Miami Dolphins post day 6 interviews

Day six is in the books for the Miami Dolphins and afterwards several members of the team took some time to speak to the media. The Dolphins released the transcripts earlier today from those Q&A sessions following practice.

Joe Philbin was once again the first to speak but defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle and Ryan Tannehill both took time to speak with media members as well. Here are todays transcripts post practice. For more post practice information along with video and photos from today and the previous five practices go to MiamiDolphins.com.

Head Coach Joe Philbin

(Opening statement)– “I thought the guys really came out and really gave good effort. I talked to them yesterday about starting the practice a little bit faster. I thought the ending was good. We tried to practice a situation where the first-team offense was behind by 10 points with eight minutes to go in the game and our first-team defense came out, they were down by three and had to stop the second-team offense. We’ll watch the tape, but we ended up winning the game 24-20, so that’s always good.”

(On how DE Terrence Fede has grown from a year ago) – “He’s just a lot more confident I think in everything that he’s doing. I think the adjustment that he had to make coming from what I used call 1-AA football to the NFL is significant. He handled it well then too, but I just think he’s stronger, he’s more confident in the scheme, in the system that we’re running and the techniques that we’re using. I think he’s just well ahead of where he was.”

(On if DE Terrence Fede’s role can be bigger) – “Yeah. We have him on some things with special teams as well. He can do a lot of different things. He’s a good athlete, he moves well, he’s got good size and strength. Yeah, he’s doing some good things. Obviously, we’ll learn more when we get into the games.”

(On defensive line coach Terrell Williams being new and if he thinks it would be hard to walk into a room with DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Cameron Wake and say, ‘I’m going to coach these guys’)– “I’d be pretty excited if I were the defensive line coach. Terrell’s really been a great addition to our staff. I liked the job that he did with the players that he had in Oakland. He was a good coach in college football as well. He’s fit into the fiber of this staff, chemistry well. He’s doing a great job. He’s really excited about the group he’s working with.”

(On his impression of CB Brice McCain in training camp and if there’s anything in particular that he’s liked) – “Just his competitiveness I like. The guy plays hard every snap. You see him and Jarvis (Landry) kind of maybe having some combative, jawing a little bit and having some fun. I think the number one thing that certainly stands out to me is the competitiveness.”

(On G Dallas Thomas not practicing today and if G Jamil Douglas started in his place at left guard) – “I think we still mixed some guys around a little bit, but he got a lot of them. We’ve moved him around I think the other day to right guard, we played him a little bit. Now that Dallas didn’t practice, we moved him back to left (guard). Nobody has earned anything yet, so we want to kind of send that message.”

(On many of the field goal attempts in practice coming from 46 and 52 yards, and if there is any particular reason for those lengths) – “I know they do a lot of other, they do a lot of closer work I think in different periods. I think in the team periods we usually keep them relatively consistent. I don’t know that there, I’ll have to go back. It’s not something I’m absolutely certain on. I thought one time or two we might have put it on the 23, which would have made it a 41. I’ll go back and check my facts.”

(On WR Jarvis Landry making a long catch today and his thoughts on him being more of a deep threat) – “I think he’s got a chance to do that. He’s lined up in a variety of spots. He’s done some things outside. I think his natural home base is still inside, but he certainly has shown the ability, he’s a real quality route runner. He can run different routes that you want on the outside. The beauty of him is he doesn’t slow down when he’s coming out of cuts. So if he can get on top of the DB (defensive back), he doesn’t waste any time whatsoever. That’s really, to me, is what makes him effective.”

(On if there is any one area he wants to see most during the team scrimmage on Friday) – “The big thing that I look at is how quickly we can, simple things – like how fast we can get lined up, what kind of communication do we have in our back end in the secondary, can the young guys get thrown into a situation, in the two-minute drill, and function as a team. So I look mostly at that kind of stuff, teamwork kind of things – are we getting the plays in on time, are we getting to the line of scrimmage at times, are shifts and motions crisp, are we making the right adjustments in coverage checks. And then we’re going to do some tackling, I want to see our guys. I’m mostly concerned about the stuff in space, can we get guys in space down on the ground. Those are what I’m really looking forward to.”

