We came to an agreement that acknowledges what everybody wants - the player being rewarded for performance. |
We don't even count wins in a quarterback rating. That's why I have no respect for the quarterback rating. |
We had more depth on the offensive line this year than ever, and we wanted to keep him. |
We played with such passion in the fundamentals of the game - defense and the running game - which were the two things he loved. |
We tried to get him four years ago. He wanted to come, but the coaches didn't want him. We couldn't get him past the coaches. So he goes to New England and wins three Super Bowls. |
We were planning on the lowest figures projected. This [delay] doesn't affect us. It just delays your chance to start looking at [free-agent] players. |
We're in pretty good shape. They're going to give us a cap number and we'll be ready for it. You always prepare for a worst case, no matter what the situation. You never want to be surprised by something negative, only something positive. |
We're trying to be judicious. It's not fantasy football. This is about people making sound judgements. That's what we're trying to do. |
When you have a chance to pick what you feel, at least in your own mind, is the franchise quarterback, you make it. If you hit it, you're set for 15 years. |
When you sign on here, you understand this organization. There is so much soul to it, ... It's just the way it is. Players understand that. This has been very emotional for all of them. That's what makes this organization the way it is. There is so much personal feeling in this place. They understand and value that. |
Yes, ... That's the QB I saw at Mississippi. All the qualities were present: poise, quick recognition and release, crisp throws, strength and accuracy with the long ball. But mostly command. |
You could hear a pin drop when he was done. It was definitely one of the most impressive interviews I've ever been around. |
You could see the difference right away. It was not just the things he can do that we didn't have any more. With Michael, the other team knows there is a guy they have to game-plan for. They have to devote resources to stop him on every play. Without that, the entire defensive unit is affected. |
You had a player that wants to be here, agents that were dealmakers and you had a club that wants to keep the player, ... When you have all those things working for you, you can figure out a way to make a deal. |
You have to keep trying to upgrade. |