WIDE RECEIVER CHIMERE DIKE
What was going on in the first half that made everything click for you?
Just execution. We had a good week of preparation and I think offensively we were able to do some really good things in the first half. I think the second half, I made a critical error, a block that cost us and I think things like that right? To win games that we want to going forward, we need to do those things that starts with me.
You feel like you were more involved in the offense this week with Coach (Mike) McCoy taking over?
I mean, I wouldn't say that necessarily. I think that the coaches have been doing a great job of working me. And I think things just kind of clicked today. Put a lot of work in with Cam (Ward) and the rest of the guys, and it was nice to see some success. But at the same time, we want to win games.
You mentioned putting in a lot of work with Cam (Ward), that 38-yard touchdown, a deep crosser. Is that something you guys have worked on a lot in camp up to now, or how did that come about?
Yeah, I mean, I think it's just the reps we put in, right? Obviously ran it throughout camp, and the season and then also just watching film, putting in time, being able to see things the way you see them. It was really nice to connect on that.
And what do you want to do with the game ball back there? What are you going to do with that?
I'm going to take it home. I've had two called back. So, it's nice to get to keep this one.
Were you kind of looking around, like, making sure that one didn't go back for any weird reason, no flags? It feel good to finally get in there?
Yeah, a little bit, I was a little nervous about it. But O-line did a really great job protecting on that play. Cam (Ward) obviously threw a great ball, and it was nice to get in the end zone.
Cedric was telling us that he thinks it'll be that much more fulfilling to come out on the other side having gone through the difficult stuff you guys are going through now. How do you view that in the moment coming off this game?
Yeah, I mean, I think that the belief is still there within the group. And anytime you go through adversity in life, and we're facing adversity early in the season, it definitely feels good when you're able to come out the other side. So, it's important we get back to work this week, have a great week of preparation and go play a great game Sunday.
Sorry, I forgot to ask this already, but how good did it feel to contribute in several different ways today in the special teams and offensively?
Yeah, I mean, it felt great, obviously. I think there's things I got to clean up. Especially critical error in the third quarter. But that's just part of the process, continue to get better. And we'll watch the film tomorrow and learn from it.
