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?
Turnover reduction is a complex issue. It requires a multi-faceted approach that emphasizes smart decision-making, ball security drills, and technical refinement. Coaching plays a big role in instilling those habits, but a player's focus and awareness are equally important. It's both mental and physical, staying mentally sharp and executing clean fundamentals go hand in hand.
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?
Evaluating young talent is a complex process that goes beyond the Combine. While we get valuable insights there, a player's true potential is best assessed through college film, interviews, and background checks. We look for a combination of physical tools, football IQ, and a genuine passion for the game. It's not about scripted answers, but rather a deep understanding of the sport and a hunger to succeed.
Are you seeing the speed of the game starting to slow down for some of the rookies?
Absolutely. Early on, the NFL game's speed can overwhelm rookies. But as they adjust, the mental side catches up to the physical. They start recognizing formations, anticipating plays, and the game seems to slow down. That's when we see rookies make a real impact.