Bills Address Need For Leadership and Sticking Together

Buffalo Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Opening Comments:
Obviously new opponent. This opponent, I know the records not good–but this team is probably the most talented team that we’ve gone up against this year. Obviously on offense you start with their offensive line. Three Pro Bowlers and I believe the left guard eventually will be one. You’ve got a great tight end, a great wide out in Dez Bryant, an explosive running back, and then on defense, I mean they really get after it up front. The three guys, three edge guys that all roll in and do a tremendous job. Really an outstanding linebacker and he’s healthy this year, which is great to see Sean Lee. And so I’m like well, I’m looking at their special teams and you probably got the best kicker in the league. He’s missed one kick all season in (Dan) Bailey. The left footed punter I think is in the top five in every category. So it doesn’t make sense for what their record is because this is a super talented team that we’re getting ready to play. So with that I’ll open it up for questions.

Q: You mentioned early in the week how you expect changes to happen this off season. What do you feel like you’ve done to warrant you sticking around?
A: I’m not gonna get into it because this is not about me. I’m not gonna get into that kind of conversation. I can say plenty but I’m not gonna do that now because this is not about me. At the end of the year there will be time to go over whatever things we can mention. You know changes, whatever that’s fine. But we have two games left and our focus is on getting better and winning these two games. So that’s where the focus is. This is never been about me and it won’t be about me.

Q: Can you tell me how this team has been better?
A: Well we’re looking to get better. I think that’s what we’re trying to do. There’s no question about that.

Q: What about Mario Williams popping off again? When is enough, enough and you begin to worry it could become a problem in the locker room?
A: First off I think this goes back to my philosophy about having an open locker room. Things like that. I’ve always said, we don’t put muzzles on our players. We let our players speak freely and sometimes you’re gonna have things like this that–especially through frustrations. Which obviously this season has not gone the way we wanted it too, record wise, without question. So sometimes things will happen. But I’m not gonna change our policy because there is some negative criticism or whatever.

Q: But outside of Mario Williams, Preston Brown also spoke on the defensive play calls coming in late and Corey Graham talking about confusion in the secondary. How concerning is it being this late in the season and they are calling all this out? I know you don’t put muzzles on them but they are really showing you guys up.
A: I think this is not…I think anytime you go through a season where you set high expectations for yourself, you have high expectations for yourself, I think you open yourself up to this a little bit. But it’s more driven through frustration and that’s the way I see it. I think all these points you can look at. Well this is what happens in these scenarios, you know whatever. But I think the fact is that, I think it’s driven through frustration and the fact that we’ve probably in a lot of people’s eyes, our own included, that we’ve underperformed I think. And I think that’s where this stuff is driven from.

Q: Wouldn’t you prefer it’s taken up with you, with Dennis Thurman or with the staff instead of airing it out to the media?
A: You know what, I think as we’ve said before, is there different ways of doing things? You know are the things you can say behind closed doors that maybe were more appropriate and things? Maybe so. But I’d rather have a…I’d rather give our fans, and everybody else, a true picture of this team. I’ve never been afraid of that in my life. Sometimes it’s gonna be very positive. Sometimes you’re gonna be negative and this just in, I think when the season doesn’t go very well – we know what it looks like.

Q: Is Mario Williams buying in? Corey Graham went out of his way to say he has to do his job.
A: Well I believe that every player is trying their best. I don’t think there is any doubt. I think they prepare well and things. Have we had…you know it hasn’t gone as well as we’ve said, and I sound like a broken record but I think the questions I’ve answered several times. But I think, you know I know for a fact he’s trying. Last week he missed a lot of practice and things through an illness. But he is out here. He tried to do whatever he could to make up for that time that he’s missing in the classroom and everything else. That to me, I admired it. Has our play been great over all with a lot of guy’s numbers and all that? Nah, it hasn’t gone the way we expected.

Q: Any update on LeSean McCoy?
A: No I think, you know obviously when you don’t finish a game sometimes it’s…you know you get that indication a guy won’t be ready to go. I’m not 100-percent sure with LeSean. I know from a competitive stand point, he’s doing whatever he can to get back and to play in this game. But is it realistic? I’m not sure right now. I think as the week goes on we’ll probably have a better idea. Speaking of McCoy, obviously we are extremely excited that he is going to represent our team in the pro bowl. So that was great for us, great for this organization, great for this young man. I mean he had to overcome a lot of injury and then hadn’t been 100 percent, and then to be recognized that way by his peers I think is outstanding. We had four alternates too, to the Pro Bowl, and that was Richie Incognito. Obviously I expected Richie to be playing in the game. But he is voted an alternate as was Eric Wood, and Marcell Dareus, and then Tyrod Taylor also. So those are our alternates to the Pro Bowl. In other news we had…In my opinion one of the highest honors you can get as a player is the Ed Block Courage Award. It’s voted on by your teammates and this year’s recipient was Gordy Glenn. Obviously the things that he had to overcome with the kidney and everything else. Obviously very deserving but that’s a huge honor. I’ve been part of that award. I know it is in Baltimore and things like that. It’s really a great deal.

