San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, quarterback Brock Purdy, and others spoke with reporters after Friday's 23-12 preseason loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. Here is everything they had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan
Opening Comments:
"All right, injuries from tonight, [K] Zane Gonzalez hit his right calf in pre-game warmups. Never was able to participate. [WR] Chris Conley shoulder, he had to leave. [CB] A.J. Parker pulled his hamstring. [S] Tayler Hawkins we think broke his hand, and that was it from today."
Can you talk about just the logic of getting rid of QB Trey Lance for a fourth-round pick? Why was that a good move for the organization?
"Well, we decided our two that we were going with. We'll see how our 53 works out to see if we're going to keep three or not. And when we told Trey that he wasn't the two, I said we'd like to keep him here as the three, but we also want to do what's good for him too, and we'll see how this plays out. When we looked into other teams and he told us that he would like another opportunity to go somewhere where we had a chance to be the two, we thought we got some good deals for him. There's a number of teams involved to end up getting the fourth was a little better than we anticipated and clears up a lot of money and allows a better situation for him too."
Did he request the trade and was it a situation where it was unrepairable to the point where if he wasn't traded, you would've had to release him?
"No, no. We were good. Actually, had a great conversation with him today. Had a tough conversation when I told him he didn't win the second job. Today was much easier just going through it for the last couple days with him. But no, there was nothing to fix. It was what it was. I told him when we told him that he was going to be the three, if he could find another other opportunity that was good, we'd allow him to do that. And he did. And we feel he'll be better for it, and I think we will too."
Why did you end the quarterback competition before the third preseason?
"Because I knew it. I thought it would take longer. I wanted to go through this game, but I knew it. I think a lot of guys knew it. I think he had an idea. It was more about my relationship with Trey. I'm in meetings with him every day and stuff. I'm on the field with him every day. I could get a sense that he was starting to feel that we felt that way. It was the truth and I don't want to bs him. So, once I thought that once we knew and once I could tell he knew that we knew, I remember the night before I realized, I'm going to come in the morning and tell him. I don't want that between us. So, I did. Didn't expect it to get out right away. But it did. But that was something I thought I owed to Trey. I told Trey right before a team meeting that we had. I didn't get a chance to even tell [QB] Sam [Darnold] or anyone else on the team. That was just a personal thing between Trey and I. It obviously got out, but that's why I thought it was important to tell him."
On Wednesday, you didn't tell us. Did you want to tell the players first? What was your reasoning?
"No, my reasoning was, yeah, I would love to tell the players first. I'd love to tell Sam first. We were hoping that Trey was going to come to practice still, and I totally understood why he didn't. He asked if he could have it off because he was a little emotional and stuff, didn't want to be around the players like that. Totally understood that. But we're still hoping he would come. Then by the time he didn't, wasn't having a meeting on the field to tell the players who we announced as a second-string guy. Not to mention practice ended at 1:43 and I had a radio show at 1:45. So I got on the radio show and I talked about it for 20 minutes there. That's what I felt good with because I thought if I talked about it there, you guys would get that information. Unfortunately, I found out that radio show was delayed because of a baseball game. They went in extra innings. So, you guys didn't find out until 4:30. So, if I would've had it over, I would've told you guys right away. But usually when I do a radio show, you guys get that stuff pretty fast. So, I thought you guys had it and I realized that you didn't it until about 4:30."
When you signed Darnold, did you tell Trey this could be the backup? Was it clear to him? And if it was, what was his reaction even back then?
"I told Trey the same thing I told you guys and [QB] Brock [Purdy] since day one. Everything we've told you guys, we've told him. We said if Brock was healthy, it was going to be hard for anyone to beat him out, with what he put on tape last year. If he's not healthy Sam and Trey were competing for the one spot. If he was, we thought they'd be competing for the two. That's what we said before they got here. That's what they said when they got here, OTAs and training camp. That's the way it worked out. They had OTAs together, they had all these practices and Sam won that competition."
What does Sam show you during the practices and during camp to make you and the staff feel that he was the better choice?
"Just everything, the whole body of work. He got better as it went. I thought it was tight for a little bit and just over the last couple weeks and stuff started to separate himself each day. Just the more comfortable he got, the more consistent he got. I think it was pretty apparent for all of us."
To clarify, did Trey request a trade? And which day did that happen and how was that conveyed to you?
"When Trey and I talked, we talked about all the situations going forward. I told him how much I'd still want him to here to be the three and things like that. I also told him that what I think is best for Trey. I do think Trey needs an opportunity to play more. The opportunities he's had here, when he has had those two opportunities, he's gotten hurt in both of them and kind of missed that window a little bit. Gave an opportunity for someone else to do it. That person did it and stayed healthy for those seven games and showed us something that we're confident in. Trey kind of needs that again. He didn't get that here. So, I told him that's what I think is best for him, if he can find a good opportunity. If he doesn't and he wants to be here, well we want him here. Trey took a little bit of time to think about it, but he came back and said he'd like to find another spot if we can. That's when we started looking into it. His agent, us. That came to fruition today."
