept everyone calm and collected.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
And he was awesome.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Bigger as a he name. You had to see hear
him grow up in Carolina. I I can't say enough
good things about Baker Man. I I love playing with him.
You know, he's he's a he was a great teammate
and a great friend. And just have the almost respectful
about the young guys.
Speaker 4 (02:15):
You've had two tight ends staying in George Kelly, he.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Used to be out there.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
How those guys, Yeah, they've been incredible. They've been they've
been so on it.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
You know, it's a tough position to play physically but
also mentally, and that there's a lot on those guys plates.
And you know, I would say, when you lose a
guy like George, it's not you know, it's not one
guy that can that can step up and be George,
But it's a collective unit in a collective group, and
those guys have done also.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Christian, you're on this.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
Fun face for a record were being records touches.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Obviously it's great.
Speaker 5 (02:47):
He's a good the ball a lot, but there's any.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Part of you want to know if.
Speaker 5 (02:53):
No, how impressive, is that it's still lining up against
you all these years later.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Yeah, I'm sick of him, man, I'm sick of no.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
He's a hell of a player, always brings a big
challenge and just somebody that has always played the game
the right way and to my opinion, doesn't ever given
get enough credit. So you know, once again, just their
whole defense and guys like him, when you have a
veteran like that, they spark a lot of challenges that
you gotta.
Speaker 6 (03:21):
Be ready for.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
We're tired of you or any questions about how many
touch does you get hurt?
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Listen, I'm trying not to get tired of anything, you know,
but I feel great for what it's worth.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Yeah, it's a blessing for sure.
Speaker 6 (03:38):
So you know, long process, but it's my second time
going through it, and I kind of knew what to expect,
going for different on Orthdox approach this time. But you know,
great training staff, great tramp staff, like I mean, you know,
back in the field. So I'm just blessed to be here,
Thank God for everything, and I'm glad to be out
there with my brothers.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
You know, when you came out season lastly, we weren't
able to you know, participate early on. But now you're
able to get back in.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
The team is winning, they're playing.
Speaker 7 (04:04):
A little but youth is playing well.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
How exciting is that make it?
Speaker 8 (04:07):
Like?
Speaker 2 (04:07):
How'm looking more exciting? Is that make your return? Oh?
It's super exciting.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
You know.
Speaker 6 (04:10):
It's definitely a different identity. I feel like this year,
you know, Sola's been great with the defense, the young
guys have stepped in, you know, kind of saying that
stand up last year with the young guys, and now
just seeing this group of game guys.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
You know, contributing early as they have.
Speaker 6 (04:22):
You know, I'm sorry with like Markquisseigho and Mikel Williams
up and style, you know, c J. West, Like the
list goes on. So those guys are just bought into
our standard. And it's just nice to have those young
guys step in at such a you know, young time
in their career. And now I'm able to you know,
just pick the where I left off. So just really
excited to get back out there.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
What's been on orthodox about this recovery.
Speaker 6 (04:44):
Just you know college, you know, schedule, you know, just
maybe like having more to class. I mean we have
and everything, and now it's just more so just kind
of focusing on you know, different types of movements, you know,
not just focusing on my knee, but just you know,
focus on other areas of my body. And so so
I think, you know, it just it taught me a
lot about taking care of myself and the different parts
(05:05):
of you know, my body to kind of help me,
you know, build that longevity going forward.
Speaker 5 (05:10):
You're gonna be the same confident seeing that, so to speak,
that you've been since you got here.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
As soon as you stepped out there.
Speaker 6 (05:16):
I mean, I didn't get surgery on my brain, so
you know, it's the same thing. So I'm just trying
to pick up where I left off and you know,
keep the main thing, the main thing.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
That's a big But you spoke and gave credit to
your upbringing with your parents for your mentality and your
mindset each time you step out there, just wondering if
either one of them gave you some type of nuggets
going through this kind of time to recover from an
ACL surgery before you step in back.
Speaker 6 (05:39):
Yeah, I mean I feel like my mom and my dad,
you know, just kind of made sure to always keep
God first.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
That was my main thing.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
You know.