Q: You are okay with players voicing their opinions, which is one side of it. Is there any part of you that has considered the fact they could be right?
A: I mean…You know what’s funny? When you look at it, I think when you evaluate after every game you always look…I always do an after action report. So it’s kind of a military deal that I’ve always done. What went right, what went wrong, things that we didn’t expect to happen, things that you are surprised by. Moving forward, what maybe you would do differently. So I’m always looking at ways to get better myself, and looking at it from a team perspective as well.

Q: What can you learn about your team over these next two weeks?
A: Well I think you learn a lot from your team. I think obviously when you got to overcome the disappointment of not being in the play offs there is…You know I’ve been around different ways that teams has reacted. But this is one, I believe in this football team and I believe that this teams working hard. And I can already tell that we want to win and I think that’s who we have in the locker room. So I’m not surprised by that. The effort I think will speak for itself. We’re trying to get better and it sounds – oh, well you know you got two games left – yeah but that’s what you have to do. As a pro that’s exactly what you have to do.

Q: Hearing how many players have a specific problem with carrying out the scheme and the issues – would it make sense to bring in guys that can understand it during the offseason? How big of a conversation is it between you and Doug Whaley?
A: Well in all due respect I think there’s a time and a place for it. I think after…I think at the end of the season I think you’ll have conversation. You know conversations and things that you think will…you know the direction that you need to go as a football team. You know with anything. That you’re looking at all things to get your team better and you’ll always look at it from personnel stand point, schematic standpoint. But I think when you look at it, I think there’s a time and a place. And I believe that is after the season.

Q: You’ve had worse teams with worse records. Have you ever had a team this fragmented between the players, coaching staff, some player on player disagreements?
A: Well I’ve been on a lot of teams that it hasn’t been the smoothest things or whatever. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. But it is…you know I can’t tell you if there’s been more, less, whatever. I mean I could tell you the common thread is this – that when you have high expectations and you don’t reach those things that obviously you’re gonna have a little more questioning, I guess would be the right way to say it, then you would when the things are going well. And you’re right, I’ve been a part of a lot of great teams. I’ve had some teams that haven’t been as good. I remember coming off a year in Baltimore I think we had won 13 games and the next year maybe we won six games, and what that looked like. I don’t even know if we won six that year. But the next year we won 13 or something and went to a championship. So a lot of things, sometimes it doesn’t go according to plan. There is no question about that.

Q: In your mind, what is the reason why Preston Brown is getting the play calls late?
A: I’m not gonna get into a lot of things. The one thing I will mention, as I’ve mentioned in the past, sometimes you wait on substitutions. I think sometimes that weighs into as well.

Q: How does that work? Who is in the booth giving him the calls?
A: That goes from…you know there is a process in place. Let’s just put it that way. I’m not gonna get into who’s doing what or how the mechanics work. But I’ve had the same mechanics for probably 15 years. So I think…not sure that that’s really the issue.

Q: Mario Williams suggested he doesn’t fit into the scheme. Is that a fair assessment?
A: I mean, you know I think a lot is looked at. You know sack numbers, things like that. So I think it’s easy to say that when your, well the numbers are down and all that type of stuff. But I think he’s a good football player and I think good football players can fit into this scheme.

Q: Would it make sense to you if ownership decided after the season to bring in a consultant, with another set of eyes and voice?
A: I think when we get to it then maybe I’ll have some time to think about it cause I certainly hadn’t thought about any of that right now. I’ve just been thinking about getting this team prepared to play against Dallas.

Q: Do you have any fear you might lose the locker room in the next two weeks?
A: Nah I don’t believe that. No.

Q: Is it possible you already have?
A: No I don’t…I’ve been around this game a long time, I don’t believe that to be the truth.

Q: Do you agree with Mario Williams’s assessment that too often you let other teams dictate how you guys play?
A: No. I think the only thing that really an offense dictates when we’re out there a lot of times is the personnel. That if a team is gonna go to extra lineman for instance, you’re not gonna leave your nickel package on the field. I mean that doesn’t make sense. They can run the ball on you and things. You know offenses always have the white pieces on a chess board if you will. They move first and you always react on defense, you’re the black pieces on the chess board. You go second. It’s the way it always has been. It’s the way it always is. There’s a lot of things that go into making calls and doing things. It’s not that hey, you know…I know if it’s up to some fans they’d blitz 100-percent of the time. I get that. I understand it. Sometimes that works great at times and other times it probably doesn’t.

