Mcvay (twice), O’Connell, Staley … 10/28 & 29 … transcripts

Head Coach Sean McVay, Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley — October 28, 2020
***
Head Coach Sean McVay, Offensive Coordinator Kevin O’Connell — October 29, 2020

***

Head Coach Sean McVay — October 28

(On what it takes to be successful against Miami)
“They do a great job being able to mix up a variety of looks, coverage principles, front structures that they had a lot to deal with and a very tough thing to prepare for, especially on a short week. They play hard, they play physical, they’ve got good players, but I think they’re a really sound defense. They challenge you at the right spots, but I think the mixture and the versatility that (Miami Head) Coach (Brian) Flores can activate poses a real challenge for you. So, similar to the other night, we’ve got to be efficient in early downs. Got to have a good balance and a good mixture of some different things that we can activate towards them. But it’s going to be a great challenge, just like last week was. Expect our guys to be ready to go, but we know this is a great defense.”

(On what it’s been like to watch the Dodgers and Lakers win championships this year)
“It’s been awesome. I think just seeing that for the city and the success, I don’t know that you’re any more motivated to try to kind of be on par with those teams. But you certainly want to make sure that you continue to compete and produce at a high level, because you’ve got to be great to be relevant here in this city. I think that’s awesome. Really happy for (Dodgers) Coach (Dave) Roberts and the Dodgers. You know, Dave Roberts is such a special guy, I’ve gotten to know him over the last couple of years. Somebody that I really look up to and have developed a relationship with. To see the resilience and the character of that team to be able to fight back from being down 3-1 in the previous series and come away with a World Series, is unbelievable and really happy for the Dodgers. 32 years, it’s been a while, so really happy for them.”

(On any words of wisdom offered by Dave Roberts)
“I think the best thing that you can gain from these guys is just watching them lead – the stability, the consistency, I think he’s so steady. You just watch his demeanor and I think it’s reflected in the poise that his team plays with in those crunch-time moments. He’s really big on communication and building and developing relationships. He’s a guy that, if you said, ‘What does it look like to see the way Dave Roberts leads?’ The way that I would describe him, you would hope that that’s how you would be described as well. That’s how much respect I have for him.”

(On the importance of the scout team to emulate a left-handed quarterback)
“I would say it would be very important for our receivers if we had a left-handed QB. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to get our hands on some of his throws and go the other way. But, it’s not as big of a deal. I think the blindside, just based on the way that you’re operating in early downs, is kind of more of a thing of the past as opposed to what it is right now. But because guys have the ability to be able to throw it to the right side, or the left side, they can go field or boundary based on what the coverage contours are. Think it just so happens that he’s a lefty. I think more than anything, I was just asked this on the conference call with the Miami media, I think it’s more for the receivers for them probably adjusting from a right-handed quarterback to a left-handed quarterback. In years past, we’ve experimented when you play a left-footed punter to potentially bring a guy in. But with COVID, we’ve had to resort to the jugs when we played some of those left footed punters, like we have this year with Dallas and Washington. Not going to be anything too different, I think (QB John) Wofford will do a good job trying to emulate (Miami QB) Tua (Tagovailoa) this week.”

(On whether the Dodgers and Lakers success adds pressure to the Rams this season)
“No, I think really amongst the team it’s, ‘Hey, let’s continue to produce and do our part to hold up our end of the bargain for the city.’ But nothing like that. That pressure’s a good thing. I think all 32 teams want to be able to do what the Dodgers just did in their sport. So, we’re no different, but we’ve got to get to (win) number six first.”

(On preparing for a quarterback making his first professional start)
“Well, I think like anything, whether it’s a quarterback’s first start or just a quarterback in general – I think you want to try to get them into a rhythm and make sure you identify what is he most comfortable with and make sure a lot of your play calls are reflective of that. I think it’s just about establishing a rapport between (Miami Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Chan) Gailey and Tua, which I’m sure they’ve done, so that you don’t surprise them with anything. Everything, it starts with the quarterback. That’s the first thing when you start with anything as an offense, if you’re not thinking about the quarterback first, that’s at least what we do. I’m not saying it’s the best thing, everything starts with that position. I learned that from my grandfather, going back to (Former 49ers Head) Coach (Bill) Walsh. It’s the most difficult position in all sports and our job is to try to alleviate as much pressure and stress off of that spot as possible. That’s why everything we do starts there and I think most people and most coaches would probably tell you that’s the case. The closest thing I can remember is when I was in Washington, I wasn’t the play-caller then, I was just a tight ends coach. But when we had (QB Robert) Griffin (III) when he started his first time against New Orleans. I thought (49ers Head Coach) Kyle (Shanahan) did an excellent job of catering our offensive philosophy that year, specifically to what we felt Robert did best. I think that’s what good coaches do.”

