Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - LOCKED ON COLTS 7/28/19: Observations from Colts training camp

Episode Date: July 28, 2019

On today's episode, we're back to talk about training camp! Luckily, LOC was able to get exclusive content for our listeners with multiple interviews: Jim Irsay, Nick Sirianni, Matt Eberflus, Eric Ebron, Ryan Kelly, and Bobby Okereke.Before we dive into that content, though, who were the biggest winners from Saturday's practice? With many offensive players resting, no surprise the defense dominated. However, the Deon Cain hype train isn't stopping anytime soon. He looks the part of a receiver who should contribute immediately. One play that happened outlined why he's fully healthy now.Also, if you haven't heard, our weekly guest lineup is unveiled! We have an A-list lineup for the loyal Colts fans out there beginning from now until the end of the season. Who's ready for some Colts football? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello everybody, welcome back into Locked On Colts. It has been a very long time coming. I know it has been a little bit of a hiatus for us, but it is for a very good reason. I have been out and about back in Arizona. If you guys don't know, I live in Arizona for the time being. I have a day job out there that I do. I've been a very busy time for that. But anyways, we are back to do Locked On Colts, which is part of the Locked On Podcast Network.

Today as always, I'm your host, Evan Sidery. And today we are back and we're finally back for the good now, because from now until the end of the season, we're going to be with you pretty much every day of the week, outside maybe a few days here and there. We have all of our guests lined up, if you didn't know. If you haven't seen our tweets, go ahead and follow us over at Locked On Colts. Your support over there is very much appreciated. As always, we're getting close to 1,000 followers, but if you guys haven't heard by now, our

weekly schedule of guests lined up, or monthly guests, I should put it, as well. George Bremer of the Herald Bulletin, who's the Colts Bureau over in Anderson. He will be on every week for us. We also have Zach Hicks of Stampede Blue. He's a regular contributor here on Locked on Colts. He'll be on weekly with us as well. We also have Cody Felger, who I met yesterday at the Colts training camp.

We're getting into training camp thoughts in just a minute here. But Cody Felger, I met him as well. He is going to be on weekly with us as well. And we also have Kevin Bowen, who is a very, very good writer and podcaster for 10-7 to the fan. He is going to be with us bi-weekly probably throughout the season as well. And Jake Arthur of Colts.com, a really nice guy. Jake is, I met him as well yesterday at Colts training camp. He'll be on with us weekly as well throughout the season. So we have a really stacked lineup for you guys throughout the season, starting from now until the end of the season, which hopefully lasts until February.

But might as well dive into my initial thoughts. We're going to have a different episode today. It's going to be mostly just me in this first segment talking about my, really my open thoughts from when I started training camp. I was credentialed through the Annapolis Colts for Locked On Podcast Network. I'll go over my thoughts with you guys as well throughout that next 5 to 10 minutes. But after I speak through this first segment, we're going to actually go through the interviews. Network. I'll go over my thoughts with you guys as well throughout that next 5-10 minutes. After I speak through this first segment, we're going to actually go through the interviews.

If you missed out on them, maybe you've watched them on Colts.com already. This is actually my own audio that I used. It got multiple interviews yesterday with Jim Irse, Nick Sirianni, Matt Eberflus, Eric Ebron, Ryan Kelly, and Bobby Okereke. It's going to be about 30-35 minutes of audio for you guys. We're going to go through that in a little bit. I wanted to wrap up just my original thoughts on what I saw straight at Colts Training Camp. First time I've ever been credentialed for Training Camp. So I really appreciate the Colts PR staff for doing that. Hopefully it's a lot more of that coming for you guys very soon. But I want to start off with just my biggest winners and losers and what I saw from Training Camp yesterday. Because I think for me, what stood out is just how, I know this is kind of a generic thing to say, but it's how big these guys are.

I mean, you see it on TV all the the time but when you see it's their physical dimensions like their corners and the wide receivers is what stood out to me really immediately just the wingspans of those guys obviously it's very prioritized for those positions but the freakish physical trait that these guys have on the field like Quentin Nelson is a lot bigger than I thought he'd be I knew it was huge Brian Smith's a lot bigger than I thought he'd be Paris Campbell's a legit six footfooter, even 6'1". He's eye-to-eye with me. So those concerns about his height are kind of overblown, in my opinion.

He's a legit six-footer. Deion Cain looked very good as well. I think Deion Cain might be the biggest winner from Saturday's practice because he made a lot of good plays 11 months after he tore his ACL. Really, I wanted to go through one play. I couldn't tweet this out because it was during the live period and we weren't allowed to do that, but Deion Cain had one play where he caught the ball about 30 yards down the field from Chad Kelly, juked out three guys in the way to the end zone for a touchdown, and that's when I knew right then and there his knee was fine. He's 100%. I think

he's a guy who, in the right opportunity, he could really break out. I'm not putting a lot of expectations for Deion Cain this year in 2019-20, Devin Funches is only a one-year rental if they want to play the comp pick game with Devin Funches maybe another guy on the roster as well I think Deion Kane has all the ingredients to be a really good wide receiver in the NFL from what I saw yesterday he's a legit bona fide sleeper in my opinion and he could be a guy in 2020 who really breaks out on the scene but Paris Campbell is another guy I want to hit on really quickly with you guys as well because Paris Campbell a lot of people for some reason really against his route running ability Ohio State they only said he could do maybe just some bubble routes just some short stuff around the line of scrimmage no he can do a

lot more than that he's a he could be a legit X or Z receiver down the line he could he ran all the routes we were on the field yesterday ran all the outside routes as well as the slot routes. He can do all that, and his speed is blazing, I can tell you. 4-3-1 in person is very, very telling, and he can definitely do that on the field. But I wanted to also note as well with the Paris Campbell, his addition. This is a really good stat I found from Evan Silva over at Roto-World, who was on the podcast in May about Paris Campbell. And what I found intriguing about him was just the fit and the offense, which really after the draft and more you dive into and the advanced stats, Paris Campbell makes even more sense to this team.