Q: The second game against the Patriots you were ultra-aggressive and had one of the best quarterbacks throwing the ball into the ground 9 times. I think most people expected to see more of that and I think that is was Mario Williams is suggesting.
A: Well I don’t know about what Mario’s suggesting or whatever. But I think with that you probably saw was a lot of simulated pressure, different things like that against that particular team. And each week it changes depending on how they’re gonna protect different things, who the quarterback is. There’s a lot of factors that go into it and that’s what…they’re different styles I think and when you look at it from that point, well did we blitz more than some games? That’s possible. You know that’s possible but it think a lot of that was simulated pressure.

Q: What do you think of the gesture Tyrod Taylor made buying his lineman 65” TVs?
A: Yeah I think that’s…I always told you guys he was smart. You know and if you’re gonna give that too your lineman, that’s probably the smartest thing you can do. But he doesn’t really have to buy anything. This is just who he is. He’s a tremendous young man. I agree with Eric Woods’ assessment that he gets it. There’s no doubt about it. He knows it’s not about him, it’s about the team, and I think he gets that.

Q: Can you see Tyrod Taylor playing fully these next two games or have you considered giving some other guys some looks?
A: Well going into the game we’re planning on playing Tyrod.

Q: What was behind signing the new quarterback, Zac Dysert, to the practice squad?
A: Yeah, he’s a guy that when we’re trying to look at guys, he’s a guy that we have a lot of interest in, that we think he has some talent, and we’re gonna find out. We have two weeks to get a little look at him and that’s why we brought him in.

Q: In terms of the play calls coming in late or not, it seems that the players are confused. Do you feel like you are missing a guy in the defense that knows it well and can kind of quarterback out there?
A: Well I think at…you know we really never had, there’s only…we had one player that had spent any time with me previously and that was Matt Mulligan. So I think we never had him on defense, on offense, or anywhere else. That I can understand where you are coming from. That that would have been easier had guys been with me or something like that. But that wasn’t what we decided to do. We feel good about the personnel here and the guys, I get it. We haven’t had the results to match my enthusiasm about this group. But we have two games left and like I say we know it needs to get better, and rest assured we’re gonna try and win these games.

Q: What makes Dez Bryant stand out?
A:  Well I think first off his size, his competiveness, has great hands, attacks the football. You know all those factors. I mean the guys a special, special player.

Q: It seems like there is friction amongst the players and between themselves. Do you sense that and feel like you can fix it?
A: I think we have two weeks left. I think winning cures a lot of things. I can promise you that. So hopefully we get a big win this week and again I keep saying that I think a lot of it’s built on frustration. The fact that we never achieved what we wanted to.

Q: You didn’t even come close, right? That is fair to say? There is two weeks left in the season and we are having all these conversations.
A: No, that’s accurate because I expected to be in the playoffs. But as far as the other stuff is concerned, it think it ties in. It goes hand in hand. I think if we’re…if right now we’re talking about the play offs, and we are in the play offs, then we’d probably have a different conversation. But it’s built on frustrations. But again, my locker room is open and you guys will get a chance to go in there and see firsthand. I think this locker room is a little closer than anticipated I just don’t think you’re getting majority of the opinions when you mention about one, or two, or whatever guys. I know there’s frustration. Probably 100-percent of them. But I think this locker room is a little closer than what you’re giving us credit for.
T Cordy Glenn
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

 

Q: How satisfying to overcome all that and come up with that type of year in a contract year? You made yourself some dollars this year after dealing with that.
A: Well it wasn’t my main focus coming in to the season. The main focus was to get back to where I felt I was playing before the issue the year before that and just improve on my game and just pick up the pieces and try to get better at it day by day and week by week and see how far I could take it.

 

Q: It seems like you’ve really put it all together this year and become the player you want to. Is it disappointing to not even get an alternate role?
A: Obviously you want to be recognized as one of the best players in the league but it didn’t happen but I’m appreciative for just having a good year and I’m happy for all my teammates who made the Pro Bowl or made the alternate list because they deserve it and I’ll be watching as a fan.

 

Q: Not just to bounce back, but to play at the level you have. Does that add extra satisfaction and pride?
A: Yes it does. I saw myself get back to a high level, I’m happy for that, but I’m not satisfied as far as, “Okay, I’m done, I don’t want to get any better or this is the level I want to be at,” I just want to keep building blocks and keep getting better and see how good I can get.
G Richie Incognito
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Q: Pro Bowl alternate. What does that mean, what do you think, how do you feel about that?
A: Yeah, it’s a great honor to be selected as an alternate to the Pro Bowl. We got Shady (LeSean McCoy) in and we take great pride in getting our running back in to the Pro Bowl, that’s awesome, that’s on all of us, so it’s fun to see him get in.

