Fisher, Gurley, Goff… 6/1 … transcripts

Head Coach Jeff Fisher –– June 1, 2016

(Opening Remarks)
“We are the last team to start OTAs, and we started them yesterday. We did that for a reason and that is to get the rookies caught up over this period of time so they can compete out here on the field, at least physically and we did a lot of mental work. Yesterday, we started our OTAs with a team meeting and you go through the administrative stuff, and I talked to them about the three players that were not here in yesterday’s meeting and wouldn’t be there. One is (RB) Tre Mason who has been excused for personal reasons, we’re in contact with Tre. Second is (S) T.J. McDonald, and that’s also the case – he’s been excused for personal reasons and we’ve been in touch with T.J. And lastly it was (QB) Nick (Foles).

“I explained to the players, as it was correctly reported this morning, that he has not been here and participating in the offseason program since the draft. I’ve had conversations with Nick and we’re on the same page. We’re trying to work things out and that’s pretty much all I can say. These are voluntary. We have three quarterbacks on the field right now, it’s hard enough to get reps for all three of them. We’re in the process of sorting things out with Nick. It has nothing to do with him not wanting to come in and compete at all. He’s very, very competitive. We appreciate everything he did for us, and his leadership, his teammates miss him. But, I don’t have any more information other than we’re just trying to work things out.

“The big picture of the OTAs, we are going to have all of our offense in, all of our defense in for second time by the end of the OTAs, same thing with our special teams and then we’ll take a break. We have one more this week and then we have three the next couple weeks. With that being said, I’ll entertain your questions.”

(On when he says that he is on the same page with Foles, if that means that he’s telling him to stay away because the team may try and trade him)

“We talked again, as I said, and I think Nick has the feeling that if things stay the same, he’s probably not going to be on the roster. But beyond that, it was more of a mutual thing. It’s not that we said don’t come, it was just saying, ‘Hey Coach, I would just rather stay away until we get things figured out,’ and I said, ‘I’m fine with that.’

(On how disappointed he is that Foles isn’t participating in OTAs)

“I’m on the same page with Nick, so it has nothing to do with being disappointed. It has to do with the business side of our game right now.”

(On if he saw what he expected he would see on the field today)

“Yes, it’s a progression. We introduced more offense. Got some good things out of (QB) Case (Keenum), and good things out of (QB) Sean (Mannion), and some really good things out of (QB) Jared (Goff). Everybody is running around good. We have a time limit here, so we’re abiding by the time limit. We’re trying to practice as fast as we can, and at the same time, protect each other.”

(On how he gauges when to give more reps to a young quarterback like Goff and/or get him reps with the 2s and 1s)

“Our plan is to continue to increase the reps through the OTAs. By the time the OTAs are done, he’s going to have reps with the 1s. That’s how you develop a young quarterback is give him reps with the 1s. Now, we had a period out here, we call it a 4-on-3 period, where it’s passing only and there’s four defenders defending three interior receivers, and he was working against our starting defense and they made a couple plays and there’s no receivers outside to throw to and he’s never done that before – it was his first time in a 4-on-3 drill, so nothing to be alarmed about.”

(On if this week has a normal feeling to it with the team back on the field after the relocation)

“Yes, it was exciting to get back in the meeting. There was a little break for the vets last week. It was really exciting to get back in the meeting and start things yesterday.”

(On if Mason and McDonald will not participate in any of the OTAs)

“It is quite likely that they will miss the OTA sessions.”

(On if this relocation has been easier since he has gone through it once before and if it has been difficult for him to move back home)

“Well, there’s nothing difficult about me coming back home personally – that’s a really exciting opportunity. As far as the move is concerned, it’s different. It’s different than the first time around. As we’ve said, we’ve got tremendous help. Our support staff has done an incredible job considering that we had to come here and then set back up downtown for the draft. And now we have a couple weeks here and then we have to go to UC Irvine – we’re looking forward to that. But, we’ve got great partners out there helping us right now – that includes the University of Southern California, the Coliseum Commission and everybody.”

(On what his number one priority is during OTAs considering they have a limited time period)

“Well, it’s to get through the entire offensive playbook with all the players. We got through it the first time in Phase I and Phase II and now we’re re-installing again, and that’s really what everybody does. Then you come back and you install a third time in camp. As we move into next week and the following week we’ll be doing a lot of situation things – the two-minute and the four-minute and all those other things that come up – but right now we’re kind of in that base offense and defense and third-down phase. From a competitive standpoint, you have to be careful. The closer you get to the goal line the more competitive it gets and we don’t have pads. So we have to do our best to avoid contact and it’s been a good learning experience for the young guys learning how to practice without pads. If you’re familiar college football they put pads on in the spring practice. This is our equivalent of spring practice without pads.”

