Head Coach Jeff Fisher – News Conference – December 17, 2012
(Opening statements)
“I mentioned in the postgame about our concerns for (G) Harvey Dahl and they were upheld, I guess, if you will. MRI shows that he’s got a torn bicep tendon and he’ll be having corrective surgery on Wednesday. So, we’ll be placing him on injured reserve. Don’t know what we’re going to do with the roster spot yet. Do know that we’ve got the potential for possibly (G) Shelley (Smith) and/or (G/T) Chris Williams battling it out for that spot here the last couple weeks, and there’s a potential that they both play in his spot. Other than Harvey, we’ll have a few guys probably that will maybe miss a day or two of practice, but I think we came through fairly well with that one exception.”
(On if he would have liked WR Chris Givens to kneel on the opening kickoff)
“Yeah, the hang time was a 4.25 hang time. It was too deep. Yeah, so, he needed to stay in the end zone. It’s just that that field didn’t give us a good start, didn’t give us good field position.”
(On if he has a certain part of the end zone where a kickoff should be downed)
“Well, it’s a combination of the kick and then the distance. If you get a low liner, at this point, you can… five to six deep is OK, but he had a really good hang time. Really, very fine kicker. The ball stayed up there for a long time. Then the other one he had no choice to bring out. That was kind of a mis-kick and it was off to the side. We weren’t pleased, obviously, with that. We talked about the overall return game thus far. We’ve used different returners. That’s not the issue; it’s the help that they’re getting. Our three biggest returns have been called back this year by penalty. That doesn’t give you a chance.”
(On if the help that returners need is better blocking)
“Well, just playing with more discipline. The one was questionable. The Jet thing was a little questionable. But right now, we’ve got to make sure that if you see a name on the back of the jersey, that you’re not making any contact whatsoever.”
(On P Johnny Hekker’s punting)
“We’re direction kicking. He’s improving. He’s improving on the practice field. It’s not an easy thing to do, but he did let one go off the side of his foot that obviously didn’t help us. We also had a 30-yard net on the first punt with the return which was not good. We’re going to continue to work with that. We’ve got confidence in him, he’s a tremendous athlete and we’ll continue to work with him.”
(On why directional punting is difficult)
“There’s very few that can do it and do it well and do it consistently. He’s been one of the better ones that we’ve had here on the practice field and in the games. It’s because you’re actually just turning at an angle and you’re aiming for a spot. If you miss that spot ever so slightly, especially to the right, the result is typically a short punt that goes out of bounds. But, he’s also had some great punts that have really helped flip field position for us as well.”
(On how deflating it is to have their playoff chances diminish)
“It is deflating, but you deal with it and you move on. That’s the approach that we took this morning. We have that 24-hour rule. You mull it all over, you get it corrected and then you move on. Our challenge is do we want to mope around as a result of a loss to the Vikings and be that team, or do we want to be the team that’s won three out of the last four games that’s going to go out and try to win another one. So, that’s the approach that we’re taking.”
(On if he will change his approach to the final two games, such as looking at different players)
“No. To play the younger players… we’ve been playing just about every young player we’ve got, and that’s good. So, no, we’re not going to change a thing. We’re going to have fun on the practice field, study, prepare and try to face the next challenge.”
(On if QB Sam Bradford was foggy at all after he got hit)
“No. He had no issues yesterday, other than he got hit too many times.”
(On if he was foggy after the scramble)
“No, he was not. He was fine. Communicating with (Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer) ‘Schotty’ the whole game, I was involved and he was fine. He didn’t have any issues. As I said yesterday, we allowed them to play to their strengths because of our four or five minutes there in the second quarter. We had possession of the ball at the quarter change and at 12 minutes, we tie the game up -- or there abouts -- and then four minutes later, we’re down 24-7. That was all our doing. As a result of that, we allow a good football team that’s really good at rushing the passer to rush the passer, and then a team that can run the football to run the football. We had talked all week about time of possession and running the football and getting up, and none of that happened for us. Precisely, the exact opposite happened.”
(On if that is a result of having a young team)
“It’s the game. There were some teams… the Super Bowl champions last year got shut out yesterday. On occasion, you’re going to have games. We had a half. The second half was… you can say all you want, we outscored them 15-6. What we have to do is… for example, in the two-minute drive, right before half, we had two false start penalties. A penalty in a two-minute drive will kill a drive. They’re hard to overcome. We had two false start penalties and as a result, what happens? We attempt a long field goal, don’t make it. They got good field position, they get three points. Against a team like the team we were playing, you just can’t have those types of mistakes. And at the same time, you also need a ball not to roll out of bounds that’s a fumble to scoop and score and those kinds of things. (CB) Trumaine (Johnson) needs to find a way to hang on to that next interception opportunity and then maybe things change. We made a lot of plays, but we made a lot of plays kind of in mop up time, where we’re throwing the ball down the field and they’re managing the down and distance and they’re managing the clock. But, we just need to play better the second quarter and we didn’t.”