I know JV3, who we've had on multiple times, is a very big Paris Campbell guy, very big on Paris Campbell. He was really the first one on that. And he knew this to me, I think a long time ago as well, but it was reiterated by Evan Silva yesterday. And he said the 2018 Col we put all that together, I think Paris Campbell could have a really big year out of the slot. It really remains to be seen what his numbers could be.

I could really see 50, 60 catches, probably around 700, 800 yards, maybe four or six touchdowns. I think that's a realistic line for Paris Campbell, but I'm really excited just what I saw straight from the skill positions. I think especially Deion Cannon, Paris Campbell, I think those guys over the next three or four years could be a legit duo down the line once T.Y. ages out, maybe once Devin Funches maybe isn't here anymore.

Who knows? Maybe Funches could break out in the scene. He had a good day too, but I think Paris Campbell, even though he had some drops on special teams, I think just from a wide receiver standpoint, he did really well yesterday. Also, Deion Kane did really well. I think Deion Kane was the star of the day. But the defense was the big winner of the day, if you want to go into that as well.

The defense really dominated them, and it really wasn't that close. Justin Houston had some sex. Sterling Shippey, the UDFA, did well. A lot of guys did really well for them, and it really wasn't that close. Justin Houston had some sex. Sterling Shippey, the UDFA, did well. A lot of guys did really well for them, and it really wouldn't surprise me if Andrew Luck keeps sitting out with his calf strain and he's being super precautious with that. Wouldn't shock me at all if the defense continues to dominate there

because it really wasn't close in that team setting yesterday. So there really isn't much else to run through with you guys as far as this because, like I said, we're back every day pretty much throughout the rest of the season. Just wanted to let you guys know the current situation with the podcast and also just my initial quick takeaways from yesterday the big winners for me were deon kane paris campbell outside of the special team stuff and the defense i think another sleeper guy was ashton doing on their wide receiver i know a lot of people from alone were really excited about the video i tweeted out he's a guy who maybe makes the practice squad he's a very freakish athlete

he was one of the guys who tested really well in Spark and Raz, and he's the guy who could really make an instant impact maybe down the line in special teams, or maybe even a guy who grows into a bigger role. Who knows? A lot of interesting names to follow through. I know I'm going to be at training camp a lot over the next couple weeks. Hopefully I'll credential again for you guys.

I'll let you guys know on that, but until then, I'll talk to you guys later this week. I just want to run through some quick thoughts. I'll be really quick on training camp and also the podcast. But let's dive into our interviews now with Jim Irsay, Nick Sirianni, Matt Eberflus, Eric Ebron, Ryan Kelly, and Bobby Okereke. You know, this is really exciting times in my book because, you know, I know, Bob, you wrote about it. It's true, you know. But, you know, look, we don't want, I made t-shirts up about a decade ago.

I said, you know, don't let the good be the enemy of the great. Because that's what we're looking to be. It's not a commitment to excellence. Excellence means, by Webster's dictionary, very good. What we want is a commitment to greatness, which means you distinguish yourself as the single team standing. And I can attest, look it, you guys remember 2009? We won 14 in a row, you know, had it all set up.

And what a season, what a season, right? Boy, I tell you, one of the most bitter disappointments we ever faced because, you know, that's the way it is when you don't win the last game. And we know most of the time you don't win the last game. But the years you do, you know, White House and prayed it out and on and on it goes. But we're just focused, you know, we're focused on the task at hand, which is meaning today getting better on the field, focusing for our home opener, I mean our away opener in this case, and being ready for that. So I like the health of the team, you know, we, you know,

Dave Handler's report to me was very short, which is always good. We've had one situation that popped up, but beyond that, it's excellent. And Andrew's excellent. He's happily married, waiting for the baby to come and all that kind of stuff. So I couldn't be more excited, guys. But answer a question away. You've experienced good seasons, bad seasons, great seasons.

At this time of year, on those good or great seasons, are there any sort of common characteristics that you're seeing or feeling right now? Yeah, I think that it's really kind of an intuitive thing, and you sense the way your general manager and head coach, you know, is flowing. Certainly where your quarterback's at because everyone here knows Andrew stays healthy and has a great year, we're going to have a great year. It's almost impossible to imagine us not having a great year if Andrew has a great year.

So, but we know there's much more than that. We know it's about running a football. We also know how we used to talk about the offensive line and the concerns. Now it's becoming straight. Now it's one of the best three or four offensive lines in the league. And I think that's without question. And not only does it have excellence at the starting five, but it has depth and the defensive line, you know, that has a lot of depth. It has talent. And with Houston here, I mean, it really just is a game changer.