Speaker 6 (05:46):
Maybe I feel like a lot of people, you know,
aren't there for me in certain situations where I'm just
by myself, or I feel like I was left behind
or things like that, but you know, God was always
there with me. So, you know, just trying to keep
my faith of the number one thing, you know, whether
I'm doing football, whether stuff off the field, you know,
always trying to keep that the main thing. And you
know everything else is gonna play out.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
I was gonna play out. You play the Sunday of course. Yeah,
you get ready. Yeah, you're a big hitter. You've always
been like a big hitter since you've been here. Where
where did that start? Is that always the way you've
played the game?
Speaker 6 (06:16):
I mean I grew up kind of you know, being undersized,
so it was just like a thing where can I
separate myself, you know, just being a little kid. So
just having you know, that mighty mouse mentality, being a
you know, big dog, even though I might not show physically,
but mentally, that's gonna give me the upper hand. So
just it wasn't different when I was in high school.
It's not different in college, and it was definitely not
(06:37):
gonna change when I'm in the league. So just throughout
my football career to try to keep that the same motive.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
When did join in the last five weeks, just having to.
Speaker 6 (06:46):
Be on the sideline, I mean, it's definitely difficult. But
at the same time, this my brother's on this on
this team was let's keeping me up, and I just,
you know, just love to see the guys go out there,
go to war and you know, put the best foot forward.
And it's just wasn't that We four and one and
We're just gonna keep this thing rolling?
Speaker 4 (07:02):
How long you felt that one?
Speaker 6 (07:04):
Since I got certain Yeah, dropped to the vine like that.
I mean, just getting back into the routine, getting back
to the mix. Don't try to do anything crazy, don't
try to do the big thing too fast, you know,
just take it step by step. Same thing how it
was in my rehab, not trying to do too much
in the short amount of time. And now getting back
to the swinging things. And you know, once once I'm
(07:27):
ready to go, I'm ready to go.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Brett, I'm curious.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
I know you said on the Manning Cast on Monday
that you were disappointed you lost the those to foreign tosses.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
But how'd you guys have won the toss?
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Were you guys are gonna defend the Channon and once
we were defend, yeah, we.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
Would have kicked. Yeah. Yeah. What was that like doing
on the Manning Cast? You were on there for quite
a while. Yeah, it was fun.
Speaker 8 (07:47):
Man, anytime you're with the Manning brothers that keep it light,
keep it keep it fun, lighthearted.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
So it was fun, good time.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
Last week ahead of the La Rams game, I asked you, like,
what was it that made you feel like you belonged
in your rookie season? And then Alfri Collins goes out
there make the play that he.
Speaker 7 (08:00):
Made down toward at the end as a rookie.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
How excited did they make you?
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Any flashbacks for you?
Speaker 4 (08:05):
And what you say to him after that was three keys?
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Yeah right.
Speaker 8 (08:10):
Let me just say that I've had a lot of
punch outs in my career and I've never had one
of that magnitude in that kind of situation.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
I gotta have it moment on the goal line. Incredible play.
Speaker 8 (08:21):
One of the best players I've seen by any player
because of the play itself and in the situation. So
I for sure never made close to that. So I
will play my rookie year. He's far ahead of where
I was. So this guy's the limit.
Speaker 5 (08:34):
What's impressing you with Baker Mayfield not offense right now.
Speaker 8 (08:38):
Just the confidence man, the confidence of playing the position.
I mean, everybody's always talked about how great of a
competitor he is. But the way that he's delivering the football,
knowing exactly where it's supposed to go, the decisiveness of
him throwing the football and creating the explosive, the explosive plays.
No one wanted to check it down to his playmakers
and allow them to kind of do their things.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
So he's playing the position at the high level. I've
seen them.
Speaker 5 (09:02):
With your versatility, You've feel it every game, just kind
of your own mindset of what you need to do
specifically to help the.
Speaker 8 (09:11):
Team the best the game, you know, I think, yeah,
every every week is different, but our system is is
what it is.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
It's not too complicated. Most teams know what we run.