That first conversation was Wednesday and then Thursday he came back and said, I'd rather find –
"No, the first conversation was Wednesday. About an hour and a half later he came and told me that he would like that. He'd also like to not have to go out to practice and stuff, just to get his stuff together and think about it. That's what he did. The next day he came in and was at our walk thru, was at our meetings last night. We didn't know if something would happen today. Him and I were communicating about it yesterday. The possibilities of it, told him some teams that were interested. So, I was talking to him about those options last night, what I thought was best, what he did. Then today some other teams became interested and if they wouldn't have, he would have been out at that game and stuff and we would've tried to go with him as our three. But some good stuff did come up. And some stuff that I think he's really excited about. And especially after talking to him today, I could tell he was. And some things we are too."
You did give up a lot for him. He's still young. Was this a failure of evaluation, a failure of just circumstance? How would you characterize this move?
"Obviously we took our shot and it didn't work out. So, that's on us for that. But I'm not going to say anything as in failure. That'd be too much of a negative towards Trey. I get our deal. We took a shot to go for that. We were hoping that he could be our guy and that didn't work out. So, I understand that from our standpoint. But I still do believe in Trey. About three years ago, we had the 12th pick in the Draft, after that Covid year. But we thought we had a really good team and we didn't think we'd have a chance again to get close to that top area to take a quarterback in the top 10. When you have the 12th pick in the Draft we went into it realizing it was a risk, but we thought we weren't going to pick that high again for a couple years and we would never have a chance to move from 12 to three. We tried to move up to a number of spots before that, but three was the first one that would do it. We looked in everything between 12 and three and we got that and we took our shot. Something we believed in, a person we believed in. Was hoping he could play more his first year. We knew he wouldn't come in and just take it over from [Las Vegas Raiders QB] Jimmy [Garoppolo], but we were hoping to mix him in and kind of give him some experience. But once he broke the finger and stuff, it just got tougher for him as time went. We knew we'd commit to him the next year, which we did. We knew he wasn't fully ready in every aspect, but we knew he had a skill set that we could put some stuff together to give him the chance to compete and grow with a good team as he developed as a full quarterback. And he got hurt in the first quarter of the second game, which kind of set that back. Now we're here in the third year. And we still got a good team. We thought it would be Trey. I think we got pretty fortunate falling into still having a rookie quarterback in our third year, that happened to be the seventh-round pick. We also look back at it as we didn't think with having the 29th pick, which those two first-round picks ended up being the 29th pick in the Draft which we were expecting it to be late. We were hoping it would be 32 or something like that. But we know with two first-round picks that are both at 29, you can never even consider to move up to something like that. So, we had to act then. And we did, didn't work out, which can be a huge challenge. But that's why we feel pretty fortunate what we fell into."
Was Trey able to go over the options with you this morning before you accepted the trade? And then how did you convey that to the team?
"I told them after the deal anytime you trade a quarterback and things like that, I mean all those guys are going through some similar stuff. I'm going to have a lot of tough conversations with a lot of guys over these next few days. But I always told them the circumstances are different when it's under this magnitude. The quarterback position, someone who was drafted like him. So, I just told them that's for John and I to decide. I hope they trust us with what's best for the team, but they just got to be prepared for those questions and stuff, which they're not going to know much about."
One non-QB question, what is the status of K Jake Moody and how long is he going to be out?
"That's week-to-week right now. We're hoping that he can have a chance for Week One. He ended up straining his quad last week in practice. We'll see how his body reacts to it."
With K Zane Gonzalez injury, does that mean you have to look at other kickers?
"We most likely have to. We definitely got to have a plan B for Week One. Zane could have been that, but he's probably not going to be ready for Week One looking at what happened to him today."
A couple of days ago, Kyle, you did say 10 days ago is kind of when it really clarified. You go back 10 days from that, that was the Las Vegas Raiders game. Was that kind of defining moment for this decision?
"No, I didn't mean it that way. I just threw out 10 days. Today I just said the last couple of weeks. You never make a decision off one day. You never make it off of one preseason game or anything like that. It's an accumulation of work. I thought it was a lot tighter earlier on in camp. I thought the more Sam got comfortable, the more reps he got, the more he started to separate himself. I think that's been over the last couple of weeks."
Is there anything about the Trey Lance experience that you wish you had done differently?
"I will always feel like I let Trey down. I mean, I wanted him to come here. I believe in Trey. I believed in him before we took him and I'm responsible for that. I didn't want to throw him into the heat of battle right away, but I thought he needed to play. So, we tried to figure out every way to do that. I mean, if I can look back in hindsight, he broke that finger on a helmet on that fourth preseason game versus the Raiders. I wish I hadn't put him in a play that had him break his finger. Because I think that really hurt him in his first year. Not only did it hurt him not getting able to mix in much, but it hurt him in the practice time because he had to adjust how he threw and things like that which I think set him back for a second year. When we went into the second year, we gave him every chance to do it. We were going to make an offense that, to me, gave him the best chance to be successful at that time. Which we did do. And when you do that, you hope a guy can stay healthy so he can stay out there long enough. But that didn't last long. It was the first game and after that, I mean I always felt for him, and we continue to work with him. But sometimes things just don't work out."
Was there an internal struggle about, I mean he's still a young guy, he's 23 years old, he's only halfway through his rookie contract. Did you consider just keeping him here just to give him a chance to eventually be the guy that you thought you were getting when you drafted him?
