Any time you sign that contract, you understand the commitment. Those are the things that happen in this profession. You have to accept them. |
As a group, this last week was probably our highest-graded performance. |
But it would be wrong to say I'm upset. I take it as a compliment that Denny didn't feel like they could go out there and replace me. At least that's what was communicated to me. |
Everyone, Daunte included, needs to just do their job. I don't think any one person needs to feel like they have to carry an offense on its shoulders. |
He's a guy that obviously has some abilities, and he'll be a guy we'll continue to work in the offense. I think he's getting more and more comfortable with it. |
He's coached a lot of places. |
He's going to have to get a lot of reps. It's not punishment. It's really a good thing for him. |
I don't know how quickly [Fowler can play]. You have to make sure before you throw somebody into the fire that they're going to be able to handle it. He's done well, and he's gotten some work with the [first unit]. |
I don't think it's an issue, and I don't lack any confidence in doing so, |
I don't think there's any doubt there's a lot of football left in both guys. I don't think bitterness ever came in. ... They are true professionals. |
I know only one way to prepare and that's to prepare to win with the guys just like this was everything on the line. I think if you treat it any differently it sends the wrong message. ... It might be exciting to young players but it also can send the wrong message to others and I don't know what kind of atmosphere that creates. So, I think we're not going to prepare any differently. |
I know the target on my back is bigger. If we don't play well, Judgment Day will come. |
I really just call plays with my gut, ... And you certainly want to stay away from tendencies. There were very few hiccups in this (victory). |
I think it's a good thing. When you coach five guys, you don't see all five. Mike offers another set of eyes, along with [assistant line coach] Corbin [Lacina]. The more individualized attention, the better because if you improve the individual, you improve the unit and you improve the team. |
I think that's going to play itself out this week. You have to look at the things he's comfortable with. You can't make 10 other people change for one, but you can take those strengths and say, what do we have in the system that fits those strengths? |