Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Conner Weigman?
Preparing to go up against a quarterback like Conner Weigman is a great challenge, but also an exciting opportunity. He’s one of the best rookie quarterbacks in the league for a reason. He’s got the ability to make throws to all levels of the field, and he does it with great accuracy and poise. His arm strength, combined with his ability to read the defense and make quick decisions, makes him a dangerous player. We’re going to be facing him twice a year moving forward, and that’s something we’ll be looking forward to. He’s a young quarterback with a lot of potential, and it’s going to be fun to see how he continues to develop.
That being said, we feel good about the players we have on our defense to make him work for everything. We’ve got playmakers in the secondary and up front who can disrupt his rhythm and force him to make tough decisions. Our goal with any young quarterback – really, any quarterback – is to make them uncomfortable and force mistakes. We know that if we can apply pressure, change up our looks, and stay disciplined in our coverage, we can take advantage of any mistakes he might make. Going up against a divisional rival like Weigman just adds another layer of intensity, and we know how important these games are. We’re going to bring everything we have to the table and make sure we’re ready for whatever he throws at us.
What is the status of David Bakhtiari and when is he set to return?
David Bakhtiari has been out for the last four weeks dealing with a multitude of injuries, and we’ve certainly felt his absence. He’s missed a significant portion of the season, 11 of the 17 games, which has been tough on us, especially in terms of pass protection. David’s veteran presence on the line makes such a difference. When he’s in the lineup, our pass blocking improves dramatically. He’s one of the best in the game, and his ability to lock down the edge and protect the quarterback is something we’ve really missed during his time out. His leadership is also something you can’t replace. As a team captain, he brings more than just his physical play; he sets the tone for the rest of the line and for the entire offense.
The good news is that David is due back for the playoffs, and we are incredibly glad to have him returning at the most important time of the year. The credit goes to everyone who’s stepped up in his absence, and they’ve done a great job holding the fort. But there’s no understating how big of a difference David makes when he’s on the field. He’s been playing at the highest level of the PML for a long time, and it’s clear why he’s been so successful. Having him back for the playoffs gives us a big boost, and we’re excited to see him back out there, doing what he does best. His return is a key piece as we prepare for the postseason, and we’re all looking forward to having him back in the mix.
What can you attribute to having one of the top-scoring teams in the league to this point?
What’s contributed to having one of the top-scoring teams in the league this season is a combination of factors, but at the heart of it, our players have just flat-out performed. First and foremost, Kurtis Rourke, our rookie quarterback, has been an absolute gem. Coming in as a fourth-round pick, nobody expected him to hit the ground running like he has. His arm talent has been impressive from day one, and he’s shown the ability to make throws at all levels of the field. He’s come in, taken command of the offense, and exceeded expectations in a big way. We’ve got a lot of young talent, and he’s been the catalyst for our success.
We also focus heavily on spreading the ball around to all of our playmakers. We’ve got a deep roster, with two wide receivers and a tight end each with over 50 catches and 1,000 yards. Our running back, Rachaad White, has been equally impactful in both the run and pass games. He’s got nearly 800 yards receiving, and on top of that, he’s been a touchdown machine with 17 rushing touchdowns and nearly 1,300 rushing yards. The message we preach is simple: get the ball to our playmakers and let them do what they do best. As coaches, we’d love to take all the credit for our success, but the reality is that our scheme is designed to accentuate the talent we have. The credit goes to our guys for executing, making the coaching staff look good, and turning our offensive strategy into one of the most potent in the league.