(On if he wanted QB Sam Bradford to slide on his scramble and if he was just trying to get the first down)
“He was trying to get the first down. He’s a tough guy and he’s been durable. I don’t imagine he feels quite 100 percent today, but he’ll be back on the field Wednesday and ready to go.”
(On if the Vikings blitzed more than they typically do)
“No. They did on occasion. We were prepared for that. We had difficulty just with the four man rush. Their tackles were really – the tackles and the ends – but the tackles were primarily the big difference. Sam just couldn’t get a chance to step up like he did last week where you saw him.”
(On what the team can do to get started faster in the first half)
“Convert third downs. Avoid a holding penalty in the first drive. Hard to convert a third-and-20 in the first drive of the game. We get a sack or we come out with a first down, things are going good and we get a sack. It’s just those kinds of things that we have to avoid. We’ve got another challenge again this week. We’re playing the team that’s top, I think top in the league, in rushing defense. So, we’re going to have to, obviously, find a way to run the football and then make some plays down the field.”
(On if he saw anything different on Bradford’s interception after reviewing it on tape and if it looked like he didn’t see the Vikings defender)
“No. He didn’t see him.”
(On how the players were today and if they seemed more down compared to other losses this year)
“No. We discussed it in detail in the locker room yesterday and followed up on exactly what happened and why it happened and what our options are and where we go from here. No, they were upbeat. They like coming to work and that’s kind of the environment you want to create for them is that even though what took place yesterday was not easy, you come back in here the next day knowing you’re going to get it behind you and move on. That’s kind of the approach we’ve taken.”
(On how the remainder of the season can be a learning opportunity for the team)
“Well, we’ve got two games left. We have a chance, with success this week, if that happens, we have chance to finish with a winning record. We have a chance to, if we’re successful this week, we have a chance to be undefeated in the division, which is going to be a very, very difficult task, especially up there, so there’s challenges. We talk improving. From day one we’ve talked about improving and you just don’t stop improving in Week 17 when the game’s over. You push right through the season then you push in the offseason and then you move forward improving the big picture with this football team.”
(On if the team understood that this would be a growing period and if they had the mindset this season to work towards the future)
“No. I don’t think they’re thinking about next year and the future when you come to work on Wednesday and you’re digesting a game plan. I think they’re thinking about doing the best they can improving their skills. You see a lot of individual work outside and in the room a lot more. A lot of work being done on their own to try to get better. As long as they continue to do that, then that happens. But, I don’t see any one of those guys thinking about the future. They’ve been very focused week to week on each opponent.”
(On if he saw holding on Vikings RB Adrian Peterson’s 52-yard run)
“Yes. Offensive linemen and tight ends hold in this league and sometimes they’re called and sometimes they’re not. But yes, there was a hold.’
(On if he believed that DE Robert Quinn was held on Peterson’s 52-yard run)
“Well, no (S) Quintin Mikell was held on the edge. Usually when there’s a big run – I wouldn’t say usually because Adrian’s different – but when there’s a big run sometimes there’s some of that going on, but not in all of his big runs are there those kinds of plays just because he’s so talented.”
(On TE Corey Harkey’s performance and progression so far)
“He was given the opportunity here. He’s done a good job. He has three or four tackles on special teams the last couple weeks and he knows what to do. He’s doing a respectable job blocking against some difficult opponents and he can get to where he needs to get to in the passing game. So, it’s good to have him come on.”
(On if there’s a chance WR Brian Quick will receive additional playing time considering his touchdown in the red zone)
“He played quite a few snaps yesterday and made a couple plays. Really, it would depend on the game plan and what our approach is to try to beat an opponent.”
(On what kind of season Harvey Dahl had this year)
“He was very, very durable week in and week out. Dependable. He’s the kind of guy you want on your offensive line. He finishes plays. He’s tough. He battles. He just battles every play, so we’ll miss him for the next couple weeks, but he’ll find his way back. It’s probably a three to four month long rehab.”
(On how Shelley Smith played earlier in the season in his four games at left guard)
”Shelley was solid. He was solid in there. You know, it’s different moving over to the right side, but he’s done both and so, we feel like both he and Chris (Williams) will be able to finish that up for us.”