(On whether he’s a fan of baseball or basketball)
“I was by nature, of just kind of growing up in Atlanta, I rooted for the Braves. Then basketball, I was obsessed with Michael Jordan. My mom used to tell me before I was, I don’t remember this, but when she take me to the shoe store, she would just tell the people, ‘Only bring out the Jordan’s because he won’t wear anything else.’ I was just obsessed. I remember, I couldn’t wait until those Sports Illustrateds, Michael Jordan, Come Fly With Me or AirTime would come. Something about him, I just remembered, I just loved Michael Jordan. So, I was always a huge Bulls fan growing up. I was actually at that game that they referenced in The Last Dance, his last year when they had 65,000 people at the Georgia Dome. You know you’re a bad man when they usually played at, it was like Phillips Arena or the Omni, I can’t remember what it was called back then, but they moved the venue for the visiting team so that 70,000 people could come see it. That’s how you know Michael Jordan is a bad, bad man.”

(On whether he would root for the Dodgers or the Braves when they played this postseason)
“I’m rooting for the Dodgers. Hey, my loyalty for Atlanta is gone now that I’m here. My loyalty’s with Dave Roberts, I’m a Dodgers fan through and through now. So, sorry Braves.”

(On a status update of TE Tyler Higbee)
“It’s difficult today, because it was just a walk-thru. So, he took part in the walk-thru, but it’s more of an above-the-neck exercise. So, seeing how he feels tomorrow, I’ll have a better answer for you in terms of if he’s able to go. It’s such a weird deal because it’s really, all right, when you wake up, how does it feel? How much can you really apply pressure, especially at that tight end spot. So, it’s not like you can really put a cast on it because he still needs it from a functionality standpoint, in terms of catching the football. I’ll have the better answer for you tomorrow. I know that doesn’t really do you much help, but because today was so limited, I don’t really have any further updates other than he said, ‘Hey, I’m feeling good’, but what does that mean in terms of his status for Sunday? I think it’s still up in the air.”

(On whether it was a contusion or sprain in Higbee’s hand)
“It’s a contusion. It’s not really in an isolated area, it’s kind of all over. If you can imagine, Tyler Higbee is one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around, but you get a certain touch on the right spot and it just rings throughout your whole hand and it’s throbbing. I can imagine it’s pretty painful. I know because he doesn’t say anything and he plays through him about as much as anybody. I know it’s bothering him pretty good right now.”

***

Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley — October 28

(On preparing for a first-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa)
“Well, I have a lot of respect for (Dolphins QB) Tua (Tagovailoa). I know a lot of his coaches at Alabama. I am very familiar with some of the coaches there and have good relationships with them. I know the type of respect that he earned at a place like that. You know, it’s difficult to become a leader at a place like that, full of future NFL players. Certainly with (Alabama Head) Coach (Nick) Saban there, I just know that he’s had as much of an impact on that place as anybody probably has since Coach Saban has taken that job. So, I know what a good player this guy is. I know the type of impact he had offensively at that place, where they really became an offensive team when he was there. His ability to distribute the ball and really be the point guard of that offense, I know that this guy was as good as it gets at the college level. You have to take into consideration how he won the job over one of the most decorated players in college history in the last 10-to-15 years in (Eagles QB) Jalen Hurts, who is an outstanding player. So for him to be able to ascend to that position, this guy’s made up of a lot of the right stuff. Certainly stylistically, he fits what (Offensive Coordinator) Chan (Gailey) and that offensive staff is trying to accomplish. A lot will be made of his first opportunity, but they wouldn’t be putting him out there if they didn’t feel like he was ready.”

