Head Coach Bobby Petrino
Opening statement:
A: “It always good to get back on the practice after a loss so we can start back working again. I think our players did a good job of putting the last game behind them and started focusing on Jacksonville this morning in the meetings. (Jacksonville) is a good football team, although they didn’t really perform to that level. On the defensive front, they have two really big guys in Marcus Stroud and John Henderson. They also have two good running backs that are explosive in Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. We really have our hands full this week, but I believe our guys are definitely prepared and ready to play on Sunday.”
Q: How did the offensive players practice today?
A: “It was evident that the offense had a strong focus at practice. But, that is not to say that the defense did not as well. It is the offense that really wants to get better and improve from the Minnesota performance. I think they can feel good about the offense, but we have to go out and show it in the game.”
Q: How does it make you feel when the team practices well?
A: “I rather that they perform well in the games on Sunday. Their practice habits do say a lot about their character. The bottom line is to win the games. I know that means a lot to them, and I also know they weren’t happy with their performances last Sunday.”
Q: How was your time in Jacksonville as a coach?
A: “I had a good time when I was down there. It was a good place where I learned a lot about the game of football and where I was around a lot of professionals. I think back about the good players at the time; Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell were all guys who knew how to prepare and get ready for a game. It was a good learning experience.”
Q: How did Antoine Harris do at the nickel position versus Minnesota?
A: “He did a very good job except for the one interception he dropped in the game. I would’ve liked to see him pick that and make a big play. He also had a lot of production in the kicking game again last week. I think he is at a point where he is comfortable with the position.”
Q: What is the rotation at the starting (weak side linebacker position for the Jacksonville game?
A: “We are going to evaluate Demorrio Williams and Stephen Nicholas at practice because they’re both going to get reps with the (first-string). We are going to need them both so we have to get both guys ready to play.”
Q: How did Chris Houston do in the Minnesota game?
A: “He really wasn’t in there a whole lot. I think he got about five reps in the game.”
Q: Will the team bring in any players specifically at the quarterback position?
A: “I think it is important that we prepare throughout the entire year considering injuries and other things. We will continue to work guys out and keep looking.”
Q: In respect to the Bills' Kevin Everett and his injury, how important is it to have the necessary protocol in the event of that happening?
A: “It made a huge difference in Buffalo due to their urgent preparedness. It was amazing how quickly they were able to get him stabilized and also lower his body temperature. I think every NFL team worries about it and to some capacity are cognizant of the probability. I really feel that we are prepared for it to happen.”
Q: As a coach do you think players worry about endangering themselves by playing football?
A: “I think all the players feel badly for Kevin Everett. It is just something about the profession that players try to keep out of their mind so that it won’t affect their performances. And most guys do that."
Q: What do you think about the New England Patriots and the stealing of the signs?
A: “I don’t think it’s something that hasn’t happened before. It was an incident that happened and I think the Commissioner (Roger Goodell) will deal with it.”
Q: How can a team get a competitive advantage knowing the signal ahead of time?
A: “If you knew what was coming, you would have a pretty good idea of what call to make to stop it. It is an advantage when you can look over and know what they are calling.”
Q: What are some ways to prevent it?
A: “First, you try to make sure that nobody is watching your practices. Every coach is paranoid about giving an advantage to another team. Secondly, you try to cover your mouth in effort to prevent anybody from lip reading with binoculars in the press box.”
Q: What are some competitive advantages as far as on the field?
A: “I think the rule is that no cameras be allowed to do what the New England Patriots were accused of doing. Another rule is the prohibition of cameras in the locker room at halftime because video is not allowed. It is allowed to have pictures, both wide and the end zone angle. We use these throughout a game’s entirety and at halftime.”
Q: How important is it not to be 0-2 coming back from Jacksonville?
A: “We have the plan to win. We have to go out there and play the way we know we can. We need to improve on the offensive side of the ball, which means to be consistent. It includes scoring points and making big plays. On defense, we need to improve on our run fits and create turnovers. Turnovers are what win games and the team that plays more physical usually wins the battle.”
Q: How did Jimmy Williams do in the Minnesota game last week at free safety?
A: “I think Jimmy came to the ball and made some big tackles. He had a couple of open-field tackles that were real important. He needs to work on a couple of technical aspects of his game such as alignment and technique. But, he played fast and he didn’t hesitate. He took a step forward from the preseason.”
