How does the loss this week prepare you for the next game?
We are on an 8 game losing streak. It's one of the worst losing streaks in Coach Fallen's career since he joined PML. This week's game against the Cowboys had it's up and down moments, but it taught the team that we cannot win by turning the ball over. We turned the ball over 5 times (4 interceptions and 1 fumble). We had a 74% – 26% Pass to Rush ratio this week and we need to be more committed to running the ball in order to help our rookie QB succeed.
Can you summarize what it was like playing against the Bengals last week?
Cammy has his Bengals team in the thick of things in the AFC North. We came into this game wanting to stop Joe Mixon and the Bengals rushing attack. We did the effectively as we help the Bengals to 22 rushing yards on 19 carries. However, Joe Burrow really lit us up in the passing game. The Bengals have a really good offensive attack and our offense was sub-par in comparison. We turned the ball over 4 times (2 fumbles and 2 interceptions) and you can't do that against a really good team. We ultimately lost 39-31, but we have to game plan a little better when trying to stop teams with elite quarterbacks.
Can you talk about the development of Paris Johnson Jr. so far?
We drafted Paris Johnson Jr. with the hopes that he would be a superstar, but overall he has the intangibles to be a star tackle in the league. He has missed a few blocks in the passing game, but he has been stellar on the edge in the running game. He has been quick to get off his block and help our tailbacks get to the edge, especially on plays that are designed to go to the outside. Our hope is that Johnson Jr. can steady his quick feet and become just as impactful when blocking for KJ Jefferson.
Who is your quarterback, and why?
We traded Zach Wilson to the Minnesota Vikings for a first round pick. We felt very comfortable with what we saw out of KJ. Jefferson at practice and in the pre-season to name him the starter for the rest of the season. Jefferson has the best throwing motion in the league and one of the quickest releases but we are working on improving his accuracy. Jefferson is a rookie and with that will come mistakes, but we believe Jefferson will improve as the season goes on. He already has 10 touchdowns in the 3 games he has played this season and he has added a running threat at the QB position that we didn't have with our previous quarterback.
