Some would say your roster is one of the better teams in the league. Would you agree with that? Do you see any weaknesses in your team as you self-scout?
I appreciate the recognition of our roster; we’ve certainly worked hard to build a competitive team. While I believe we have a lot of talent and depth in key positions, I think it’s essential to stay grounded and recognize that no team is without its weaknesses. Self-scouting is a vital part of our preparation, and it allows us to identify areas for improvement as we look to maximize our potential.
One area where we’ve acknowledged a need for growth has been our pass defense. There have been moments where we’ve struggled to consistently contain opposing receivers, particularly in critical situations. We realized that this could be a liability as we head into the more competitive phase of the season, so we took proactive steps to address it at the trade deadline.
Bringing in Chavarius Ward, Nate Hobbs, and Julius Brents as cornerbacks, along with Divine Deablo, who can play both middle linebacker and outside linebacker, and Dayo Odeyingbo, has strengthened our defense significantly. Chavarius Ward brings a wealth of experience and a physical playing style that makes him a formidable presence on the perimeter. His ability to press receivers and play tight man coverage will be crucial as we face some of the top passing offenses in the league.
Nate Hobbs has also shown great promise in his young career. He’s a versatile cornerback who excels in both man and zone coverage. His instincts and ability to read plays quickly will help bolster our secondary, allowing us to be more aggressive in our approach. Julius Brents, with his size and athleticism, can also match up against bigger receivers and provides depth that we desperately need.
Divine Deablo’s speed and coverage skills as a linebacker are particularly valuable in today’s game, where tight ends and running backs are becoming increasingly dynamic. His ability to cover ground quickly and defend against both the run and pass adds a layer of versatility to our linebacker corps. Dayo Odeyingbo, known for his explosiveness and ability to rush the passer, will strengthen our defensive line and help take some pressure off our secondary by generating more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
While I’m proud of the talent we’ve assembled, we remain committed to continuous improvement. We understand that the PML is incredibly competitive, and we can’t afford to become complacent. Every team has the capability to capitalize on weaknesses, so our focus is on developing a cohesive unit that can adapt and overcome challenges.
By addressing our pass defense and integrating these new players into our system, we’re excited about becoming a more well-rounded team. The goal is to be playing our best football at the right time, and we’re working diligently to ensure that happens as we move toward the playoffs. The depth and talent of our roster certainly give us confidence, but we recognize that success is earned on the field, and we’re focused on putting in the work to achieve it.
Is quarterback a priority for this team in the upcoming draft?
Right now, we believe in Baker Mayfield as our starting quarterback, and he’s proven this season that he can be an elite player in the PML. Baker’s leadership, decision-making, and ability to make plays in critical moments have been a huge asset to this team. He’s shown that he can perform at a high level, and his experience is invaluable, especially as we push toward the playoffs. We’re confident in his ability to continue to lead this team and play winning football.
That being said, we’re always looking to improve, no matter the position. Jordan Travis was brought in as a rookie this season, and he’s added another dynamic element to our offense with his speed and natural athleticism. He’s been a great complement to Baker, and his mobility gives us flexibility in certain situations. Jordan is still developing, but we’re excited about his potential and what he brings to the table.
As for the upcoming draft, quarterback may not be a pressing need, but we won’t rule out anything. If the right prospect slides to one of our picks and we feel it’s in the best interest of the team, we’ll make that move. We’re always evaluating talent and looking at ways to improve the roster, regardless of the position. But with Baker playing at the level he is and Jordan continuing to grow, we feel good about our current quarterback situation. That being said, we’ll keep all options on the table when draft time comes around.
When the schedules were released this past offseason, analysts said you had one of the easier schedules they've seen. Do you see it that way as well?
I disagree with the idea that we had an "easy" schedule. In the PML, there’s no such thing as an easy game. We can only play the teams on our schedule, and no matter who’s in front of us, we have to show up ready for a battle each and every week. This league is full of talent, and every single team is dangerous on any given Sunday. Just because a team may have a losing record doesn’t mean they can’t come out and put together a great game. The PML is the toughest league on the planet, and if you don’t come prepared, you’ll get exposed.
Every game, we prepare as if we’re playing the best team in the league because the reality is that every team has the potential to play at that level. There are no guarantees in the PML. We've seen it countless times—teams that might not have a lot of wins on paper can still come out and execute at a high level. It’s the nature of this league. That’s why we approach each game with the same level of respect and intensity, regardless of who’s lining up on the other side of the field.
People can say what they want about the schedule, but at the end of the day, the games still have to be played, and we still have to execute at a high level. The second you start taking an opponent lightly or thinking you have an easy game, that’s when you get knocked off. We don’t operate that way. We treat every game as a must-win, and we respect the fact that every opponent is capable of bringing their best.
The most important thing is controlling what we can control—our preparation, our focus, and our execution. We’re not concerned about the outside narrative of an easy or difficult schedule. What matters is how we show up every week, how we prepare, and how we execute when it’s time to play. Our mindset is simple: if we don’t bring our best, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we can lose. So, we stay locked in and take every challenge seriously.