And then all of a sudden, Doyle's back. Kane's back. I mean, those are big, big bonuses. Those are like signing free agents, quite frankly. They weren't here. So that's very exciting. And just you can sense the air of confidence. But look, we got to prove it.

You know, you open that season and the ball goes in the air, you get smashed in the mouth and the game's on and you got to go get it. You got to take it. And as Bill Walsh used to say, you gotta beat him to the punch. So yeah, there's definitely that feeling that is everywhere, including the fans, which is the most important element of their excitement, and they can sense it. Can you mention- Jim, when you look at the fact,

this is the first time in his career he's had the same offensive line, two straight years. Second time he's had the same offensive system in his career two straight years. How much better can he get having all this continuity, you know, really that he hasn't had in his career? You know, I think it can be outstanding. Obviously, you know, they all want to throw for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. That doesn't happen very much.

I know Andrew only wants to win because he's a team player. And it's something where it sets up special for him because all of a sudden you're adding pairs to the mix. You're adding, like I said, Doyle's backs, Kane's back, Funches. I mean, my gosh, I mean, that's a dynamic change to the positive. Plus, you know, what I always said, you guys know I've mentioned it, keeping this team together, which we have completely together in the offseason. So when you make additions, it's not subtraction, addition, subtraction, and you're kind of where you started from. No, this is all exciting stuff because it's not subtraction, addition, subtraction, addition, and you're kind of where you started from.

No, this is all exciting stuff because it's extremely positive, and some of these guys can excel rookie year at their positions. So it's really going to be exciting, and again, I can't emphasize enough my praise, honestly, for Chris Ballard and Frank Wright. It's really just an outstanding team we have there with those two men leading us. And it surely makes my job a lot easier from some days gone by, which are many. But so it's very exciting, guys. Jim, you mentioned you talked to Dave Hammond with a short list with one incident.

Is your ball shared? Is there any update on him? You know, I think, you know, Coach should address that. I think, you know, I know he's going to, you know, be fine and play this season and all that sort of thing. I'm, you know, checked with Coach on coach on what, uh, you know, exactly, you know, he wants to discuss, but you know, it's certainly not a season ending injury, Mike, or nothing like that. So it's just probably stood out as unusual because seriously,

you know, Dave on his report was pretty much, you know, the all-pass physical and no issues right now. I was like, really, that's awesome. Because, you know, these days they come with all these terms, chondro defects. I mean, that stuff wasn't even there 30 years ago. I don't know where all this stuff came from. I mean, honest to God, it's, it's incredible, but, uh, you know, Hey, these guys, um, train and, you know, like Olympic athletes and, you know, I think like even the combines almost the season itself, how they get ready for that and that explosive activity that they go through. So, yeah, Mike, I really think so far so good. It's obviously early, but we're excited about Buffalo Thursday night game.

It's always exciting your first game to start it off and obviously going to Los Angeles for the openers where we're focused. Jim, you've done this for a long time. You've seen a lot of teams in training camp early. Does this team have what it takes in your mind to get to Miami at the end? It does. I don't think we shy away from that, but we also know, and Chris and coaches say the same thing, is that you've got to be confident.

I mean, you have to have confidence, but it's tempered with the fact that there's so much that has to happen. What I'd like to see us do, and it's not an essential, but it certainly would be helpful, is to see this team get home field advantage. We're two games away from the Super Bowl, and hopefully they're both home games, at least if one of them are. You get the bye week, that is a huge advantage, big advantage. And, you know, you guys know we got it in, you know, 2000, 2010, multiple times,

and we didn't always take advantage of it. But, you know, that's what you want to do. I can remember sitting here with Bill Polian and Tony Dungy saying, you know, after 2002 against the Jets, you know, hey Dungy saying, you know, after 2002 against the Jets, you know, hey, we got to, you know, we got to get home field advantage now. We got to get off the road. We don't want to play on the road and be that fifth or sixth wildcard team if we can. So that's a tall order. Most people say, hey, you got to probably win at least 12 games, and they're right. So that's very difficult. But we look at that and quite frankly,

I think Edwin aspires to win the Super Bowl going to training camp or he wouldn't even show up. From an owner standpoint, really realistic. This team is one of the best teams that I've had the privilege to bring to our fans with General Magic head coach and have a situation that honestly matches some of those days of Peyton, Andrew, all those guys. But, you know, those guys were special. And, you know, you had the bookend rushers and all that stuff. So we need to special and you had the Brooklyn Rushers and all that stuff. So we need to have some of these young guys emerge. That's very important for us

to really become great. What's the biggest thing Chris Ballard's changed in the three years since he took over, in your mind? I would say not just very structured in the way he's gone about his work, but that it's purposeful and structured. He knows what he wants. He knows he has to be organized to get it. And he has a process that he goes through to success.

It's a disciplined process. So he really is remarkable and just tremendous energy, loves his job, and really, really is a guy, like I told you guys, I think he's one of the best GMs of this early part of the century, and I hold by that. Jim, you're heading into your 25th year as an owner. How have you and your ownership philosophy evolved since you started in this position? Well, I would say that you become more wise, more mature because you have a chance to see more, take in more, observe more.