"Yeah, we do consider that. I just think that it was hard for us to do that with where we're at as a team and how much time we have given him. And the situation here where we gave him every chance to beat out Sam. It just didn't happen. When you look at it in that case, there's not much opportunities you can do on that practice field. There's not a developmental league, there's not a whole field on the side where we can get our players just to practice to give him reps. You got to get the one ready to go and when you're not, it's hard enough to get the two ready to go. The three is usually a guy who never gets a rep till he randomly gets out there. That wasn't what I felt was right for Trey and with how much we had done so far. That wasn't going to be what was right for our team either. I thought it was time to move on for him and for us. I'm well aware of everything that happened and yeah, unfortunately, it did happen. But I like where our team's at too right now. I feel very good about that. I also feel very good that despite all that just, you'd love to keep a third guy to develop, especially a guy that you really, really love and believe that he could do it someday. But to do that for $7 million over two years with places where you are in the cap when you can't provide those reps and stuff for people. You got other things with our team where we're doing, that to me doesn't make much sense for the Niners. I wish it would because hell yeah, we'd love to just keep him until eventually it works out. But that clock ran out here and that's why we had to make a real tough decision, one we didn't enjoy doing, one we didn't want to do, but we try to do what we think's best and this is what we think is best."
How much of this do you think came down to the fact that where you guys were as a team didn't align with what Trey needed to get where he was trying to go?
"Very much so. I do think there was a chance, we thought we were aligned as a team to win right away when we did it with him. We knew it would take him time, but we also had to make a decision where we were going to go with our team over a two-year window. We felt if we could get a rookie quarterback or a guy on a rookie deal who could help us win, man, we could put a good team around him. We took a shot with Trey because we believed he could. We knew it would take some time, but in the meantime, we were going to have a pretty good team. The time that we did give him when he had his ops, he missed those and those weren't his fault. I don't, they weren't our fault. That's what happens in football. And when you take a risk on someone who does need to develop and does need some of that time and then he misses that time and we are where we're at right now, it is kind of what it is. I think we are very fortunate that we did find a guy. We still have a rookie quarterback or a guy in a rookie deal that has helped us put together a good team. We do have a guy that we believe we can win with on that deal and we also feel we have a very strong backup. That's where we're at."
Is K Robbie Gold a possibility?
"I'm sure everyone's a possibility, but that's stuff we haven't discussed yet."
49ers General Manager John Lynch
Can you go over the timeline of how it might have accelerated today when more teams got in?
"Yeah. I guess that was Wednesday when [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] informed [QB] Trey [Lance] of the decision with [QB] Sam [Darnold] being the number two. I think that led to just some organic conversations between them. And Kyle came up to my office and just said, 'Hey, as we started talking, Trey's, like he always is, he's all in.' But he did suggest and ask, 'Hey, if we could find the right opportunity that he would appreciate that.' He also said he'd be here and continue to compete. And I had a chance then to talk to Trey, talk to Trey's agent, and I gave him my word that I'd look and see what's out there. So, we started that process and it culminated today with Dallas happening. And it felt like a long time, but it was really a short period of time, a couple days where we're talking to teams and teams are reaching out to us and the end result was what we ended up with."
Did you guys give them permission to seek a trade? Is that what happened?
"We kind of worked on it together and I told Patrick Collins, his rep, I told Patrick feel free to go out and find teams if you want. So, we kind of kept in communication during the process. And I want to let you guys know, Trey was tremendous during this whole thing. He handled it as well as you could and just asked if there a good landing spot I'd be appreciative of that, but if I'm here, I'm here."
You guys traded up to get him, you gave him all those picks. Why give up on a guy who's only 23 years old and only halfway through that contract?
"It's a fair question and it's something we talked a lot about internally. Ultimately, with Brock being healthy, number one, and we're excited about that, Sam being the number two, the reality it's not the way everybody works it, but with our system, the number one takes a lot of reps, the number two takes the scout team reps. It's just not a whole lot of opportunity. I heard Kyle talk about it, to get better, and that's what he needs to do. He needs to play to get better. And I think that's going to be his opportunity. Play, I mean, ideally games, but play is running scout team, play is doing all those things. We weren't going to have that. And so how do you allow a player to grow? And so, back to what we put into him, we take, believe me, we take full accountability. We own that. As I said on TV today, I think his story is very much unwritten. I've got a lot of belief in the kid and think with his talent, with his work ethic he's going to forge a nice career in this thing. And so, love the kid. Kyle and I, when we broke the news to him today saw him light up a little bit and he loves it here. He was very appreciative of the opportunity. Like Trey, typical Trey, he apologized to us and there was nothing for him to apologize for. And we're happy that he's got a spot. The Cowboys came up big and I think that's an indication that they're excited to have him and we're excited for Trey's new opportunity. And we'll always be big fans."
It's not an optimal time to have to trade someone. Are you pleasantly surprised that you got a fourth-round pick under these conditions?
"It's not what it looked like when we first started having conversation. It wasn't anywhere close. So, it did advance in a hurry today. I'm not doing cartwheels over it because my preference would've been that it worked out and it didn't. And there's circumstances for that, and we can explain them away, but the reality is the reality. He had a couple opportunities. I think injuries played a part and where we're at as a team, we felt like this was the best situation for us. Also, the best situation for him."
