How does the loss this week prepare you for the next game?
Losing in Week 1 is always tough, especially to a team like the Cardinals. We had a lot of turnovers, which is something you never want to start the season with. But hey, it’s Week 1—it’s a long season, and we’re not going to overreact. We didn’t play our starters much in the preseason because we wanted to take a good look at our depth, and I think that showed. There was a bit of rust, and it felt like we were still shaking off the offseason cobwebs. You can’t simulate real game speed, and that probably caught up to us a bit.
The good news is that we’re a resilient team, and this loss gives us plenty to focus on as we prepare for next week. It’s about getting back to the fundamentals and making sure we’re dialed in, especially in terms of ball security. We’re going to settle down, get into a rhythm, and play our game. And look, I know the Bucs are already out there celebrating like they won the Super Bowl after their Week 1 win, but we’re just going to take it one game at a time. We know what we’re capable of, and it’s a long road ahead. Let’s see who’s standing at the end.
Can you talk about the development of Travis Hunter so far?
Travis Hunter is the kind of talent that doesn’t come around very often. He was widely considered the top prospect at both wide receiver and cornerback in the draft, and that’s not something you see every day. We have him working with us as a receiver, and he’s already showing us why he’s such a special player. He understands our offense inside and out, which is impressive for a rookie. He’s not just out there running routes—he’s really grasped the concepts and knows where he’s supposed to be and why.
After the catch, he’s electric. You can see the defensive instincts kicking in, even on offense. He’s reading defenses like a seasoned vet and making the most out of every reception. And he’s got that competitive edge you want in a player—he’s not out there to just catch a pass and go down; he’s fighting for every yard. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him in the end zone plenty this season. Of course, I’m sure the Bucs wish they had a guy like him, but hey, we’re happy he’s here with us. The future’s looking bright for Travis, and we’re excited to see what he brings to the table week in and week out.
What is the status of Jadeveon Clowney and when is he set to return?
Jadeveon got a bit dinged up in practice, which is always a concern, but luckily it’s nothing serious. He’s been rehabbing and taking it easy, making sure he’s in top shape to get back out there. As of now, we expect him to be ready to go next week, so he’s not going to miss much time. Having a player of his caliber on the field is huge for us. He’s a difference-maker and a leader, and his presence definitely gives our defense a boost.
We want him fully healthy and ready to go, so we’re being smart with how we handle this. No need to rush things in Week 1. We’ve got a long season ahead, and Clowney’s the type of guy who’s going to help us make a real impact. We’ll definitely need him down the stretch, especially when it comes to games that count—unlike the Bucs’ Week 1, which I’m sure they’re celebrating a little too much over. We’re focused on getting our guys back to full strength and being at our best when it really matters.