And, you know, I don't think we can ever say we've seen it all. But, you know, I've seen many different scenarios emerge. So, you know, Bob, I think it's a blessing just having had my 60th birthday where I'm still, you know, young enough where I can really have the energy to do what I need to do with this, with the team and other parts of my business world life. But with this football team, those 25 years have really been invaluable because it's not like a trial and error thing happens, but in essence it does, you know. And you learned that just how important it is, more than ever, and I know it's a simple concept, but you have to have unity at the top.

You have to have harmony at the top. You have to have two people that are communicating and have, not only have the same goals, because, you know, everyone always has the same goals about winning, but also going about it in a way that they're together on the process and discipline. Look at Frank's schedules, very detailed. He already knows what time practice is going to start 17 days from now. I can't make a tee time and know that, much less be that organized. But these guys are, and they're right at that sweet spot age, great experience,

tremendous still youth for those guys. And so for me, Bob, I tell you, it's been a blessing. I go to league meetings now and quite frankly, there's no one left in the room. I mean, Mike Brown's the only guy and he hasn't been to every meeting, but he's the only guy that was there in 81 for my first meeting. And so that's been strange to see the time pass and all of a sudden all these guys that were like uncles to me or even fathers being gone. So I take the responsibility very serious I really do I know the beautiful thing about this thing is how much it means to our fans

and it means that much to me and it's just so important to define yourself through your work here and we're so blessed to have so much interest in our game and we do not take that lightly. So not only with the Colts, but I think with the league, Wellington Mirrors words echo in my mind, hey, hey, don't forget the game. You have to manage the game, make the game great. That's the essence of what we do, and the rest will follow.

So I couldn't be more excited, Bob. I think it's really exciting. Obviously Andrews is that sweet spot era for him age wise and there's really not a lot of weakness you know here with the roster. Only excitement about some of these guys coming back. So you know really it's, I'm very excited and know, it's hard to start saying, you know, what are your goals for the whole decade coming up 2020 here, coming soon and all that stuff. But you stay focused into this year.

And so it's a tough opening schedule, going on the road twice, particularly with the Chargers. And I think for what we want to do, it's very important to get off to a good start. And, you know, I don't want to put it's very important to get off to a good start and um you know i i don't want to put words in his mouth because he's not here anywhere right here bill paulie and ackman if he was with me now i'd say well we're going to be one and one that's good enough you know we got the charges on the road ah we can't win that one just like bill be more optimistic than that for god's sake you

can imagine you know he cracked me up that way uh Deep down he was, but, like, I think he had to get those thoughts out in the open so they didn't bother him so much. But we want to go and, you know, get to 1-0, Bob. You know, I believe, honestly, on the road in L.A., it's almost like 1-1⁄2-0 because it would be a huge win. And your first win is so important. You get that, you know, monkey off your back about, you know, because it would be a huge win. And your first win is so important. You get that, you know, monkey off your back about, you know, all of a sudden, if you go 0-2, you know, you got to start reeling out the stats.

Oh, this team's gone 0-2, made it to the Super Bowl, et cetera. And so we don't want, we have to grab the momentum early. And we've been dealt a tough card there. And, you know, quite frankly, I, you know, I think, you know, I'm not happy that we did not get a home national game. I mean, we should have gotten that. We didn't. Obviously, we have national games on the road,

but we love them here, obviously, for many reasons. So, Bob, you know, I've evolved. More gray hair, more grandchildren. And so it's been an evolution that's been really blessed, just to be able to chalk up more years to experience. And you're always learning, though. It's, I've never stopped learning in this position of ownership, that's for sure.

Thanks everyone. Thank you, Jim. Thank you, Jim. Thank you, guys. The number of offensive weapons that you guys potentially have is keeping everybody happy. Yeah, you know, you always want to get guys involved, and always the biggest issue is going to be, you know, one game or a couple games in a row, a guy might not be involved in that.

And that can be the biggest issue, just some guy not getting in touch. But what I believe that Frank preaches, and then we turn around as coaches and preach right back again, is we've got to love our teammates and love each other. That's what the best teams win games, not the best individuals. The best teams win games. So, you know, if Frank sets the tone. I'm saying we grow as a group. We grow this continuity at camp.

And I think it's just preaching that every day. And then I think you just see guys genuinely being happy for each other when they make plays. When you have a quarterback like Andrew where you look at these guys going down throughout his career and stuff through Andrews, it seems like he's one of those guys that simply knows the mindset of whoever they're going to be in the game. Yeah, and I think that's what good quarterbacks do.

Good quarterbacks know, hey, when my best guy's over there and one-on-one, I'm going to take that matchup. But if they're taking it away, I'm going to take what the defense gives me. And that's how you play winning football as a quarterback, and I believe that's what the best quarterbacks like Andrew do. And there's times when player A or player B is not getting the ball as much as they want, you have to go to them and say, be patient. I mean, have you had to do that?

Sure, sure, and that's a common thing. And we try to get them going the very next drive. I remember Frank's great about that. Really, as he calls the plays, I remember a couple times last year where T.Y. didn't have a catch with the first two drives and he just got him a quick touch and he got it going. T.Y. got it going for our offense. Frank's great about that. He really understands that and feels that on the sidelines. He's got a great feel as a play caller.

