Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Martz on the Mike

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    Martz on the Mike

    Head Coach Mike Martz
    Tuesday, August 31, 2004

    (On where he still sees the need for improvement)
    “We can get better everywhere. I think If you’re satisfied with where we are at in any position, then you’re in trouble.”

    (On if it’s a relief to only have one more preseason game before the regular season starts)
    “I guess you can say that, but I look at it more as an opportunity to get better. We’re not as good as we need to be in the opener. This week and this game gives us a chance to continue to get better and tune up, and that’s how we look at it. We’re not just trying to get through this thing, I think if you do that then you have problems. We’re going to take a good look at as many players as we can in this game, and put them in difficult situations, and see who can make a play for us, and they may not or they may. There’s some guys that we just don’t have enough information on to know whether or not they belong on this roster, so this game will be heavily scrutinized. We will make an effort on both sides of the ball, and special teams, to get guys in position where they have to be counted on to make a play, and we’ll see what happens.

    (On if you can get enough information about a player off of only a few plays)
    “Absolutely. You can have a rookie free agent in for five or six plays, whether it’s on special teams or either side of the ball, and you can get a pretty good idea, especially if he’s involved in the play. That’s what happened to Kevin Garrett last year, Kevin was really struggling, he got on special teams, and he turned into a different person. That got everybody’s attention, and then we got going with Kevin, he got going, and it makes a big difference. These preseason games are very important to evaluate these guys, and for particularly the first group, to come together.

    (On if T Orlando Pace would be able to play in the Oakland game if he showed up tomorrow)
    “I think that would be pretty hard to do. We would be irresponsible putting him in a football game. He has no practice time, and he’s certainly not in any kind of hitting shape.”

    (On the last roster cut)
    “Jeremy Phillips I think we we’re able to injury settle today. He had a neck problem, and that was just non-stop.”

    (On how RB Steven Jackson handled the amount of work he received)
    “No question about it. You look at Steven in that game when he got tired, mentally. We did that to him on purpose. And now you get a guy that is used to carrying the load when he is exhausted. You see he made one or two mental errors and got really tired. I talked to him today and it was a good learning experience for him. That’s when you have to reach down and find something that you didn’t know was there.”

    (On how much RB Lamar Gordon will play on Thursday)
    “I don’t know. There is a chance he can play. I want him to take as many reps as he can. I’d like him to play and I think he wants to play. He needs to be confident with that ankle, and changing direction. If he is confident in it, and feels strong, we’ll get him in there as much as we can. Here is a guy that we questioned his toughness, but nobody knew, for the past four years, he had this bone in his joint floating around. Obviously, he’s a pretty tough guy.”

    (On if he has kept contact with Raiders head Coach Norv Turner)
    “I just talked to him the other day. He’s a very good friend. He taught me so much, whether he knows it or not. His approach to the game, his aggressive style, and all of those things (he taught me). The two years that I spent with him were very rewarding in that aspect.”

    (On if WR Shaun McDonald will be the punt returner on opening day)
    “We’re going to run a bunch of guys through. I’m happy with where he is right now. In terms of a punt returner, I have no worries about him.”
    Tags: None
Previous template Next

Related Topics

Collapse
  • RamDez
    Head Coach Mike Martz
    by RamDez


    Head Coach Mike Martz
    Saturday, August 14, 2004


    (Opening statement)


