The defense is playing really well right now. What do you think are biggest contributing factors to that?
I think the biggest contributing factors to our defense playing so well right now come down to discipline, communication, and the relentless effort from every single player. We’ve been able to create a strong foundation of fundamentals—guys are really buying into the scheme and understanding their roles. The coaching staff has done a phenomenal job breaking down the game plan, and it’s been a collective effort from the entire defensive unit. The linebackers are flying to the ball, the secondary is locking down coverage, and the defensive line is getting pressure and forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. We’ve also been great at creating turnovers, and that’s always a big key. One of the most important things is our ability to stay disciplined and stick to the game plan, even in tough situations. We know the defense is only as good as our ability to adjust, so the communication on the field is critical—guys are making sure they’re on the same page. I think overall, it’s a mix of great preparation, physicality, and effort, and that’s what’s helping us play at such a high level.
The team has been very fortunate in terms of injuries so far this season. You currently have no one injured. Can you point to any specific thing you've done to keep the roster generally healthy to this point?
Yeah, we’ve been very fortunate, no doubt about that. But a lot of it comes down to the work we put in behind the scenes. First and foremost, our strength and conditioning team is top-notch. We’ve made sure to prioritize recovery just as much as we do game prep. We’re not just talking about lifting weights, either. It’s the nutrition, the rehab, the stretching routines – all of it plays a part. We’ve also been smart about managing practice loads. Not every player needs to go full speed every single session. We’ve done a great job balancing physicality with rest, keeping guys fresh throughout the season. At the end of the day, I think it’s a combination of having a well-prepared roster and a little bit of luck, too. Staying healthy is a team effort.
Can you speak to the overall team health?
Overall, the team’s health has been excellent, and I couldn’t be more proud of how the guys have handled the grind. From day one, we’ve focused on making sure that everyone is in the best possible shape, both physically and mentally. The strength and conditioning staff has done a fantastic job creating tailored programs for players, focusing on injury prevention and ensuring that the workload is balanced. We’ve been proactive with recovery, and that’s been crucial. The nutrition team has also been key in making sure that guys are fueling their bodies the right way. We also preach mindfulness and mental well-being—keeping players engaged and focused, not just physically but mentally. The leadership within the locker room, too, has kept the energy up and encouraged everyone to take care of their bodies, especially when we’re going through those tough weeks. All of these factors combined have contributed to a team that’s remained relatively healthy, and we’ll continue to focus on staying ahead of the game in that department.