Speaker 8 (09:22):
It's just about us running it to the highest high
stability possible. My goal every week is to try to
take the ball away for my team. You know, I
do have the ability to do that, regardless of the
quarterback stone it to me or or not. You know,
I feel like every time I approach the ball carrier,
if I can knocket, if I can knock, get loose,
and that that gives my team a chance to create
a takeaway and help us win the game.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
You guys have held success winning on the road in
the past years. What does it mean this year to
do it with like a roster that's evolving. I mean,
it means everything.
Speaker 8 (09:51):
Just you look at it that you look at the
start of this year, it's a complete opposite of how
last year went.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
Right. We found ways to lose last.
Speaker 8 (09:58):
Year early on, and this year we're finding ways to
win in those in those uh those one possession games
towards the end, Especially on defense closing games out. I
think that's been major for us and provides a lot
of confidence going forward. As a defense, it hasn't been
pretty by out by any means. I feel like if
we're able to play the type of defense I know
we're cable playing, is when you can really start seeing
us take off.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
But you know, it's just about getting better every single week.
Speaker 5 (10:22):
If you ever had a chance to talk with Levonte,
gave it after the game and what do you respect
about him and his longevity?
Speaker 8 (10:27):
Yeah, absolutely, We've had conversations over the years, and I
put Levonte and Bobby in that and kind of in
that same that same world. I think obviously Bobby's been
more recognized in terms of accolades, but Levonte has been
incredible and you look at his numbers, the stats, takeaways,
big plays. I mean, he's one of the best to
(10:48):
ever do it. And the longevity is is incredible.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
You know.
Speaker 8 (10:52):
They he's just so good they can't get rid of him,
so continues to do so this year. You saw last
week in Seattle the biggest moment in the game getting
an interception to help their team win that game.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
So, uh, you know, much respect to Levonte, and.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
There's a lot of season left, but how big is
this game? Field considered both four and one and we're
tight for the top of that seed right now.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Yeah, the is the moments you dream of, right.
Speaker 8 (11:14):
Best on best and uh, you know in a in
away game, so you know, they flex the game for
you know, all the reasons that we that we're speaking of,
So it's Uh, it's gonna be a great challenge for us.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Where did they talk about me and legend?
Speaker 3 (11:31):
What does that mean to you?
Speaker 8 (11:31):
When you go out on the field, you know, nobody
cares about what you've done in your past.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Uh, It's all about what you do now going forward? Right,
No matter what.
Speaker 8 (11:42):
We've done these last however many weeks, five weeks, what
are you gonna put on tape? What are you going
to show this Sunday four twenty five Eastern against a
really great Tampa Bay team?
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Right?
Speaker 8 (11:53):
And so that's my mindset is I'm looking to prove
it every single time I step on that field.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
And it doesn't matter what I've done, everybody wants see
what what are you gonna do next?
Speaker 8 (12:01):
That's that's suppultimately, Randy Jaker Mayfield was saying that Deth
he enjoyed looking at the Rams film because he could
watch you and Stafford looking at each other and him.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
Try to move into his eyes and he not necessarily
going for into that cheski.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
How he's great.
Speaker 8 (12:18):
I see it all over the tape, him him being
able to manipulate defense, especially in his own coverage or
man coverage their plug players that maybe trying to take
away certain routes. His the ability to pump, uh, you know,
bringing the hand off to then try and get a
guy to biteen and doing those sort of things. That
just shows the quarterbacks in complete control of the offense
and knows exactly what he's doing, right, so being able
(12:39):
to identify coverages and manipulate those things and create the
explosive plays, the big plays.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
Uh, he does it better as good as anybody in
this league.
Speaker 7 (12:49):
Do you know what any other.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Quarter guy in the league who does a lot of
shoulder shakes in the backfield? Shoulder shakes, like just shaking guys,
He's like a receiver coming off the line of script.
Speaker 8 (12:58):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I think that's a great comparison.
The route releases back there are are great. I mean yeah,
He's one of those guys where you see it over
and over again, week in week out. Guys have a
tough time bringing him to the ground. And we saw
it even last year, and we played him in those
crucial moments of the game. Just finding a way to
get out of those would be sex and so we
(13:19):
understand the challenge is gonna have to bring it.
