Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn addressed the media after the team's preseason game against the New York Jets. Here is a full transcript of the press conference.
Opening statement...
Well, I thought number one, this was a really worthwhile trip up here to New Jersey. Came up for the first part, practice, pleased to get the work in against the Jets, it was an excellent practice, both sides, thought they did an excellent job. Getting to see their looks, two men, redzones, special teams work, all the stuff that you want to get. Added elements of weather, wet ball, and so the fact that we had the chance to get into that, that was a good deal. Then leading into today, like most things, lots to learn from a game like this. Some good things I liked, taking care of the ball, that was one of the things that's so important to us, competing and the ball. That's always going to be a top priority, to convert on those sides, be able to create takeaways. change the field position. Thought it was excellent bits and looks at kickoff and kickoff return. That's obviously been a big topic we've all spent some time on during the year and, past that, lots of film to watch, guys to evaluate and look at so, all that said, let's get it rockin' for you guys and some questions regarding either practice from the other day or the game.
On what he thought of QB Jayden Daniels' performance...
Jayden, I thought just had a real command of things. We knew it was going to be a fairly short time for he and for Marcus (Mariota). We had planned for both of them to have a series, and then to move to change after that, so a great first day.
On the status of T Brandon Coleman and how he thought the group performed with having three tackles out...
Yeah, so not having those guys, it makes it hard to start obviously, it does, Nikki, though provide some opportunities for some extra looks at some people, so we moved (Chris) Paul out to tackle, we got more time with Trent (Scott), (Mason) Brooks slid out to tackle, played some out there. Obviously, signed Mike D (Deiter) to get some work into that space to go. As we're going through Brandon, I'd say we're probably in the day-to-day, week-to-week spot. He's got a strain in his shoulder and his peck, but we're anticipating him moving forward quickly. Don't have an update for you today, but they'll be able to give you some more information as we get down to Miami next week.
On how much stock he puts into Daniels' one drive...
Not a lot, but I think any time you go out to compete, there's a process you go through to be ready and part of my discussion with Jayden and some of the other guys today is, 'how did you like the whole process?' Warm up, to get ready - it's different from college and so I asked them on the plane ride home tonight to make some notes down (on) what would you change, anything to tweak going into Miami. So, that's your first lap, have that warm up, what did that do, what did all of that look like going into the game and so I think that's an important process for he (Daniels) and for all the first-time guys to go over. I thought he had a really good first part of it.
On Jayden check into the big play and how encouraging it is to see a guy with no fear...
Interesting question. I thought of Top Gun, 'Do I have permission to buzz the tower. No Ghost Rider, pattern is full.' So, I think on that one he wanted to ask for forgiveness and not permission, and then throw an absolute dime over the top to Dyami (Brown) to go. It was a really cool play; I think it probably illustrates for him the awareness in the checks and the things that go into it. Yeah, he did not ask for permission, so he went ahead and buzzed the tower anyways. It was a really cool play.
On the enjoyment Daniels has playing the game and if it rubs off on the whole team...
It does, and think you probably see how he and his teammates interact during the time here and so they all have real belief and trust in him as well, so it is cool to see. He was smiling back at us, he knew he went off script, and 'can I go back in?' And the answer was no.
On if he was comfortable with the performance on the touchdown play...
Yeah, that process I was OK with. There was no, full disclosure, there was no one there, you're allowed to run it.
On if he hadn't scored a touchdown would Daniels have gone back out for another series...
No.