Trey fell behind QB Brock Purdy, which is understandable, but I think a lot of people don't understand how Trey fell behind QB Sam Darnold. We were there, we watched every snap and I don't think it was clear to us that Sam was clearly better. What happened?
"I think it was a tight battle and I think Kyle would say the same thing. But ultimately, coaches are paid to make those decisions and they felt collectively that Sam had separated himself and that wasn't for lack of Trey competing his tail off. He improved greatly. So, I think we were real proud of the effort he made. Sam has had a really good camp and you see Sam's arm talent, his abilities. I think the same reasons why we were interested in bringing him here have kind of come to fruition. Now, it's going to happen, but ultimately we felt that was the best decision. And then, I explained from there."
Usually when teams make a trade like that for a quarterback, it doesn't work out well for them but that hasn't been the case for you guys because of Brock Purdy. Do you consider that you got really lucky?
"I try not to look at things like that. This thing's not an exact science, but when you put that much into a player, it usually is really tough to rebound from. Fortunately, we've been able to continue to grow this team, to make this team better. And we were very fortunate for Brock to become what he's become. Now he's got to continue to do it. But, the early returns are good and, everything from his rookie year to the somewhat, I won't say miraculous, but he made a hell of a return and with some hurdles in there, starting surgery late and all that. For him to be where he is at and we had to open our eyes and say, okay, he's cleared, but is he ready? And he kept showing us that he was, and then the other things transpired that led us to where we're at."
It's a cap sport. How much did the salary cap ramifications of, the average quarterback makes a million, third-string quarterback is making nine his cap figure, how much did that cap figure and the cap implications play a factor?
"I think in future years, Trey's on the minimum this year, in future years, next year, it kicks up quite a bit. And that kind of coincides with when our stuff's going to get tight. So, of course, that plays a factor. As Kyle said, we would've loved to have kept all four of those guys in the building. And Trey is the, I think everyone should know, he's a tremendous teammate. He's a tremendous human being. And so, never was it like we were worried we're going to have a malcontent, Trey told us that, 'hey, if I'm here, I'm here and I'm rolling, but if you could, find a spot for me,' and so there was some level of that and finding a nice landing spot for him. And I think we did that."
Going back to the process that led you to Trey when you drafted him. And maybe this is hindsight, but how much do you think you underestimated the gap between where you were as a team and what you needed from the quarterback versus how much he needed to develop and the timing of that?
"You know, he hadn't played a ton of football, so we knew we were taking somewhat of a chance. But you know, I believe to this day, if we hadn't taken him, someone would've right behind us. I think the next pick. And so, I don't think we were the only ones seeing it. He's a very talented young man. He's got a lot of qualities in his makeup that lead towards, and like, believe me, I still think that story's unwritten, so it didn't work for us. But I think, one of the things we've been talking about and thinking about, I mean, there's all kinds of stories from, you know [former NFL QB] Steve Young who sat for a while, [former NFL QB] Warren Moon up in Canada to [former NFL QB] Kurt Warner working in a grocery store. I still very much have belief that he's going to become a player. Now it's just not going be for us, and we take full accountability for that and in some ways, yeah, we got lucky on Brock, but sure that set back our team, it would've been nice to have those picks and all that, so we do own that. And fortunately, we still have a really good football team that I think has a legitimate shot. We're focused on game one, but we have a championship-level roster. Now it's what we make of it."
You still have optimism that DE Nick Bosa will be signed by Week 1?
"Yeah, I do. We've got a lot of work to do and we'll continue to do that. He's a great player. We want him here. We need him here."
49ers QB Brock Purdy
Obviously you and QB Trey Lance got to be pretty close last season and I'm sure in the offseason are you shocked to see this happen this quickly. What are your emotions living through this?
"Yes. Obviously I love Trey, everything that he's done for this organization and obviously for myself. I know I've told you guys a bunch of times before, but going in last year and then him just being by my side from the get go sideline, meetings in the locker room, wherever we are at, man, he's been a real one and helped me come into the league and welcome me with open arms and showed me the ropes to this whole thing. So can't tell you how grateful I am for him and to have him in my life and to be here with him. So forever grateful for Trey. Obviously in terms of the situation, like happy for him that he's able to go into a good situation and we all feel like it's a good fit. But at the end of the day, I can't say how thankful I am to have played and been a teammate with Trey."
So did you get to see Trey today? What kind of conversations have you had with him the last couple days?
"Yes. I saw him out by the lot or the weight room before the game and stuff, he was out there talking to some guys and I was able to go over and just tell him that I love him and like I said, how appreciative of that I am of him. Everything that he's done for obviously myself and the team. So told him that I'm really happy for him and excited to see what he does with his opportunity and his career in the NFL. So, excited for him."
How did he seem?
"His spirits were good. He was obviously I feel like, there was some just talking to guys and the relationships that he had with guys. Like he was, you could tell this, I'm moving on kind of thing. And so a bunch of guys, everyone in this locker room has his back and so everyone was, dapping him up, hugging him, loving on him and everything. But to sort of see that obviously it's tough seeing one of your buddies leave. But at the same time we're all excited that he's got a good opportunity ahead of him and he was in great spirits."