Speaker 7 (13:21):
I'm just tired of everybody talking about Jake Moody. I
talked to him the other day, and you know, he's
a great kicker. I messaged him the other day and
you know he's going to do well in this league.
And he just had a bad stand here and sometimes
you just need a fresh start, and you know he's
got my support and he's going to do well.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Teddy, you're fifty nine yard or might have been from
sixty five or sixty six? Yeah, which did you strike
it any differently than you normally strike it? Yeah?
Speaker 7 (13:46):
I knew I had to hit a little harder than
I usually do.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
I mean, I had to drive it a little bit more.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
I was just grateful to get the opportunity for coach
to give me a shot. You know, with everything that
happened before I got here, I was super blessed that
amy of shots.
Speaker 5 (14:01):
As a kicker. What can changing teams or just being
in a new system do for a guy like you
or a guy like Jake Mudy?
Speaker 2 (14:07):
I guess yeah, yeah, I.
Speaker 7 (14:08):
Mean it does a lot of Sometimes you need a
fresh start. It's happened to me. You know, I've needed
fresh starts from other teams and just a new set
of eyes, you set of teammates, coaches, you know, just
to restart.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
So you seem like a pretty fiery job.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
You've seen some of that on the field on the sidelines,
but when you're going to approach a kick, are you
in your head fiery or are you calm?
Speaker 2 (14:29):
No? Super calm. I mean, I just know what's at steak.
Speaker 7 (14:31):
And sometimes I let my emotions, you know, get the
best of me. But you know, I know what's at steak.
I see these guys, they're blood, sweat and tears on
the sideline, just working their butt off, you know, And
that's and that's that's what I that's what's going through
my head. I need to make this for them, and
you know they're they're working their butt off.
Speaker 5 (14:47):
So Kyle jokingly called you out for taking so much
time on the field. What are you doing as soon
as the clock sit zero?
Speaker 3 (14:53):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (14:53):
I was.
Speaker 7 (14:54):
That was super embarrassing. I was doing a Spanish interview
with a with a report there and I was telling them, hey,
I need to go. Everybody's waiting for me in the
locker room, and they didn't let me go. If it
was up to me, I wouldn't have done it, but
I had no choice. They told me no, you have
to do this. So that's what happened. And then I
tried springing in the locker room and everybody was just
looking at me. It was the most embarrassing, but I'm
(15:16):
happy he wasn't too mad at me.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
So where where is your start? You're underste my game?
Are you preparing on the team gets a certain yard line?
Speaker 8 (15:24):
Where is that?
Speaker 4 (15:25):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (15:26):
Yeah, I would say about like the forty yard line.
I kind of started kicking some balls into the then
just mentally prepared to.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Go in and try to do my job. So yeah,
I can kind of over time that kiss the fine Yeah,
you think you'd have it all the way and then
what you saw it? Yeah?
Speaker 7 (15:42):
I mean I didn't hit it the best, but I
felt like it had a shot. And then once it
uh French kissed the pole, I'm gonna be taking that
pull to dinner soon.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
So yeah,
Christian. Last year you made your debut in Tampa. Obviously
in different circumstances. This year just kind of the last
year you've had. How big before this year compared to
kind of a year agoing Tampa.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Yeah, I feel good.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
I mean, obviously last year wasn't the year I wanted,
but you know, I've moved on, been moved on, excited
for this week, which awaiting to figure.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Out be the bandy for that Rens.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
That's tough, man, they bring so many challenges just for
the personnel and scheme, you know, you combine them both,
it's obviously tough. So definitely something we got to look at.
Speaker 4 (00:27):
Christian.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Overcoming challenges was kind of faced this team every single
week will be win on Thursday. Kind of thing for
the confidence moving forward knowing you guys can't get them.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Not fun either Carl Holler or Man. Yeah, I think
it shows, you know, shows a lot of our toughness,
a lot of our resiliency.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
I think it's got the same time though, Man, it's
how you respond after you lose is also important.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
How your spawn after you win, and you know.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
After a game like that, it's important to get back
to the john board, correct the mistakes and continue to
move forward and try to get another one this.
