What are your thoughts about the Vikings going into this week?
Looking ahead to this matchup with the Vikings, we know we’re facing a team that’s proven they can win at the highest level. They’re the defending PML Season 1 champions for a reason, and they’ve got a great coach in SPDot who knows how to get the best out of his players. This is a team that’s always prepared and tough, and we know we’re going to have to bring our A-game. They’ve got a balanced attack offensively that can hurt you in multiple ways, whether it’s through the air or on the ground, and that balance makes them a very dangerous team.
A big part of their offense is rookie quarterback Drew Allar, and he’s done a great job fitting into their system. He’s been poised and efficient, making smart decisions with the ball and not trying to do too much. When you’ve got a rookie quarterback who can execute the way he has, it makes their offense even tougher to stop. Of course, you can’t talk about the Vikings without mentioning Justin Jefferson. He’s arguably the best wide receiver in the league, and he’s a game-changer. He’s a player who can take over a game at any moment, and we’ve got to make sure we account for him at all times. We’re preparing for a tough, physical game, and we know the Vikings are going to come out swinging. Our focus is to execute our game plan and be ready to match their intensity from the first whistle to the last.
Can you summarize what it was like playing against the Falcons last week?
Playing against the Falcons last week was an absolute shootout, and it was one of the wildest games we’ve been a part of. We dug ourselves into a hole in the first half, playing awful football and going into the fourth quarter down 20 points. We couldn’t get anything going offensively, and our rookie QB Kurtis Rourke struggled with turnovers in the first half, putting our team in some tough spots. But credit to the Falcons – they took advantage and were playing some solid football, forcing us to make adjustments.
However, in the fourth quarter, we found another gear. We outscored them 28-7 in the final period, and the momentum completely shifted. We executed a beautiful last-minute drive that set up a Hail Mary to Trey Palmer, which got us within three points. That play was a prayer heave, but it gave us the spark we needed. Our defense stepped up and made a crucial stop to seal the win. A lot of credit has to go to Baker Mayfield, too. Even though he had been on the sideline, he stayed ready and composed, and when his number was called, he led us to a big second-half performance. The way he stepped in and took control of the offense showed a lot of leadership and poise. It wasn’t pretty, but we got the job done, and that’s what matters most. We’ll take the win, learn from the mistakes, and move forward.
Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Justin Jefferson?
Preparing to go against a player like Justin Jefferson is always a challenge, and there’s no doubt he’s one of the best receivers in the PML. He can get open at any level of the field – whether it’s short routes, intermediate routes, or deep balls, he’s a threat everywhere. His speed is elite, but it’s his route running that really sets him apart. He can make sharp cuts, create separation with ease, and just knows how to get open when his quarterback needs him. He’s one of those players who doesn’t need much space to make a big play; if you give him an inch, he’ll take a mile.
What makes him even more dangerous is his ability to always find a way to be available for his quarterback. It’s not just about getting open on designed plays – Jefferson has an incredible feel for the game and the ability to adjust his routes based on what’s happening with the defense. He’s a true game-changer because he can take over a game at any time. Defensively, you have to be aware of where he is on every play, because if you leave him unchecked, he can change the entire flow of the game in a matter of seconds. We have to be disciplined in our coverage and be ready for anything. Whether we’re playing man or zone, we know we have to account for him every single snap. It's not just about locking him down – it’s about trying to limit his opportunities, because when he gets a chance, he can make it count.
