How quickly can you tell if a young player is a football player if he thinks about it because it seems like at the Combine they’re all saying the right thing and it’s the job. How quickly does it take?
It doesn’t take long to figure out if a young guy’s got ‘it.’ At the Combine, every player is saying the right things, shaking hands, doing their interviews, but once they hit the field, you can tell pretty quickly who’s just going through the motions and who’s got that natural instinct for the game. Usually, by the first practice or two, it starts to show. Football is one of those things you can’t fake—either you’re wired for it, or you’re not. You watch how a player reads a play, how he reacts when things don’t go according to plan, and how fast he bounces back from a mistake.
Sometimes, you’ll see a guy who’s physically gifted but hesitates because he’s overthinking. Then there are guys who just ‘get it,’ who see the play unfolding before it happens. Those are the players you know will go far. The talent is important, sure, but the mental edge—that’s what makes a player special. It doesn’t take long to spot the ones who are wired that way.
What are your thoughts about the Rams just in general as a team?
The Rams are an interesting team right now because, honestly, it feels like they’re still searching for their identity. I think their coach has a vision, and they’ve got some talent, but it’s almost like they’re in the middle of a long-term experiment. They’ve got to figure out their quarterback situation for one—are they sticking with Dak or rolling the dice on Quinn Ewers, the rookie with a lot of hype but zero NFL experience? That’s a big question mark because it impacts everything else they’re trying to build. But give them a season or two, and they might start clicking. Right now, though, they’re sort of like that kid who’s halfway through his science fair project but hasn’t quite decided if he’s going to make a volcano or a model rocket. Once they commit, they could be real contenders, but for now, it’s anyone’s guess where they’re headed.
What were the key challenges posed by the Buccaneers in your last game?
Well, the biggest ‘challenges’ they posed were turnovers and big plays, both of which were more about us shooting ourselves in the foot than any genius strategy on their part. The Bucs didn’t beat us so much as we beat ourselves. Once we clean that up, the Bucs are no real threat to us. And look, I don’t want to be too harsh, but their coach—let’s just say he’s a little less ‘brilliant mastermind’ and a little more ‘guy with a playbook who thinks he’s way smarter than he actually is.’ He’s out there calling plays like he’s reinventing football, but anyone who’s paying attention can see he’s not exactly working with a full deck.
It’s like he’s trying to impress himself more than anyone else, but news flash: just because you won a game doesn’t mean you’re a genius. Honestly, I think half the league is watching the Bucs with popcorn, waiting for the moment they inevitably trip over their own ego. So yeah, they won, but let’s not kid ourselves. Their coach might talk a big game, but it’s pretty clear he’s the only one who believes in his ‘grand strategy.’ They’re riding high now, but when reality sets in, well, let’s just say we’re ready and waiting.