(On his message to young players developing into a leadership role, particularly with Jared Goff playing the quarterback position)

“It’s be yourself. He wouldn’t have had the success he had at Cal had he not had those qualities, so just be yourself. Come in and learn the offense, execute and things fall into place that way.”

(On CB E.J. Gaines’ status and if they’re being cautious with him)

“Yeah, there’s a few players that are coming off some things that occurred at the end of the season last year. Typically speaking, there’s always going to be a few offseason surgeries. We call them ‘tune-ups’ and things like that. You’ve got to make sure the guys are ready and able to compete. We have a lot of different practice categories. Most are ‘full,’ some are ‘limited,’ some are not permitted to practice right now. Our training staff does a great job keeping us informed and in turn we’re obviously trying to get everybody back on the field.”

(On where Gaines falls in the Rams’ practice category as it relates to injured players)

“You guys are going to hate this answer, but I’ll have an injury report for you the first week of the regular season (laughs).”

(On WR Stedman Bailey and how happy he is to have him around)

“It’s been great to have him. He’s been in the meetings, been helping out. We’ll have some more information here shortly I’m sure.”

(On what he’s expecting to see from WR Tavon Austin this season as a player and as a team leader)

“Tavon, he’s learning this offense because the offense has changed. So, his focus is just on that right now. This offense has been re-designed to make sure he gets touches of the football. As a result there’s a lot more for him to do. But we’re only in the second day, so Tavon will be fine. He’s doing a great job. He hasn’t missed a day. He’s going to have a big year this year.”

(On OL Greg Robinson and what he’s looking to see from him during OTAs)

“The entire offensive line has doubled in size here in the weight room. They’re all bigger and stronger and quicker, so that’s a good thing. Greg is throwing around a lot more weight. He has a much better feel for what we’re doing. He’s sitting at the front of the classroom. He wants to prove something and that’s a good thing for him.”

(On how Goff has progressed since he was first handed a playbook to now in terms of how quickly he’s been able to pick up on everything)

“He’s done a great job. There’s a lot involved and it takes time, but he’s way ahead of where he was even a week ago and that’s only going to get better as we move through the next couple of weeks.”

(On how he can measure Goff’s progression with the playbook and if he has any specific examples)

“Yes, it’s the time that he’s spent in the classroom with the coaching staff, with (Quarterbacks) Coach (Chris) Weinke, and then what’s translating over on the field. We give him more and more offense. As I said, he’s going to get more and more reps. There may be a day when he gets all the No. 1 reps before we’re done with camp. That certainly doesn’t mean to say that he’s won the job, but it means to say he’s developing in the offense and you want to give him that opportunity. It’s different when you’re under center and you’re working with the starting tight ends and the starting receivers as opposed to an undrafted receiver who doesn’t have the complete understanding of the offense and breaks a route off short and he ends up throwing an interception, and then you go, ‘Oh, it’s the quarterback’s fault.’ So, it’s a progression. That’s the best way to describe it.”

(On how pleased he is with Goff’s progression and comfort being under center compared to when he was in college)

“Yeah, he’s coming on. It’s not an issue. There was one issue today, but every quarterback occasionally has an issue. Again, you’ve got an offensive guard playing center so when you have an exchange issue it’s not always the quarterback, it’s a combination.”

(On how much it helps RB Todd Gurley physically and mentally to be participating in OTAs and a full offseason)

“Well, he’s not missed a day and he’s running extra after practice. He looked pretty good running a straight line a year ago at this time. He’s doing everything to the point where you almost say, ‘Let’s back down a little bit.’ He’s had an impressive offseason.”

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RB Todd Gurley –– June 1, 2016

(On how it feels to be back out at practice)

“If feels good being back out here. Last year this time I wasn’t. Starting off pretty good, trying to keep it rolling.”

(On how much he thinks it helps him to be doing everything this time of the year compared to last year when he wasn’t able to because of his injury)

“Most definitely helped me out a lot more than not being able to do anything last year and to just to get back on the field and do football stuff. Being able to get the plays back and just being out here with my teammates so that’s always a good thing.”

