What are your thoughts about the Rams going into this week?
They are a recent two time champion that was back in the Super Bowl this past year. All credit to their organization, players, and coaches. Nothing but respect for what they have done. But everyone is 0-0 right now and this is a new direction for the 49ers and we feel confident that we can build a winning organization much like what you see in Los Angeles.
Can you talk about the development of C.J. Smith so far?
CJ Smith had a phenomenal preseason. Look, for a 20 year old he really commands the respect of his teammates and of the defense as well. You can’t teach his speed. And at 6’3, he’s just got everything you look for in a premier receiver in today’s NFL. I am excited to see him learn from Davante and the rest of the wide receiver room. I’m not giving him a gold jacket today, but the guy is impressive.
Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Rayshaun Benny?
Anytime you play a pass rush as consistent and impactful as the Rams you have to be prepared. Benny is picking up right where Donald left off and looks to be one of the special ones in our league for a long time. We are just going to have to always know where he is. We can’t give him the easy ones. Make him earn his work all day. He will do what he does, but I believe in the work our offensive line coach has done this offseason and heading into to season.
How has Case Keenum’s experience in the league helped the team so far?
We wanted to bring someone in that could help be another set of eyes and ears for Shadeur. Case is exactly that. He’s an extension of our coaching staff and he’s an extension of Shadeur back to us. His communication is superb and we believe that his mentorship of Shadeur is pivotal. Case has a career in coaching whenever he wants it. I’ve always been a fan of his career arch and it’s easy to see why, his knowledge of the game is phenomenal.
What is the status of Eli Raridon and when is he set to return?
Raridon took a nasty fall there. You hate to see it any time for any player, but you hate it for the young man. Look, we have two veterans in Kittle and Njoku that we have plans for but we really liked what Eli provided. We can’t wait to have him back. Not having him may make us change up some of our early formation groupings, but we have lots of weapons that would love an opportunity to step in. We all lift one another and I am sure someone will step up for us – but still can’t wait for Eli to come back as well.
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?
I give all the credit to our scouting team
and player personnel guys. As the coach I watch film and the game speaks to me. I feel like I’m a good judge of character too, but I want to applaud those guys behind the desk and going to these games each week for us. They give us coaches critical details about these young me and when you take that data with the film we have and the conversations we get to have, you get a clearer picture of these young men. Each team has their own formula, but we are happy with the guys we brought in and feel like they checked the right boxes throughout the process.
How much of a problem is Rayshaun Benny on the defensive line?
Hey, as I said, we have to know where he is at all times. He’s a true difference maker. But we have guys that can play too. They are looking forward to trying their craft against the best of the best. That’s what Benny is. But that’s why we line up each week.
Did you scout C.J. Donaldson before the draft? If so, what stood out about him?
We didn’t actively look at running backs this year, but Donaldson looks to be another weapon for that Rams organization. 6’1 257 pounds. I don’t know what they are feeding these guys these days. Warner is excited to meet him in the hole. We are ready for the challenge. But yes, impressive football player and one of the first guys off the bus I’m sure.
How do you see the competition level in the NFC West currently?
We are the best division in the PML. The Rams history this cycle speaks for itself. From what I have seen and scouted and heard from colleagues is that the Seahawks are even better than they appear on paper. I respect what the Cardinals are doing with their team. I think at the end of the year, if we don’t beat each other up too bad in division, that this team could have 4 teams that are playoff worthy. However it shakes out will be a fun watch I’m sure.
How do you rank the biggest changes to this team over the off-season by importance? What do you think were the team's best moves? Was there anything you wish you would have done that didn't get to do?
We are happy with what we did this offseason. We brought in some veterans at load stone positions. Safety Williams and Receiver Adams. Kirk and Njoku. Added some speed you can’t teach with CJ. Brought in a mentor for Sanders. Added Trey Hendrickson to our pass rush rotation. If money was unlimited we would love to add any and all competitors that would help our team but we love every guy we have in the building and looking forward to growing and building this culture one step at a time.
The majority of your team is under the age of 26. Is that a conscious effort to have such a young team?
We had a lot of youth prior to the new regime of us coming in. We wanted to keep the movement this team made in the previous offseason going while also adding our own touch. We focused on a few late 20 early 30 year olds in free agency that brinings some veteran leadership to our organization. But when you have a young team they can grow and learn and excel and bond together because of the mutual path they are on. It’s an exciting time to be in this building and representing this 49ers franchise legacy.
Can you speak to the overall team health?
Besides Eli we have a clean bill of health. We are fortunate because that last game against Tennessee was brutal for those guys. They lost half their team it seemed. We escaped with only 1 preseason injury and for that we are thankful. Credit to our trainers and doctors and strength and conditioning groups and the kitchen staff that keeps us all healthy and fed well. Couldn’t do it without each and every person in this building.
What are your thoughts about the Rams just in general as a team?
One of the best to do it right now. They are where we want to be in this division, this conference, and this league. Nothing but respect for what they have done. Now we want to do that here but with our own standards and methods and beliefs. Every team in this league has talent. But can you play together and as a unit for an entire game and an entire season to reach that one shared goal. I think we have the people in this organization to do that.
Who is your quarterback, and why?
Shadeur Sanders. Primetime Jr. This organization believed in him last year and I surely believe in him or I wouldn’t be here. He has god given talent. He has high football acumen. He has confidence. He has swagger. The guy is a leader. We think he can become the top quarterback in the league. That’s how highly we think of him.
What stands out about your opponent's offense?
Fleming. You must know where he is. He’s an Olympic level athlete. Track star speed. Heavyweight strength. He’s phenomenal. Have to keep the ball out of his hands or rally when he does get it. The guy is special. He really drove that team last postseason.