    “All in all I was very pleased, with particularly the first half with both groups. We were a little taped together there in the offensive line. I thought Adam Timmerman was outstanding. Scott Tercero has really come to the forefront, he has really done well in the past few weeks. I hate to admit this, but I didn’t know he played this well, but he did, he played exceptionally well. You would have to give him terrific marks on anybody’s evaluation. I’m very pleased with him particularly. Offensively, Steven (Jackson) is learning the offense, he’s getting better. He still doesn’t have the leg strength back yet that he will have eventually. He’s still learning our offense, but he did a terrific job in pass blocking, which for a rookie, is a big challenge. He did a great job in recognizing blitzes and getting over. Fortunately, they did blitz us, and that’s good for us, because with him back there, he has to get tested before the season starts. We made some mental mistakes in there on a couple of sacks, and two of the sacks were due to mental errors. We’ll clear those things up, that’s easy to fix. I thought (Shaun) McDonald was terrific, in every phase, from a blocker to a receiver, and punt returner on special teams, he was quite remarkable. Defensively, I was pleased with the effort. We overran some things, which resulted into some big plays, which is good because you can fix that. I thought that DeJuan Groce was outstanding, he had a terrific game. Robert Thomas, I thought, was just absolutely exceptional, just outstanding in the time that he was in there. I thought that Bryce (Fisher) was exceptional, for a guy that had that ankle he came back, if you watch his effort for the time that he was in there, he was really outstanding. Of course Tyoka (Jackson) and Leonard Little did a good job. A rookie that stood out, that makes you take notice, is Brian Howard, he was good. Those were the guys that I thought were up and above everyone else. Not that anyone else played poorly, but those guys certainly deserve special mention. Brandon (Manumaleuna) was really significantly good, I think on that fourth and one we probably should of challenged it.”

    (On G Adam Timmerman’s shoulder injury)
    “Well he had some treatment on it, and the way they treated it made it a little bit sore, which is the normal treatment. Once he had that soreness out, he was ready to go. Adam, you can put in any competitive situation and he’s just got two speeds- stop and go. He’s what your looking for as a leader, and an example in every form.”

    (On G Scott Tercero being so successful in camp)
    “I think that there’s a toughness in Scott that I didn’t realize was there, because he’s such a quiet young man. There’s a resolve, if you will, you don’t know about these guys until you put them in pressure...
    -08-15-2004, 02:15 AM
  • RamWraith
    Head Coach Scott Linehan--Saturday, September 2
    by RamWraith
    The Quote Sheet - Saturday


    Head Coach Scott Linehan

    (Opening Statement) “We’re in September, you can tell. The weather’s
    changed a bit. I’m sure we’re due some warmer days still, I haven’t
    been through a calendar year in St. Louis, but it’s a pretty nice day.
    Down to 53, so if you have any questions on that certainly ask me.
    Some tough decisions. Probably since my time here, that was probably
    my toughest night. They were all tough, but last night, went round and
    round on a couple, but you’ve got to make decisions, live with them and
    move on. I’m very happy with the group we have. I think we’ve got a
    very good roster. I’m pleased with the fact that we’re very healthy
    going into the first game. Now we’ve just got to go and put out a
    great effort here starting September 10th.”



    (On why QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was chosen over QB Dave Ragone) “I think
    Fitz [Patrick] having some extra time certainly gave him an advantage.
    He played well in practice and most of the preseason. I don’t think
    either one had their best night Thursday night, but it’s like I told
    Dave this morning when I met with him. Not one game made the decision
    for me or for anybody. He worked an uphill battle, and improved, and
    did well, and better every game he played until the last one. I said
    ‘You should have no regrets.’ He’ll have feelers from other people.
    He’s certainly someone who’s been here that is now familiar with what
    we’re doing, so I told him I wouldn’t forget about him. I go a long
    way back with him now and that was a tough one. I’ve done it…I left
    before his senior year when I was coaching him in college, and then I
    had to talk to him about this deal today, which was certainly not
    easy.”

    (On depth being the reason CB DeJuan Groce was cut) “No question. We’
    ve added some real quality depth to our secondary. We needed to. The
    battles were very good there. DeJuan did a nice job for us. I think
    he had an interception early in the preseason, I think I might have
    even been the Indianapolis game, but he did a nice job for us. Had a
    little set back with the hamstring injury, and that held him back
    some. It didn’t allow him to stay in that mode he was in as far as
    competing, but that was another tough one. It hampered him being able
    to help possibly making the team as a specialist because he was never
    100 percent healthy after he got that hamstring injury in training
    camp.”