I know it's early, but what are your impressions of Ben Affair as Campbell? Will you try to slot first and then spread him in? Is that the plan? Yeah, yeah. He's been primarily inside so far. But when we go 12 personnel sets, he has to go outside. So he's getting work at both. He's getting work at both.

He's playing the Z position and the F position, you know, because in 12 personnel he's playing the Z position and in 11 personnel he's playing the F. So he's getting all the work. He's a very conscientious guy that pays attention and I can just see the little steps that he's making each day to get better. Nick, how difficult is it to judge your offense when Andrew is not out there? Oh, I think, you know, I think we get a great judge against it, against a great defense like that, like our defense. So I think we're evaluating and I don't, you know, obviously we want Andrew

out there and we know what he can do, but I don't think it affects us as far as our evaluation process, especially when those pads went on today and we were able to bang around a little bit and see what our guys up front were doing in our tight ends and our backs. What were some of your takeaways from the first day in pads? I thought, you know, I obviously haven't watched the film yet, and it's never as good as you think, it's never as bad as you think, but I believe that, you know, it made a very big emphasis.

I'm running the football today when the pads came on, and I thought our guys played physical. I thought our guys were on the same page. I didn't feel like we had a couple of times we weren't on the same page as far as who we were going to. And I think Coach Strauss has really cleaned that up, and I think we were on the same page. So we got a hat for a hat, and I felt like we were moving it a little bit running the football, so I was pleased. Strauss, were moving it a little bit running the football So I was pleased.

Strasser and Mudd, they do things a little bit different in the passing game What does that change like what the pockets gonna look like and stuff for Andrew? Well, hopefully not a lot because he didn't get sacked very much last year No, they teach the technique that they teach is it's similar. It's similar to, you know, the pocket's going to be similar. I feel like it was firm last year in the middle, and it's going to be firm this year in the middle. And I haven't noticed a big difference there as far as what the quarterback needs to do. When you have the depth of the skill position that you have, does it help you maybe force the tempo a little bit more too as you score the ball?

Yeah, yeah, because you can stop it in and out. And, you know, we're always, you know, we always believe that we go in with a plan to, you know, we're either huddling some or no huddling some. We go, and that's been no matter what personnel we've had, it's just we felt like that's been the best style for our offense. And having guys like that, when you have depth, obviously you're able to sub them in and out. You know, they can tap their head, and they come out, and the next guy doesn't miss a beat.

And that's obviously a huge advantage to have guys that can just go sub guys and keep them fresh while the defense is tired. How do you evaluate how Jacoby has done with the starting unit spring and now the first couple days here? Yeah, you know, I think he's had a great – you know, being the second year in the offense, and I believe he has a great command of the offense and knowledge of the offense. The plays just come out of his mouth a lot quicker, a lot faster. And that's hard, because he had all those reps last year.

He didn't have the reps during the season, and then he had to jump back into it. And it felt like when he had the reps during OTAs, he was just, and obviously now, it was just a lot simpler for him. So that's what's great about Jacoby. He was a backup quarterback, didn't have the reps during the season, but he grew. He grew because he studied. He grew because he was the right-hand man for Andrew. And he grew just because of the kind of pro he is,

and that's what you expect out of your backups to develop the good depth. What's your impression of Jack Coyle being out here, not today, but the progress he's made and what he brings to the offense? Oh gosh, yeah, he's a true pro and he brings consistency. I think the best players I've been around are consistent. And he might not be the flashiest guy, but he gets his job done, and he does it the right way. I just – he obviously – he – I really believe that he leads by an example. And when you see – you know, you're able to teach off those good things.

You're able to teach off bad things too. But when a guy's doing it exactly the way it's supposed to be done and he's getting his job done, it's very good visual for everyone to see in the meeting. Hey, this is how you're supposed to do it on this outside zone when you're stealing this edge, and Jack's a great example for that. You've got two pro bowl tight ends with him, even. Have you seen two guys at that level so different in personalities, or do we only see the one side of Jack? Yeah, they are different. They are different, but you know what? That's what makes them connect. That's what makes them connect.

They're great friends. And I know Eric's gotten better because of Jack. And I know Jack's gotten better because of Eric. They bring this together. And, you know, it's good that they have those two different style personalities. I love it. What would you describe Jack's personality? Let's see.

Be on quiet. Clint Eastwood. He's not as quiet. He's just hard-nosed, grinding out. But he's a fun guy to be around. I enjoy being around him. He's always, hey, good morning, how you doing? He likes to joke around when it's time to joke around.

And Eric likes to talk. You didn't ask to joke around. And Eric likes to talk. You didn't ask me about Eric, but Eric likes to talk. So they complement each other well. Last question, Bob. How can Eric possibly elevate his game? And what maybe subtle ways can he improve on last year? You know, I think it's always, you always want to, you always look at the tape of the season and you evaluate that

and you say, man, if I just caught these a couple more. And it's just being, you know, getting out of the break a little cleaner at the top to separate more because he's such a great athlete. He's going to be able to separate as long as he's clean with his footwork at the top. You know, finishing in traffic, He did a great job of that. He had a lot of touchdowns that the guy was right on him.

