San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan, and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke to reporters on Tuesday as the team reported to training camp. Here is everything they had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan
Can you bring us up to date on the PUP and the NFI guys? Which ones do you expect to be cleared to practice tomorrow? And specifically, Ricky Pearsall, what's his situation?
John Lynch: "Yeah, I think we put them on PUP, all these guys for a reason. When they took their physicals, they weren't deemed to be ready on that specific day. And in some instances, they'll come off relatively quickly. It's kind of a ramp-up situation where they've been away, we want to assess them, we want to get them off to the side and kind of build them up. Abundance of caution. And that also preserves the right, you know, in some cases with PUP, NFI to use that at the roster cut. But in some of these instances, we anticipate it being short term. [WR] Ricky [Pearsall] would be one of those."
Is there a possibility he could practice tomorrow?
JL: "He likely won't. You'll see him out there off to the side, likely."
Kyle Shanahan: "Ricky had a bad hamstring in OTAs. I mean, not real bad, a normal one. He's good now. He's hit all his miles per hour. He is fine. We just haven't seen him the last two weeks. We're not going to throw a wide-out out there the first three days. We don't want to pull it again until we see his conditioning and everything, which we should get in three days, and then he should be good."
Was It a partial tear, like a grade two?
KS: "No."
Where do you think stand with WR Jauan Jennings and what is kind of the plan to work things out?
JL: "Jauan reported, took his physical yesterday. We anticipate, I won't speak for Jauan, but had a good visit with him. Anticipate him being out there. You guys know our feelings on J.J. He embodies what, you know, what we think a Niner's all about. Plays the right way and we love him. And I think all that stuff. We're not going to get into the contract talks and all that. That takes care of itself, but you know, we love him and he's here."
So is there dialogue, talk about a contract extension?
JL: "We love him. He's here."
Having gone through, obviously what we all know went on last season last training camp, is there some disappointment that there is at least public discussion about this? Is there some, you know, ultra motivation to make sure it doesn't happen like it happened last year?
JL: "No. You know, it's kind of a sign of the times. It's just, it happens. And I think every team has this. We're probably hyper focused on our team and you know, like I said, I told you what we feel about Jauan. He's an integral part of this team and a guy we'd like to have around here for a long time."
More wide receiver questions. What's the latest sense of WR Brandon Aiyuk and when he could resume practicing? And any more information on WR Demarcus Robinson and whether he'll be suspended to begin the season?
JL: "Yeah, that's a League matter as with respect to Demarcus and we'll let that play out. The League will handle that. We knew there was a possibility when we signed Demarcus and have accounted for that. So, we'll see. That's a legal matter that is playing out. With respect to B.A. you know, he did a lot to his knee, and I would tell you that he's in a really good place considering all that. Now what does that mean in terms of a timeline and all that? We're continuing to assess and get information. He did a lot of his rehab away from here. And so, you know, I think when you get these guys back, there's all kinds of objective measurements that you want to do. And so, he'll be working on his rehab and with our guys, and I think we're encouraged on where he is at but not anywhere close to having a set in stone timeline."
When it came to how the offseason went, obviously you guys are very familiar with the business side of this, did you kind of see this coming down the pipeline with Jauan given the injuries in the offseason and the moves in the offseason that he would possibly want to kind of ask for a new contract?
KS: "Yeah, I think you anticipate all situations that make sense when a player's in that situation. I see the same thing with [OL] Colton McKivitz. I mean, those are two guys to me, and it's very similar situations that I think the way they feel about us is the same way we feel about them. You know, that's the easy part. The hard part's the business side. You know, when people talk about how to avoid drama and stuff and things like that, and I'm trying not to say anything negative about it, I think that's just business. I don't call that drama, I call that business. I mean, if you want to avoid all drama, then just be really extremely bad at business. And just be ridiculous on everything. And I guess there'd be no drama until you tear your team apart doing that. So, like you look into all that stuff, but like we've got a great relationship with these guys. Those two guys, that does make sense. We can do everything we can to make that work out, but it's not always easy to make it work out. So, we'll see how that goes."
Receivers, you tried out some receivers. I know you must be trying out various positions, but saw that come across. Do you feel a little light?
