Linebacker Bobby Okereke
Q: Does today change everything in the sense that all summer it's been preparing and now it's who you see ahead of you in Minnesota?
BOBBY OKEREKE: Yeah, a heightened anticipation for sure, but this week we're still focusing on us, hammering down our techniques, fundamentals, really laying that final foundation before Week 1.
Q: I think we saw six inside backers out there today and you probably have had at least one play with all five of the other guys that were with you. I know there's something about familiarity, but how big is it for you to have some continuity here going forward?
BOBBY OKEREKE: It's good, that speaks to the talent in our room. I think every guy in the room is plug and play, can play Mike or Will and play well for us. As we get into season, like you said, continuity is great, communication, hammering that in. So on gameday, it's seamless, but I feel confident with all the guys.
Q: What is (inside linebacker) Darius (Muasau) able to handle? If he's starting Week 1 next to you, what can he do, what can he bring to the defense?
BOBBY OKEREKE: He's an old school football player. I don't know if you saw it, but you might have heard it – that big hit against the Jets. He ran that running back right over. He plays physical, he plays fast, he plays the game the right way and he's smart. He's a plug and play guy for sure.
Q: Does it put any more on your plate if in Week 1 you have a rookie next to you, with a guy prepared for his first debut rather than somebody maybe with a little bit more experience?
BOBBY OKEREKE: Potentially, just communication. Obviously, it's his first live game, so jitters, excitement there. But there is a such thing as youthful exuberance. So that's what he brings to the table, that excitement, that energy. He flies around with his hair on fire.
Q: How different does the defense look to you with (outside linebacker) Brian Burns as part of it, right now (outside linebacker Kayvon) Thibodeaux's in kind of a different role as someone that they got a different guy that they have to double for the middle linebacker. How different overall are you guys just by adding him?
BOBBY OKEREKE: Yeah, we'll see in game speed. Obviously, we saw in the Texans game, the ball was getting out quick. Quarterback really doesn't have an option, but he just adds an extra dynamic of flexibility, speed, athleticism on the edge that we haven't had.
Q: Do you think it makes a big difference to have a sort of, lack of a better term, star or edge rusher or all-pro type edge rusher?
BOBBY OKEREKE: When you add it to the group, for sure. Now you can't just double decks and decide to have one-on-ones. You've got KT, who finished 11 and a half sacks last year. You've got Burns, who's signed to a big contract. You've got (defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II) Dex, so it's a kind of pick-your-poison right there.
Q: Since the Jet practice, it seems (Jets quarterback) Aaron Rodgers did very well. There's been questions about the secondary. Are there questions for you?
BOBBY OKEREKE: No. We have a young group, like I said, but we have a lot of talent. We've got a lot of youth, and those guys are growing and maturing really well. (Safety) Jason Pinnock's doing a great job leading that group. Obviously, (cornerback) Deonte Banks, first-round pick. He's locked down – so those guys are coming along. Extra communication from my end and a great pass rush will help everybody.
Q: Does it put more pressure on the front seven?
BOBBY OKEREKE: It can. As we figure out our game plan, figure out how teams are starting to attack us, we'll figure out our strategy.
Q: Last year you had, I think it was 10 captains. (Head Coach Brian Daboll) Dabs told us, (tackle) Andrew (Thomas) just said you guys have five this year. About half the amount. Does it add weight to the idea of the captains, knowing that it's not 10 guys, now it's just the five of you guys with the 'C' on your chest?
BOBBY OKEREKE: Not necessarily. Every year is a different year. Every team's a new team. I think the best fit for our team this year was the five captains. Great guys who have different leadership styles, different experiences and wisdom, and I think we'll do a great job.
Q: Why do you think the best fit is five this year compared to 10 last year?
BOBBY OKEREKE: I mean, just obviously coming off the 2022 season, having established leadership there and having a successful year, then bringing in free agents like me and (former tight end Darren) Waller, it was kind of a room of a lot of leaders. But with the departure of some guys, obviously (Eagles running back) Saquon (Barkley), (Packers safety Xavier McKinney) X aren't here. Just based off everything that's unfolded, it's kind of the right fit.
Q: Is that something Dabs talked about with you guys, that you maybe gave input on, that maybe it was better to pare the number down to?
BOBBY OKEREKE: No, not necessarily. We all voted as a team today, and I think that's just how the votes came out.
Q: You mentioned about differing personalities. Is that important when you have captains, that not everybody leads the same way, talks the same way?
BOBBY OKEREKE: Not necessarily. You kind of deal with what you have. Like if we all have the same personality, we figure it out too. But different leadership styles, some guys lead by example, some guys are rah-rah guys. It just adds to the collective.