But just all the catches. Finishing on all the catches. And it's just steady improvements to your entire game day by day. And Eric, I believe, is putting in the work to do that. I thought the guys went hard. I thought they executed well.

And just various battle positions and stuff like that, I think it's going well. I think the guys are really focusing on their job. We don't have a whole lot in right now, it's only the third day of install, so we'll see how it goes. Some of the younger guys are still working on what to do and not necessarily how to do in terms of technique and fundamentals. But that's a normal progression. Is it difficult for a rookie who spent most of his college career in man to man

to learn to play zone and how is Rock doing kind of in that transition? I think Rock is doing outstanding. I think when you have techniques that you've learned in college and played for a couple of few years, you're always gonna adjust that to the pro game or whatever system you're going into. It could have been vice versa. If he was playing a lot of zone and also now he's gotta play man.

So we play all the coverages. So he's gonna have to learn all the techniques. What are you guys missing? The first couple of days, just that corner position you have, significant competition there, it feels like. Yeah, I think it's too early to tell. Spring went well.

I think Rock is doing a nice job. And his coverage is good. He's just gotta learn the nuances of the position. And Jonathan is working with him closely. But even beyond Rock though, just that group. I mean, you've got two guys who are sort of entrenched there, one and two, but you've got a deep group. It feels like. Yeah, there's a couple guys there.

We're just trying to find out, like I said in the spring, who that one guy is, who the two guy is, and who's gonna play on nickel for us. And that'll reveal itself, let the players do that with their competition and their execution. How's Quincy come along? Finished strong last year, how's he been in off season? Quincy's done a really good job with his conditioning. He's changed his body considerably in terms of his lean mass and his body fat.

And he's looking the best he's looking. He's done a nice job so far this spring and he's competing his tail off here this fall. Is that something the team wanted him to do? Is that something he just did on the go? I think he started to do that a little bit last year. If you watch him just from the day we got here until now, I think it's been a slow progression.

And I think it's something that him and Rusty and the strength staff and the training staff got together and said, hey, these are the numbers. Let's look at it. He's done a great job of changing his body. And now you're starting to see it on the field in terms of his quickness, in terms of his coverage ability, and he's doing a real nice job. Matt, when you guys drafted, you drafted him to fit this scheme, are you able to see that right away?

I mean, I'm sure you saw it on tape. But when you get out here and you start putting the pads on, do you see like an Okariki and EJ's feet fit the scheme well? Or does it still take a little bit of time to see it? No, I think that when you have a scouting staff, Chris and his staff have drafted or acquired players to the system in their past. So I think the learning curve for them and then the product on the field is short. And that's a benefit that we have here.

We have a system that was coveted by the Colts that we play that has been played here before and they understand what it takes and what it needs to be for each player to play each position. Now look at some of the sizes and the other teams maybe you look undersized, right? But you guys played good against the run last year. Even though they're giving up, you know, a lot of weight number-wise, how do those guys account for that?

And is it just the speed that's overwhelmed? Number one, we're going to play with eight guys. So we're going to rotate guys from there, and they're going to play our style. Or else they wouldn't be in there. That's number one. And then we do a lot of different things up front. We have the capability of moving different directions, going straight, shifting to different fronts, moving around.

So I think that benefits smaller type athletes. And that's the way this system's been for a long time. And it's the glide on quickness and athletic ability of the defense alignment. And we're gonna continue to do that. Now when Jabal isn't out there, what are you guys missing? Well, Jabal's just a great pro. His experience and his leadership, number one. And he's great at fundamentals and technique in terms of not only himself, but teaching those to the young guys.

So I talked to him yesterday. He's doing well. He's excited about getting back, but he's a definite leader for us. What does Anthony Walker bring to your defense? I know when you guys drafted Bobby, there was a lot of talk about those two in competition. It seemed like at times Anthony has been a bit overwhelmed. Yeah, Anthony's done a great job.

I think Anthony Walker is a consummate pro. He's also a leader for us. He does a great job in leadership in terms of teaching the other guys, showing them how, telling them why. And we couldn't ask anything more to Anthony Walker in terms of his effort and his execution. Could you see him and Bobby in a hybrid role with their splitting time on passing out versus run?

Yeah, that's all gonna reveal itself as we go. We're all looking at different combinations of what we're doing right now. What steps can Darius take to take it to the next level for next season? Yeah, Darius is just working on the basics. And when you look at things, you say, well, I gotta do something special or something different. And that's never the case. You gotta work on fundamentals and techniques and do what you do better.

And that's what he's trying to do. What are the numbers you put up a year ago? Just approaching. I'm approaching it now. They train it Kevin. They came back so fast. Just go out here and have fun, man, just do what I do. There's nothing really to it.

Just work on the things I need to get better at and then just goddamn have fun, play football. T.Y. talked about him and Andrew, doesn't matter how long the layoff is, they have that connection. Yeah. Are you building that now with them as well? Y'all was out here practicing yesterday? Yeah, we doing it, it's gonna be there. We doing it. What's your impression so far of Paris Campbell?

It's really hard to tell when you went practice. You guys made that same question after preseason game two. A lot of rookies, man, they either take the high road or they take the low road. There's never an in between for a rookie. So I hope he does the best. We need him to open it up for me to do my thing a little bit more. And allow me to open it up for him and TY as it trickles down. But we'll see how it goes, man.