KS: "Anytime we don't have 12 receivers for any NFL camp that I've been in 21 years, I feel light, and so we have 12. That's a hard thing with PUP because when a guy's on PUP, it counts on your 90. So even though we have 12 receivers in our building, with B.A. not being able to go throughout training key, it means you only have 11. With Ricky on PUP, for at least the first three practices, it means we only have 10. Which you can get by with 10, until one guy has a sore hamstring the next day and then you go with nine. And when you have nine in a practice, one of those is guys going to get hurt because you're having to overload a guy because you're now three less than 12. And if you do that for a few days, it's tough. So that's the hard thing with PUP guys, even though it looks like your numbers are there, they're not. So, we felt we had to get a guy for the numbers, or eventually you lose one guy that's going to lead to two more. So that's really the thought behind all that. And we have that with every position really."
JL: "And to help you guys all out, it just happened help me out with the name, [WR] Equanimeous St. Brown. We'll have signed him, so he'll be joining us off that workout yesterday."
What tone do you want to set on day one of training camp this year?
KS: "I want it as, I mean, simple as can be, like my goal with everything is to be the best we can possibly be. And that means nothing except for each individual becoming the best they can be. And all that has to do with putting in work and getting better each day. Like we're finally at camp, I think these guys have put the work in throughout the offseason, whether they've been with us or away. And they've given themself a chance to come in here and really grind. And we're going to do that here for the next five weeks before we settle this team. And I think we have as most, as much position spots open, the final 53, the practice squad, is really we've had since probably 2018. And I really want everyone to come in and focus strictly on that. Be the best you can be, work every day, and we'll see what that adds to make our team collectively. But if I could simplify me rambling better, it's time to go to work."
What mindset does the team need to carry into this year, starting today?
JL: "Well, you know, being around this League for a long time, each year is a new year. And you earn everything you get. And you know, there's some excitement and newness every year in this League, with this team there's a lot of young new players who we've added. And with that comes some unknown, but it's also exciting. But what I would say is we have a tremendous core of players and they have to decide what they want this team to be. And a lot of things have to fall in place. But I do know that, you know, what happened last year and there's a lot of reasons, fell short of our standard. And our guys understand that extremely well. And I think they're very motivated, like Kyle said, to do everything and be very intentional. And it's one thing I love about Kyle and the way he organizes practices. It's all with one intent, to have the team as ready as they can be. And with that, at times takes some risk. We're not going to go through a training camp 100-percent healthy. We understand that. We try to do everything we can to account for that and put our players in the best situation. But you have to work, you have to callous up. And I think it's about that work and it's really exciting. I watched, I think we all sat back and watched Scotty Scheffler win The Open and he's starting to talk a little more in terms what his preparation and things. And the thing he said, and I think it translates to any sport, is how everything he does during the week in preparations is extremely intentional to try to set him up to do one thing, give himself the best chance to win. And that's the same thing we try to do and how we put our roster together, how we organize practices. And that's what this whole thing's all about. I would just say the tone is that you've got to go earn it, and I know we have some very motivated players to do just that."
What is OL Ben Bartch's injury, and how did it happen?
JL: "He hurt himself working out away from here. You know, he's one of those guys, not going to put a timeline, but relatively soon should be coming back."
How does he stack up as far as, Kyle, when you look at that left guard position? Has he kind of put himself at the top based off the offseason program?
KS: "No. But he is right there competing with guys, you know, him and [OL Nick] Zakelj. We all know [OL Spencer] Burford can do that. He's done it before. We're starting him out working to try to get that swing tackle spot. We also know he can hop right in at guard and play because he started there for us in our '23 season with [OL] [Jon] Feliciano. You know, we had Bartch and Zakelj competing through OTAs, but like I'll say since 2018, probably '19, what is OTAs when it comes to O-Linemen and stuff. You know, we have to actually go out there and do more football. But he's in the competition, he's in the mix."
Can you map out what the workload plan is for RB Christian McCaffrey and T Trent Williams specifically?
KS: "I mean, it's all on paper somewhere. It's too confusing for me to memorize, or I'll forget things that I can just read on paper."
But is that something that you have to take into account to try to get these guys through camp healthy?
KS: "Oh, definitely. Which I mean, which we always do. You know, last year neither of them did camp, and that didn't help them go through the season either. So, I'm glad that they're both here and healthy and they get a chance to go back to have a chance to build their bodies where they have a chance to get through the season like they have in the past."
What have you guys seen from last year's draft class as far as taking that year or two jump?