    (On if the hamstring injury was what kept Groce out) “The hip flexor,
    and then his hamstring was bothering him this last week, so he was
    having some problems with both. He went as much as he could but it
    didn’t...
    -09-03-2006, 01:17 PM
  • RamWraith
    Linehan's Tuesday Press Conference
    by RamWraith
    (from Rams PR):

    (Opening statement)

    “There is nothing real new as far as injuries, except for (Dominique) Thompson. He’s still questionable. We’ll decide tomorrow if Dominique will be able to play.”

    (On if the team has decided on the roster move)

    “(Dave) Pearson will be waived injured. It wasn’t as serious so we’ll certainly make sure that everything is taken care of, but he’ll be officially off our roster as of 3 p.m. today.”

    (On if the starters will play against Kansas City)

    “I haven’t decided. I don’t know how much we’re going to play them. I want everybody preparing for the game.”

    (On DL Adam Carriker’s transition to the middle)

    “Excellent – probably one of the best parts of this entire preseason. Once we put the pads on, he’s really improved and sewn up the middle of our defense, at the defensive tackle spots, particularly at nose. He’s seen three different schemes in the first three games where you have to get that background a little bit and understand what people are trying to do to you inside, if you haven’t played in there. He’s really played well.”

    (On how Carriker has handled the pressure of becoming a starter)

    “He’s handled it great. Being a No. 1 pick it comes with the territory. He’s come in, played and listened and has done his talking with his play and hard work. He just has to figure out that he has to get the snaps under his belt.”

    (On his outlook for the next round of roster cuts)

    “It’s very difficult. You start talking about either-or now because there are some interesting competitions that hopefully will be decided between now and the end of the game tomorrow night.”

    (On if WR Dante Hall is meeting his expectations)

    “Yes. It’s second nature for him. He plays returner like a centerfielder. He catches the ball square to the coverage teams. He understands that is No. 1 job is to field the football in great position so that he can use his talents and return the ball. We wanted to get some early returns the other night. They only punted once. They punted over his head. The other two, they kicked off with the wind and it kicked it over his head. Two of the kickoff returns that he’s had he’s caught, hit and timed very well. He hit north and south and that’s what we need.”

    (On if Hall’s performance as a kick returner is automatic)

    “Not automatic. You get different groups in there – maybe a different guy here and a different guy there. Once we get in the season or our 53 settled, you know exactly who’s going to be your wedge and who’s going to be off returner.”

    (On how difficult it is to possibly lose some of the talented, young receivers)

    “That’s the tough part. That’s the gamble. Ultimately, we’ll probably going to have to expose a player that we may want to keep on...
    -08-29-2007, 06:06 AM
  • RamWraith
    Head Coach Scott Linehan August 2, 2006
    by RamWraith
    Head Coach Scott Linehan

    August 2, 2006



    (On today’s practice)

    “We worked some situations today, some goal line, short yardage, continuing to work our blitz on both sides of the ball and continue to hone in on situations. We’re getting there. It’s the dog days, particularly now. We’re almost there. You get through this week and then you actually have a game in sight. But right now we’re still plugging away and I think we made some improvement this morning.”



    (On reminding players to keep the tempo up during practice)

    “That’s what you have to do. The body starts to shut down. They’re friendly reminders, that’s a good way of putting it.”



    (On his expectations for RB Steven Jackson)

    “The expectation for him is like all of the players: To give their best and improve everyday. I think Steven’s done a great job of accepting what we’re doing as far as our attitude and our philosophy. He’s certainly going to benefit from practicing the way we are and committing to the things we’re committing to. He’s running that ball downhill. We know he can get to the edge, and that’s going to be a big part of what he does. We’re going to hit that thing inside, and be able to get it outside as well. He’s doing a great job of really working on that part of his game.”



