Friday Media Transcript: OL Coach Mike Solari

Offensive Line Coach Mike Solari

November 4, 2016

Q: How would you assess the offensive line at the mid-point of the season?

A: We’re coming. There’s a lot of things we’re trying to improve on everyday and every week. We’re making progress. It never comes quick enough but we need to continue working on our technique and fundamentals.

Q: For the line perspective, the running game hasn’t clicked. Why do you think that is from the line perspective?

A: I think the key thing is just doing a better job with the fundamentals. Keep improving in our fits working together. There’s some areas that I think we’re getting better. It’s just the consistency. I think we’ll get better each week. I truly believe it.

Q: How much harder is that to do when you’re only running the ball 15 times a game?

A: Again, we have to eliminate some things offensively as far as staying on target. It’s just a matter of us getting a little bit more consistent. The guys are working hard and doing a nice job in the classroom and on the practice field. I think it’s going to come together.

Q: Who do you look at as the leader of that group?

A: They’re all working hard. The veteran guys, they all work hard. To point out one, I think Weston does a nice job at the center spot. Justin and John have done a nice job. It’s fun to see Ereck as he continues to grow and develop. They all have some leadership ability and they all do a nice job.

Q: They get a lot of criticism at the idea that because the offense isn’t performing it’s the offensive line. Do you have to coach around any of that because your players hear it?

A: No. Again, the thing is to stay consistent. That’s the most important thing. I think it’s something they’ve done a nice job of. You see it from week-to-week. They’re working hard and progressing. It’s a matter of that synergy. Working together and being able to function as one. They’re getting better. They really are. It’s going to come together. It’s going to come together.

Q: What gives you confidence that’s going to happen?

A: The way they work. The little things on the film. You break down one spot, one position, one technique and there’s a breakdown, you don’t get that four-plus yards. We have to get that plus-four. We have to keep the chains moving. The other thing is how they’re working in the classroom in the sense of their concentration. What they’re doing. The little things as far as communication, growing as a unit. The way they work on the football field. You see the sense that they’re getting better in their techniques and development. It’s a journey. It never comes quick enough for the coach and the player. We have to score more points and get that run game going. That’s a big part of this week.

Q: Have you been extra cautious with Marshall Newhouse? When he does get back does he go right back in over Bobby Hart?

A: Bobby has gotten better. It’s going to help us that all of a sudden there is more depth on the offensive line now that Bobby has played and has some games under his belt. He’s getting some confidence. John is doing a nice job adjacent to him. They’re coming along. Marshall is working hard. He’s getting real close. Ben will make that decision.

Q: Every week now, you can identify two or three guys on a defensive front that can wreck games. Do you see that? Does that make it harder to grow?

A: That’s the NFL. That’s what’s awesome about the NFL. Each week you have a great challenge. Every week there is a particular player that is their bell cow that stands out a little bit more than the others. That’s every week in the NFL. It’s the awesome thing about the NFL. The offensive line, the key thing about the offensive line is to stay on track. To be consistent and develop a technique, a fundamental that you can always rely on. It doesn’t matter who you’re going against because you always want to build off of your fundamentals. You always want to build off of your techniques. Stay consistent and on course. Don’t deviate or change up your technique.

Q: How would you assess Ereck Flowers?

A: I think Ereck is progressing. I think he’s doing a nice job in the classroom learning and developing. When you say as a coach in the classroom, those are things that you don’t see or the normal football fan doesn’t see. As a coach, that’s so important because you’re building your young foundation. As a young football player in the NFL, every week is a new challenge. You’re building that foundation. Again, you’re seeing his technique and his knowledge improve. Again, it never comes quick enough but he’s getting better. You’re seeing that in his development as a football player and an offensive lineman.

Q: Is technique the biggest thing for him?

A: Yes. When I say that to you, it’s knowledge of the game and a sense of a feel. Yes, the technique and the fundamentals is something that every man is striving for. That’s the key in the NFL. It’s to be and have outstanding technique in fundamentals where you’re successful in your execution.

Q: How does this Eagles defensive front differ from some of the fronts you’ve seen the past few weeks?

A: This is a nice front. Very talented. They do a nice job. They’re heavy-handed and show great gap control. They do a nice job. They have a nice job of exchanging personnel. They’re in and out. Cox does a beautiful job in there. Logan does a nice job, Graham. This defense changes from a 34 to a four-down. Those defensive ends setting the edge has really complimented his style of play and the type of athlete he is. They do a real nice job of changing things up. They’re fresh and very well coached.

Q: Where does Will Beatty stand?

A: It’s been a while since he’s played and put the pads on. It’s really hard to come in without training camp. You really put stress on your techniques and fundamentals. He continues to ascend as he develops. He’s getting better as an offensive lineman. He’s right in the mix as he continues to grow.

Q: Is Bobby Hart a tackle?

A: He’s a tackle. Can he play guard, yes. The thing is, the nice thing about moving an offensive lineman from a tackle to a guard is that everything happens so much quicker at guard. You have to be more dynamic with your hands. It helps you develop as an offensive lineman. It’s something that you want to work as a guard and tackle. In the NFL, a high percentage of teams are only suiting up seven offensive linemen each week. You have to have versatility. Obviously you have to have one lineman that can be a backup center. Your six and seventh guy has to have versatility. You never know when you have to go in and play guard. You’re always working that ability for him to have that versatility.

Q: Have you ever discussed changing the line up?

A: Right now, Bobby is the fifth best offensive lineman. He’s ascending and he’s getting better. He’s doing some nice things. The hard thing for someone like a Bobby Hart, a young offensive lineman is consistency. That’ll come. He’s working at it and doing a nice job in the classroom.

Q: He’s the fifth-best including Newhouse?

A: Yes, the fifth-best right now. That’s why he’s starting.