What were the keys to the team’s victory this week?
Well, having the Commanders as our Week 1 matchup felt a bit like deja vu, but in the best possible way. Last year, we managed to put them in their place quite convincingly, and I guess they were still a little salty about how we wrapped up that game with a last-minute score. So, this time around, we wanted to remind them just how well we learned our lessons from that encounter. They're fond of their zone coverage, especially that cover 4 with hard flats, but we knew just how to pick that apart. Our strategy? We leaned hard on our running game. Our backfield isn't just good; they're like a stampede of bulls when they get going. It's all about putting the right pieces together, and this week, our runners were the kings of the chessboard.
What is the status of Aidan Hutchinson and when is he set to return?
Aidan's situation turned out to be a bit of a silver lining. Initially, everyone's hearts skipped a beat thinking it was worse, but thankfully, it’s just a mild ankle sprain. He'll be off his feet for about 3-4 weeks, just to be safe. We're eager to get him back, no doubt—he’s a force on defense. But you know, every cloud has its silver lining. His downtime has opened the door for some of our younger players to step up and get some valuable field time. It's like an unexpected audition for these guys, and I’m excited to see who keeps that curtain raised.
Can you describe how important it was to get a win at home this week?
Kicking off the season with a win at home? It’s like the first bite of your grandma's apple pie—just sets the right tone for what's to come! There’s something special about starting off on the right foot in front of our own fans. It boosts morale, cements confidence, and let’s just say, it makes the whole town buzz a little brighter. Our fans deserve performances like this, and we aim to deliver. Plus, a win right out of the gate? It’s a clear message to the rest of the league: we’re here to play hard, we’re here to play smart, and we’re here to win.
How do you see the competition level in the NFC South currently?
The NFC South is like a pot of gumbo right now—everyone's mixing it up pretty fierce. All teams except, ahem, the Saints managed to snag a win this week. Speaking of the Saints, it seems like their recent trash talk might be the only thing they’re winning at these days! Three years on top and suddenly they think the division’s their own backyard. But as my old coach used to say, "Don't let your mouth write checks your gameplay can't cash." We respect their game, but let's just say, we're not writing any thank you notes to them for setting the bar.
What are your thoughts about the Commanders just in general as a team?
The Commanders, bless their hearts, they do try. They’re like that little engine that could… sort of. In terms of competition, they're not exactly the team that keeps us up at night, but you’ve got to admire the persistence. Every team has its cycles, highs and lows, and they’re… well, let’s just say they’re cycling. Hard. But in this league, any team can surprise you on any given Sunday. They’re scrappy, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to pull off an upset. Just not against us, not this week.