Rookies have got some learning to do. Hey Eric, when you look at this offense and the skill position players that you guys are working with, that cover is pretty full. How do you guys make sure everybody, the goal is team first, win first. Don't worry about those, you know, individual accolades. Yeah. Because if that happens, it could cause problems. I don't think we ever worry about individual accolades, man.

We just, that's what, I think that's what make our team so, so good. And there's no individual on this team. There isn't no one like man, you know, man, I better get this catch right now. No, TY don't care, I don't care. Jack doesn't care. Marlon Mack doesn't care how many carries. We wanna win, I think. And that's what makes our group so tight knit.

I think that's what makes it so much fun to come here and work. We don't care about individual accolades, those come with wins. So as long as we winning, it doesn't matter. It help having a quarterback like Andrew, like no way, no way, I need to. And Andrew, everybody has to be on the same page. Everybody has to run the right route. Everybody has to run the route to precision because you don't know when that

ball is coming. And that's what makes it, and that's why, you know, you can't care who gets the ball or who's not because with Andrew at quarterback, you know, somebody, it's about just making plays for our team to win. And you make those plays, then it's good. How long did it take you to learn that? After like the first game, I mean, we took a loss. We I mean, we took a loss to the fumble. We all went out. We all went and picked up Jack because it wasn't Jack's fault.

We were like, you know what? I could have did this better. We could have did this better. We should all did this better. And after that, it was just like, this is a team. Everybody came back to the locker room next time ready to work. And it was just a totally different mindset. There was no down plan. It wasn't nobody's fault. We let Jack down, if you wanna put it in perspective, cuz we put him in that position to have to do that.

So that's when I felt like this team was like the ultimate team. Is that when you bought it in the post? I bought it to the coast when I signed. I would have took my books somewhere else. Eric, I know you mentioned you want that touchdown record. Is there a way you can not get that record or maybe not have 13 touchdowns this year? There is always a possibility. I mean, who knows? I might have five touchdowns this year? There's always a possibility. I mean, who knows? I might have five touchdowns this year. Or I might have 13 or 14 touchdowns this year.

I'm not dependent on that. Do I want the record? Records are meant to be broken. So that's my goal. That's my ultimate goal. If it happens this year or next year, it's going to happen. I feel like I'm capable of doing it. And I feel like I can break that record.

If you don't get to that number 13, whatever it is, in what ways can you? I just, I've really been working on my blocking, man. I feel like, you know, I've had a talk with the coaches. And I've really tried to emphasize that because I do want to be on the field more with Jack. I do want to help him out. And I feel like if I'm able to, you know, step up my blocking game, then I'll be a better asset to our team. Because there's a lot of schemes and stuff and things that I want to be implemented in. And that's only gonna work as if I improve myself.

Eric, 66, too high, too low? Next question. A lot of people take the social media approach that they don't look at what people are writing or saying. You're kind of the opposite. You retweet, you make mentions. Why do you take that approach? Cuz I speak my mind.

I am who I am and I'm never gonna change for nobody. So I mean, if you wanna say something about me, then saying it to my face, then it is what it is. That's just kinda how I was raised, man. You get people on social media like, dude, you gotta take the high road. Yeah, whatever. You can get some of this too. I mean, it's just how it is.

I mean, it's just me. is. I mean, it's just me. Eric, how was the first half? How bad was it for you? It was cool. Nothing like having to go back side and hit a big defensive end that outweighs you by 20 pounds. I'm gonna go in there and get some neck treatment, but am I right? No, it was fun, man.

Our defense kicked our butts. I think it was kind of even, but they had a lot more energy than we did. And hopefully we'll pick it up tomorrow. Thanks, everybody. Back on. You know, at some point you just feel like a baby deer out there, a little fawn just kind of running around. It just feels different.

But then you kind of smash heads a little bit and you can get back into it. So I'm sure tomorrow will probably look a little bit better than today, but you just have to take it one day at a time. Has it been unique having all five starters back? Just the camaraderie, I guess, so far. I know it's only been a few days. Yeah, I mean, I feel the last thing, you know, last year I think we had, you know, there was probably three of us that were, you know,

consistently staying in there with the ones. But to have all five guys back is pretty special. I don't think I've ever had that since I've been here. We have a few additions to the room, and those guys are great. They push the tempo, push the competition level up in the room, and that's all you can ask for. But it's just great, even having Jacoby in there, and not having Andrew, it still feels great to have the five guys all back.

Do you have any hats that say you run the damn ball? I do. You do? I do. Do you wear them all summer? Yeah. I mean, seriously, Frank is all in on the run game this year. That's got to be in 32 years.

You like that? Yeah, we love it. I mean, I think it was the Texans game and then the Patriots game. I think we threw the ball 60 times each game. And that's obviously, we found that out was not a success factor and not a great way to win games. So I think the Bills game was that first turnaround where we decided to commit to the run game, rush for over 200 yards.

And Frank said this year we wanna rush for over 2,000 yards. And I think that's a goal of ours. And it starts now, it starts in the technique and fundamentals we put in today. Yeah, I mean, it starts in the technique and fundamentals we put in today.. Yeah, I mean, it's gotta be smash mouth. I mean, you have to go to the line knowing that no matter what happens, no matter what look, we're gonna handle it.

