Featuring postgame quotes from the following:

Head Coach Mike Macdonald

MIKE MACDONALD: It was sloppy a little bit operation-wise, which we want to definitely need to address moving forward. Tell you what, our guys played incredibly hard. You got complementary football towards the end of game in the red zone and played really great red zone defense, and the offense getting in that backed up situation was redeeming to say the least. Then going down with a 98-yard touchdown drive pretty much sealing it was pretty awesome. So, again, just the mentality, how hard our guys are playing, felt like we played physically.

Guys were flying around on defense. Place is electric. Our communication was on point given how loud it was. So I think we gave their operation some trouble. The fans did, so shoutout to the 12s on that one. Definitely boosted us on that one. But it's a great win. It's awesome to be 3-0. Obviously we got a big one coming up, too. We'll shift our focus after we celebrate today.

How much closer today are you to where you want to be?

MIKE MACDONALD: I thought we took a step forward today. You know, the run game, I think they popped a couple runs, but overall I thought we tackled very, very well. It's such a dangerous team. You know, the usual suspects. When they get their hands on the ball you got to take great angles. You need inside out pursuit, set the edge. I thought our front played incredibly hard getting to the ball with a sense of urgency, which was really fun to watch and be part of.

You got more out your run game than you did last week. What do you feel like with was working there?

MIKE MACDONALD: Yeah, just stick to it. This is us. I mean, I think that's the message throughout the week. Definitely you want to improve on the run game numbers from last week, but you can't panic. You got to stay poised. Got to stick to the process. There is always going to be things you're chasing from week to week. So, again, I thought it was a step in the right direction run game-wise. Thought our guys tried to play physical. But thought they did a good job, especially at the end.

You spoke several times in training camp about the growth Derick Hall has shown early in your time as a coach.

MIKE MACDONALD: Yeah.

What are you seeing the last few games? Today felt like he was living in the backfield.

MIKE MACDONALD: Yeah, Derick played a tremendous game. Really felt the whole front and how fast they were playing. But playing incredibly physical, incredibly hard, playing smart in how we're hitting the quarterback. No quarterback penalties, but hitting him legal. This is the type of player that you envision. He's a physical guy that can set the edge and drop when necessary. He's just playing at a high level right now, so we're excited about Derick.

You mentioned the defensive front twice now already. For those guys to get the job done minus Leonard and Byron.

MIKE MACDONALD: Yeah, speaks to their depth, resiliency. Again, I thought the front, I thought they played a tremendous game. All those guys, coaches included, A.D. (Aden Durde) and C.P. (Chris Partridge) and (Justin) Hinds. I thought they did a great job getting the guys ready to play.

You guys lost Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II up front there, too. To continue to play that kind of level up front given they weren't out there, what did you see out of the guys?

MIKE MACDONALD: I mean, that's the expectation. You just go down the line. The guys are suited up, you know, that's how we expect our defense to play. It's kind of like, okay, they're down, next guy is rolling. Let's go back to work.

What do you know about the severity of Leonard's injury?

MIKE MACDONALD: I don't know the severity of it. It's like a midsection thing. I don't know if it's a rib or whatever, but I think we got a picture of it. I don't know what the results of that are. We'll see here in the next couple days.

How about Byron Murphy II?

MIKE MACDONALD: He got a hamstring on a double team. Again, not sure of the severity, so we'll look at it this week.

How big was it to hold to a field goal after the first quarter interception?

MIKE MACDONALD: Big time. That's big time. I mean, our red zone defense I thought was poised. We communicated well. Red zone (defense), that's what wins you games, is those critical situations, high leverage downs. Our guys have a great mentality. When they get it the red zone, the reason is not good, so you have to have the mentality of we're defending a blade of grass.

Talked about the 98-yard drive. For Zach Charbonnet to get going at the end, the style of runner he is…

MIKE MACDONALD: That's him, that is Zach Charbonnet at his finest. Yeah, it's a four quarter game. Just stick to the run game, keep trying to move them, keep running the rock, speaks to his mentality, the offensive mentality to go out and close it out.

With Jerome Baker being out you got to watch Tyrice Knight a lot, Drake Thomas also.

MIKE MACDONALD: Yeah.

How do you feel about the way those two played?