KS: "I think that's one of the most important things. I think the most obvious thing is how many rookies we're going to be dependent on this year. Especially when you look at a defensive side. We hope we are. But that goes hand in hand with the second-year guys. Guys that came in here and did a hell of a job in their first year. Guys like [CB] Renardo [Green], guys like Ricky, [RB Isaac] Guerendo. You've got [S Malik] Mustapha who will be back sometime during the season, but it's huge for those guys to take a second step. I mean, you talk about the sophomore slump a lot, and we're not in a position that we can afford that. So, we're dependent on those guys to not have a sophomore slump. And I mean, I see the same as some third-year players, I mean guys like [LB] Dee Winters and stuff he got some playing time a little bit more last year and he can't take a step back. We need all these guys to take a step forward and talk about second year players have the same for the rookies, but I'll go to our vets also. Our vets need to take a step forward. Anybody here, I mean, it's the cliche thing, but you're getting better or worse. You're not staying the same. And I want to make sure I'm getting better. I want to make sure every player on our team's getting better."
What are your realistic expectations for the defense starting out the year? Obviously, you want them to produce and play well. You've seen defensive coordinator Robert Saleh have an effect on them already in the offseason, but when you guys kind of huddle, what do you think are the realistic expectations for the defense early on in the season?
KS: "Yeah, well one, I think we've got a lot of good vets who have established themselves in their League. I can go over numbers, but there's not many people in this league better than [LB] Fred [Warner] and better than [DL] Nick [Bosa]. I love what [DB Deommodore Lenoir] Dmo's done here these last few years and the vet he's become. But yeah, there's a chance we could have six new guys starting. There's a chance we could have eight, we'll see how it plays out. And anytime you say that, that's different. That is a different team, that is a different side of the ball. And so, that does take some time. That's why I'm so excited to get started with camp so we can start working that. I thought we got a really good head start in OTAs. When you have a young defense like that, you think of six out of our first nine games are on the road, I know that'll be a huge challenge for them. But I think we have the capability with some of the veterans that we've had here, some of the new guys that we've added, some of these vets we've brought in to create some competition with these new guys. As long as we keep getting better throughout the year, I think we have a chance to turn it into a real good defense."
Do you expect Jauan to be out there? You're not expecting a hold in situation? Has he formally requested a trade?
JL: "I saw the same tweets you guys saw, but I'll just stick to what I said. Jauan's here. We expect him to be out on the field."
KS: "He hasn't formally asked for a trade."
What's your understanding of Dmo's legal situation right now?
JL: "I know that something occurred down there. We've talked with Dmo. Of course, we would prefer our players not get involved in those things, but again, that's a legal matter. It will work itself out and we've got a lot of faith in Dmo, who he is as a person, what he stands for."
The last couple offseasons you've had players send you pictures about how their progress has been. Has anyone been extremely interactive with you about what they've been doing during the offseason?
KS: "Not really. The one in the past that got a lot is because I was on him a little bit before he left. I just saw a real cool video that Trent sent to our strength coach today. He didn't send it to me, but it was neat. He can still vertical jump more than any man I've ever seen his size (laughter). So that was cool to watch. But I'm more excited to see the videos of them with some pads on playing football."
Is it three practices without pads?
KS: "We have to do four. Yeah, that's the rule."
JL: Three, one day off, a fourth, that's the acclimation period and then we roll."
DL Yetur Gross-Matos and OL Andre Dillard. Are those two of the guys in the boat that you expect a little bit sooner?
KS: "I think it's similar to Ricky because they've been away, we could put them out there right now with how they check, but we're going to be safe, evaluate them for these three days with both of our Dustin's [Vice President of Player Health and Performance Dustin Perry and Head of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer Dustin Little], we'll have a day off and then we'll decide if we want to put them in the next block."
Malik posted a picture today. It looked like he's walking out with some pads on. Is his recovery going maybe faster than you would expect?
KS: "His recovery and how he is as good as it could be, just the way he works, the way everything checks, it's amazing, but it's still an ACL. So, you've still got to give it the time."
JL: "I think to add to that, it's a revision. It's one he had previously hurt. And so, I think with that, the time element, I think Malik is going to outperform every time because he's a special athlete and then he's a special human being who's going to do everything and more. But I think especially with the revision, just a time element that doctors want to see you get to that he wants to be out there today, believes that he could be, but we have to hold him back."
KS: "We don't always want to give you guys timetables because timetables change all the time and then you'll hold me accountable six months later. But when you look into like all three of our ACL guys, whether it's [QB Kurtis] Rourke, Mustapha and B.A., they're all kind of in the same boat of the time to come back, which isn't going to be training camp. I mean it could be, but that would be very surprising. But it'd be sometime in the season, hopefully the first half and that's what we're hoping. And they're all three kind of in that same area, even though they all did it at different times, have different situations, but they're all about same health time."