(On if playing dime against the Eagles was just a one-off situation or did he like the personnel groupings against the Bears)
“We just feel like the match-ups certainly are a big part of every game. In that game I felt like Chicago had pretty good skill players when you factor in their tight ends – both 85 (TE Cole Kmet) and 80 (TE Jimmy Graham) sort of play like receivers. Then with 84 (WR Cordarrelle Patterson) being the running back that was in the game most of the time in passing downs, we felt like that was a big factor. We feel like those six defensive backs that we have are really good players, they’re really versatile players. We can do a lot of different things with those six guys. We can kind of mix and match and play the way we want to play. So, I thought it fit really well in that last game and felt like it gave us an edge.”

(On what has allowed the defense to apply more pressure)
“I think first and second down. Monday night we were outstanding on first and second down against the run game and against the quick-passing game. We knew that’s a big component to (Bears QB Nick) Foles’ success. You know, he has one of the quickest snap-to-throws in the NFL. So, we knew that on early downs we were going to have to contest passes in the quick passing game. Then we were going to have to get off to a really good start in the run front. I thought we were physical. I thought we established the line of scrimmage. I thought we tackled extremely well. What that did was, it set us up for second-and-long, third-and-long. Then when we were able to get the lead in that second half now, we’re able to sort of dictate the pace of the game, that’s always an advantage defensively. I thought so much of rushing the passer is getting into a rhythm, just like a jump shooter. You have to get into a rhythm sometimes and I felt like our guys really established a nice rhythm in that second half. You were able to see guys really get after the passer. That’s certainly the way you hope to be able to play in a game like that.”

(On does he think DL Aaron Donald is a contender for Defensive Player of the Year)
“I do. I see him playing as good as anybody in the NFL. I think that he does so much to help us win in the run game, in the pass game, the way we can move him around. He’s not a guy that just lines up in one spot, he can line up all over the formation. The thing about a guy like him that I think unique is he has all the individual production, but then you have to factor in the production that he creates for other players, too. I think that’s really the definition of an MVP – when you are to be the most valuable player your value extends far beyond just yourself, it’s how you affect others. Then the intangible part of his game is about being a leader and establishing the way that you come to work as a professional every day, there’s no one that embodies competitive excellence more than (DL) Aaron Donald. So, absolutely I feel like he’s worthy of that award.”

(On what are the challenges of preparing for Tagovailoa with his lack of film and is there anything he can learn about Tagovailoa from his former college teammate OLB Terrell Lewis)
“Well, I think one of the advantages of playing against a quarterback like that is if you’re thorough in the draft process when we’re evaluating all these defensive players in the draft. As you guys know the SEC is as good of a conference as there is in college football, I think that you become aware of some of the offensive players in the draft. (WR) Van Jefferson being a good example, you’re watching all these SEC secondary players and then your eyes kind of gravitate towards who is a really good player on offense. And so, Van Jefferson is the guy that you can say, ‘Hey, (Head Coach) Sean (McVay), you know, this guy can really separate now. I mean, like this guy’s going up against some really good players.’ I feel like I’ve been able to get a strong sense of Tua as a player because you’re watching all these defensive players. Alabama was one of the first films that you’re going to watch if you’re watching a player from the SEC or somebody like that. So, I think that you get a good sense of their play style and what their strengths are and things of that nature. But you’re still defending the offensive of the Miami Dolphins, you’re still defending 10 other people and they still have an offense to defend full of weapons. Certainly, as I mentioned before, they wouldn’t be putting Tua out there if they didn’t feel like he really fit how they’re playing now. It’s not like they’re just going to create a new offense in a week for him. He fits the style of play that they want and so we certainly have an inventory over this first stretch of the season. Then you kind of go back on what you know about them in college and then you put your plans together. As for (OLB) Terrell Lewis, I will reserve comment on his Mel Kipper-type scouting report for his former teammate. I’m sure there’s a lot of bias that way. So we may not be asking him too many questions, we’ll keep him focused on playing outside linebacker for the Rams.”