We're gonna keep driving our feet and make those two yard gains, looking at five, six yard gains. And then I think at the end of the day, our receivers and everybody's so committed to it that that's what really springs those long runs from Marlin and all the guys back there. Do you have physical guys on either side of you like Lewinsky and Nelson? Does that just fire you up though to run the ball? Yeah, I mean all five guys.

I mean everybody's so different in everything that we do and everybody's got such a specific job and different job. But I think at the end of the day like it's just it's O-line mentality no matter who you are no matter what level you are. Like moving a guy from from where he is to where he doesn't wanna go, it's a pretty incredible feeling. So that's obviously the goal of the time. How much are you looking forward to next season? A lot, I mean, yeah.

I mean, you can only work out and lift and squat and all that stuff so much that you miss the guys, you miss being around them, miss being out here in the 85 degree heat for two hours and just grinding it out. I mean, it's just at junior high, high school, college, everybody's doing this right now. And this is the fun part about it. I mean, as much as it sucks sometimes, this is what builds a team. And I think as you get older, you appreciate it. They always say the quarterback's the hardest position on the field.

But do you think, I used to play center myself. Do you agree that it's one of the hardest positions on the field? Then you know, man. Center's the hardest one. I mean, if I was a tackle, I'd tell you tackle's the hardest position. But, no, I mean, everybody's got a specific job. I mean, like sometimes my job's easier than other guys. And sometimes I feel bad for Costanzo because he's out there on an island.

But then sometimes, you know, he's got help and I don't. So, yeah, it's a give and take world, man. But at the end of the day, I think when you play 11 as one, you know, and no man is an island who can draw strength from others, I think that's so true. You have to have the guy next to you. There's going to be days where I'm not having a great day or what it is, but I know Quentin or Glozer pick me up and then vice versa.

That's just the greatest team sport, man. It's football. That's what it is. Ryan, you see a variety of defensive lines throughout the league. Your defensive line here, you see often, by contrast, are probably undersized, right? But I mean, how do those guys have the impact that they do have just across the board, despite giving up all the weight that they do?

I mean, it's really speed-based, basically, I guess. Is that what it comes down to, or? I mean, yeah, they're still big guys. Yeah. I mean, they're not gonna be like, you're 340, squat in the middle and just hang out there. So what they do is very effective. And I've seen guys, when they first came in in a different scheme, they were bigger and all that.

And those guys have really worked their ass off to get down weight. And they sprint down the ball no matter if it's 40 yards downfield or what. So it's also great for us to practice against that every day. I mean, you're not going to see people slanting and moving every single play. And it can be destructive to your run game and pass game. So it makes us better, hopefully makes them better too. How many teams are going away for training camp anymore? Do you like this atmosphere?

I do, I've done Anderson, I've done back at the complex, and I've done this, and this is the best one. Appreciate it. You kinda anticipate, I'm sure, coming in here. What were your takeaways from it? It was good, I mean, shows you the NFL speed, NFL size. Guys are big, strong, and fast. But I mean, coming in as rookies, we're big and strong and faster too.

So just trying to compete. You working mostly in the mic right now? Yeah, mostly mic. Okay. Yeah. And what has been sort of the acclimation in terms of scheme from what you did in college to here, and just in terms of learning it and being able to- Yeah, definitely learning the terminology, getting comfortable on the scene. We ran similar schemes at Stanford, so there's some carryover, but

just getting used to Coach Felicia's system. Do you have a preference? Yeah, play wherever I put me. Does any one of them fit you better than the other? No, I think I have good position flexibility, but where I put me. I think. Any one of them fit you better than the other maybe? No, I think I have good position flexibility. But like I said, just wherever I feel like I fit best. Anything surprise you in the first couple days that you didn't know before you

maybe started? Not really, I mean just anticipating my speed, the size, guys are better, especially in the run game, more physical, so just getting ready for that. Bobby, how much of the help has Anthony Walker been to you in your game? Extremely, I mean just watching the film, seeing him as a vet, and all the plays that he's made, seeing him in the right place, the right spot, and seeing how attentive, focused he is in the game, he's a great example. Good.

Bobby, how hard is the defense to grasp? I mean, I know it's based on conceptual defense, but is there any complexities that are hard to understand? Not necessarily, I mean, I think it's all new, fresh. So there's certain things you can learn in a meeting room, and then certain things you gotta learn on your feet, kinda mess it up a little bit. But just try to pick it up as fast as you can. How's the grind of camp so far?

I mean, how does it differ from what you're used to in college? It's good. I mean, in college, I was looking at my college schedule, because we're in a three-hour practice. So it's kind of nice. We get a little hour 40 here, 210. And it's definitely a little more fun. We've got fans out here cheering on.

You get that NFL atmosphere. Sorry if you answered this already, but putting on pads for the first time in the NFL, how was that today for you? It was fun. It was good to get in there, getting the heat of it. I had a real fun time. Bobby, I wanna give you a chance to respond to what came out last month. Do you have anything to say about that?

Yeah, those were untrue allegations. I willingly complied with the school investigation and was found not responsible. I informed the team about it during the pre-draft process. And right now I'm just focused on making this team and helping this team however I