Obviously, you haven't had a practice yet, but how have you seen kind of the infusion of youth excite and motivate some of your veterans?
KS: "I thought it was awesome during OTAs. I think you've heard us talk pretty positively throughout the offseason. I think the irritation of the year before had a lot to do with that, but I also think the added in so many young guys who when they came in, it's not just adding, young guys don't add the right type of energy and everything if they're not the right type of guys. But what we saw throughout OTAs, after the Draft, those guys acted like pros. They worked, they were energetic, they communicated, they asked tons of questions. And I think that helped motivate some of the veterans. Alright, we want to do this, we want to definitely fix what we did last year, but we know we can't do that with the help of all these young guys and new guys who came. I think they showed us in OTAs that we're all very excited that they're going to give us a chance."
When you may have to rely on a number of rookies, especially defensively like you mentioned, how do you measure their readiness and maybe give them some grace as they develop familiar with the system and get up to speed on that?
KS: "The same way you always do. You go back to' 19, we're coming off a four-and-12 season as second pick in the Draft. And that year we started [Washington Commanders WR] Deebo [Samuel Sr.] was a rookie. We started, Bosa was a rookie. [Denver Broncos LB] Dre Greenlaw started, he was a rookie. You do the same way you've done it your whole career. There might be more than one at certain spots, which I think brings more light into it. But we've all been around enough to know that yeah, there's some growing pains with rookies, but there's growing pains with everyone. It's easy to say it's because of a rookie, but with vets there's up and downs. You do that with everyone. You've got to understand though that rookies are going to struggle harder at first. They aren't going to figure it out right away. You can't just bench them as soon as they make a mistake early. That does take reps. No matter what you do, you need a lot of reps to get good at anything and these guys are going to need those reps. They haven't had them, they don't get them in the offseason. They get them through playing football and that's why you hope as they get those reps, they're not catastrophic because we're all judged on wins and losses. But there's some ebb and flows in it and if they're made of the right stuff, you can overcome those mistakes and they eventually fix them."
With that in mind, was there some pressure to get DL Alfred Collins done so he could actually get on the field and start working?
JL: "I don't think there was pressure. That was a weird deal in that like the whole second round hadn't moved and you can sit back and you can wait or you can, and I just asked our guys [Assistant General Manager] Brian Hampton, go call everyone in the League and let's get an estimation where this thing's going to break and does it benefit us to be, not first because some guys had signed, but does it? And at the end of that process, the recommendation from them was let's go ahead and get this thing going. Alfred had worked really hard after not being able to participate in OTAs and getting himself in really good condition. He didn't want to lose. So, he was extremely motivated and I think I was really proud of our guys and his side and Nicole Lynne and Alfred and coming together and kind of triggering the second round. I think we ended up in a good place for everyone."
Are you committed to taking those lumps potentially and letting the rookies learn on the job early in the season, even if it costs you a game or two?
KS: "Yeah, is there a better vet behind him? You're going to play the best player whether he is young or not. We are in a situation where we have a lot of opportunities for young guys to be our best players. We haven't had that in a while, probably since '19. And that's why there's a lot more, there's more room for young players to make it here and I think we've got the right young players to do that. But in any situation, if someone's struggling and we're going to put the best team out there possible, we have a chance for young guys to really earn that. But if there's someone better behind them, we're judged off wins and losses. You're going to do what it takes to win that game and then try to get a guy ready for the next week. But you're always going to put the best guys out there."
Throughout the offseason program, where did you see QB Brock Purdy take maybe his biggest leap? What do you expect from him training camp and getting ready for the regular season opener?
KS: "I think Brock's played at a very high level since he's been here, since his first game in to his last game. I think Brock's played at an extremely high level and that's why he's earned that contract. I think the hardest thing with this League and the amount of money and the amount of coverage when people get contracts, there's all this other expectation of now what do they have to do? Brock needs to keep playing how he's always played and continue to get better like everyone does. You get better or worse, you don't stay the same. So like, Brock has had a hell of a short career so far, he had a hell of an offseason. When you have a guy who is to me real in those ways, it hasn't been fake, the way he works, who he is as a man, what he's put on film, what we see every day, he will keep getting better and that's what we saw throughout OTAs."
