What can you attribute to having one of the top-scoring teams in the league to this point?
Our position as one of the top-scoring teams in the league this season isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of a well-rounded roster, excellent development, and a system that maximizes the talents we have across the board. It all starts with Kurtis Rourke. His performance in his second year has been exceptional, and it’s clear that he’s taken a major step forward in his growth. Leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns, Kurtis has shown the poise, arm strength, and decision-making needed to succeed at the highest level. The growth we’ve seen in him is palpable – he’s more comfortable in the pocket, his reads are sharper, and his ability to make throws to all levels of the field has elevated our offense. Kurtis has become a leader in that huddle, and it’s a big reason we’re putting up the kind of numbers we are. His ability to execute, stay calm under pressure, and make the right decisions has been a game-changer for us.
The wide receiver group has been just as instrumental in our success. We have a young, dynamic group of playmakers who are only getting better. Trey Palmer has developed into one of the premier receivers in the league. His ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays has been critical for us. Jalen Royals and Tai Fenton have continued to improve, each bringing their own set of skills to the table, and Devin Culp has been a big weapon at tight end, providing us with a reliable target in the middle of the field. Chris Godwin has played a huge role in the development of these young guys, and his leadership has been invaluable. He’s not just a mentor on the field, but his professionalism and work ethic set the standard for the younger players in the room. Behind them, we’ve got a group of hungry young receivers like Coleman Jr., Mosley, Bradley, and Golden, and we’ve got another solid option in Yurosek at tight end. We’ve got so much talent at the skill positions that it feels like we can field two full offenses, and that competition pushes everyone to improve. We’re constantly rotating guys in, and they’re all capable of making big plays. That depth and talent in the receiver room make it hard for defenses to key in on any one player, and that’s one of the reasons our offense is so dangerous.
When you talk about offensive success, the running back group can never be overlooked, and ours is one of the deepest in the league. Rachaad White is an absolute stud. He has everything you want in a running back – vision, speed, power, and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. He’s a true difference-maker who can take over a game when needed, and his versatility adds so much to our offense. But behind him, we’ve got depth that’s hard to match. Bucky Irving has been a great complement to White, and he’s a guy who could start for several teams in this league. We’ve had multiple teams inquire about his services, which speaks to the kind of talent he brings to the table. His ability to contribute in both the run game and the passing game makes him an even more valuable asset. Woody Marks has also shown that he’s more than capable, and then we’ve got Kaytron Allen, another dynamic back who continues to impress. With all of these options in the backfield, we can keep fresh legs in the game and wear down defenses.
And of course, none of this happens without our offensive line. Our line is one of the most well-rounded units in the league. They’ve done a tremendous job of giving Kurtis time to throw and opening up lanes for our running backs. Whether it’s pass protection or run blocking, this group has consistently performed at a high level. They’ve allowed us to be balanced and effective, and that’s a huge reason why we’re putting up the kind of points we are. The combination of talent, experience, and depth on this roster makes our job as coaches easier. We don’t have to worry about putting up points or getting our playmakers the ball – we’ve built an offense that can do it all. The level of talent we have at every position allows us to be flexible and dynamic, and it’s been a pleasure to see all of these players come together and perform at such a high level. With this kind of depth and skill, we know we’re positioned for continued success.
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?
As the season progresses, the key to reducing turnovers lies in striking the right balance between coaching, mental discipline, and physical execution. We emphasize controlled aggression because we know the talent we have on this team, and our players believe they can make every play. As coaches, we share that belief. However, it's essential to make smart decisions on every snap and recognize that not every play needs to be a game-changing moment. Sometimes, it's about taking what the defense gives us, maintaining possession, and trusting that the big plays will come when the situation calls for it. Every play doesn’t have to result in a touchdown, and it's about consistently making the right choices.
The mental side of the game plays a huge role in turnover reduction. Our players need the confidence to stick to the game plan and trust their training. They must understand when to be aggressive and when to be patient, which is something we work on every week. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make a highlight play, but that’s when mistakes happen. As coaches, we also have to dial back the enthusiasm at times, remind the team that it’s a long game, and trust that the opportunities to make big plays will come. Turnovers often occur when players press too hard, so we emphasize staying disciplined and not forcing things.
Physically, it’s about proper technique and ball security. We drill the fundamentals in practice, focusing on keeping the ball safe, whether it’s holding onto it in traffic or protecting it from defenders trying to strip it. Awareness on when to take risks and when to play it safe is vital. Knowing when to take the shot downfield versus checking down for a manageable gain requires patience and trust in the system. By honing these physical skills and maintaining mental focus, our team can cut down on turnovers and position ourselves for sustained success. The combination of good coaching, mental discipline, and physical execution is the foundation of ball security, and when we stay committed to these principles, we’re able to protect the football and give ourselves the best chance to win.
RB Rachaad White is so impressive, how hard he runs is so apparent. What else about his skill set makes him special?
Rachaad White’s skill set is a testament to his well-rounded abilities as a player, and what makes him truly special is how he impacts the game in so many different ways. His running style is characterized by his patience and vision, as he’s able to read the field and find the right lanes to attack. He’s not just a downhill runner – he’s a smart player who understands how to use his body to protect the ball and break tackles. His quickness and ability to change direction make him a tough matchup for defenders, and he has a rare ability to keep his balance even after contact. Beyond his impressive running ability, what sets Rachaad apart is his skill in the passing game.
As a receiver, Rachaad is among the best in the league, and his talent extends well beyond catching simple dump-offs or screens. He’s a dynamic route runner who can run a variety of routes with precision. Whether it’s a route in the flat, a wheel route, or cutting across the middle, Rachaad runs his routes with the same attention to detail you’d expect from a top-tier wide receiver. He’s consistently a reliable outlet for Kurtis Rourke, and his ability to make himself available as a hot read is critical for keeping the chains moving. Rachaad’s hands are exceptional, and his ability to adjust to difficult throws and make catches in traffic has made him a key weapon in the passing game.
His versatility as both a runner and a receiver creates mismatches that defenses have a hard time adjusting to. When you add in his ability to line up and contribute in both facets of the game, it forces defenders to account for him in every phase of the game. His pass-catching ability doesn’t just extend to simple routes – it forces defenses to shift their focus, opening up opportunities for bigger plays. By presenting a dual threat, Rachaad makes it possible for us to run multiple variations of our offense, whether it's through designed runs or utilizing him as a downfield option.
When I think of Rachaad’s impact on our team, I’m reminded of the role that Marshall Faulk played with the Rams' Greatest Show on Turf. Like Faulk, Rachaad’s ability to stretch the defense both as a ball carrier and a receiver gives our offense a dynamic edge that few other teams have. His presence in both the running and passing game changes the way teams have to prepare for us, and that’s something we can build on for years to come. His combination of vision, route running, and overall football IQ makes him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the PML, and his ability to make plays in any situation gives us the confidence to rely on him in critical moments. Rachaad White is truly a game-changer, and we’re fortunate to have him in our backfield.