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(Opening statements)
“I mentioned in the postgame about our concerns for (G) Harvey Dahl and they were upheld, I guess, if you will. MRI shows that he’s got a torn bicep tendon and he’ll be having corrective surgery on Wednesday. So, we’ll be placing him on injured reserve. Don’t know what we’re going to do with the roster spot yet. Do know that we’ve got the potential for possibly (G) Shelley (Smith) and/or (G/T) Chris Williams battling it out for that spot here the last couple weeks, and there’s a potential that they both play in his spot. Other than Harvey, we’ll have a few guys probably that will maybe miss a day or two of practice, but I think we came through fairly well with that one exception.”
(On if he would have liked WR Chris Givens to kneel on the opening kickoff)
“Yeah, the hang time was a 4.25 hang time. It was too deep. Yeah, so, he needed to stay in the end zone. It’s just that that field didn’t give us a good start, didn’t give us good field position.”
(On if he has a certain part of the end zone where a kickoff should be downed)
“Well, it’s a combination of the kick and then the distance. If you get a low liner, at this point, you can… five to six deep is OK, but he had a really good hang time. Really, very fine kicker. The ball stayed up there for a long time. Then the other one he had no choice to bring out. That was kind of a mis-kick and it was off to the side. We weren’t pleased, obviously, with that. We talked about the overall return game thus far. We’ve used different returners. That’s not the issue; it’s the help that they’re getting. Our three biggest returns have been called back this year by penalty. That doesn’t give you a chance.”
(On if the help that returners need is better blocking)
“Well, just playing with more discipline. The one was questionable. The Jet thing was a little questionable. But right now, we’ve got to make sure that if you see a name on the back of the jersey, that you’re not making any contact whatsoever.”
(On P Johnny Hekker’s punting)
“We’re direction kicking. He’s improving. He’s improving on the practice field. It’s not an easy thing to do, but he did let one go off the side of his foot that obviously didn’t help us. We also had a 30-yard net on the first punt with the return which was not good. We’re going to continue to work with that. We’ve got confidence in him, he’s a tremendous athlete and we’ll continue to work with him.”
(On why directional punting is difficult)
“There’s very few that can do it and do it well and do it consistently. He’s been one of the better ones that we’ve had here on the practice field and in the games. It’s because you’re actually just turning at an angle and you’re aiming for a spot. If you miss that spot ever so slightly, especially to the right, the result is typically a short punt that goes out of bounds. But, he’s also had some great punts that have really helped flip field position for us as well.”
(On how deflating it is to have their playoff chances diminish)
“It is deflating, but you deal with it and you move on. That’s the approach that we took this morning. We have that 24-hour rule. You mull it all over, you get it corrected and then you move on. Our challenge is do we want to mope around as a result of a loss to the Vikings and be that team, or do we want to be the team that’s won three out of the last four games that’s going to go out and try to win another one. So, that’s the approach that we’re taking.”
(On if he will change his approach to the final two games, such as looking at different players)
“No. To play the younger players… we’ve been playing just about every young player we’ve got, and that’s good. So, no, we’re not going to change a thing. We’re going to have fun on the practice field, study, prepare and try to face the next challenge.”
(On if QB Sam Bradford was foggy at all after he got hit)
“No. He had no issues yesterday, other than he got hit too many times.”
(On if he was foggy after the scramble)
“No, he was not. He was fine. Communicating with (Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer) ‘Schotty’ the whole game, I was involved and he was fine. He didn’t have any issues. As I said yesterday, we allowed them to play to their strengths because of our four or five minutes there in the second quarter. We had possession of the ball at the quarter change and at 12 minutes, we tie the game up -- or there abouts -- and then four minutes later, we’re down 24-7. That was all our doing. As a result of that, we allow a good football team that’s really good at rushing the passer to rush the passer, and then a team that can run the football to run the football. We had talked all week about time of possession and running the football and getting up, and none of that happened for us. Precisely, the exact opposite happened.”
(On if that is a result of having a young team)
“It’s the game. There were some teams… the Super Bowl champions last year got shut out yesterday. On occasion, you’re going to have games. We had a half. The second half was… you can say all you want, we outscored them 15-6. What we have to do is… for example, in the two-minute drive, right before half, we had two false start penalties. A penalty in a two-minute drive will kill a drive. They’re hard to overcome. We had two false start penalties and as a result, what happens? We attempt a long field goal, don’t make it. They got good field position, they get three points. Against a team like the team we were playing, you just can’t have those types of mistakes. And at the same time, you also need a ball not to roll out of bounds that’s a fumble to scoop and score and those kinds of things. (CB) Trumaine (Johnson) needs to find a way to hang on to that next interception opportunity and then maybe things change. We made a lot of plays, but we made a lot of plays kind of in mop up time, where we’re throwing the ball down the field and they’re managing the down and distance and they’re managing the clock. But, we just need to play better the second quarter and we didn’t.”