QB Brock Purdy
From a year ago, the wide receiver room really looks a lot different right now with Washington Commanders WR Deebo Samuel Sr. gone, with WR Brandon Aiyuk not cleared. How do you feel about just your chemistry and working with the group of wide receivers that are going to be opening camp tomorrow?
"Yeah, I mean, obviously I think we're going to need some work with the new guys, the young guys. The receiver room for sure looks different and obviously every single year it's going to be a little different, but for me this is a crucial time to continue to work with those guys, the new guys, for timing purposes and just getting to know everybody's body movements and getting in and out of cuts and stuff like that. So, big time of year for that, but that's sort of been the case every year when we get back and get back into the flow of things. I think for the young guys especially, it's going to be cool to see them compete and learn and go through just more pressured situations and stuff and see how they handle that. But it's good for everybody across the board. So, definitely going to be new. It's going to be a challenge, but a good challenge for all of us and I'm excited for it."
Are you kind of looking forward to being able to use training camp to get used to throwing to these new faces? Is that one of the things that when you think about training camp you're really looking forward to?
"Yeah, 100-percent. I mean, obviously it's a growth period to get to Week One of the season, but within that, we get to see guys step up to the occasion. When you're going against the top guys on our defense and we get into some periods where we're replicating third downs and every little thing matters. And so, I think it's really good for obviously the young guys, the new guys, to come in our system and then for me to be able to execute and throw them a ball in tight coverage. It's just a great time of year to build chemistry, but also see who's willing to compete and be ready to be a guy come Week One in the season. So that's what excites me and I know everyone in the locker room's excited for those moments too."
You worked with WR Jacob Cowing and WR Ricky Pearsall before minicamp. Did you work with any other receivers between then and now?
"No. On our team it was just those guys."
Were you out in Tennessee with your new home?
"Yeah. Obviously, got some work with [TE George] Kittle, [TE] Mason Pline, shout out. But receiver-wise it was just Ricky and Jacob in Florida early in the offseason."
You were with George and the other tight ends that were out there?
"Correct. Yeah. Obviously at George's place it's just a bunch of tight ends and everything, but really good work that we got, so I was excited about that."
From a training perspective, did you do anything different during the downtime here or what kind of was your process this offseason?
"I mean, pretty similar honestly, to the last couple years. I've got my guys in Florida and their whole training program and stuff that they do for quarterbacks, so just sticking to that and then throwing, like we said, to Kittle and a bunch of other tight ends and stuff. So, I think it was really nice to get work in with NFL-caliber tight ends, just the work that they come in ready to do every single day and throwing to moving targets and stuff like that. So that was a little bit different, which was awesome. But outside of that, I go about my process the same that I have years past with my quarterback stuff and weight room things and speed training just to get ready for the volume of what training camp and the season looks like."
Was there anything specific that you wanted to attack this offseason?
"Honestly, just continue to work on my mobility and stuff. I feel like I'm somewhat more of a stiff quarterback. That's not a bad thing, but something that I always try to work on is just my arm and mobility with that and keeping it stretched out and stuff. But outside of that, it's more so making sure I'm on top of my mechanics when throwing to the sideline, deep ball, some running things and making sure I'm in shape with my legs. So, I mean, those are all little things that I just try to hone in on."
What do you mean you're more of a stiff quarterback?
"I mean, just like mobility-wise, my arm and stuff, I feel like I'm a compact quarterback, and so just making sure I'm stretching and trying to, not be loose, loose or anything, but a guy who can make certain arm angle throws and stuff like that. So, working on that."
You talk a lot about being the same guy every day. I'm curious whether financial security and the responsibility that goes with that, that the team has placed in you, it must have changed your life some, but does it change your approach or change anything about who you are?
"No. I mean, obviously the organization, that's their way of showing that they put their trust and faith in me as a guy to lead this organization, and I'm very honored for that. Obviously, I've always believed that I'm able to be that guy for this organization. But it doesn't matter how much I get paid, man, every single year my process has been how do I get ready for this game and any play or situation that I'm put in? This is my answer and I've got to go get to my answer and do that consistently, find ways to win games, obviously put a season together, get to the playoffs and try to get and win a Super Bowl. And so, that doesn't matter how much I get paid, so for me, it's still getting better. The tape doesn't lie. I've got to watch the tape and [head coach Kyle] Shanahan, [offensive coordinator Klay] Kubiak, [quarterbacks coach Mick] Lombardi, they're all real with me about where I need to get better and they push me with that, which I love. But that's my mindset every single day. It doesn't matter how much I'm getting paid or what. I'm going to go out there and anytime I step out on the field, I'm the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and there's a standard that I've got to play at and a chip that I have to have on my shoulder every single rep, every single day. So, I don't look at it any differently. I never have and I won't. So that's where I'm going to be at moving forward too."