Did you know what was going on when he wasn't that practice the other day? Did you understand it? The news getting the way San Francisco 49ers Kyle Shanahan described it was kind of haphazard, maybe the way things got out?
"We honestly had no idea, he wasn't at practice and we're like, okay where's he at, kind of thing. And [quarterbacks coach Brian] Griese said, he was just taking some time to think things over and whatnot after he had heard the decision that [QB] Sam [Darnold] was going to be the second string quarterback., All of us were like, okay we have to practice, we have to continue to do what we're doing, everything will happen, how it needs to happen after. And then Trey was back in meetings ready to roll, expected to play in the game, and then the news broke literally when we were all in the locker room getting ready for the game. So none of us had an idea of what was going on."
Were you aware of just how divided, it seems like the whole quarterback conversation has been this off season, and did you and QB Trey Lance or you and 49ers QB Sam Darnold or you and 49ers QB Brandon Allen ever have any dialogue about that and the outside world?
"Honestly, No. I had my surgery and then we brought in Sam, brought in Brandon, and really like we were all sort of going through our own thing. Like Trey was continuing to get healthy with his foot. I'm coming off of surgery with my arm, so I'm just focusing on my arm. No one really knew what camp was going to look like or going into the season, anything like that. It was all really up in the air. We all wanted to get healthy first of all, and then just compete from there. And I feel like that was all of our mindsets. There was no talk about, hey, they're saying this or that in the media. We don't talk about any of that. It's strictly ball for us and we all pull for each other and push each other every single day. So that's sort of just how it went."
When you were drafted, it was, what Trey one, Detroit Lions QB Nate Sudfield two, you three, Las Vegas Raiders QB Jimmy Garropolo throwing on a side field, then it was Trey and Jimmy and you, and then it was Jimmy and you, does it hit you just how volatile this all has been in the last year or so? That's a lot of stuff in about a year.
"Yes. It just sort of goes to show you, you're in the NFL the positions and how everything looks, the depth chart, it all can change overnight just obviously depending on what happens and situations and stuff. But for me it's like how can I be present? How can I be where I'm at? Not trying to get wrapped up in, oh, he's first, second, third, whatever. The more you think about that kind of stuff, the more it can consume you and affect how you play. And so for me this past year, it's been do what I'm told from the coaches and then everything else happens how it ends up happening. And that's just sort of how I look at it. But yes it is wild. Sort of like welcome to the NFL kind of thing."
I think we ask you a version of this every time you're up there, but now that you're through pre-season, how would you just describe where you're at right now as we head toward the regular season final?
"Yes. I feel good. Obviously excited to get rolling for Pittsburgh. And to have everyone be able to play on the field at the same time with [RB] Christian [McCaffrey], [TE], George [Kittle], [WR] Deebo [Samuel], [WR Brandon Aiyuk] BA like everyone, have [T] Trent [Williams] out there as well. So it's something that we're all looking forward to, we're really excited about. It felt like camp has been pretty solid the last couple weeks and we are like ready to get this thing rolling."
Do you feel a hundred percent recovered in back to normal?
"Yes. I do."
Did he say anything like in terms of wishing the team well and how you guys would do?
"Yes, he said he is obviously going to be pulling for us and watching every step of the way, but it was more like us being appreciative of everything that he's done for us. So yes, that's the conversations that we had."
Do you feel any survivor's remorse this time? Last year it was Trey's job, he gets hurt. Then you end up taking over, have a great run, and then you get hurt in the playoffs and you come back, you're the man. You feel any remorse that this time, a year ago, he was the man and now he's gone.
"At the end of the day, I try to just do my job, do what I'm told as a quarterback. It's not like I come in here and go, all right, I'm going to try to beat this guy out, this guy. It's has nothing to do with that. It has everything to do with this is what I've been called to do in life as a quarterback. I'm going to come in, do my job, and some situations happen, it sucks how Jimmy [Garoppolo] got hurt, Trey got hurt, and things happen like that. But at the same time, like it's, it's how the NFL is. And so no hard feelings. I love Trey and I want nothing but the best for him."
49ers QB Sam Darnold
Where did you find out, from Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, that you were the number two quarterback?
"I think it was when I was going out to practice and him kind of relaying the news to me."
On the field?
"Yes."
Was that on Wednesday?
"I don't remember the exact day."
Was that a surprise to you, or had you felt that things were kind of trending in that direction?
"No. I think for me and [QB] Trey Lance, we were both competing. We were doing everything that we could to earn that job. I think for me, as a competitor, you're expected to want to win that job. For me it was just going out there and playing really good football every single day. I knew that at the end of the day, if I did that, I could be in a really good spot to earn that job. I wasn't in my head at all. Ever. I wasn't thinking that I have a really good chance to win this. I was just taking it one day at a time, one practice at a time, one game at a time."
With Trey Lance getting traded today. Did that put up a weird pall on anything? Obviously you guys have to focus, but it's preseason. Was it just kind of a weird day?
"Yeah, it was weird for sure. It's weird anytime something like that happens but we have to focus on the game. We have to focus on the task at hand. That's what we did. Unfortunately, we didn't win this game but I'm proud of how the young guys fought all preseason."
