Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Sauce Gardner?
Preparing to go against a player like Sauce Gardner is always a challenge. The Falcons added several key pieces to their defense this offseason, but none are more impactful than Sauce. In my opinion, he’s the best corner in football, and that’s not a title I throw around lightly. He has everything you want in a corner – size, speed, and a football IQ that’s through the roof. You have to be aware of where he is on the field at all times because he can take over a game if you’re not careful. He’s got the ability to shut down a side of the field and take away your best weapon, and that makes it tough to game plan around.
What makes Sauce so dangerous is his versatility. He can lock up in man coverage and stick to his guy like glue, but he’s also very comfortable in zone or match coverage, reading the quarterback’s eyes and jumping routes. He’s not just a cover guy, either – he’s a physical corner who can tackle in the open field and make sure plays don’t extend for extra yardage. The ball skills are truly out of this world. He has an uncanny ability to locate the ball and make plays on it, whether it’s intercepting passes or getting his hands in there to force incompletions. The toughest part for us is the fact that Sauce is in our division now, and he’ll be a challenge for years to come. As much as I hate that we have to go up against him multiple times a season, I can’t help but respect what he does. He’s a huge asset for the Falcons, and he’s one of the best in the league at what he does. When you’re preparing to face a player like that, you know you have to bring your best every single time.
How do you see the competition level in the NFC South currently?
The NFC South is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league this year, and we know we’ll have to be at our best to defend our title. We won the division last year by just a game over the New Orleans Saints, and they’ve only gotten stronger. With the addition of a talented rookie quarterback and running back, they’re bringing in fresh energy and skill to an already formidable squad. We split the season series with them last year, which speaks to the level of competition they bring. We definitely do not take them lightly, and we know that with their new pieces, they’re a dangerous team that’s always ready to compete.
Carolina is another team we can never overlook. They have one of the best GMs in the league, and even though they had a down year last season, we fully expect them to reload and bounce back with even more talent. A GM with that kind of vision will always keep them in contention, and we know they’re going to be a tough opponent moving forward. We’ve seen what they can do when they’re firing on all cylinders, and we expect them to challenge for the division title sooner rather than later.
Atlanta is also a team to watch. Their GM made some bold moves this offseason, including trading away Kyle Pitts, but the real story is the defensive overhaul they’ve made. They added multiple All-Pro defenders to a defense that was already tough, and that unit is going to be a challenge for anyone who faces them. While the Falcons and Panthers both ended up with losing records last year, we understand that they’re reloading, retooling, and looking to turn things around quickly. They’ve made moves that suggest they’ll be competitive again this season, and we have to be ready for them.
Looking forward, the season series with New Orleans will be critical, and we’re excited to see how it plays out. It’s always a tough battle when we face them, and with their new additions, it’s going to be even more intense. But we believe in what we’ve built here in Tampa. We’ve got a solid foundation, a talented roster, and a strong coaching staff. That said, we always say it’s our division to lose. Nothing is ever taken for granted, and we know the job is just beginning. We’ve got to keep working, keep improving, and make sure we’re ready for whatever challenges the other teams in the division throw our way. The competition is fierce, and that’s exactly the kind of environment we want to be in.
Many rank your offensive line as one of the best in the league. How important is having a great offensive line?
Having a great offensive line is crucial to any successful football team, and we take a lot of pride in what we've built up front. It’s something we’ve worked hard on, and I’m glad to see that other coaches around the league are recognizing it. We’ve got a nice mix of youth and veteran leadership, which is a powerful combination. Tristan Wirfs is one of the best tackles in the league, and having a guy like David Bakhtiari on the right side really solidifies that side of the line. Guys like Feliciano and Goedeke bring the talent and toughness we need to control the line of scrimmage. And then we’ve got Blake Miller, who’s come in as an undrafted free agent and been a huge asset for us in both tackle and guard spots. He’s been doing a great job as a swing player, providing that much-needed depth for us.
The offensive line is where it all starts – we can’t do anything offensively without a strong foundation up front. We’ve had to adapt a little without Barton to start the season due to his injury, but we’re confident in the guys we have stepping up in his place. This unit has a lot of pride, and they know how important their role is in making sure the quarterback has time and the running backs have space to operate. It’s the backbone of our offense, and we’re going to continue to lean on these guys to set the tone week in and week out. Despite Barton’s absence, we’ve got the depth and talent to keep moving forward. Our offensive line is a big reason why we’re confident about our chances this season.
