What were the keys to the team’s victory this week?
The keys against the Titans were simple on paper. We wanted to shut down the run and lead to passing situations. Then we wanted to get pressure on those obvious passing downs. The final key was to play smart offensively, controlling the game, taking points when they're there, and not turning it over.
As always though, it comes down to execution and the team executed it perfectly. Bijan Robinson had less than 30 yards on the ground before the entire 4th quarter of garbage time. Kwity Paye has really broken out this season and he led the defensive line on their charge for 7 sacks of which I believe the majority came on 3rd downs. It all came together with the offense as our talented rookie backfield of Will Levis and Zach Charbonnet really took control despite Charb's fumble on his first touch of the game.
I also want to shout out the special teams. Last time we played the Titans we lost by one score and in that game special teams was a disaster. Chase McLaughlin missed two extra points, Hunter Niswander had a 20 yard or so punt, and Isaiah Rodgers fumbled on a punt return. However, they put on a masterclass in this rematch win. McLaughlin and Niswander both took care of business as did Rodgers, but they went above and beyond with a forced fumble and recovery while we punted.
Can you summarize what it was like playing against the Jaguars last week?
I'm not going to lie, it was scary going into it. We never feel like we can't win, but the Jaguars were undefeated, clearly playing the best football in the league, and coming off a 35-14 win against us and then their bye week. The season didn't start how we wanted and that game was played with our backs up against the wall and that may be when we're at our best. We got an early lead thanks to shutdown defense and efficient offense, but the Jaguars are coached excellently and it was a one possession game in the fourth quarter. I assume some of our players were nervous in that situation with the weight of that game for our whole season but they didn't show it if they were. The team executed on a crucial third down that gave us the game sealing touchdown. It was a really impressive win for our guys and I thought Zach Charbonnet and Kwity Paye solidified themselves as superstars that day. Beating those Jags was a turning point for us.
Can you talk about the development of Kayshon Boutte so far?
Kayshon is one of the youngest players on our roster and was our first selection in the draft and he's been terrific. We got many criticisms for the pick because of how deep this wide receiver class was and I can agree that I've been impressed by many rookie pass catchers this season but I don't regret the pick at all and I believe Kayshon has proved he was deserving of that pick. He was day one ready and it's shown with him leading our team in every receiving category. The development is there as well, he's getting more separation more consistently and we only assume that'll continue.
Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Bijan Robinson?
With Quez Watkins out, Bijan was about 99% of the focus going into the game and it paid off. We expected a lot of running early and we prepared and practiced to shut it down and we did. Bijan is one of the most special players in the whole league already as a rookie so all props to him but our defensive line is our team's biggest strength so we trusted them to get the job done.
How has Matt Ryan’s experience in the league helped the team so far?
He's really taught Will Levis that mistakes happen and that no matter what happens he is a talented player with a future in this league. I want to commend Matt on sticking with us and being present despite being relegated to just a backup and a mentor.
What is the status of Jordan McFadden and when is he set to return?
Jordan looked really good coming out of the draft but unfortunately we felt he may need more time before he was a starter. Then, Raimann got injured and was out for the first four weeks of the season and Jordan was great honestly. There was real discussion about who would get that left tackle spot when Raimann returned and we haven't regretted putting Jordan back on the bench and he's been very accepting of the whole situation and understanding his time will come. That's why it sucks to see him go down with that injury while playing in place of a starter in a blowout. He was happy to get those reps but this is obviously something we didn't want as we view him as our next guy up at any offensive line position and those injuries are more common than we'd like. He's set to be out 3 or 4 more games but he's still in good spirits and hanging out with the team.
What makes Bijan Robinson so good?
A better question would be what doesn't make Bijan Robinson so good. He's strong, fast, agile, and always has more in the tank. I really respect what he's done even as a rookie and how the Titans have benefited because of him. I wish him the best in every game not against us.
Over your career, what makes a team better at not turning the ball over as the season goes along? What kind of things you need to emphasize? How much of it is coaching? How much of it is a mental part? Physical part?