Have you been in the spot that Trey Lance is in now with getting traded? What kind of words do you have for him or would you have for him if you spoke to him?
"I haven't gotten a chance to speak to him yet, since he got traded. He's a great dude. He was loved in the locker room. He was all those things. He was a great teammate even with me coming here and competing and doing all those things. Even since OTAs, he has been nothing but great to me. I've appreciated that a ton.
What kind of advice would you have as someone who's been through what he's going through?
"It's just putting one foot in front of the other and taking it one day at a time. Obviously, going there I know he is going to seize whatever opportunity that comes his way. He's going to dive headfirst into that playbook and get it down. So it's just really a what's-next-mentality in terms of trying to get the playbook down. You don't really have time to think about any other things other than football."
Did you have an opportunity to speak to him after you were told you had won the position?
"Yeah. We had a couple days to just be able to be in the quarterback meetings and stuff and talk about it. Yeah, like I said he's a great dude, really good player. He's going to go somewhere and go to Dallas and take advantage of the opportunities that it gets."
A lot of Trey Lance's biggest fans have been loudly critical of you. I'm just kind of wondering, have you heard that criticism? Has it bothered you at all? How have you dealt with it? Just the last couple months?
"No, I haven't. I haven't heard or looked at any criticism. I'm not scrolling through the comments on Twitter, Instagram or any of that stuff. I haven't heard anything on the streets or anything like people saying things to me. I think if I were to see those things or hear those things I don't know that it would affect me that much, to be honest."
You talked a lot about how better decision-making is key for you. You didn't have many interceptions in the training camp practices and the one interception you had in the game in the preseason wasn't your fault? Obviously, it seems like you're making strides. What is it that's helped you develop in that area?
"I think for me it's understanding what the situation is. It's having a better grasp of first and second down. It's being a little more careful with the football. It's understanding we have a couple more downs to go to get the first down. All of those things play into it and then third down is about kind of understanding what coverage they play and where we want to attack the defense and what my progressions are. So I think it's having a really good grasp on the offense and understanding what the defense is doing and being able to be decisive and make quick decisions with the football. The biggest part in this position is to take care of the football. I think this is the best way to do it."
What have you learned about the system and how it might fit you better than other places you've been?
"I just think through the progressions. I'm not going to compare it to any other systems I've been in. I just love how everything is very concise and clear. It's knowing this is where we're going with the football and this coverage and that coverage. We're alerting this and we're just getting it down to our back. It's very clear and concise with what we want to do and what we want to accomplish on every play."
So how do you feel at the end of the day when you go in and watch the film with QB Coach Brian Griese or whomever? How have you been as far as making the right reads and making the right decisions?
"I feel like I've been doing a good job of making the right decisions. There will be certain plays where you'd like to have it back, but usually I can tell right after the play that I should have gone to my alert on that player or gone to the back."
49ers QB Brandon Allen
Did you talk to QB Trey Lance today at all? Did you have a chance to talk to him before the trade went down?
"I haven't today. I was in here when I heard the news and I talked to [QB] Brock [Purdy]. He said he saw him outside. I'll be trying to get in touch with him after this, so I haven't had a chance yet. I talked to him yesterday about everything that was going on."
What's it like for you? Obviously, you're probably friends with him and it affects your status here.
"It's always a tough thing when stuff like that happens. I think for him in the long run it will be a good thing. I think he's going to be a great player in this league for a long time. I've really enjoyed the time I had with him here. I know he's probably going to do good things for Dallas. I just know the kind of guy and the kind of teammate he is. That's always tough to lose."
How did you feel about your game today?
"Not great today. The first throw was behind the receiver, got picked and then tried to throw a screen and hit the lineman in the leg. Just not great all around for me. But it's an opportunity to get some reps and to get some playing time. I'll use that to learn from."
How does it feel knowing you're QB No. 3? Is it a little different for you knowing you have a defined role with the team?
"I don't think my mindset has changed at all since the day I got here to now. I've always just wanted to do the best I could with what I got. Now the regular season is starting so things change. Our whole focus now is just Pittsburgh and then here in a couple of days, we going to get down to the 53. We'll just see how everything shakes out."
49ers FB Kyle Juszcyzk
What do you think of the QB Trey Lance trade and him getting a fresh start and opportunity?
"That's the toughest part, is the human element of it. 11 years in the league now, from the football side of things, I know how quickly things move and this kind of stuff happens a lot. Teams move on from guys, but it's the human part that's the hardest because we all love Trey so much. He's such a good person and great locker room guy that we're definitely going to miss him. But I am happy to have a team that seems like they wanted him. It's always good to be wanted and when somebody can give up something to get him, I think that says a lot about the situation he's been in too."
What did you think of QB Brock Purdy's two drives?
"I think that's kind of what we were looking to do. Obviously, we don't want to fumble on the goal line, but we just wanted two efficient, long drives. We were able to go out there and do some good things and I think we feel good about where our offense is at."
Obviously, it's great that Trey went to a place that wanted him and gave up something, but any weirdness on the fact that it's the Cowboys?
"I mean, I guess not much. I feel like that's kind of their brand to do kind of splashy moves like that. So it'll be interesting to see what their plans are for him."
