LB Olivier Vernon -- November 30, 2018
Q: The Bears are fundamentally sound, they don’t make many mistakes, they don’t turn the ball over very much. What type of defensive philosophy do you have to approach a game with like that?
A: You just have to play sound football. You have to come in with a game plan that you have for this particular team and you just have to execute and minimize any mistakes that you have.
Q: Why do you suppose it is that teams have really been unable to take the ball away from them very often because I know you go for it every week you try to get them?
A: They’re just playing really good football. They’re not trying to make any errors and they’re a great football team. They have a good defense, they have a good special teams and offensively they have a lot of good weapons out there and they do a great job of protecting the football.
Q: What did you see from (Chase) Daniels in his game when he beat Detroit last week? What most likely would be your biggest concern for you guys?
A: Just the part of execution wise. One thing is you just have to get back there, you have to make him feel the pressure and kind of force them into making errors. We know he can make plays with his arm and he can also make plays with his feet as well. They have a lot of fast, skilled guys out there that just can make plays when it’s needed.
Q: What do you see from (Jordan) Howard as a runner that makes him difficult to deal with?
A: He’s very explosive. He can make a small gain into a big one. As long as we can just contain him and everybody get to him and swarm to the ball, and try to not have errors out there on the field like as far as missed tackles, and just everybody sticking to their assignments then we should be alright.
Q: Talking to (Alec) Ogletree, we were talking about (Tarik) Cohen, that little guy, they hide him a lot. Is that the problem trying to find him when he has the ball?
A: He’s like – you can compare to him to like a (Darren) Sproles as far as his explosiveness, his side to side, and being able at his stature hide behind the offensive line and try to make a big play and bouncing it out. He just does a very good job at that.
Q: Why do you think the pass rush has struggled to get home this year? I think you have one sack; the team has like 10 on the year. What’s been the issue?
A: Guys are just working together. As far as trying to get back there, we’re putting pressure on the quarterback so I don’t feel like that’s really the issue. We’re not coming down with the sacks so as long as we just try to keep pressure, the sacks are going to come.
Q: I know you missed time earlier in the season, how do you assess where your game is?
A: Never really want to miss time when you’re out there. You work hard before every season coming up and it’s just one little bump in the road and all I can do right now is just the normal game plan, be out there for my team and make the plays that come to me.
Q: Are you totally healthy? Did you come back a little too soon or what?
A: I feel good. If I’m out there, I’m out there so that’s basically it.
Q: I mean it looked like in the preseason you were going great, especially in the games, and then you got hurt it’s like you’re having trouble getting to that same level.
A: [The] Main thing was being out in the beginning of the season, just getting your legs back, trying to get back in conditioning shape because it’s different in football shape, when you’re just doing cardio on the sideline. Getting your legs back is probably the biggest thing so I’m fine.
Q: With your contract, do you have any concern that they would move on from you after the season?
A: Right now I’m focusing on the Bears and whatever happens, happens. All I can do is focus on what I have to do.
apathetic meaning: showing no interest or energy and unwilling to take action, especially over something important: .like a freaking sack which he is getting paid tooooo well.
But that 1st half of the first game back this year, he was a terror. Not sure what happened.
The second thing that bothered me was this response:
I really hate hearing the d-coordinator say our problem is that people aren't keeping their assignments, then read your top defender in the front 7 saying "everybody get to him and swarm to the ball" while echoing the part about sticking to assignments. Doesn't that sound completely contradictory? Literally every explanation we get about problems on defense ends with "guys are trying to do too much". I would fine anyone who says ANYTHING besides we've got to keep our assignments.
Sorry - rant off.
But that 1st half of the first game back this year, he was a terror. Not sure what happened.
I have no doubt that he's not 100%. He really did look fully healthy and very productive prior to the injury, just not the same player since.
But that 1st half of the first game back this year, he was a terror. Not sure what happened.
Kelsto how did any injury play into his 3 penalties in a row against Tampa? Additionally, it seems he can’t go a game with a Personal foul for roughing the passer -hands tot the face! Those penalties are either lack of focus or just plain doesn’t care. Not trying to find fault with what your posted but just something that I haven’t seen any reported ask the coach or him . Seems like he’s getting a pass and a big check for poor production.