(On coming in weighing less this year and if that was done by design)

“I don’t know what happened this offseason. I was just losing weight. It’s probably just having the first offseason not doing anything for about a month or two. I feel fine how I am. I’m not going to add weight.”

(On Head Coach Jeff Fisher’s remarks that he’s had an impressive offseason and what he thinks is the reason and what he’s doing physically different this year)

“It was just my first real offseason so being able to take some time off and being able to rest and then just getting back to work and working hard to just try to make sure I have a great year this year. I’m eating right, and making sure I’m taking care of my body and doing all the right lifts.”

(On if there was a renewed enthusiasm to finally return to football given the relocation)

“It was fine. Definitely went by fast. We’re just excited to be back and playing football right now. This is what we do. This is our job. We love being out here, being around our teammates. We have a great group of guys. We love each other and we have fun while we’re on the field and we compete.”

(On his impressions of QB Jared Goff thus far)

“I like him. He’s definitely a good quarterback. He’s going to be doing big things. I’m excited to see what else he does during OTAs and camp.”

(On what he likes that he’s seen from Goff)

“Just his composure. Real chill, laid back type of guy. He can sling it. He has a quick release. I’m not a quarterback guru (laughs), but that’s how I see it. He’s got a quick release. A lot of improvement. That’s why we’re in OTAs right now, so we can get better.”

(On if he feels like he needs to take more of a leadership role now that players like James Laurinaitis and Chris Long aren’t on the team)

“I just kind of do my game. I feel like sometimes I can be a natural leader more in terms of being in the weight room, working hard. Guys see that and they feed off of that. So, just basically doing what I’m doing not doing anything extra and making sure I’m holding myself accountable as well as my teammates.”

(On how he sees Goff balancing the need to take ownership of the team vs. getting acclimated with the veterans as a rookie quarterback)

“It just depends what kind of guy you are. You know, Goff he’s probably more of a laid-back kind of guy. Where my friend Jameis (Winston), he comes in and he’s like, ‘This is going to be my team.’ So, it just depends on what type of guy you are. You come in, work hard and eventually it’s going to be his team. So, it’s only a matter of time. No need to rush into it.”

(On QB Nick Foles not being at OTAs)

“We would definitely love to have Nick out here, but he made a decision. I hope he gets back sometime soon. I gave him a text a couple of weeks ago just to check up on him. Hopefully, he’ll be back, but I still love Nick.”

(On if there’s anything particular he wants to focus on this year)

“Definitely, routes and catching. I’ve got to get more catches this year, stay healthy and then run the ball. Get my line right and make sure we start off strong and finish strong. But most definitely I want to work on catching.”

(On having Rob Boras as the offensive coordinator)

“I love Coach Boras. He’s just so relaxed. He’s like, ‘Don’t let me tell you where to run. You just do what you do.’ He’s definitely a good coach. He’s got great concepts. Love the things he’s doing. Great communicator. He gets feedback of what I see on the field or what I actually like, so that’s always good for a coach to do to be able to work with the players. So, I’m definitely excited to have him.”

(On if he’s been able to talk to some of the alumni players regarding the traditions and history of LA Rams football)

“I haven’t talked too much of the older guys that have been on the LA Rams. I’ve hung around with ‘E.D.’ (Eric Dickerson) a couple of times, so I’ve been able to talk with him. It’s been fun. We’re definitely excited to be back. Happy to have you all here. We’ve got to get some wins for sure.”

(On how good the Carl’s Jr. Burger was)

“The burger was excellent. Go get the California Classic Burger from Carl’s Jr. There’s one right up the street, so I don’t want to hear any excuses (laughs).”

(On Running Backs Coach Skip Peete)

“I love Coach Peete. He’s a cool guy. He’s definitely going to tell you if you’re wrong or if you’re right, but he’s going to support you and he’s going to make sure that he coaches you well. He does a great job of coaching us, so I love his style.”

(On if he’s enjoying the transition to LA with regards to being out in the community and his recent endorsements)

“Yes. Like I said, this is my first offseason and I’m in Cali. We just moved here. I’m excited, back at OTAs, back doing football and enjoying a new city. So, it’s definitely been exciting for sure.”

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Rams QB Jared Goff -– June 1, 2016

(On how the first two days of OTAs have been)

“Good. A lot of learning. Trying to catch up with the speed and learn as best as I can. I feel like every day I come out here and get a little bit better, a little bit better – learn a little bit more. It’s gone really well so far.”