(On his assessment of DL A’Shawn Robinson)
“I see a focused player. A guy that’s trying really hard to get back, quickly. I think that his wind, that play shape that you guys often hear about, that’s real. When you put pads on, there’s a difference between kind of doing workouts in shorts and then getting all your gear on. I think that’s a different type of shape and I think that’s what we’re trying to make sure – that this guy’s ready to play. I think there’s a difference between him being cleared and then him being ready to go out there and be his best or close to it. So, we’re just making sure that he’s at that point from a physical standpoint, from a mental standpoint, where he can go out there and perform to the best of his ability because we would never want to do that with a player. But we certainly feel like he’s getting closer and we’re just going to see how it goes this week, but certainly excited about his progress.”

(On does he have to prepare protections defiantly because Tagovailoa is a left-handed quarterback)
“There is a little bit of a difference there in terms of some of the movement-passing game because, you know, people tend to want to move to their throwing hand, there’s certainly an element to that. Then are they going to become more of a left-formation team because he’s a left-handed passer. When the balls in the middle of the field, there’s certainly elements to that, but I think as to everything else, it’s probably going to be the same. I think that early on we’ll get a sense of that. I think those are probably the specific areas where it could be different in the movement passing game. Then sometimes when the balls in the middle of the field, maybe more left formation than right formation. So those are things that we’ll take look at closely and adjust as we go.”

(On is he going to change anything to keep Tagovailoa in the pocket)
“I mean anytime a guy has mobility like that – it’s certainly different than the quarterback we were facing last week. Your edges have to be more secure, because I think one of the strengths of Tua is his ability to create and then throw accurately down the field. I know that was something that stood out to me watching him in college. He really plays the game like a point guard – he can keep his eyes down the field and throw the ball accurately. So our edges will have to be secure within the pocket and make sure our rush plan is secure and sound and that we stay connected in coverage, because you’re going to have some downs where you have to defend longer in the down with him. So, certainly those are elements that we’ll be emphasizing this week.”

(On what the picture is of the safety position right now)
“Well, it’s a position that we’re really fortunate to have some depth there. As you know, it’s been a challenge these last couple of weeks with (S) Jordan (Fuller) and (S) Terrell’s (Burgess) injury. First off, I want to state how well Terrell Burgess was playing for us. I think this guy has proven that he belongs in the NFL. Unfortunately, it’s part of the game, but he was having a great game the other night before he got hurt. We’re just wishing him a lot of prayers and well wishes. You know, this is a beginning for him now and it’s a tough side of the NFL, but we know that he’s going to be back better than ever. And then, Fuller, we’re excited to get him back here in a few weeks – he’s progressing well. I think he’s feeling more and more confident in where he’s at physically, so we look to get him back in due time. The other night, (S) Nick Scott stepped in and played really good football. I think from the minute I got here, personally, he’s known more for special teams, but I think he’s done a really good job developing as a safety and I thought that you saw that development on display on Monday night. And so, he brings us some physicality and some range back there and then we’ve got some young guys – (S) Juju Hughes, who has done a very good job since the minute he got here – he knows our defense, he’s operated well, he’s playing well on special teams, he’ll be a guy that we look at. Then (S) J.R. Reed, who we got a couple of weeks ago, has done a nice job learning our defense and gives us some size, range. He was a three-year starter at Georgia and a team captain there. So, we’re kind of excited about those guys and finding out about them, because that’s part of the NFL. That’s why we develop these guys and train them the way we do, so that when things like this happen, we’re ready for those changes, because that’s the NFL. (S) Taylor Rapp has been playing very, very well. He had a really good game the other night. I think he’s really settling in, getting comfortable within the defense, I thought he tackled well, I thought he showed good range. Obviously, the play in the end zone on (CB) Troy Hill’s tremendous coverage play, to come down with the football and that interception, I think Taylor’s playing really quality football for us.”