(On if he wanted QB Sam Bradford to slide on his scramble and if he was just trying to get the first down)
“He was trying to get the first down. He’s a tough guy and he’s been durable. I don’t imagine he feels quite 100 percent today, but he’ll be back on the field Wednesday and ready to go.”
(On if the Vikings blitzed more than they typically do)
“No. They did on occasion. We were prepared for that. We had difficulty just with the four man rush. Their tackles were really – the tackles and the ends – but the tackles were primarily the big difference. Sam just couldn’t get a chance to step up like he did last week where you saw him.”
(On what the team can do to get started faster in the first half)
“Convert third downs. Avoid a holding penalty in the first drive. Hard to convert a third-and-20 in the first drive of the game. We get a sack or we come out with a first down, things are going good and we get a sack. It’s just those kinds of things that we have to avoid. We’ve got another challenge again this week. We’re playing the team that’s top, I think top in the league, in rushing defense. So, we’re going to have to, obviously, find a way to run the football and then make some plays down the field.”
(On if he saw anything different on Bradford’s interception after reviewing it on tape and if it looked like he didn’t see the Vikings defender)
“No. He didn’t see him.”
(On how the players were today and if they seemed more down compared to other losses this year)
“No. We discussed it in detail in the locker room yesterday and followed up on exactly what happened and why it happened and what our options are and where we go from here. No, they were upbeat. They like coming to work and that’s kind of the environment you want to create for them is that even though what took place yesterday was not easy, you come back in here the next day knowing you’re going to get it behind you and move on. That’s kind of the approach we’ve taken.”
(On how the remainder of the season can be a learning opportunity for the team)
“Well, we’ve got two games left. We have a chance, with success this week, if that happens, we have chance to finish with a winning record. We have a chance to, if we’re successful this week, we have a chance to be undefeated in the division, which is going to be a very, very difficult task, especially up there, so there’s challenges. We talk improving. From day one we’ve talked about improving and you just don’t stop improving in Week 17 when the game’s over. You push right through the season then you push in the offseason and then you move forward improving the big picture with this football team.”
(On if the team understood that this would be a growing period and if they had the mindset this season to work towards the future)
“No. I don’t think they’re thinking about next year and the future when you come to work on Wednesday and you’re digesting a game plan. I think they’re thinking about doing the best they can improving their skills. You see a lot of individual work outside and in the room a lot more. A lot of work being done on their own to try to get better. As long as they continue to do that, then that happens. But, I don’t see any one of those guys thinking about the future. They’ve been very focused week to week on each opponent.”
(On if he saw holding on Vikings RB Adrian Peterson’s 52-yard run)
“Yes. Offensive linemen and tight ends hold in this league and sometimes they’re called and sometimes they’re not. But yes, there was a hold.’
(On if he believed that DE Robert Quinn was held on Peterson’s 52-yard run)
“Well, no (S) Quintin Mikell was held on the edge. Usually when there’s a big run – I wouldn’t say usually because Adrian’s different – but when there’s a big run sometimes there’s some of that going on, but not in all of his big runs are there those kinds of plays just because he’s so talented.”
(On TE Corey Harkey’s performance and progression so far)
“He was given the opportunity here. He’s done a good job. He has three or four tackles on special teams the last couple weeks and he knows what to do. He’s doing a respectable job blocking against some difficult opponents and he can get to where he needs to get to in the passing game. So, it’s good to have him come on.”
(On if there’s a chance WR Brian Quick will receive additional playing time considering his touchdown in the red zone)
“He played quite a few snaps yesterday and made a couple plays. Really, it would depend on the game plan and what our approach is to try to beat an opponent.”
(On what kind of season Harvey Dahl had this year)
“He was very, very durable week in and week out. Dependable. He’s the kind of guy you want on your offensive line. He finishes plays. He’s tough. He battles. He just battles every play, so we’ll miss him for the next couple weeks, but he’ll find his way back. It’s probably a three to four month long rehab.”
(On how Shelley Smith played earlier in the season in his four games at left guard)
”Shelley was solid. He was solid in there. You know, it’s different moving over to the right side, but he’s done both and so, we feel like both he and Chris (Williams) will be able to finish that up for us.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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