MIKE MACDONALD: I thought they did a nice job. It was great to see Drake (Thomas) get some action, field goal attempt. He made some plays. I felt those guys. T. Knight, just a poised dude. He's a rookie but you don't feel like that when you look in his eye. It's not too big for him. Thought he took a step from the New England game. He'll keep getting better. He's doing a tremendous job.

Looked like Coby Bryant played, too.

MIKE MACDONALD: If you're doing a great job in practice and kicking butt, then we're going to find a way to get you on the field. Just speaks to Coby and his work ethic and keep working at it, hammering at it one play at a time, let the production speak for itself, and we'll figure out a way to get you out there.

At right guard you didn't rotate at all.

MIKE MACDONALD: Yeah, just felt like throughout the week A.B. (Anthony Bradford) really earned all those opportunities. It's kind of week to week thing right now. We'll see. We'll look at the tape. There was a holding penalty that A.B. had. I don't want to speak to how well he played because I don't know for sure right now.

How do you balance the lighter boxes with still defending the run?

MIKE MACDONALD: I mean, that's the game, right? It's just how many opportunities you want to give them on the perimeter. If you stick a guy in the post, there is less people on the edge, that's where the ball is probably going. If you got two guys back there, got to be better in the middle. If you can defend the run and is split safety, that's some high-powered stuff. It's not easy to do. There is a lot of stress on the interior defense and on your edge with your edge mechanics. Guys have to play multiple gaps. So it's heavy lifting, so it's not easy. You got to know who we're using in the run fits and when you can use them. So, if you can do it, just gives you such an advantage. Now, there are times where you want to play single high and we kind of call it accordingly there. But love the question. More football questions.

Big picture you guys are 3-0. Rest of the division is only 1-2. It's early, but having this start has to feel good, right?

MIKE MACDONALD: I'm glad we won today. Yeah, we got a long way to go. This is a long season. We got a big game coming up. Our first goal is to win each game and the next goal is to get in the dance and then the next goal is win the division. We're a long way from there. We can help our chances again next week if we go to Detroit and get a win.

What did you think of Geno Smith's day today?

MIKE MACDONALD: I thought he played pretty dang well. You know, again, he's poised. There are some things that weren't going our way offensively. He just brings everybody along with him. I think like the drive at the end kind of speaks to our mentality offensively. Wasn't our greatest day, but operating for the most part I thought we did a great job. Getting in and out of the tempo stuff, and, yeah, I thought he played really well.

Long catch for DK Metcalf. As an offense, to have a weapon like that, even a day when things aren't going great, to have him go like that, what does that mean?

MIKE MACDONALD: Yeah, sounding like a broken record with DK (Metcalf). At any point in time he can put points on the board wherever you're at. We love him. He's working his butt off. I'm just glad that 14 is on our side. He's a problem. He's a massive problem for defenses.

On that first interception from Geno Smith were you surprised that Ryan dialed up an empty play there?

MIKE MACDONALD: No. We had gotten the ball out, you know with enough space where we can pretty much run -- there are some things you don't want to run in those situations, but just tough play, tough outcome, you know. Process-wise I think we're all right.

Looked like you were trying to challenge a play around the DPI on Julian Love. Can you talk about what you saw there?

MIKE MACDONALD: Help me out there.

Julian Love...

MIKE MACDONALD: The one on 'Spoon (Devon Witherspoon) at the end of the quarter?

Yeah.

MIKE MACDONALD: Yeah, we thought that maybe the clock ran out at the end of the quarter and that's what we were going to challenge, so the play would've been dead. But our guys were on it. Initially we thought we had a chance. Went back and looked at it, so we didn't challenge it.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

QB Geno Smith

The long pass to DK Metcalf, kind of what that play was and how that broke so open right there?

GENO SMITH: That was a play that we had been repping all offseason, give DK (Metcalf) the option to read that right there. If we get the coverage we like, he's going to take the top off it. So they were playing low quarters on that side; they play up half to the other side; we got the safety in the position we want him, and he really bit down on the dig route and DK was able is it get behind him. I thought the protection was great. Allowed us the extra second we needed to get ball downfield. That was a big play for us.

Is the purpose of that to put the safety in a spot he can't change positions when DK Metcalf heads up the field, that he's already leaning the wrong way?

GENO SMITH: Yeah, just knowing coverages, you know that safety is going to be in a quarters coverage. He is going to be more aggressive to any end cuts or underneath rounds. So we tried to take advantage of that. The cornerback didn't overlap over the top so we were able to get the exact look we wanted, and like I said, DK (Metcalf) read it perfect and protection was great; allowed us to get the play off.