Speaker 4 (00:54):
Week and go Christian interested to know you was a
big storyline heading into this season and to have a
really he liked Alfred Collins and he picked that game win,
you know, punch out at the end there. How how
much confidence is that gives the team in the youth,
But then also we got like Albri Collers trying to
make plays that find his way in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Man, it's huge.
Speaker 3 (01:12):
I think, you know, youth has often talked about in
this league as a bad thing just because there's a
lack of experience, But I think youth is great.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
You know, it's it's new energy, it's fresh energy.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
It's guys to play fast, to are hungry, and if
you can get everybody dialed in mentally and up to
the standard, it's it's.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
An awesome thing.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
I think our young guys has shown so much spark
and that play that he made was one of the
best I've ever seen. So I'm definitely excited about our youth.
Speaker 5 (01:35):
What was like in the huddle, he guys that was
coming to the clothes and when we see the good
pie side frond side though, but when the games on
the line like that, what's he in the huddle?
Speaker 2 (01:44):
And in the huddle he's calm plays.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
You know, there's not a lot of uh external banter,
but you know he was dialed in, poised, calm, collected,
kept everyone calm and collected.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
And he was awesome.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Bigger as a he name. You had to see hear
him grow up in Carolina. I I can't say enough
good things about Baker Man. I I love playing with him.
You know, he's he's a he was a great teammate
and a great friend. And just have the almost respectful
about the young guys.
Speaker 4 (02:15):
You've had two tight ends staying in George Kelly, he.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Used to be out there.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
How those guys, Yeah, they've been incredible. They've been they've
been so on it.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
You know, it's a tough position to play physically but
also mentally, and that there's a lot on those guys plates.
And you know, I would say, when you lose a
guy like George, it's not you know, it's not one
guy that can that can step up and be George,
But it's a collective unit in a collective group, and
those guys have done also.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Christian, you're on this.
Speaker 5 (02:39):
Fun face for a record were being records touches.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Obviously it's great.
Speaker 5 (02:47):
He's a good the ball a lot, but there's any.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Part of you want to know if.
Speaker 5 (02:53):
No, how impressive, is that it's still lining up against
you all these years later.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Yeah, I'm sick of him, man, I'm sick of no.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
He's a hell of a player, always brings a big
challenge and just somebody that has always played the game
the right way and to my opinion, doesn't ever given
get enough credit. So you know, once again, just their
whole defense and guys like him, when you have a
veteran like that, they spark a lot of challenges that
you gotta.
Speaker 6 (03:21):
Be ready for.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
We're tired of you or any questions about how many
touch does you get hurt?
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Listen, I'm trying not to get tired of anything, you know,
but I feel great for what it's worth.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Yeah, it's a blessing for sure.
Speaker 6 (03:38):
So you know, long process, but it's my second time
going through it, and I kind of knew what to expect,
going for different on Orthdox approach this time. But you know,
great training staff, great tramp staff, like I mean, you know,
back in the field. So I'm just blessed to be here,
Thank God for everything, and I'm glad to be out
there with my brothers.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
You know, when you came out season lastly, we weren't
able to you know, participate early on. But now you're
able to get back in.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
The team is winning, they're playing.
Speaker 7 (04:04):
A little but youth is playing well.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
How exciting is that make it?
Speaker 8 (04:07):
Like?
Speaker 2 (04:07):
How'm looking more exciting? Is that make your return? Oh?
It's super exciting.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
You know.
Speaker 6 (04:10):
It's definitely a different identity. I feel like this year,
you know, Sola's been great with the defense, the young
guys have stepped in, you know, kind of saying that
stand up last year with the young guys, and now
just seeing this group of game guys.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
You know, contributing early as they have.
Speaker 6 (04:22):
You know, I'm sorry with like Markquisseigho and Mikel Williams
up and style, you know, c J. West, Like the
list goes on. So those guys are just bought into
our standard. And it's just nice to have those young
guys step in at such a you know, young time
in their career. And now I'm able to you know,
just pick the where I left off. So just really
excited to get back out there.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
What's been on orthodox about this recovery.
