What are your thoughts about the Vikings going into this week?
We're going into this week's game fully aware that the Vikings are a formidable opponent. They have a balanced attack on offense and a defense that can make plays. However, we've also identified some areas where we believe we can gain an advantage. Their passing defense has shown some vulnerabilities, and they've been more prone to turnovers than we have.
Our game plan will focus on exploiting these weaknesses while also playing to our strengths. We've been efficient in the red zone and have been doing well in terms of takeaways. We're going to need a full team effort—offense, defense, and special teams—to come out on top.
It's going to be a tough matchup, but we're confident in our team's ability to rise to the challenge and secure a win.
Can you summarize what it was like playing against the Seahawks last week?
Playing against the Seahawks last week was a tough but enlightening experience. They're a well-coached team with a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. We had some moments where we shined, particularly in the passing game, but we also had areas where we need to improve, especially on defense. The Seahawks were able to capitalize on our mistakes, and that ultimately made the difference in the game.
It's a learning experience for us, and we're taking these lessons to heart as we prepare for our next game. We know what we need to work on, and we're committed to making the necessary adjustments to come out stronger in our upcoming matchups.
Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Justin Jefferson?
Preparing to go against a player like Justin Jefferson is a significant challenge. He's an X-Factor, and at just 24 years old, he's already one of the most dynamic receivers in the league. His skill set is incredibly well-rounded, making him a threat in virtually every aspect of the passing game.
When you have a player of Jefferson's caliber on the field, it forces you to adjust your defensive strategy. You can't just rely on single coverage; you have to think about safety help over the top and how you're going to disrupt his routes at the line of scrimmage. It's not just about stopping him; it's about containing him enough so that he doesn't change the outcome of the game.
We're going to have to be creative in our defensive schemes and make sure we're communicating effectively on the field. It's a team effort to stop a player like that, and we're putting in the extra work in the film room and on the practice field to make sure we're prepared.
So, facing Justin Jefferson is a big task, but it's also an opportunity for our defense to show what they're capable of. We're looking forward to the challenge.
Did you scout Jordan Addison before the draft? If so, what stood out about him?
Yes, we did scout Jordan Addison before the draft. What stood out about him was his versatility as a receiver. His skill set is well-rounded, making him a threat in various aspects of the passing game. He has the speed to stretch the field vertically and the route-running ability to create separation in the short and intermediate areas.
His hands are reliable, and he has the agility to make defenders miss in the open field. He's the kind of player who can fit into multiple roles within an offense, whether it's as a deep threat, a slot receiver, or even as a gadget player on trick plays.
In addition to his on-field abilities, he has a lot of room to grow and improve, making him an even more attractive prospect. He's the kind of player that any team would love to have, and we certainly took a long look at him during our pre-draft evaluations.