Can you talk about the development of Jahaad Campbell so far?
Jahad Campbell’s development has been outstanding so far, and he’s really starting to show why we’re so high on him. He’s near the league lead in sacks, which speaks volumes about his ability to get after the quarterback. What’s impressive about Jahad is how versatile he is – one play, he can go one-on-one with a tackle, and the next play, he’s lining up in coverage against a tight end or running back. His ability to do both at such a high level makes him a nightmare for offensive coordinators. Whether he’s rushing the passer or playing in coverage, he’s a weapon on the field.
He’s done everything we’ve asked of him so far, and that’s what makes him so special. He’s extremely teachable and has a great attitude about learning and getting better. His athleticism is off the charts – you can see the talent in everything he does. Now, the next step is just continuing to teach him and push him hard so he can maximize that talent. The sky’s the limit for Jahad if he keeps developing the way he has, and we’re excited to see how he grows even more in the future. His potential is through the roof, and we’re committed to helping him reach that level.
Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Sauce Gardner?
Preparing to go up against a player like Sauce Gardner is always a challenge, especially when it’s a divisional opponent. He knows us well, and we know he’s one of the best corners in the league. Sauce has the ability to lock down his side of the field and really make things difficult for the offense. He’s a ball hawk, and you’ve always got to recognize that he’s trying to bait the quarterback into making a bad throw. He’s so skilled at reading the QB’s eyes and positioning himself to make a play. It’s something we always have to be aware of when he’s on the field.
That said, we trust our quarterback, Kurtis Rourke. We trust his decision-making and his ability to read defenses. We also trust our wide receivers to go out and make plays. Trey Palmer, Jalen Royals, Felton, Chris Godwin, and Culp – these guys can win one-on-one matchups against anyone. We’ve got a diverse group of playmakers who can create separation, attack any weakness in the defense, and get open regardless of who’s covering them. Sauce is a great player, but we’ve got the tools to counteract his skills and make plays in the passing game. It’s going to be a great challenge, but we’re confident in our guys to rise to the occasion and execute our game plan.
How has Laken Tomlinson’s experience in the league helped the team so far?
Laken Tomlinson’s experience in the league has been invaluable to this team, especially for our offensive line. He’s a true veteran presence in the locker room, and his leadership has made a huge impact. He’s not just a guy who’s been around the block; he’s a player who understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is willing to pass that knowledge down. Even someone like Tristan Wirfs, who’s already one of the best in the league, has benefited from Laken’s mentorship. Laken’s been working with him to refine his game, to make him an even better player than he already is, and that’s a testament to his selflessness and dedication to his craft.
For Joe Fusile, having Laken in the room has been huge. Fusile is a young guy coming into the league, and having a seasoned vet like Laken to lean on has accelerated his growth. Laken’s ability to teach the finer details of the game, from technique to mental preparation, is something Fusile will carry with him throughout his career. Laken has become an extension of our coaching staff, helping to develop our young linemen while also holding himself and others to the highest standards. He’s a likely future coach in this league, and his impact on this team, both on and off the field, cannot be overstated. Having someone like him around makes a world of difference in the development of our offensive line.