49ers LB Fred Warner
With the three quarterbacks you have now, obviously a lot of confidence in them coming in this year. What have you seen from them so far this preseason?
"They are just continuing to get better. They are poised at the position. They are guys who are reliable. All three guys have done a good job just getting better every single day, every single week."
So, the sack had a little shout-out to DE Nick Bosa there. Did you have that planned up?
"I had it planned. You never know when you're going to get back there but then my number got called, so it was cool to get a little shout out to him."
With QB Trey Lance getting traded today, did that put up a weird pall on anything? I mean, obviously you guys have to focus, but it's preseason. So maybe. Was it just kind of a weird day?
"Yeah, it was weird for sure. It's weird anytime something like that happens but we have to focus on the game. We have to focus on the task at hand. That's what we did. Unfortunately, we didn't win this game but I'm proud of how the young guys fought all preseason."
Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley
What did you make of that run from Los Angeles Chargers RB Josh Kelley?
"It was a big time run. It was decisive and was well blocked, but the burst through the hole and then the speed to finish it, made it a very impressive run. It definitely gave us a lift in that first half."
Regarding the blocking on that, what in particular stood out?
"It was just the tight zone play. We were on the combinations, tight ends were good, connected and we got the cutback and he broke a tackle. That's really what happens when you break a tackle. That's when you get the big ones. So it wasn't just a clean run, he had to make somebody miss too and then he had enough speed to finish it."
You've talked this week about your young guys getting a chance to go out there and play against some of the San Francisco 49ers starters. Defensively, what'd you see out there from your guys early in the game?
"We really talked about starting the game and really matching their energy because their starters were going to be in there on both sides of the ball so we really felt like the first half of the first quarter was going to be really important. I thought that both sides of the ball gave us a chance. We were able to mitigate the crowd and I felt like defensively, we really forced them to drive the ball. Then offensively when you are able to split them on that second drive on a big run, now you've got your feet in the ground and now you can really slow the game down. So I thought the first quarter was really important for us."
What are a couple takeaways from the defensive performance?
"After last week, that was the number one thing going into this game was win the takeaway margin. So we were plus two, I thought offensively, listen, anytime you're going to get 41 runs off in a game you're going to be in good shape in the takeaway margin. So we're able to get the red area stop on the fumble, and then [Los Angeles Chargers LB] Daiyan [Henley] made the really good interception off the deflection, then [Los Angeles Chargers CB] Cam Brown went in there. So I'm very happy. That's how you have to win on the road."
You said this was going to be a big game for Los Angeles Chargers S Mark Webb from an evaluation standpoint. Just watching from the sideline. How'd you feel about his performance?
"Yeah, there was some good, and then there were some things that he needs to fix, but he gave us a chance in the game."
How'd you feel about Los Angeles Chargers S JT Woods?
"After the missed tackle on the sideline on [WR Brandon] Aiyuk, I really thought he tackled well. I thought he was physical, I thought he was aggressive, and I thought he really bounced back from that miss in a good way. I really felt him out there today and I thought he played a good game."
Going into the season with Los Angeles Chargers QB Easton Stick as the backup, you've had a chance to see him extended here in the preseason. How do you feel with him and where he is as Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert's backup?
"I thought he had good command today. We didn't score the ball like we wanted to in the red zone, but I thought he was efficient. I thought he was seeing the game. I thought he was able to use his legs, which was a big thing for us. He gave us a good chance against that first group and kept our group poised up front. I thought both of our quarterbacks played well today."
Both kickers got a chance tonight. Where do things stand after this game?
"I thought they both played a good game. They each did what they needed to do in this football game. Now we have some decisions to make over the next couple days."
Los Angeles Chargers P JK Scott is just a punter, but how much of a weapon do you think he was he tonight and as you look ahead?
"Two of his four punts inside the 20, I mean, netted 47-3 again, long as 61. So he is a weapon. We have to continue to push it on that team in terms of flipping the field and gaining the field position. I felt like we covered well tonight too. He's improving as a player."
As you head into the next few days, how difficult is it to cut the roster down? It happens every year but what kind of emotions go into it?
"This is the best preseason we've had since I've been the coach here. I think the feeling that we were able to get today in this game, I think meant a lot to the guys. I think that to win a game on the road against a quality team that kind of started their starters in the game, I think that was a huge confidence boost for our guys. I think the way that they performed all throughout training camp when they played against our ones, that's how they played tonight. It meant a lot to the group that was out on that field today, and I thought it showed. I thought that we really played together as a team and did the things that you need to do to win. So we have some tough decisions to make, but I think everyone can be really proud of the work that we put in since July 26th."
Did Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Coordinator Derrick Ansley end up calling any plays at some point?
"Yeah, DA called the whole game tonight and got a game ball."
How'd do you feel like he did?
"It's not DA's first time calling defenses, he's been a coordinator before, but this is his first time in the NFL. It was a smooth operation, the guys played well, we executed. I wasn't a clean performance by us by any means, but our guys just hung in there. I think we put some bad plays away and just kept playing. The group did what we set out to do tonight, which was win the takeaway battle. We were able to force two really critical takeaways in the game and it really told the story for us tonight."
You mentioned this is the best preseason you felt like you've had since you've been here. Can you elaborate on why that is?
