Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Drake Maye?
Preparing to face a player like Drake Maye is a daunting task. He's a highly talented quarterback with a strong arm, great mobility, and the ability to make plays with his feet. He's been a standout in college football, and he's shown that he has the potential to be a starting NFL quarterback. Our defensive staff has been studying his game extensively, and we knew we'd have to be disciplined, play with great technique, and limit his big plays. It's was a tough challenge, but we were up for the task.
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?
Over my career, I've found that a combination of factors contributes to a team's ability to reduce turnovers as the season progresses. Coaching and player development play a crucial role. Emphasizing ball security drills, proper technique, and decision-making in practice can significantly improve a team's performance. Additionally, mental toughness is essential. Players need to be able to maintain focus, stay composed under pressure, and avoid making careless mistakes. Physical conditioning can also be a factor. Fatigue leads to lapses in judgment and increased risk-taking, so ensuring players are in optimal physical condition is important. But while all of these factors contribute, I believe mental preparation is the most critical. If players can stay focused, disciplined, and avoid making mental errors, it will go a long way toward reducing turnovers.
Did you scout Drake Maye before the draft? If so, what stood out about him?
Yes, we scouted Drake Maye extensively before the draft. What stood out most about him was his combination of arm talent, athleticism, and decision-making ability. He has a powerful arm and can make all the throws on the field. He's also very mobile and can extend plays with his feet. Additionally, he's a smart quarterback who makes good decisions and takes care of the football.
