How valuable is the self-scouting process that you go through during the Bye Week? There's the physical piece, but also that component, as well.
The self-scouting process during the Bye Week is incredibly valuable for both the physical and mental aspects of the game. Physically, it’s a chance for our players to get some much-needed rest and recovery, especially as we push into the second half of the season. But beyond that, the self-scouting is all about evaluating where we stand as a team and figuring out how we can improve. It’s a time to look at our strengths, but more importantly, it’s about addressing our weaknesses – where we’re getting exposed, where we need to be more consistent, and where we need to execute better. We take a deep dive into the film, break down tendencies, and identify areas where we can make adjustments, whether that’s in play calling, player assignments, or technique.
The mental component is just as important. The Bye Week gives us a chance to step back, reset, and refocus on our overall goals. We evaluate how we’ve been performing in critical situations – third downs, red zone, turnovers – and ask ourselves where we’ve been falling short. We also look at how we’re handling adversity, especially in tough moments, and see if we’re executing at the level we expect. This time allows us to be honest with ourselves as a staff and as players, to really ask, “What can we do better?” and “How can we get to that next level?” It’s not just about reflecting on the physical aspects of our game but also about making sure we’re mentally prepared and locked in for the stretch run. When you come out of the Bye Week with a clear understanding of where you stand and what needs to be fixed, you’re much more focused and ready to tackle the second half of the season. It’s a crucial part of our process to stay sharp and improve as we move forward.
In retrospect, what would you have done differently against the Raiders?
In retrospect, while we were able to pull out the win against the Raiders, a 47-44 game is far too close for comfort, and there are definitely things I would have approached differently. First and foremost, we could have done a better job of controlling the ball. Arch Manning is a fantastic quarterback, and when you give a player of his caliber too many chances, he’s going to make you pay. Our best defense against him was to keep him off the field, and we didn’t do enough to sustain drives and manage the clock the way we should have. We got into a bit of a back-and-forth game, which played right into their hands.
We needed to focus more on ball control, working the clock, and not giving Manning too many opportunities to make big plays. While we did have some success moving the ball, we didn’t finish drives as efficiently as we should have, and that allowed them to stay in the game. We had to make sure we were executing in those critical moments – whether it was converting on third downs or finishing drives with touchdowns instead of settling for field goals. In a high-scoring game like that, keeping the ball away from a quarterback like Manning is crucial. It’s something we’ll learn from and apply moving forward. Our win was a relief, but it’s clear we need to make adjustments in how we control the pace and execution in these kinds of games.
Were there any standout performances or key moments in the game against the Raiders?
Jake Briningstool’s performance against the Raiders was a huge standout moment, and it speaks volumes about his ability to take advantage of an opportunity when it’s presented to him. Stepping in for an injured Devin Culp, Jake didn’t just fill the role – he made plays and showed that he can be a difference-maker in this offense. With 7 receptions for 145 yards, including a 45-yard long, and two touchdowns, he demonstrated the kind of impact we know he’s capable of. What was really impressive, though, was his ability to stay composed, run his routes with precision, and make crucial plays when the offense needed it the most.
This performance is exactly what we’ve been looking for – a young player who steps up, performs, and earns more playing time and opportunities. Jake showed that he’s more than capable of contributing when called upon, and that kind of performance will certainly earn him more looks moving forward. He’s done a great job working hard in practice, and now it’s clear that he’s ready to take that next step in his development. We’re excited to see what he continues to bring to the table, and this game was a great example of what happens when a player stays prepared, seizes the moment, and earns trust with their performance. Jake has made a strong case to be more involved in the offense, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he continues to develop.