(On rotating players in the secondary and getting them ready for the games)
“Yeah, I think I’ve talked to you guys a little bit about the way we teach. I think we feel like it’s one of our winning edges, is the way we prepare and train these guys. When we install a defense, we install a concept where they’re not just learning their position, they’re learning the entirety of the concept. So, they would know corner, safety, star, money and that’s why you’re able to play the way we play. Now it’s tougher on the players, because they’re responsible for more, but I think it opens their eyes and then this cumulative effect sets in where they’re learning a lot of football. When you understand how the other pieces are working within a play, I think it helps you perform your job better. And then when things like this happen, where you have injuries, you’re able to truly put another guy in, because he knows it extremely well, and you can truly get your best combination of players on the field and I think that that’s very important. You don’t want to just put the next guy in, you want to put your best guys in, and that’s something that we take pride in. (Cornerbacks Coach) Aubrey Pleasant, (Safeties Coach Ejiro Evero) EJ Evero and (Defensive Quality Control Coach) Jonathan Cooley, our secondary coaches, that’s why we do it the way we do it. That’s why we’ve played so many defensive backs and have been able to do it successfully, is because of the way we teach and the way we meet and the way we train them. So, when Nick came in the game, he had an inventory of reps from training camp and during all these practices. He may have not have played in the games, but he’s gotten a lot of quality practice reps, a lot of walk-thru reps since the minute training camp started. He was able to fall back on those reps and perform extremely well and it’s a credit to our coaching staff and the other defensive backs around him, because what you’re trying to do, is you’re creating a brotherhood of accountability, where those guys are really holding themselves to a high standard of understanding football at a high level. And what that does is, when these dynamic situations occur, we’re able to thrive and play our best and I thought Nick was outstanding the other night.”

(On finding out the best ways to use LB Justin Hollins)
“I love this guy. I was fortunate to coach him last year. When he came available, I just knew that he would fit a role for us that we really needed and I think that’s what he’s doing. He’s playing all the right roles for us right now. He can play in any of the packages and play in them well. He’s versatile. He can rush the passer. He’s good against the run. He can excel in coverage, kind of like (OLB) Leonard (Floyd) does and provides us some of that same stuff that Leonard does. So, (LB) Justin (Hollins) is an important part. He really understands our defense and then he’s got the athleticism. He’s 6-5, 250lbs, he can run, and he gives you that athleticism that you really need in today’s NFL. We’re certainly glad that we have him. I thought he played well the other night.”

***

Head Coach Sean McVay — October 29

(On the goals the offense has achieved since preseason)
“I mean the goal is to win games and however we do that as a team. I think the guys have done a nice job. I think there’s been spurts where we’ve been pretty good and then there’s been others where we want to sustain a little bit higher level of consistency, but I think our ability to run it or throw it has been very beneficial. I’ve been really happy with our upfront play and really our efficiency in the run game. I think we’ve run the ball efficiently. I think we want to continue to find ways to create explosives, whether that be through the run or the pass, but ultimately, it’s about winning as a team. I think we’re figuring out the best way to be able to do that and put all three phases together. In a lot of instances, you know like the other night, I thought our guys did a good job through those three quarters, and then we talked about just being able to finish and sustain drives in the four-minute (offense). But the approach was different than it would be in a game where it’s a one possession game and things like that. So, I think they’ve done a nice job overall and there’s always room for improvement for sure.”

(On if he planned on running the ball more this season)
“That’s a team thing. I mean that’s because we’re playing with leads and our defense is playing so well. It’s not exclusive to what the offense does. So, in a lot of these games, you’re in four-minute mode a little bit earlier than four minutes left in the game because you have a lead. Whether it be Washington or the other night and I think that’s a team thing. So, I think the numbers, as far as rushing stats, all that stuff can get very skewed, if you play well as a team and you’re playing with a lead, you’re always going to run the football a little bit more because you’re trying to run the clock out at the end of the game. But ultimately when you’re in your kind of normal mode of operating, offensively, you do want to maintain a level of balance, but not at the expense of if they’re just totally teeing off on one phase or the other. So, it’s about moving the ball and scoring points. I think those rushing numbers are a reflection of the team and I think particularly our defense being able to play so well and us be able to get some leads and in a handful of these games.”

(On how will OL Joe Noteboom returning from IR affect OL David Edwards)
“It will remain like it is right now. (OL) Joe (Noteboom) is a great player. we feel really good about him. But (OL) David (Edwards) is playing at a pretty high level and we’re going to keep that continuity.”