(On so much emphasis being placed on the defensive line this offseason and if he feels like they did enough to address the linebacker and secondary positions) – “Again, we looked to improve the football team all different angles, all different positions, every single position. We always make decisions that are in the best interest of the club. I like the group of guys that we have, that we’re working with. I like the makeup of the defense and I think we’re making good progress here on the field.”

(On if a strong defensive line can possibly make up for deficiencies in other areas) – “I believe in strong offensive line play and strong defensive line play. You have to be good on both sides of the ball. It is a primary focus and it’s going to be.”

(On when he would like to have competitions settled) – “As I’ve said, I’d love to go into the third preseason game, that week we’re going to simulate a game week, how we’re going to prepare for the Redskins and Jacksonville and everybody else. I’d love to have everything lined up by then. That might not be realistic. Some guys may be practicing a lot, we might get a freak injury here and that might slow things down. So there’s a lot of factors, but if you had to say in a perfect world, I think that would be great, but if it’s not, it’s not.”

Defensive Coordinator Kevin Coyle

(On what he sees in the defensive line) — “It’s still early in training camp. I think both sides are progressing. I’m impressed with the fact that we’re getting off the football. Ndamukong (Suh) has done a really good job I think. I think Earl Mitchell’s playing the best he’s played since he’s been with us and really the entire front I think Coach (Terrell) Williams is doing a heck of a job of getting them to work on that aspect of it. We believe that that’s very important to be able to get off the football and control the line of scrimmage. So you know we haven’t done anything totally live yet in terms of tackling in a game like situations. Each day, we had some drill work. Today it was more simulated like it would be in a game, but we still have got a lot of preseason work to do, but I think we’re on point in terms of getting across what we expect those guys to be able to do.”

(On when he can get pressure with just the front four and what it allows him to do) — “Well, you’ve got guys in the back end that can cover and make them hold on to the football. Obviously, they work hand and hand. We think we’re going to have four guys that can rush the passer at any time, whichever combination we determine to be the group that will have the opportunity, but it’s certainly enables you to do more in coverage when you can have seven guys in coverage, four guys creating pressure, you can vary what you’re going to do in the back end. So I think we’ve got a good mix in that.”

(On putting so much focus on the defensive line in the offseason and if it’s possibly enough to overcome some holes in the linebacker, secondary, cornerback spot) — “I think it’s still early to tell if there’s any holes. I’ve been really impressed with the way our linebacking corps has been developing. I think we’ve got a lot of depth in that group to be perfectly honest with you. Not a lot of flashy names, but I think we’ve got guys that are proven that they’re going to be quality players in this league and I think the group overall is deeper than it’s been to be quite honest with you and the fact that we’ve been cross training people, we’re developing depth within the group. That’s going to help us down the road in case somebody does get nicked up. But that’s not a major concern in terms of, I think we’ve got players we can win with at that spot and in the back end as well. At this point in time, I’m pleased with the group that we have and the way they’re progressing.”

(On what his vision is for LB Chris McCain with him spending half of his time at defensive end) — “He’s got multiple skills and he’s developing in the areas that we think he needs to improve upon. His off the ball linebacker play, he just needs a lot of reps, he needs a lot of work and that’s why we’re out here during training camp and he’s getting them. He’s versatile. He’s a big, long, atypical body type for the linebacker spot, but yet I think he’s shown more strength here in the preseason. He’s more physical. He’s stronger in the lower body, which is going to help him in the pass rush. He worked really hard over the summer. He put some good quality weight on. He’s a good matchup. He can cover big tight ends. He can run down the field with running backs. So we’re going to find roles for Chris. He’s just got to keep getting better and better every day. His attitude has been really good. I’ve been really pleased with that. The thing that we’ve talked about with Chris in the past has been consistency – following one good day with another good day and so far he’s been able to do that and if he continues that we’re certainly going to find ways to get him involved and he’ll be able to help our defense.”