Speaking of DK Metcalf, how about the deep sideline pass?

GENO SMITH: Yeah, that was a great catch by him. Great job to keep his toes in-bounds. Any time you got a DB with his back turned to any of our targets, but especially a guy as tall as DK (Metcalf), you want to give him a shot there. He did a great job right there. I thought that was a great play.

Most of the second half it a lot of penalties, getting behind the sticks. How impactful was it at the end to be able to overcome that and be able to put the game away with the run game, which had been stagnant for most of the game? To be able to physically punish them that way and set the tone and really finish off the game.

GENO SMITH: I thought Coach Macdonald did a great job throughout the week talking about our run game and how in his words, it's a softening process. It's not always going to hit early in the game. You got to keep wearing them down and stick to it. I thought (Ryan) Grubb did a great job continuing to call the runs that we had advantaged looks. Then our O-line took over the game really in the second half. One of the things we got to get better at is just those laws like you said. Started out fast. We wanted to do that. We wanted to come out and start fast, but then we put our foot on the gas, and I think that's where we got to take the next step. We're up three scores or two scores, let's keep pushing the lead. Obviously their defense did a great job stopping us. Two turnovers that we can't have. I've got to do a better job with that. Overall, liked the way we finished and really just gutted it out.

How big of a deal was it for the defense to hold them to three points after the first interception?

GENO SMITH: You know, those type of things, when we talk about complementary football, those are the things we talk about. Situations aren't always going to be perfect. Again, we got to eliminate the mistakes, and that starts with me. I got to eliminate putting our defense in tough spots. To see them go out and not flinch, not bat an eye, go out there and put the clamps on that offense and hold them to three points, the only points they got throughout the game, and then they had another big time stop late in the game right before the big drive. You know, so the way they're playing is lights out. Man, it's going to give us a chance to win every single game we play. As an offense, we left a lot out there. I'm going to be honest with you, I'm really pissed off at the way I performed. I think we got to get better.

The first interception from the end zone, something specific you feel like you should have done different there?

GENO SMITH: Shoot, man, just not throw an interception. You know, I don't know exactly what to say. Felt like the ball was just tipping up in the air today. But still, something I can do to make sure that doesn't happen.

Can you talk about what about the way Miami defending Noah Fant that made him a bigger option today?

GENO SMITH: I think the way that teams cover us; we got DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon (Smith-Njigba), Noah Fant, Ken Walker, Zach Charbonnet, Kenny Macintosh, Pharaoh Brown. All our guys, you know, they're all capable of making plays. The great part about my job is that it's easy because I just have to read the defense and get the ball into the hands of the playmakers. I let the defense dictate what it's going to be on that day. If they want to double DK (Metcalf), it's going to open up for other guys. If they want to double DK and (Tyler) Lockett, then you got matchups for Jaxon and Noah. We got some unselfish guys out there, and at any given time it could be any guy's day.

Aside form the interceptions, what were you disappointed about in your game today?

GENO SMITH: Just the fact we scored 17 points right in the first quarter. Felt like we came out great, and then for some reason we couldn't just get over that hump. I kept trying to push the guys. Hey, we got to put our foot on the gas, score more points. I'm right at the forefront of that. As I said, whatever it takes to get it done. I can't pinpoint it right now. I'll watch the film. Whatever it takes for us to get better and to push ourselves and reach that next level, that next step we're talking about, that's something that I lay right at my own feet. I take it real personal.

What did that 98-yard drive mean to the offense after you guys had some challenges last three games from that position?

GENO SMITH: Just the resilience that we have as an offense and really as a team. But if you look at this offense, any time we're stuck in a rut or there is something negative that happens or I throw an interception, next play, touchdown to DK (Metcalf), right? So we have a resilient group. We knew at that point we hadn't been doing anything in the second half after the first quarter. Our defense has been playing lights out. We got to give them something. We got to give them something. We're backed up, but we got to flip the field. I thought we were determined to go out there and score, give us another lead, and allow our defense to play just with that much more of an edge.

Big picture, you guys are 3-0; rest of the division is 1-2. As you say, there is a lot you can get better at. How do you feel about where you are right now?