Speaker 6 (04:44):
Just you know college, you know, schedule, you know, just
maybe like having more to class. I mean we have
and everything, and now it's just more so just kind
of focusing on you know, different types of movements, you know,
not just focusing on my knee, but just you know,
focus on other areas of my body. And so so
I think, you know, it just it taught me a
lot about taking care of myself and the different parts
(05:05):
of you know, my body to kind of help me,
you know, build that longevity going forward.
Speaker 5 (05:10):
You're gonna be the same confident seeing that, so to speak,
that you've been since you got here.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
As soon as you stepped out there.
Speaker 6 (05:16):
I mean, I didn't get surgery on my brain, so
you know, it's the same thing. So I'm just trying
to pick up where I left off and you know,
keep the main thing, the main thing.
Speaker 4 (05:24):
That's a big But you spoke and gave credit to
your upbringing with your parents for your mentality and your
mindset each time you step out there, just wondering if
either one of them gave you some type of nuggets
going through this kind of time to recover from an
ACL surgery before you step in back.
Speaker 6 (05:39):
Yeah, I mean I feel like my mom and my dad,
you know, just kind of made sure to always keep
God first.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
That was my main thing.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
You know.
Speaker 6 (05:46):
Maybe I feel like a lot of people, you know,
aren't there for me in certain situations where I'm just
by myself, or I feel like I was left behind
or things like that, but you know, God was always
there with me. So, you know, just trying to keep
my faith of the number one thing, you know, whether
I'm doing football, whether stuff off the field, you know,
always trying to keep that the main thing. And you
know everything else is gonna play out.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
I was gonna play out. You play the Sunday of course. Yeah,
you get ready. Yeah, you're a big hitter. You've always
been like a big hitter since you've been here. Where
where did that start? Is that always the way you've
played the game?
Speaker 6 (06:16):
I mean I grew up kind of you know, being undersized,
so it was just like a thing where can I
separate myself, you know, just being a little kid. So
just having you know, that mighty mouse mentality, being a
you know, big dog, even though I might not show physically,
but mentally, that's gonna give me the upper hand. So
just it wasn't different when I was in high school.
It's not different in college, and it was definitely not
(06:37):
gonna change when I'm in the league. So just throughout
my football career to try to keep that the same motive.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
When did join in the last five weeks, just having to.
Speaker 6 (06:46):
Be on the sideline, I mean, it's definitely difficult. But
at the same time, this my brother's on this on
this team was let's keeping me up, and I just,
you know, just love to see the guys go out there,
go to war and you know, put the best foot forward.
And it's just wasn't that We four and one and
We're just gonna keep this thing rolling?
Speaker 4 (07:02):
How long you felt that one?
Speaker 6 (07:04):
Since I got certain Yeah, dropped to the vine like that.
I mean, just getting back into the routine, getting back
to the mix. Don't try to do anything crazy, don't
try to do the big thing too fast, you know,
just take it step by step. Same thing how it
was in my rehab, not trying to do too much
in the short amount of time. And now getting back
to the swinging things. And you know, once once I'm
(07:27):
ready to go, I'm ready to go.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Brett, I'm curious.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
I know you said on the Manning Cast on Monday
that you were disappointed you lost the those to foreign tosses.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
But how'd you guys have won the toss?
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Were you guys are gonna defend the Channon and once
we were defend, yeah, we.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
Would have kicked. Yeah. Yeah. What was that like doing
on the Manning Cast? You were on there for quite
a while. Yeah, it was fun.
Speaker 8 (07:47):
Man, anytime you're with the Manning brothers that keep it light,
keep it keep it fun, lighthearted.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
So it was fun, good time.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
Last week ahead of the La Rams game, I asked you, like,
what was it that made you feel like you belonged
in your rookie season? And then Alfri Collins goes out
there make the play that he.
Speaker 7 (08:00):
Made down toward at the end as a rookie.
Speaker 4 (08:03):
How excited did they make you?
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Any flashbacks for you?
Speaker 4 (08:05):
And what you say to him after that was three keys?
Speaker 2 (08:09):
Yeah right.
Speaker 8 (08:10):
Let me just say that I've had a lot of
punch outs in my career and I've never had one
of that magnitude in that kind of situation.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
I gotta have it moment on the goal line. Incredible play.