    (On LT Orlando Pace)

    “We have the obvious special players on this team that have played at a high level for a number of years Orlando’s certainly one of them. If you were going to make one of those LTs, he’s what you’re looking for. And he does a great job. He obviously had the child the other day, but he’s been out here grinding with everybody and doesn’t miss any reps. He certainly does things you can’t coach, but he’s also a very coachable player who takes pride in his technique. It’s a luxury for us because the young guys can watch how he goes about his business.”



    (On the backup RB situation)

    “Obviously, Tony Fisher is doing a great job there. One announcement is that we’ve agreed to terms with Moe Williams, who played for me when I was in Minnesota and played last year there, got hurt and actually went on IR and recovered from a knee surgery in the offseason. We brought him in twice. The first physical was incomplete so we brought him in again and he cleared that physical. We met with him yesterday and we came to terms today. He should be here by tonight or tomorrow. He’ll be ready to go. What Moe brings is somebody that is familiar to our system, but a veteran who has played in a role as a backup and as a three. So, between Mo and Tony Fisher we’ve got guys that are handling the same thing. Mo was a real strong special teams player as well. We’re just strengthening our team because we add a real quality back-up running back that has played very well in this system...
    -08-02-2006, 07:42 PM
  • RamWraith
    Martz on the Mike
    by RamWraith
    Thursday, September 9, 2004

    (Opening statement)
    “We’ve had a couple of roster moves. We added a couple of offensive linemen in (G Darnell) Alford and (G Blaine) Saipaia, that we’ve added to the roster. And Dedrick Roper, a linebacker, we picked up off the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers. So we have made a couple of moves. Nick Burley back to the practice squad. Some of these things we think they are really going to help us. Other than that, I think we are pretty healthy. Obviously, we are not going to have (CB Travis) Fisher in this game, or Tom Nütten, but other than that, by in large, we are pretty healthy. In terms of the Cardinals, it’s always difficult to play a team in the opener that has a new (coaching staff), and you’re really not sure what you are going to see on either side of the ball. Of course in preseason, so much of what you do, is not what you do in the regular season. They have made some roster moves lately, so it will be a little bit of a feeling out situation as we try to figure out the philosophy on both offense and defense. We think we have a good idea, but it’s always tough to do that.”

    (On S Jason Sehorn)
    “We brought Jason in to see where he was with his foot. After his second surgery, it hadn’t healed as well as we hoped, in which he might have considered coming back.”

    (On trading RB Lamar Gordon)
    “We did trade Lamar Gordon this morning to the Miami Dolphins. It’s all based on if he passed the physical down there, but I would assume he passed. I think Lamar is a terrific value. He’s a terrific back. This is a situation for him to go down there and become the starter. We do have three backs who have played well. Within the mix and getting all four players active, Arlen (Harris) has such a significant role on our special teams, Steven (Jackson) has done a terrific job, so this was an opportunity, value wise, that we couldn’t pass up. We talked to him this morning and he was excited about the opportunity. He feels great. The reason we gave him the ball 22 times (against Oakland), in the period of two quarters was that we needed to know if he was ready to go for us this year. Obviously, other people were watching too. I thought he was terrific in the game. We miss him. I think he is a terrific talent. It always makes you nervous when you have a talent like that move on, but none the less, I’m excited for him too. I think he will do very well.”

    (On if trading Gordon was a vote of confidence in Steven Jackson)
    “There is no question about that. I guess that would be the most obvious statement about the trade. We feel like Steven, at this point, is ready to play. We feel really good, also, about Arlen Harris. And the camp that Marshall (Faulk) has had, he has been outstanding in camp. We feel like all three guys are ready to go. It’s a little risky, but we feel like it was the right thing to do.”

    (On Marshall Faulk’s health)...
    -09-09-2004, 05:29 AM
Working...
X