(On if it’s fair to say LB Koa Misi is still the middle linebacker or if it’s truly up in the air) — “I think it’s still up in the air. Again, I don’t see that as a problem. I see that as a good situation. I feel confident. If we played today and we put Koa in the middle, he’d be much improved over last year and yet last year he was progressing at a pretty quick pace. Kelvin Sheppard has been one of the most impressive guys in training camp as far as I’m concerned in his ability to communicate, to take charge. I think the group looks at Kelvin as a leader, as a veteran. He is as hungry as any player out here on the field, wanting to play, wanting to perform. So that’s a good thing. I think we’ve got some young linebackers in that rookie class that are impressive as well. You know, Zach Vigil’s done a nice job, Jeff Luc at the Mike backer. That’s what I meant earlier when I said I think we’re developing depth.”

(On LB Jeff Luc and his ability to she blocks) — “We call him the ‘Earth Shaker.’ It goes back to an old Cool Hand Luke movie. Actually, it was a misnomer. It was supposed to be the World Shaker, but we thought it was Earth Shaker but now he’s the Earth Shaker and the reason being – he’s a powerful man. He’s 255 pounds-plus and he’s got about 10 percent body fat. So when he hits you, it’s like running into one of these walls over here. He’s a strong, physical guy. So he adds that dimension, so we’re pleased with that. But overall, I think all of our linebackers are developing that downhill mentality that we have to have. We’re on course right there.”

(On what CB Jamar Taylor has to do to win that starting job) — “Again, just be the best, in the top two corners. That’s what he needs to do. Right now, I think we’ve got competition there. Jamar’s playing, I think, his best football since he’s been here at camp. He’s in a hotly contested battle with Brice McCain, Will Davis. I’m pleased with the way Will’s coming. You know you’ve got to realize Will and Louis (Delmas) are guys that are coming off of surgery out here and they’re right here and early in camp I think really making good progress. If they might be a hair off, we’ve still got, our first game is September 13th. So I guess we’ve got a little bit more than a month still to keep getting them ready. But Jamar has made good strides here and I’m pleased with his play overall.”

(On DT Jordan Phillips) — “Jordan Phillips I think is a work in progress. He’s got a lot of natural ability. He’s strong. He’s a bright guy. I think the veteran players are doing a super job, starting with (Ndamukong) Suh bringing him along, helping us as coaches for him to understand what it’s going to take, not just to play in this league, but to be a real factor and a contributing guy that can help our defense win. I’ve seen progress in six practices and when he really gets it I think we’re going to have exactly what we thought and that’s a very, very athletic big man, powerful guy. He’s got to do it every single snap, but I’ve seen progress from day one here to practice six and that’s all you can expect and hopefully that will continue.”

(On if he feels any personal pressure to make this year better than last) – “I feel personal pressure every day that we work with these guys because our job is to put them in position to win and to do everything we possibly can to make sure we’re utilizing their abilities to their best and to the team’s best. Each and every year, pressure, as I think I’ve said before to you guys, is self-imposed and as a coach you always put pressure on yourself. You have high expectations, no one has higher expectations of this group than I do. I expect us to go out and have a great season, I expect us to be a dominant defense and I believe we have the pieces that can do that.”

(On if CB Brice McCain is big enough to play outside on the boundary) – “I don’t know if it’s by chance or just the way things have happened the last couple of years – we had another little guy, Cortland Finnegan, that game in that, he had some injury issues as the year went on, but played at a pretty high level. I think that we have a couple of unique players there. When you look at CB (Brent) Grimes, I wouldn’t want to trade Grimes for anybody in the league. When you look at Brice McCain, Brice McCain is a tremendous athlete. He is quick as well as fast and I don’t know if you guys can appreciate yet just how fast he is. He’s not a little quick guy, he has deep speed to run with anybody and he’s got a real professional way about him. He competes every snap, he comes out on the field, when he steps foot on the grass, it’s all business. He wants to win and compete. He’s always played with that chip on his shoulder. I remember watching him when he was coming out of Utah and I remember a quote from one of their coaches when I interviewed them regarding Brice and he said, ‘I wish we had 11 of him on defense the same way.’ Because that’s the demeanor he has. Those two guys, they think they’re 6-2, Brice and shorty over there on the other side, Grimes. Size I don’t think ever factors in their mind and that’s what you want if you’re going to be undersized like that, but I certainly believe he’s got the qualities to be a starting player in this league.”