(On is he having fun this season despite all the challenges of COVID-19)
“Yeah, I really am. I’m enjoying this team. I really love this coaching staff. The things that have come with this season have definitely been different, to say the least, but in terms of the personalities, what this team entails, I really enjoy working with this team. We have a lot of young players, but we have some great veteran leadership as well. So, there’s a lot of things that have turned over this year, which you guys obviously know a lot about. But I think as we’re getting familiar with, ‘All right, what is the identity of this team?’ It’s been fun, it’s been exciting, and I think that’s where we’re kind of growing collectively and figuring out each week, what’s the best way to put all three phases together? Who are the guys we can lean on? What is the personality of this football team that comes from our players’ leadership? And I really am having fun and want to be able to have some more fun and get to our sixth win against a very tough opponent this week.”

(On what is the difference in coaching a young team)
“I don’t necessarily know if it’s as much the age or just some new faces and kind of just continuing to identify what’s the best way to suit things to our players’ strengths. I think it’s really just every single year is a new year, you’re learning about yourself, you’re learning about your team, but I also think, and I’ve talked to you guys about it before, not letting the expectations sometimes get in the way of the enjoyment. We were so fortunate early on to have some success and then you end up being able to win a conference and you can almost let the expectations get in the way of your enjoyment. I’ve talked to my grandpa about this, a win is like a sigh of relief and a loss is like you feel like a part of you is dying. As soon as you get to that point, I don’t think that’s healthy, I don’t think that’s sustainable. I think I’m a much better coach and probably more pleasurable to be around when I’m enjoying it. I think that’s reflected in our team and they’re making it a lot easier for me to enjoy because of the people, most importantly.”

(On how challenging it is to make a good defense go from good to great)
“I think a lot of these stats really skew what’s real and what isn’t. I think it’s about playing the best in the crunch-time moments, the ‘got to have it situations.’ How much are you turning the ball over? What kind of points are you giving up? You know, you look at the game the other night, you see 10 points given up. Well, that’s not true. Our defense only gave up three points because one of those touchdowns was from the offense. So, I genuinely believe that the stats can give you a little bit of what’s going on, but the tape reveals the truth. The tape is where you can find the truth snap in and snap out in a lot of those things – I could go on and on, but I think ultimately, how much are you turning the ball over, in terms of getting it back to the offense? How much are you limiting people’s ability to score points? And then in those crunch-time moments – talking about end of the game, two-minute, end of the half two minutes. You know, when you have to have a stop against the Giants a couple of weeks ago and (CB) Darious Williams makes a pick, when you have to have a stop against Dallas in Week 1 and we ended up forcing that stop or we get stop by (S Jordan) Fuller on fourth-and-two, those are the things to me that make great defenses. I think we’ve had really good defenses consistently since I’ve been here, but I think these guys are playing at a really high level and it’s fun to see. I think their confidence has grown because they know they’re playing well.”

(On is it normal to watch college film in Week 8)
“I think you probably at least have a little bit of pre-season film to go off of if it was a normal season where I would imagine they would have gotten him some of that work, even if they knew they wanted to have Dolphins (QB Ryan) Fitzpatrick start the season, but this year has definitely been different. It is kind of similar in some instances to where a couple of weeks ago you’re looking at (Washington QB) Kyle Allen from Carolina when they decided to start him. So it’s similar, but you’re watching Alabama film and now you’re saying, ‘Okay, these are the things that this guy has as a skillset and what are the things that (Dolphins Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Chan) Gailey might activate within the framework of their system, offensively with the Dolphins, from what he might’ve done at Alabama under (Alabama Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Sarkisian.”

(On what’s been key to succeeding while traveling east)
“It’s the guys’ ability to handle it. I think we’ve been able to keep a consistent rhythm throughout the week and I think there is something to be said for being able to say, ‘All right, you get there, you have a dinner, you get some rest, you get up and you go play.’ You know, you’re not waiting around. Sometimes that lag time is where I think you almost wear yourself out, when you’re just hanging around all day. You get there Friday night, you’re hanging out all day Saturday, and then you kind of get up Sunday and then you go. Whereas we get in Saturday evening, quick little meal, quick little team meeting, get up and go. I think the guys like that. It’s the most efficient way of utilizing our time and our travel has been really convenient.”