GENO SMITH: Any time you can win the games that you play, that's what you play for. That's all that matters, is that we win. However we get it done, I'm not really particular about that. But, yeah, 3-0. It's a great start. We still got more games to play, 14 more. You know, we got to lock in going on the road to Detroit, another tough environment. But we've been there before, so we got to lock in and make sure that we put these games behind us, because we already played them, and get ready for the next one.

How far do you think you are as an offense from where you can be?

GENO SMITH: I think we're right where we are supposed to be. I think we're right where we're supposed to be. We have won three games. We've had our ups and downs. We had our great moments and had our not-so-great moments. I think that's a good sign for us. I know we're going to put it together and start clicking here soon.

You talked about resilience. As a quarterback, some quarterbacks, if they have a bad play or two will go into a downward spiral. What is it about you and your experience where even if you just have to grind it out, you don't let those bad plays get you down, you put that into pushing forward more?

GENO SMITH: I just think process over results. So trusting my process. I know I got three interceptions on the season. They've all been in the most flukey ways possible. I know I'm not being reckless with the football. That's never my goal. I trust myself, my preparation, the type of player that I am. So my confidence never wavers at any time, no matter what happens in the game good or bad. But the process is what matters the most. As long as I'm going the proper process, I believe that I'm doing the right thing.

Did the down moments early in your career really influence and inform that about how you view the game now?

GENO SMITH: I didn't have any down moments in my career. Like I said, I've been blessed to be in this position for 12 years now. A lot of the people would love to be in my shoes. So from that perspective I think helped me not have down moments. Any time I do throw an interception or have a bad play, I just think about, hey, man, you're you, so be you. Simple.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

RB Zach Charbonnet

(On the importance of the running game today) "That's on Coach Macdonald. The run game is a softening process, so we kind of just stuck with that. Started a little show in the first half, but the line kept attacking and we were able to just keep it going."

(On the 98-yard drive at the end) "We always talk about closing the gate, for the offense. That was kind of our moment right there to be able to close the gate and go put seven. Just be on the attack right there. I think we did a great job. Defense played a great game today. Even after that, they just continued to keep getting stops all day. So, I give a lot of credit to the defense."

(On scoring four touchdowns in three games and getting used to finding the end zone) "Yeah, that's the plan. Whatever it takes, that's just my mindset."

(On seeing Kenny McIntosh get some carries) "That's a guy who continues to work hard and he keeps showing up every week in practice. It's always great to see any running back get out there and continue to perform. I love Kenny and love the work he's put in, so good to see that."

(On his second touchdown run) "We just did a downhill, hit it out the front side. All I had to do was make one guy miss. As a running back, that's all you can ask for is a one on one. Like I said, give a lot of credit to the line and tight ends, especially in that blocking scheme right there and just allow me to get a one-on-one."

LB Dre'Mont Jones

(On what he's most proud of with the defense in this game) "I'm more impressed by the three points [allowed], to be honest with you. It's hard to hold an NFL team to three points. We've been having close score games the past couple weeks and it's good to have a game where we have some space."

(On having some opportunities in this game with the Skylar Thompson holding the ball longer) "I felt like we had the ability to rush him. I definitely had more than one [pressure]. But the one sack I got, I should've had more. I thought collectively we did a great job of plastering, closing the pocket."

(On the injuries to the defensive line in the second half) "Guys know the game; you have to step up. I think we're so deep and talented, it didn't really feel like they were gone. Obviously, they're hell of players, I'm not trying to negate them. Their abilities are one of one, both of them. But I think that we just have that depth."

FS Julian Love

(On the goal line stand) "Just ball up. It's a great opportunity to show who we are as a defense."

(On the defense shutting down the Miami offense today) "It's a mindset. (On) short fields, good defenses have a mindset to go out there and you want to be tough for your group. We go out there and take it as a challenge. I know guys were excited for the opportunity to show what we could do in the red zone."

(On how the defense through three games) "I think we showed that we're capable of everything, really. Getting after the quarterback, getting after the ball. It's just continuing to be cohesive and build on that each week."

(On the six sacks for the defense) "Those boys are getting after it. That front gave a lot today and it's so exciting to see."

(On only allowing 200 yards on defense) "We're capable of a lot. If we play clean football, limit explosives, tackle well, we can play a game like this. It's exciting. We knew we had it in us, obviously, and now we just continue to build each week."