So this is something our team has struggled with at times this season and as a result we've put a lot of practice in to try and change that. Over the course of the season you learn a lot about your team, their strengths, and their weaknesses. You change your game plan and weekly focuses to limit turnovers because they are the biggest thing that'll kill your chances of winning. We emphasize smart play, strong hands, and hustle to reinforce that. I'd rather see a guy play some defense on offense and have a play be a net zero than him fail at being the hero and now we're in a hole. A lot of it is coaching, players are taught in this day and age to be explosive and make those highlights, but at the NFL every phase of the game is a well oiled machine. Do your role as your told and it'll work out. Turnovers can definitely be mental errors though, whether a young quarterback is seeing ghosts or doubting himself and holding the ball till an edge rusher rips that ball out, resilience is necessary. Trust the game plan, trust yourself has got to be the motto. And that is a dumb question to ask if it's physical, I don't care how big, small, slow, fast, weak, or strong you are. If you've made it to this level of football you shouldn't be turning over the ball because of a physical limit.
Some would say this team has the toughest remaining schedule ahead. How do you prepare for such a difficult remaining schedule?
We have some tough games but I'd just flat out disagree. No disrespect to the teams on our schedule, but we feel we have a good shot in all of those matchups. We'll be preparing like we have all season. Next question.
How quickly can you tell if a young player is a football player if he thinks about it because it seems like at the Combine they’re all saying the right thing and it’s the job. How quickly does it take?
The answer is always in the tape. I'm not going to let some probably over exaggerated problem take me away from a player I see shine when he plays.
Can you describe how important it was to get a win at home this week?
We had only had two home games and had lost them both so it felt great to finally give the fans something to be proud of in our stadium. Lucas Oil is a great place to play and with our streak of home games coming up, I can only hope that the fans stay satisfied.
Are you seeing the speed of the game starting to slow down for some of the rookies?
One of the most important aspect of our organization's scouting process is a player's level of pro readiness and I think we hit on that a lot this past draft. Our rookies have produced from the start and yes the speed has slowed down for them as they've improved but it was never an issue for our guys. We now have 7 rookies in starting spots on this team and they've all proven they are great players.
Did you scout Bijan Robinson before the draft? If so, what stood out about him?
No, but that's because there was nothing to scout. We knew he'd be a stud and he has been but we liked the value of Zach at the end of the 3rd round a whole lot better than using an early pick on a running back when we had just traded Jonathan Taylor away.
How do you see the competition level in the AFC South currently?
Very high and I love that. I hate the teams when I play them and it sucks to miss out on playoffs because of them but there's a high level of respect for the rivals and the competition they bring. The Jaguars and Titans have proven to be difficult matchups we'll look forward to every year. That other team in Houston isn't on that level but it's any given Sunday so we'll play just as hard against them, too.
Can you describe kind of the energy or the mood and the vibe in the building now coming in the home stretch?
The guys have settled down and are really entering this groove without the long days of traveling. They want to get these wins for the fans and enjoy their time at home with their families.
The defense is playing really well right now. What do you think are biggest contributing factors to that?
The discipline and the hustle. Everyone is doing their role and as a result, everyone is eating. Kenny Moore leads the league in deflections, Bobby Okereke has been a great leader in the middle, and the whole defensive line is shutting down the run and providing stellar pass rush.
Many rank your offensive line as one of the best in the league. How important is having a great offensive line?
Instant boost in the run and pass game because our guys give us time to do what we want and create things other teams might not be able to.
Can you speak to the overall team health?
It's great mentally and physically. Everyone is well rested and only Jordan McFadden is projected to be out next week.
What are your thoughts about the Titans just in general as a team?
Great players, great coaches, great competitors. I have a lot of respect for them and think they're on a very good track.
Who is your quarterback, and why?
Will Levis, we didn't think he'd fall to us in the second round and he did. Our organization was thrilled with that and he's really improved as the team's success has grown.
How would you assess where your team is near the halfway point of the season?
We believe we're one of the hottest teams in the league and that the sky is the limit. Expectations are reasonable but we hope to exceed them and I believe we're on that path.