(On having three Pro Bowlers in CB Brent Grimes, DE Cam Wake and DT Ndamukong Suh on one side of the field and how it can help them strategically) – “It doesn’t hurt to have three Pro Bowlers lined up on one side. However, certain defenses and certain matchups could change that. Depending upon coverages, Grimes could be moving around matching certain receivers. We want to be able to match all of our personnel and do a better job of taking advantage of mismatches in the front as well as the back. That might mean Cam moving around a little bit, that might mean certainly Suh or as we like to call him right now, his new name right is ‘Chief’ around here so you know that, he’s the big chief kind of like Robert Parrish was back with the Celtics back in the day. And he’s a guy that is the leader of the tribe and we’re real fortunate to have him. He doesn’t say a whole lot all of the time, but when he does, you listen. Having those guys working together, I really like the way Cam and Ndamukong are working together when we do our pass drills and things like that. I think they’re going to give people problems that way.”

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill

(On if he has a sense of where he wants to be at this point in training camp) – “It’s tough to say exactly where you want to be, but you know what you want to see though. You want to see the guys knowing what they’re supposed to do and being able to do it at full-speed without thinking and making plays. Plays are going to present themselves on offensive and defensively. As a team, we have to be able to step up and make those plays.”

(On working on his connection with his new wide receivers and tight ends) – “That’s why we’re here every day to work on that connection, to work on the offense and just the chemistry and doing what we do. Each and every day, that’s what we’re here to do.”

(On if he has been accurate in training camp and how he feels overall) – “Definitely. Last year at this time, I was learning the offense still, getting comfortable with the route combinations and the reads. Going into our second year in the offense, I feel a lot more comfortable, making quicker decisions, knowing exactly where to put the ball versus certain looks in these newer routes, that were new last year. Our receivers are making plays, that’s a big part of it as well. When you have receivers out there that are adjusting with the tough catches in traffic, it definitely increases your completion percentage.”

(On how much accuracy is tied to footwork for a quarterback and if that has been an improvement for him) – “It all starts with footwork. When you work on it, it’s pretty consistent in your footwork. Obviously, you’re not always going to have a clean pocket and you’re going to have to make off-balance throws, tough angle throws and you just have to find a window. But as a starting point, you want to be able to be consistent with your footwork and make accurate throws.”

(On how comfortable he is with the protection from the offensive line so far, particularly with the guards) – “Yeah, I feel safe. They’re competing, I’m not sure who’s going to end up being in that spot, but those guys are competing and they’re facing one of the best, if not the best d-tackle in the league. It’s not always going to be pretty no matter who’s up there. You could have an All-Pro guy out there coming against (Ndamukong) Suh and it’s going to be a battle. I don’t expect those guys to be able to lock Suh down each and every play, but they’re competing and they’re getting better and that’s what you want to see.”

(On how important is to get T Branden Albert back) – “Obviously, we would love to have Branden back. We know what kind of player he is, what he brought to us last year, but he’s not ready to go. While he’s out, (Jason) Fox has got to step up and I think he’s been doing a good job.”

(On if facing DT Ndamukong Suh now during training camp helps them prepare for facing the strong defensive lines of the AFC East) – “Definitely, I think you start with Suh and go out to OV (Olivier Vernon) and Cam (Cameron Wake), and we have one of the best fronts in the AFC and in the NFL. To be able to practice against that day-in and day-out is really going to prepare guys for the season.”

(On what he’s noticed about CB Brice McCain) – “He’s making plays. That’s what you want to see. He’s a veteran guy, he’s been around and he’s making plays. He’s only going to get more and more comfortable in this defense and his play-making ability.”

(On the team scrimmage this Friday) – “It’s always fun to be able to step out in front of the fans on a different setting than this field. I’d like to be at Sun Life (Stadium), but obviously that’s not the case. It’s always an exciting time to be able to play under the lights at night. It’s more of a game-like atmosphere than you’re ever going to get on this field. It’s something that we look forward to as a team each and every year and that’s no different this year.”