Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn
August 18, 2017
Q: How do the tight ends look for you on special teams compared to the fullbacks?
A: They’re getting better. They’re growing a little bit. Some of the guys that have been around – getting better. So, that’s good to see. So, it’ll be a good competition for that third tight end spot.
Q: Is there an advantage of having a fullback on special teams?
A: No. It’s just if you can get that, whatever position it is, tight end, fullback, h-back to be a four-team player then you’ve got, you know, play time divided a little more evenly. So, you have an offensive guy that can contribute on four teams rather than relying on a defensive guy and a lot of times it’s similar to like a linebacker’s skill set. So, that helps.
Q: Do you have an idea of who will be on special teams and how hard is it to prepare for the regular season if you don’t have an idea?
A: Well, you work a lot of guys. That’s one thing. So, we’ll have two teams – a first and a second team work – and then really the show team. The guys with the yellow hats. They’re the third and fourth team. So, they’re all doing our stuff. They’re all getting reps and then once we get to a game, we’ll kind of decide based on playtime, you know, same thing first half, second half. So, we’re trying to get as many guys reps that are deserving. So, when it comes down to that time, you feel good about everyone.
Q: Have you seen a change in K Aldrick Rosas’ kicking motion?
A: Yeah. He’s done a good job with that. He did a good job in the spring and he came back. The problem with all kickers - the thing I kind of noticed when they come back – there’s kind of some habit they’ve picked up. It’s usually not a good habit because they’re kicking off sticks. They don’t have the operation. So, we’re always alert for that. So, he had a little bit of something coming back. Then, he fixed it. He’s really diligent about correcting and he’s a good listener. So, he can take what you’re seeing on tape and then come out and correct it. So, he’s been good with that.
Q: How has K Aldrick Rosas responded to having K Mike Nugent in the special teams room with him?
A: I think good. I mean, Mike is a pro. He’s done this a long time. He’s a solid kicker. So, it’s been good to have him in the room. Kind of what I expected. He just competes with him. So, it’s good.
Q: Did K Aldrick Rosas’ 50-yarder in the preseason game against the Steelers open your eyes?
A: No.
Q: Did you know K Aldrick Rosas’ could make a 50-yard field goal?
A: Yeah.
Q: Do you think you’re heading in the right direction in terms of kickoffs?
A: I think we’re heading in the right direction. It always will come down to who you have covering the kick. So, it comes down to who is on the 53, who is on the 46-man roster. But, I feel good about where we’re headed.
Q: Would it help to have someone to get the ball close to the endzone on kickoffs?
A: Yeah. I mean, now you’re trying to keep it in play. We’re just trying to get touchbacks, but now you’re trying to keep it in play. You don’t want to deal with the hang time and the direction. We’re making strides that way.
Q: How have the reps been with two kickers in camp?
A: It’s been good. The timing was perfect with it. We got to get good, solid work with Aldrick (Rosas), get him kind of exactly where we wanted to and then you bring a guy in to compete and it’s good to have a second leg in camp. Like today, we did kickoff, kickoff return and field goals. So, there were a lot of kicks there. If you have one guy, then you probably have to put a machine in there. So, it’s been good.
Q: Why don’t you have a second punter in camp?
A: It comes down to the 90-man roster. We’ll have to manage Brad (Wing) to make sure that he’s not getting too much.