"I just think the overall quality from the practices to the games has been consistent throughout the entire training camp. I couldn't say that about our first two training camps in preseasons. I felt like our team was consistent throughout the whole way and the quality was high and the competition was right where we wanted it to be."
When you're looking at receivers at the back end of your depth chart, you're going to need guys there that can cover on special teams. Has Los Angeles Chargers WR Keelan Doss shown you enough?
"Yeah Keelan is a player. Whatever he does out there, he's good at it. Whether it's blocking, receiving, he drew a couple penalties tonight, made a couple good catches, he's an instinctive player. He can do a lot of things on the field for us and he had a quality preseason and he's going to give himself a chance."
Chargers QB Max Duggan
How do you feel the transition has been from college to the pros for you?
"Yes. It is fun. I think there's a lot. There's a learning curve and guys are helping me and it's fun to be here with great people that are helping me learn. I think, at a point you just have to go out there and play, but I think there is a learning curve to get into it, but it's been fun here."
How much of tonight's game plan was about you running the football? Something we obviously saw you do so successfully at the collegiate level, and how does that transfer to the pros?
"It just kind of happens that way, I think sometimes. Our guys that played in the first half did a great job of taking a lead, offense played great, defense, played great, and then we get in the second half, you have a lead, you're going to probably run the ball, try to work that clock. I think that's what happens a lot of the time. Great job with the guys up front, they did their jobs."
The announcers over the radio said as you were running it down their throats, if you hit the guy, he'll stop running it. Obviously haven't seen you play. So that toughness has really transferred for you. Do you think that helped you earn your spot on the team around the guys and show them the kind of player and athlete you are?
"I think every time you go out there, you just want to play as hard as you can. A lot of these guys that have sacrificed a lot and done a lot. If you get an opportunity to come out and play, just play as hard as you can. I think that would mean a lot to those guys that are on this team."
Biggest thing that you've learned in your last four or five months from the transition from college ball to the pros?
"I think just how to be a professional. I think learning from great guys that are in this building and in our room of how to be a professional, how to approach every day to get better and how to treat people and how to be that professional at the highest level."
Sent eight guys to the pros from TCU a year ago. There's a lot of guys coming back, a lot of expectations on this team. Who are you kind of excited for? Who are you going to be watching back at the Horned Frogs in Fort Worth this fall?
"Yes, there's a lot of guys, obviously, a bunch of buddies that are still on the team. Obviously [TCU OL] Andrew Coker and [TCU OL] Brandon Colemen, [TCU OL] John Lanz] up front, lived with those guys and so, very close to them. But there's plenty of guys that, I'm looking forward to watching [TCU QB] Chandler [Morris] play and having a great year and, and just the rest of the guys just having a, having a good year."
Seeing the way that you really elevated TCU and Fort Worth on that national championship game run a season ago, and you look over at the attention this program is getting how much pride, how much joy does it bring you to know that you got to be part of elevating TCU on a national stage like that?
"Yes. It's fun, because there was a lot of teams that came in before us that built that program up. Just continue to take another step. For us to continue on that legacy of great teams at TCU it meant a lot for those guys that were there for a while and we didn't have a lot of success. So to leave it in that spot going forward it's a bright future in Fort Worth."
Chargers WR Derius Davis
You knew that you'd be a great returner, but you've really carved out a role for yourself as a receiver with this team too. How important is that opportunity to you?
"Just getting myself out there, making plays. Just putting myself in the best position to help this team win. So, it's very, very important to me."
Like I asked Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston getting ready for the TCU season, watching those guys, who are you most excited to watch on that offense this fall?
"Like [Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston] Q said, [TCU WR] Savion Williams, a guy that came in with us. [TCU QB] Chandler Morris, he got hurt last season and I feel like he has a lot to prove. So Chandler Morris and Savion Williams."
How are you going to rate Los Angeles Chargers QB Max Duggan's effort tonight? Running the ball, kind of looked like old times out there, right?
"I rate it 110 out of 100."
Chargers RB Josh Kelley
We all know how much you've been working over the last two years in the offseason. Did this feel like a moment where all of that work paid off?
"Yeah, honestly it's crazy. There is a lot that goes into it, offseason, watching film, and that all translates. For me I'm always confident in myself, my abilities and I know what I'm capable of. It's just really cool that I get to show it in the preseason. Coach told me that you're going to get some plays out there, so I'm like alright let's do it, let's run."
You talk about the speed specifically, just being able to break away when you felt like that guy had an angle on you. Do you attribute that directly to the work you've done over the last couple of off-season's?
"Oh yeah for sure. I've always been kind of naturally fast. I've always had some gas on me, some wheels. You want to see my combine 40 go check it out. I just knew to be humble though. I knew I had to go out there and win, me and the safety, I have to show off my speed and get to the zone."
You've always talked about how that ability was always there. Was it just sort of a change in mindset to let that ability take over right?
"I think mentality is crucial. I think mentality is everything, especially in the league. I feel like my first couple years was me being in my own head, and once you start getting out of your own head, you start watching tape, you start being yourself, you start making plays, then it's kind of a snowball. Shout out to the O-line. Shout out to the O-line, QB's, TE's, receivers, they're making plays."