What do you think about what's going on with WR Jauan Jennings and his contract and how important is it to get that taken care of so he can be on the field with you guys?
"I mean, it's extremely important. Obviously love J.J. and what he brings to our team and to myself as a quarterback. Obviously, we've had so much success together and anytime you see something like this going on, as a player it's like, 'man, like let's figure out something so we can get back out in the field and we can continue to do what we've done.' So obviously I hope everything gets handled and everything but would love my guy to be out there on the field with me."
Can you remember the first few times where he earned your trust on those third down throws or specific instances where you go, "oh, this guy's going to be a good target for me?"
"Yeah, I think Seattle, I can't remember if it was my rookie year or second year, I threw him an out route at four yards. It was like third-and-seven, and he broke like three guys off of him and then got the first down. I was like, okay, Jauan's a guy that's going to fight until the very last whistle or breath that he has. He's a gamer, man, and obviously he's done that just game after game. He fights his butt off, he blocks his butt off for everybody. It's not just about Jauan, he's doing it for everyone on the field and for his team. So absolutely love playing with him and his mindset every game. Obviously, I have nothing but respect for Jauan and that's my guy."
With so many new players and so much youth right now in the team, does the locker room feel different energetically than it did a year ago?
"Yeah, I mean, it's definitely different. We've got new guys added, young guys, we definitely just have to use this time to find out who we are as a team, as a unit. But the energy's good. I think a lot of guys have come in ready to play for the Niners, in this culture that we've built. It's an exciting time. Obviously, there's going to be some challenges with it. I think this is going to be a good time of year to go through some adversity and some conflict and how do we figure that out together? But everyone's ready for it. We've had a long offseason, obviously, not making the playoffs, so a lot of guys are itching to get back and compete and play football."
You mentioned coaches being real with you and throughout the years, a lot of guys have talked about how Shanahan, I guess one of his best qualities is his honesty. He'll tell you the truth even if it's hard. Is there anything you could share publicly of something he said to you that was kind of difficult to hear, but it was helpful?
"Yeah, I think just being consistent and I think there's plays that show up that come down to fourth quarter decisions. Like if we make this completion here, we can run out the clock and win the game kind of thing. And for me it's like, all right, this guy, he's telling the truth and that's something that I'll always remember, a certain game, a certain situation. And there was a couple that happened last year, but he's just real with me about it, which I love. I don't want a guy that's going to sugarcoat it and say, 'oh, a couple plays here and there.' For me, what I want to hear is now we get in this moment in the fourth quarter, you're going to be the guy that needs to make this completion and we believe in you to do it, so do it. And I love that. That's the kind of coaching that I want and it helps me get better."
Kyle mentioned how open the roster is in terms of competition this year. Do you sense that also and how cool is that as a leader of this team to see that our guys are fighting for these wide-open spots?
"Yeah, I think it could be a really good thing, man, when you've got young guys come in, new guys come in, there's positions that are open for someone to go and take. And it's not easy, it's the NFL, you have to go out and earn it every single day, every single meeting, moment, you name it. But I think more than anything, this is just going to get us ready for the fire that we're about to encounter when it comes to the season. You want to have guys that are battle tested and they've been through the moments. In high pressured situations, you want a guy that you can rely on. And so, I think this is a good time for all these young guys to compete and see who takes the next step and can separate themselves."
You seemed really good at buying extra time last year in the pocket. Is the arm flexibility thing, different angles, part of that to really kind of take advantage of getting out of the pocket and doing some of the things that Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is able to do?
"Yeah, playing the position of quarterback, there's so many different arm angles and I know you guys have heard this, but there's throwing perfect timing, perfect blocking up front, throwing in the pocket, that seems like it could be routes on air, that's easy. But the reality is you've got 11-on-11, you've got a pass rush, you've got different blitzes, you've got guys coming like down the middle that you have to throw around. So yeah, when I say working on arm mobility and stuff, it's just maintaining what I've done the last couple years to be ready for those kind of situations. If I'm moving on the run, if I have to throw around a guy, if it's a screen pass and I have to throw around a 6-8 defensive end, it's just being ready for those moments. So that's what I mean by that."