(On what they wanted to focus on coming into this game) "Know where number 10 (Tyreek Hill) is. He's the best in the league. We wanted to make sure we're keying on him as well as all their other explosive players."

(On the resiliency of the defense with injuries) "Those big guys got after it. I think top to bottom, that's a great group. I'm glad they got some love today and got some shine and opportunities to go after it. The best coverage in the world is a great rush. I appreciate it."

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

(On the run game) "Yeah, that's what football is; that's what we try to drive every week, and practice to execute because the run game and the pass game go together. So, if we can run the ball efficiently, then we're going to pass well. So it's definitely a point of emphasis that we have to keep going and work on, and we'll get better at it."

(On Zach Charbonnet's performance) "Yeah, he (Zach Charbonnet) played his (butt) off, ran very hard. Every time he gets the ball, I know he is going to try his best, and he's a really great player, and the team and myself are definitely happy with his performance today."

(On what is ahead for the team) "Long season, we've got a lot of work put in. Happy with being 3-0, happy to learn from wins rather than losses. So, just ready to get to Detroit and fix what we need to fix throughout the week during practice and get a (win) out there."

WR DK Metcalf

(On going 98 yards for a touchdown late in the game) "The run game got going, the passing game, we were able to complete some passes. I think the one thing that helped us on that drive is that we didn't put ourselves behind the sticks and so we stayed out of penalty trouble. I think that was the only thing that stopped us today was the stupid penalties that we had. False starts, holdings. Good thing we won, so we clean it up on Monday, Tuesday, and move on to the Lions."

(On his long touchdown) "I saw it was Cover 2. Me and Geno have been working that certain route since training camp, and it just came to life today."

(On what feels better, his post up catch or the long touchdown) "Winning. If we didn't win, we would have had a sour taste in our mouth after the second and third quarter that we had out there. Winning takes care of a lot of mistakes, but you can't overlook them or sweep them under the rug. You've got to be professionals and be the type of team that fixes those mistakes and moves on and improves throughout the season."

(On what it means to the offense when the defense gets a big stop after a turnover) "It gives us a boatload of confidence when you know they always got our back, in that sense. We're going to go out there and mess up on purpose by any means, but with the type of defense that we have on our team, it just gives us the utmost confidence to go out there and just play free, to where we can always lean on them, and vice versa. There's going to be a game to where they have to lean on us, so we got to answer the bell the way they've answered it the first three weeks."

(On the confidence level heading into Detroit) "It's steady. We can't get too high or too low. Like I said, we got to continue to iron out the mistakes and continue to lean on one another, so we improve from week to week and hopefully beat the Detroit Lions."

T Charles Cross

(On what Miami showed them defensively that took a while to adjust to) "I feel like we prepared well for the week. Everything that they showed us, we had a look at in practice."

(On how much of an emphasis starting fast was) "I feel like that was very big for us today. I feel like we started fast in the first half. We just have to continue to keep that pressure going and keep the intensity going."

(On how he feels the start of the season has been for the team) "We can play and be so much better. Just continue to play together, lean on one another, and be one, as a group."

LB Tyrel Dodson

TE Noah Fant

(On starting fast as an offense and how he feels it went) "Obviously, we know that as the offense, we want to eliminate those lulls, a lot of penalties, and a lot of self-inflicted wounds that were killing our drive. So, we'll go back to the film and keep improving on that stuff. Just continuing to gel together and get better as a unit. We were able to come out of the game with a win, but obviously, we know that we have a lot to improve on and lots to get better at. But obviously, gain those wins in the process and still being able to learn and fix those things is a good thing."

(On the emphasis of starting fast from the coaching staff) "That's been the emphasis from the start, from game one, so hopefully we can keep that going. I think we jumped up on them a little bit, but we had the opportunity to be up 17-3. That next drive is a real opportunity to put your foot on them a little bit, and we failed to do that, but we will get it going. We'll get it figured out."

(On how where he is at with the offense and if he is getting back into the swing of things) "I'm not going to lie, being out a little bit in training camp, it didn't help me. Obviously, I like getting reps, getting into a routine, and doing things like that, but (I) missed a little bit of time. I'm kind of getting back into the swing of things a little bit, which is nice to feel, and getting involved in the offense, which is really cool. So, I'm excited and looking to keep building. I still have a lot to work on, still have a lot to improve on, and kind of get to where I want to be. But today was a good start."