Speaker 8 (08:21):
One of the best players I've seen by any player
because of the play itself and in the situation. So
I for sure never made close to that. So I
will play my rookie year. He's far ahead of where
I was. So this guy's the limit.
Speaker 5 (08:34):
What's impressing you with Baker Mayfield not offense right now.
Speaker 8 (08:38):
Just the confidence man, the confidence of playing the position.
I mean, everybody's always talked about how great of a
competitor he is. But the way that he's delivering the football,
knowing exactly where it's supposed to go, the decisiveness of
him throwing the football and creating the explosive, the explosive plays.
No one wanted to check it down to his playmakers
and allow them to kind of do their things.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
So he's playing the position at the high level. I've
seen them.
Speaker 5 (09:02):
With your versatility, You've feel it every game, just kind
of your own mindset of what you need to do
specifically to help the.
Speaker 8 (09:11):
Team the best the game, you know, I think, yeah,
every every week is different, but our system is is
what it is.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
It's not too complicated. Most teams know what we run.
Speaker 8 (09:22):
It's just about us running it to the highest high
stability possible. My goal every week is to try to
take the ball away for my team. You know, I
do have the ability to do that, regardless of the
quarterback stone it to me or or not. You know,
I feel like every time I approach the ball carrier,
if I can knocket, if I can knock, get loose,
and that that gives my team a chance to create
a takeaway and help us win the game.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
You guys have held success winning on the road in
the past years. What does it mean this year to
do it with like a roster that's evolving. I mean,
it means everything.
Speaker 8 (09:51):
Just you look at it that you look at the
start of this year, it's a complete opposite of how
last year went.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
Right. We found ways to lose last.
Speaker 8 (09:58):
Year early on, and this year we're finding ways to
win in those in those uh those one possession games
towards the end, Especially on defense closing games out. I
think that's been major for us and provides a lot
of confidence going forward. As a defense, it hasn't been
pretty by out by any means. I feel like if
we're able to play the type of defense I know
we're cable playing, is when you can really start seeing
us take off.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
But you know, it's just about getting better every single week.
Speaker 5 (10:22):
If you ever had a chance to talk with Levonte,
gave it after the game and what do you respect
about him and his longevity?
Speaker 8 (10:27):
Yeah, absolutely, We've had conversations over the years, and I
put Levonte and Bobby in that and kind of in
that same that same world. I think obviously Bobby's been
more recognized in terms of accolades, but Levonte has been
incredible and you look at his numbers, the stats, takeaways,
big plays. I mean, he's one of the best to
(10:48):
ever do it. And the longevity is is incredible.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
You know.
Speaker 8 (10:52):
They he's just so good they can't get rid of him,
so continues to do so this year. You saw last
week in Seattle the biggest moment in the game getting
an interception to help their team win that game.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
So, uh, you know, much respect to Levonte, and.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
There's a lot of season left, but how big is
this game? Field considered both four and one and we're
tight for the top of that seed right now.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
Yeah, the is the moments you dream of, right.
Speaker 8 (11:14):
Best on best and uh, you know in a in
away game, so you know, they flex the game for
you know, all the reasons that we that we're speaking of,
So it's Uh, it's gonna be a great challenge for us.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Where did they talk about me and legend?
Speaker 3 (11:31):
What does that mean to you?
Speaker 8 (11:31):
When you go out on the field, you know, nobody
cares about what you've done in your past.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Uh, It's all about what you do now going forward? Right,
No matter what.
Speaker 8 (11:42):
We've done these last however many weeks, five weeks, what
are you gonna put on tape? What are you going
to show this Sunday four twenty five Eastern against a
really great Tampa Bay team?
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Right?
Speaker 8 (11:53):
And so that's my mindset is I'm looking to prove
it every single time I step on that field.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
And it doesn't matter what I've done, everybody wants see
what what are you gonna do next?
Speaker 8 (12:01):
That's that's suppultimately, Randy Jaker Mayfield was saying that Deth
he enjoyed looking at the Rams film because he could
watch you and Stafford looking at each other and him.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
Try to move into his eyes and he not necessarily
going for into that cheski.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
How he's great.