(On if he has to remind himself not to get too worried about learning everything right away because it takes time to adjust to the professional level)

“Absolutely. I think right now, it’s my second OTA, my rookie year and mistakes aren’t the worst things in the world. I’m learning a lot of stuff. The guys are helping me out. (Quarterbacks) Coach (Chris) Weinke’s been great, (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Rob) Boras has been great, and I’m getting a lot of support from those guys. It’s been a really good transition. I’m learning every day. Trying to get better at something every day and I have been.”

(On how far along he is with grasping with the playbook)

“I don’t know. I think I’m pretty far along. I’ve done a pretty good job with what they’ve given me so far. There’s obviously a lot left, but what they’ve put my way so far, I’ve picked it up pretty well.”

(On if he feels like the coaches are putting a lot on him so far)

“I wouldn’t know it any other way, I guess. This is the only NFL team I’ve ever been on. But, again, it’s not anything that seems overwhelming. I’m picking it up at a pretty good pace, I think, and I feel really good as far as how fast I pick it up. I’m able to apply most of it out here. Again there’s mistakes, but that happens because I’m learning. When there is a mistake, just learn from it and try not to let it happen again.”

(On if there is something that he is pleased with so far in terms of where he is at this point)

“Overall, just being able to functionally operate out there. Just be able to understand what they’re putting in my ear and then being able to spit it back out and then run the play and operate it. At base form, that’s kind of just what you want to do right now. I feel like so far, I’ve done a decent job of that.”

(On if he feels like he has been able to sort of put his head down and show his teammates what he’s about and if he is getting positive feedback from the veterans)

“I’m just continuing to try to fit in with these guys and mesh with them as best I can. A lot of the guys have been really welcoming, really supportive. There have been zero negative things to say about anybody on the team. It’s all been very positive, very supportive, and very helpful. Even with (QB) Case (Keenum) and (QB) Sean (Mannion) – they’ve been very helpful. It’s been a great experience so far.”

(On his goal during OTAs)

“Learn as much as I can and get as comfortable as I can, as quickly as I can. My first two practices, I’ve just tried to pick it up as best I can and try to just functionally be able to do it out there. Like I’ve said a few times now, there’s going to be mistakes, but at the same time – you can’t be perfect. You try to be, but as a rookie in my second OTA, I’m trying to do it…there’s a lot of thinking going on, so you can’t be as perfect as you want. But, so far, I think I’ve done a decent job.”

(On if his rookie year reminds him on his previous transitions from high school to college)

“Yes, it reminds me of when it was my first year on varsity, my first year in college. It’s all a transition every time. I was able to make those transitions pretty well, so we’ll see.”

(On what is the biggest thing that he has to overcome at this point)

“Man, it’s all of it – just learning. Every time I have a play, try to operate it as best as I can. If I make a mistake, learn from it. What the reason for the mistake is, can change every play, so I don’t know exactly what it is. There’s going to be mistakes in my second practice in the NFL, but so far I think I’ve picked up what they’ve given me pretty well and been able to regurgitate it and perform decently.”

(On the how the absence of QB Nick Foles has affected him and how they have told him to deal with it)

“I don’t know anything about that. That’s between (Head) Coach (Jeff Fisher) and Nick. They’re dealing with that.”

(On how much his friends and family back home are messing with him for being an LA Ram)

“It’s been interesting trying to do that transition, especially publicly. I’m obviously born and raised in the Bay and am making the transition down here and making the transition to the fan bases down here and politicking it a little bit, doing the best I can.”

(On if he is a Golden State Warriors fan)

“I am a Warriors fan. I have been forever. Plan to have a little bit of a dual fan-ship with the (Los Angeles) Lakers as well.”

(On if his dual fan-ship will be with the Los Angeles Clippers as well)

“Maybe them too. I like all of the teams down here.”

(On how nice it is to be back to football)

“It’s awesome. I think yesterday it kind of hit me like finally, after I get my first play in, my first completion, it’s alright, we’re back to playing football, back to doing what I’ve done for my whole life and hopefully what I can do for a career for a long time. There’s so much in that pre-draft process that’s non-transferable to actually playing, so it’s nice to get back out on the field and get to see my new teammates and get to form relationships is kind of something I like.”

(On if he has targeted something as his first purchase after he signs his contract)

“No, I have not. Don’t know yet. I’ll let you know when I do.”