Tight End Darren Waller
Q. Do you feel like you've done enough running and cutting where you feel like you can do everything that you want at this point?
A: Yeah, I mean, definitely like what I want to do, and what I've been used to doing is like 70-80 snaps a game So, coming out the first week, probably not that but as far as a number that's solid that can contribute in whatever ways he needs me to contribute but also be fresh, assuming that's realistic but yeah, I plan on contributing given the opportunity.
Q. Is the motivation very high to come back? Sometimes veterans, later in the season kind of look at the finish line and say 'Well, maybe I'll wait.'
A: I don't try to approach it with that mindset because it's like a little bit of entitlement. You don't know when could be your last game, you know what I'm saying? How many opportunities you're going to get. I've been in a position where I didn't think I was going to get any more opportunities so every game I plan on attacking if I'm available.
Q. Been a new quarterback since you've left.
A: Yeah, he's alright, isn't he?
Q. How much work did you get in with him in the preseason, in the training camp, and things like that?
A: I got some work in with him in the one-on-one periods, I know in Detroit some and then here as well. But I've been keeping an eye on him since April. You just kind of watched everybody and saw some flashes when he first got here. It's a lot of volume in the offense but the stuff that was simple to him once he got there was just zoned it. It's like 'Woah, he's got something' so it's cool to see him capitalize.
Q. How have you seen him progress just over the time he's been starting?
A: I think he's doing a great job. I think he's – it starts with a calm demeanor and just confidence in yourself and that exudes out and guys in the huddle are going to feed off of that. They're following your lead. He's very conscious of that and plays free, man. Like he said, this is football. I've been doing this my whole life and he's got an opportunity to slow things down a little bit and you keep doing that as long as you can get reps and once the game slows down in here (your head), it's easier to just let your body take over.
Q. I know you haven't played with him in a game yet but what kind of quarterback is he? Compared to a DJ (quarterback Daniel Jones) or a (quarterback) Tyrod (Taylor)?
A: He's his own man. I don't really know how to compare all of the three. They're all guys that can make plays with their legs, and move around but yeah, (quarterback) Tommy (DeVito) puts his own flavor on it, gets the crowd going, gets the team going and he's just becoming more consistent and very efficient in what he's doing so just glad to see it.
Q. Have you been practicing the celebration??
A: Yeah, I've been watching the games at home like (does hand motion). How could you not be happy for the guy? He's such a good dude, levelheaded, always learning and just trying to do things the right way.