(On his thoughts about the Miami Defense)
“They do a great job. They’ve got playmakers all over. You look at their two corners, they’re outstanding. They have safeties in (Eric) Rowe and (Bobby) McCain that have played a lot of good football. I remember when I was coaching in Washington and Rowe was starting at corner for Philly. There’s great athleticism and then they’re in a great system. (Dolphins Head) Coach (Brian) Flores is an excellent defensive coach as is (Dolphins Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Josh) Boyer. These guys present a lot of different issues. They’re mixing up their coverage contours, but then they also know what kind of athleticism they have and they play a lot of man, they come up and challenge you, and they do a variety of things up front to cause disruption, where the ball is coming out, but they’ve also have great guys that can hang in man coverage and continue to compete. So, they’ve played really well as of late. I think that’s where we have to be ready to go. You flip the film on and a lot of problems. You see a really disruptive defense and one that’s played outstanding, especially each of the last couple of weeks against the Jets and 49ers coming off a bye.”

(On how concerned he is with run-pass options with Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa)
“Well, it’s something that you definitely have to be prepared for. It is something that these guys do, they were even doing it with Fitzpatrick. It’s something that is a real strength of (Dolphins QB) Tua’s (Tagovailoa) and it’s something that we’ll practice, we’ll prepare for, and we’ll hope to defend it to the best of our ability. That’s definitely a focal point for the week.”

***

Offensive Coordinator Kevin O’Connell — October 29

(On if he’s surprised about how the season has unfolded so far)
“No, I don’t think anything’s really surprised me. Our process has been a really good week in and week out as a staff. I think we get a lot done in our preparation. We put a lot on their plates and we got the right kind of guys all across our offense that really do a great job taking the preparation and the practice performance to the games on Sunday. Obviously, I think the one thing we’re always hunting, it’s just being consistent as possible and how we want to execute. That’s us as coaches, the players across the board, just understanding what the plan is. For me personally, how to continue to convey that message to the quarterbacks in our offense that what (Head) Coach (Sean) McVay wants us to get accomplished for that particular game. That’s week in and week out versus every opponent.”

(On the approach to the running game this season)
“I think every offense in this league wants to be able to run the football and then have the rest of their offense kind of sprout out from there. Our identity, really coming into the season, we really wanted to really focus on running the football incredibly efficient, staying efficient on early downs, which would then lead the whole offense being at Coach McVay’s disposal when he’s calling it. So, I think as a whole, we’ve been able to do that. Establishing the run early on and football games with versatility in our scheme. Running backs, receivers, everybody being involved in the run plan. Then I always go back to those guys up front. I think the O-line has played really physical. I think they’ve done a really good job kind of growing together as a unit. The tight ends on the edges have been huge for us, planning and some really good edge players that we have this year. How people are trying to defend us a little bit, and then all of our running backs have really done some really good things when we’re putting the ball in their hands. So, I think it all starts with that. It was definitely a point of emphasis. It’s great when the things that you emphasize as coaches starts to show up on the grass.”

(On how QB Jared Goff has played to this point in the season)
“I think as far as kind of taking a look at it as a whole, that’s what next week will be for. We’re still in that mode. We’re in preparation mode, in a little bit of a short week. So, time is kind of the essence of making sure that we’re locking in on the details and the different aspects of the plan for this week. But, I’ll have much better feel kind of going back taking a big picture view at the midway point next week. I’ve been really happy with this preparation, the points of emphasis that we put specifically on him to show some growth from his first three years playing in this offense. He’s done that. I think we’re always on the hunt for consistency, all of us in this building, coaches included, and (QB) Jared’s (Goff) right there with us just trying to give our offense the best possible chance for success by doing his job each and every snap.”

(On his thoughts of Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa)
“I missed him at the one year I did the Elite 11 stuff, but always been a fan of his. Obviously, one of the top recruits in the country, goes to Alabama has all the success that he had there. It looks like it’s already translating early on in the NFL. Always thought he’s been as pure of a passer – the ball coming out. You can tell there’s a lot of torque to his motion, a lot of power behind that kind of compact motion that he has, he is really fundamentally sound. Always kind of felt from early on, even in his college days that he could make some plays off schedule and he was a threat when he got out on the perimeter against the defense to really extend the play and give his receivers chances to work for him. So obviously, that’s going to be something that he’ll probably continue to do now that he’s given a chance to play full time. I’ve always been impressed with not only the player, but the person and just seems his teammates really seems to respond to him and I’m sure he’s excited about the opportunity this weekend.”

