What is working for this offense?
I don't know. I think, obviously we are running it very well. JT (Jonathan Taylor) had another big-time day. I think a huge credit to him and how he's been playing and then the guys up front. They're blocking and the run game has been big and then guys are getting open and making plays in the pass game with some explosive plays and stuff down the field. A lot of credit to the guys up front I think it starts there in the run game and the pass game and then playing off that.
You guys have been playing at a really high level for three weeks now. Have you expected things to come down to earth a little bit? It seems like there's really been no weak spot in the offense.
Yeah, I think we certainly expect to play at a high level. I think every time we step out there, every time we get the ball, we expect to execute and go down the field and score. So no, I don't think the expectation changes at any point, whether we're playing, regardless of how it's going. So yeah, I mean, that stays that way and we'll see. There's still things we got to clean up and work on. I think still some missed opportunities, things that weren't as sharp as they should have been and we'll go back, look at that and clean it up.
Did you clock the first pun of the season?
Yeah, a little bit. But I think Rigo (Rigoberto Sanchez) had an in-10 there, right? He got a good punt, so I'm happy for him. But yeah, I mean, should have converted the third down, honestly.
Shane Steichen mentioned you're really all into film always searching for answers. How obsessive are you, when do you cut it off, or do you cut it off at all?
Each week's a little bit different. But I think you're always working to find something that could help you. When you get into that situation, I think Shane's (Steichen) very similar. I think something that's impressed me here, I think we've got a smart football team and a lot of guys who can handle information, and kind of know what to expect going out there and then execute. And I think when you have smart guys, you're able to continue to tweak things later in the week. And if you come up with something or you see something, coaches do a really good job, 'Hey, let's make this little adjustment here or that.' And guys pick it up well and execute it on Sunday.
Shane told us he was really excited about that isolation play you guys scored on. Did you guys feel like that had a chance going in?
Yeah, that's fun to watch for sure. To get those are always nice. I wouldn't call myself a run game expert in terms of the scheme and how that's all game planned but we got coaches who do a phenomenal job with that stuff and getting everybody ready to go. Tony Sparano, Tom Manning, all those guys that do the run game stuff are locked in. If they say it's going to be good, then it's probably going to be good.
They haven't asked you to do as many designed runs as maybe you did in New York. Obviously, you made plays with your legs today, but is there something to just kind of going about picking apart the defense and not having to worry about eight to 10 to 12 carries?
I think certainly willing and feel like I'm capable in the run game when it's needed. I think that's still part of this system. We've had success doing other things, but every week's different. And whatever's called for, whatever the coaches see opportunities with, I'll certainly be ready for. But I mean when you got JT (Jonathan Taylor) running like he's running it, let him run it. I don't need to get in the way of that.
You've been able to avoid sacks quite a bit. You obviously had the big run today. How important is that for this offense to be able to avoid those negative plays and kind of stay on schedule without getting sacks?
I think it's huge, when you look at a lot of the statistics and how you evaluate likelihood of scoring, I think those negative plays are huge, drive killers and having just one of them in a drive can really hurt your chances. So I think we've been doing a good job with that. Got to give big credit to the guys up front. The offensive line, obviously, that's where it starts. And then guys getting open and my job to get the ball out on time. So, I think that's everybody working together, but starts up front for sure.
The run and pass sort of play off each other. You guys have not been shy about throwing the ball downfield aggressively and often but also running for a lot of yards with efficiency. How are they playing off of each other right now?
I think just trying to take advantage of what the defense is doing. It helps to have a lead, when you have a led and especially in the second half, then you can run the ball and hit some explosive runs. And it's been fun to watch that. Today, you get up and then second half, JT (Jonathan Taylor) hits a 40 yard or whatever it was. I think that's huge. But yeah, I think, just being able to do both keeps the defense on their heels. They've got to defend both.
You mentioned that you and Shane (Steichen) are pretty obsessive about football. So if you all are away from the facility, how long does it take for the other to respond if you send a play to each other?
I don't know. I mean, it depends. Depends when, but yeah. If the head coach texts you, you should respond pretty quickly.
What did getting that pick-6 to start the game do for both sides of the ball?
I mean huge, just to start the game 7-0, big time start. We talked about having a fast start, coming on the road for the first time and making sure we're forcing the issue, starting fast. And then for him to make that play was big time for us. And on offense, that's a great feeling. You haven't touched the ball yet and you're in the lead. So yeah, big time play.
With Jonathan Taylor doing what he's doing right now, how much easier does that make your life as a quarterback?
I think makes it a lot easier being able to pop those explosive runs. And then in the red zone, he's done a great job finishing in the end zone. Yeah, and the ability to run it down there is huge and he's done a great job.
When you hear the home fans turn on their own team is there a blood in the water type of mentality that happens there? Do you even notice that?
You notice it, for sure. Yeah maybe a little bit. I think when you hear that and sense that, you try to take advantage of it.
