Wide Receiver Darius Slayton
Q. Can you talk about the first few days of the offense?
A: I think we came out – the first few days, we had a really good day one. Today, we had a good day. I feel like we picked it up towards the back end, (the back) half of practice we picked it up. We didn't start quite as fast as we wanted to today, just from an execution standpoint. But all in all, I think we had a good first few days.
Q. Can you talk about how different this summer is for you than from last summer? You're more of a focal point this year rather than last year.
A: I think it just stems from my performance. This year I performed at a higher level, performed more consistently and the results are showing that whereas last year I probably didn't put my best foot forward all the time like I'm capable of doing. So ultimately you get the results that you deserve in life, and I feel like right now that's what's showing for me.
Q. It's no secret that this team wants to be more explosive. You can't just throw the ball deep every day in practice. How does a team work on that?
A: I think you definitely have to take those shots in practice from time to time and make those plays. It's quarterback, receiver, hand in hand. Not every ball is going to be perfect, sometimes you're going to have to go get it but also just getting that timing down. Everybody's different and everybody has different strengths, but I think obviously, you have to take those shots in practice in order for them to show up in the game.
Q. How much do you sense that being an emphasis?
A: I don't know if I'd say I would sense – I think it's just something that we as just players have to be conscious of. If you get an opportunity down the field, be conscious of being aggressive to go make the play and for the quarterbacks, when the opportunity presents itself, being aggressive and taking those chances.
Q. What does it mean to you to see that the guys that you struggled with while you've been here finally get rewarded and get those big contracts?
A: It's amazing because like everybody says, it's a tough place to play. When it's not going well it's like everybody sucks (laughs), so it's good to be on the other side of that thing. Obviously, we were able to win some games last year and guys were able to perform at a high level and they're starting to get rewards for the fruits of their labor. For me, it's like you see all the hours of off time, the time they put in in the film room, in the weight room (and) they're out here by themselves, so seeing that pay off for guys is awesome.
Q. To what degree, if at all, do you feel this wide receiver room is still fighting for respect in comparison to all of the other wide receiver units across the league?
A: I think it just comes from the way that the first year of all of our careers have went. We weren't draft darlings that went in the first round and were the prettiest girl in class. You kind of have to prove it a little more than other guys but that's fine. You've got to take the stairs sometimes in life (but) that's alright, you get to the top anyways. I think everybody in our group is talented, I think everybody in our group is capable and all we've got to do is go out there and show it.
Q. With the players that you've added, such as (wide receiver) Parris Campbell and (tight end) Darren Waller, is there more ability to make a big play?
A: Yeah, for sure. Darren's a locomotive rolling real fast. Ain't nobody tackling that. I think him, Parris, obviously is another speed guy, a really fast guy, so I think they add another explosive element. But also, just (the) ability to catch the ball and run with it and break tackles, they're both strong guys so I think they bring a good dynamic to our room.
Q. Do you look at yourself as a leader to some of the guys?
A: Yeah, I try my best with our rookies or even maybe guys who are only in their second or third year that maybe haven't played as much live football, you know. Just kind of making them aware of little things that can trip you up. Sometimes playing receiver, there are little ways to keep yourself off of the bad tape so to speak in the film room, and I try my best to share those tips and tricks and hopefully they absorb it and use it.
Q. Have you done that with (wide receiver) Jalin (Hyatt)?
A: A little bit here and there. For the most part, right now it's just trying to get everybody on the same page at the same time. Just making sure the plays, assignments and where he needs to be and then your ability takes over once you know all those types of things.
Q. What excites you about Daniel Jones' second year in the system?
A: Because he's comfortable. I think – what's that quarterback documentary? Was it (Vikings Quarterback) Kirk Cousins? I think talked about his first year in that system and just like for a quarterback, a system is like your baby. You've got to know it in and out, so obviously for DJ (Daniel Jones) having a year of it (and) coming into his second year he knows it already. It's not like he's trying to learn it and execute it. He already knows, so now he can execute, play fast, and make adjustments within it.
Q. What do you think Daniel Jones' ceiling is?
A: I don't think he has one. I think he's a talented quarterback (and) we've got a talented group. As long as we play well (and) we block well, he'll make all the plays he needs to make.
Q. What happened when you got taped up?
A: I was good, I was fine.
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