(On the approach to prepare a rookie QB for his first start)
“I think it’s all about how you put together the plan and present that information to the quarterback. I got news for you. I mean, whether you’re a rookie quarterback or you’re in your 15th, 16th year, you still want to be told the plan, you want to have a great feel for it, for what the intent of plays are. What the emphasis are, what things you want to attack, things you need to make sure you’re aware of. All the coaching points, no matter who the player is at the quarterback position. I don’t really think that changes. I always tried to focus on the important details that our guy needed to go out there and have success. But then also, the big picture of complimentary football, taking care of football, understanding our role in that process and just continuing to be a positive force in that huddle for the whole group.”

(On what it takes to run a good four-minute offense)
“I think that’s the ultimate ‘impose your will’ time for an offense. I mean, the defense knows you’re going to run it. They know you’re trying to control the clock. So, for you to be able to line up and run core plays versus some loaded fronts, it takes guys really having the ability to move people off the line of scrimmage and kind of bring that physicality. Then, I think as far as when your receivers come into play, and we happen to have some of the best in the league on the perimeter, in the run game, blocking for our backs, and then the finish of the running backs, understanding obviously situationally, we want to stay in bounds. But, it’s about churning out as much yards as you can and maybe splitting two, running through arm tackles, whatever it is, because every yard does matter in that situation. So, there’s a lot that goes into it, but put simply it’s about imposing your will on a defense when they know you’re going to run the football.”

(On OL Andrew Whitworth)
“I think he’s having a great year. But it’s not surprising just watching the way he works and really has worked since day one training camp, such a leader in that room. We’ve got such great leadership on offense led by him. I think he does a great job setting the tone for all those young players that not only in that offensive line room, but all over our whole entire team because of his standard at which he operates every single day, his process leading up to game day. It’s really impressive to watch him go about it and you can very easily see why he’s had such sustained success in this league.”

(On the difference in the offensive line performance this season)
“Well, I think first and foremost, you’ve got to give (Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line) Coach (Aaron) Kromer, (Assistant Offensive Line Coach) Andy Dickerson, (Offensive Quality Control) Zach Kromer, all those guys credit, they’ve put together an incredible process for those guys up front. Coach McVay and Coach Kromer putting together the run game each and every week. I’m always so impressed with the plan that gives those guys clear-cut objectives to try to get our run game going each and every week. It changes week to week. So, it’s really impressive that that happens. But, then those guys up front, not only the five guys in there, but I think we’ve got great depth across the board. Those five guys getting to come off of an offseason where we couldn’t spend a lot of time together, those guys really using every single day in training camp to prepare themselves for the season. There’s some chemistry that really goes into it from a communication standpoint. I mean, those combinations inside, those guys working together, maximizing the individual time so the technique and fundamentals are right. Then I think they flat out have played really physical at times, inside, both across that interior, guard center guard, and then our two big tackles, you’ve seen them play really, really physical and really thrive off that as the game goes on. Our whole football team really has. So, I’ve been so impressed with that group up front. They deserve the response they’re getting as far as a positive response from people. And now, it’s just like the word I’ve used a couple of times, how consistent can we be across the board? Not only those guys, but our offense.”

(On the offensive line, specifically on OL David Edwards and OL Joe Noteboom)
“I think first and foremost, (OL) Austin (Blythe) definitely, Austin Blythe, absolutely deserves some credit running the show there in the middle of making those guys’ lives easier from a communication standpoint. But both (OL Austin) Corbs (Corbett) and (OL) David Edwards have been, I think their power shows up their pure strength. The coaching staff has done a tremendous job with those guys technique-wise to really maximize that power within different schemes that we have. It’s one thing to get movement laterally with technique and athleticism, which all five of those guys have. But, those guards in their power is what sticks out to me, both in the run game, then we’ve seen them at times, anchor and in the pass game. Just how the schedule worked out. We really got to face some of the best interior rushers, not named (DL) Aaron Donald in the league that have been out there. So those guys responding to those challenges, the communication that they have amongst those five. I think the groups really come together.”