Speaker 8 (12:18):
I see it all over the tape, him him being
able to manipulate defense, especially in his own coverage or
man coverage their plug players that maybe trying to take
away certain routes. His the ability to pump, uh, you know,
bringing the hand off to then try and get a
guy to biteen and doing those sort of things. That
just shows the quarterbacks in complete control of the offense
and knows exactly what he's doing, right, so being able
(12:39):
to identify coverages and manipulate those things and create the
explosive plays, the big plays.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
Uh, he does it better as good as anybody in
this league.
Speaker 7 (12:49):
Do you know what any other.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Quarter guy in the league who does a lot of
shoulder shakes in the backfield? Shoulder shakes, like just shaking guys,
He's like a receiver coming off the line of script.
Speaker 8 (12:58):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I think that's a great comparison.
The route releases back there are are great. I mean yeah,
He's one of those guys where you see it over
and over again, week in week out. Guys have a
tough time bringing him to the ground. And we saw
it even last year, and we played him in those
crucial moments of the game. Just finding a way to
get out of those would be sex and so we
(13:19):
understand the challenge is gonna have to bring it.
Speaker 7 (13:21):
I'm just tired of everybody talking about Jake Moody. I
talked to him the other day, and you know, he's
a great kicker. I messaged him the other day and
you know he's going to do well in this league.
And he just had a bad stand here and sometimes
you just need a fresh start, and you know he's
got my support and he's going to do well.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Teddy, you're fifty nine yard or might have been from
sixty five or sixty six? Yeah, which did you strike
it any differently than you normally strike it? Yeah?
Speaker 7 (13:46):
I knew I had to hit a little harder than
I usually do.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
I mean, I had to drive it a little bit more.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
I was just grateful to get the opportunity for coach
to give me a shot. You know, with everything that
happened before I got here, I was super blessed that
amy of shots.
Speaker 5 (14:01):
As a kicker. What can changing teams or just being
in a new system do for a guy like you
or a guy like Jake Mudy?
Speaker 2 (14:07):
I guess yeah, yeah, I.
Speaker 7 (14:08):
Mean it does a lot of Sometimes you need a
fresh start. It's happened to me. You know, I've needed
fresh starts from other teams and just a new set
of eyes, you set of teammates, coaches, you know, just
to restart.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
So you seem like a pretty fiery job.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
You've seen some of that on the field on the sidelines,
but when you're going to approach a kick, are you
in your head fiery or are you calm?
Speaker 2 (14:29):
No? Super calm. I mean, I just know what's at steak.
Speaker 7 (14:31):
And sometimes I let my emotions, you know, get the
best of me. But you know, I know what's at steak.
I see these guys, they're blood, sweat and tears on
the sideline, just working their butt off, you know, And
that's and that's that's what I that's what's going through
my head. I need to make this for them, and
you know they're they're working their butt off.
Speaker 5 (14:47):
So Kyle jokingly called you out for taking so much
time on the field. What are you doing as soon
as the clock sit zero?
Speaker 3 (14:53):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (14:53):
I was.
Speaker 7 (14:54):
That was super embarrassing. I was doing a Spanish interview
with a with a report there and I was telling them, hey,
I need to go. Everybody's waiting for me in the
locker room, and they didn't let me go. If it
was up to me, I wouldn't have done it, but
I had no choice. They told me no, you have
to do this. So that's what happened. And then I
tried springing in the locker room and everybody was just
looking at me. It was the most embarrassing, but I'm
(15:16):
happy he wasn't too mad at me.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
So where where is your start? You're underste my game?
Are you preparing on the team gets a certain yard line?
Speaker 8 (15:24):
Where is that?
Speaker 4 (15:25):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (15:26):
Yeah, I would say about like the forty yard line.
I kind of started kicking some balls into the then
just mentally prepared to.
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Go in and try to do my job. So yeah,
I can kind of over time that kiss the fine Yeah,
you think you'd have it all the way and then
what you saw it? Yeah?
Speaker 7 (15:42):
I mean I didn't hit it the best, but I
felt like it had a shot. And then once it
uh French kissed the pole, I'm gonna be taking that
pull to dinner soon.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
So yeah,
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