CB Tre Brown

(On having a comfortable lead atop the NFC West) "It feels good. Like I said before, never get complacent. We're going to keep chopping it up. We're going to focus on us and every week try to be 1-0."

(On the mindset when the defense takes the field on a short field) "We know what we're out there to do. At the end of the day, the main thing is to go out there and stop your opponent, no matter where we are at on the field. I think that's what keeps us going. It's an identity we've got going for ourselves, and we're going to try to keep that identity."

(On the identity of the defense) "We want to be the best in the nation. Hard-nosed football. I think we're doing a hell of a job."

(On if it felt good that the defense logged 6 sacks against Miami) "Hell yeah. Like I said, we're only getting better. We're focusing on us and worrying about us."

(On what he thinks the defense has done well throughout the first 3 weeks of the season) "I think we stay poised and know what we are here to do. As far as getting put in situations and knowing that 'Hey, let's stay poised. Let's go make these plays. It's us versus them.' In reality, it's us versus us."

RB Kenny McIntosh

(On the success of the run game today against Miami) "We just had to pretty much pick our pants up and drop our (expletive) and go out there and do what we do. We know we came here and would have to run the ball. We practiced all week running the ball, knowing we were going to have to run the ball. We need (our) guys in order to take over the game the way we want to. In the end, fans came along. At halftime, we got a speech from coach and we went out there and had to do what we had to do."

(On playing for the first time during the regular season of his NFL career.) "Let's talk about the 1st play. My boy DK (Metcalf) ran I don't know how long it was. I got to go watch it, man. My boy went crazy, deep, for a touchdown. But, my first carry, man, it felt good. It felt knit. Just excited to get my feet wet out there with the boys and finally get it done. So, I thank God that I was able to do it today, man. I know my mama was happy, smiling at me."

(On his 3rd down carry in the 4th quarter) "That was very important. I had to keep my knees driving on that one. It was 3^rd-and-short. It's 3^rd-and-inches I believe it was. I just had to keep my legs moving. My o-line (offensive) ended up giving me an extra push. Got the job done, and it made me smile. It made me smile because that was a big third down. Like you said, we needed that at the end of the game. I just thank God that happened."

LB Derick Hall

(On what has changed this year to help him get 3 sacks so far this year, after none last year) "I think the big part of it is just knowing what I had to attack going into the offseason. Really honing in on that, being able to develop my pass rush and take it to the next level. Having a year under my belt, knowing what to expect, knowing how things are going to flow, having guys that trust in me like Uchenna (Nwosu) and Boye (Mafe). Then, obviously, the scheme that coach Mike (Macdonald) has put in place for us on the defensive side of the ball, I think it allows the entire defense, but particularly the outside 'backers, to be really, really effective, game-in and game-out."

(On how much emphasis the coaching staff put on starting fast) "That's a big emphasis every single week. I think every single day we go out to practice, the biggest thing is to start fast. Continue to play on, and then close it out at the end. I think that showed (up) really well today, just being able to go out, start fast, playing through our keys.

We knew that we were going to attack the edges and the alleys, so being able to play confident and not let the eye candy bother you and go out and play physical. And I thought we accomplished that, really well."

(On whether working on boxing moves in the offseason has helped him) "Yeah, just trying to figure out every little caveat that I can to be able to help me react quicker. I think boxing was one of those really big things. I did a little bit of it in college, but not the way that I did this offseason, so it's definitely starting to pay off."

(On what help he got from Boye Mafe to improve from Year 1 to Year 2) "Yes, Boye and I are really close. He was the one who helped me throughout the rookie growing pains last year. Giving me the way. Even the littlest things, when it came to getting the guys' food and how to prepare, how to take care of my body. Just being able to still lean on him a lot this year.

He talks to me a lot. He's going to talk about different things, especially when it comes to the game and being able for me to see different things and being able to translate that to him and him (giving me input in return), I think that's the biggest thing, just being able to feed off each other. He's definitely helped me out a lot."

(On what was the hardest part to his adjustment last year) "I think the biggest thing was, the speed of the game wasn't that big of a deal, but really understanding the game. Coming from college I thought I was a really smart guy, but you don't have all the shifts and motions and different things that you have now.

Just learning personnel and different guys and different things that are put in place and being successful on those plays, and picking up on those, and going out there every single week and trying to hone in on that. Little tips and tendencies to go out and be successful. I feel like that's the biggest difference."