Q: That makes sense with the No. 1 rushing offense in the league that you, Eric (Wood) and Shady get that type of recognition, right?
A: Yeah, definitely. I think we’ve done a really good job of running the football this last half of the season and we’re putting up some big numbers. Hasn’t necessarily translated into wins, but we are running the football well and that’s when the accolades come.

Q: There’s a narrative out there about a fractured locker room. Do you see it, do you feel it, is there anything to that, what do you think?
A: Not at all. I think, I know from where I sit, I think we’re stronger than or as strong as we’ve been all season. I think we’ve had a couple tough losses and that just draws us tighter and tighter. I think we have the right approach. We come to work every single day and we approach it one day at a time, one game at a time, and don’t lose focus of what we have next.

RB LeSean McCoy
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Q: What’s it mean to make the Pro Bowl?
A: It means a lot. It shows the fans supporting me, myself and my teammates. The guys up front did a good job of blocking for me. Another year in the Pro Bowl, honestly, I’m honored. But sitting back and thinking of the type of year we had, injuries and not being where we wanted to be at, it’s one of those things where it’s tough to really enjoy right now. Later on, I’ll be able to enjoy it more.

Q: Did you tear your ACL? Is that what the MRI showed on Monday? MCL, I’m sorry.
A: No, I didn’t tear my ACL.

Q: MCL, I’m sorry, MCL.
A: I’m not going to speak on injuries.

Q: How do you feel? Do you think you can play at one of these final two games?
A: We’ll see how it goes. We’ll see how I feel. I’ll find out.

Q: This locker room seems to have a little bit of friction right now. Do you think you need more leaders to speak up, like yourself or anybody else?
A: I mean, I don’t…this is not speaking up. You guys are asking about the year, I’m just telling you about the year.

Q: I mean going forward, when you say you want to be more of a leader.
A: No, just different things that’ve happened here. Times where we need somebody to be a leader, not just talking, but actually leadership by what you do. By example. There’s so many different things and details that I won’t get in to, but just myself. I can only speak up for myself, hold myself accountable with the things I may talk about, you know, so I think this team deserves that and this city deserves that, so that’s something I’ll make sure I take accountability in. We have a good team, good coaches and there’s so much talk about this or that. We have a good team here. I think people can’t see it right now, obviously because of our record, but that’s our fault. I think overall we’ll get it done with the right talent. The good thing is contract wise, a lot of the good players are here and that works out. I think as we grow from this and learn from it, in these types of seasons, you want to own it and experience it because you know what it feels like to be at the bottom. We’ll get things situated.

QB Tyrod Taylor
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Q: What does being an alternate to the Pro Bowl mean to you?
A: Definitely happy that I’m recognized, that I’m an alternate. Obviously the goal is to be selected as one of the six but in due time that will come. Just gotta continue to keep working. But the goal is to be in the playoffs, playing for a Super Bowl. So thankful for the opportunity if it presents itself but more so just focusing on bettering myself and trying to get this team better as well.

Q: What can be done from your standpoint to better yourself now that the playoff goal is not there?
A: Definitely. Each game has definitely been, for me, a learning experience and trying to get better each day of course. But definitely by the games. Never take step backs and as a team it’s definitely something that we can go out there, I mean regardless if we’re playing for the playoffs or not, it’s something that we can go out there and work on things and still get better for the future. But definitely some big opportunities for us as a team moving forward.

Q: Is there any self-satisfaction being selected as an alternate knowing how far you’ve come?
A: Like I said definitely thankful the guys recognized me across the league. But the goal for me if I’m not in the Super Bowl is to be one of the six that’s selected. But I mean that’s not to take away from being selected as an alternate because I’m definitely thankful for that.

Q: Is being consistent throughout the game something you must work on this offseason?
A: Definitely. Consistency is definitely something that we want to work on as an offense and it boils down to us going out there and executing, me being better, all of us being better and going out there and getting the job done. So that’s definitely something that we can work on, something we can work on these last two games and something that we can go back and watch and learn from our previous games.

Q: What are the challenges of throwing to the new guys that were activated this week?
A: Just have to talk through a bunch of routes. It’s funny you say that, I’ve been talking to some of the younger guys all year long and just keeping them on board. Letting them know that you never know when the opportunity may present itself. So be ready for it and sure enough the opportunity has come. So I’m looking forward to those guys going out there and making some plays. I know they’re excited for the opportunity that they have to showcase what they can so. So I have tremendous trust and belief in them, so just gonna go out there and play ball.

DE Mario Williams
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Q: Is there something holding you back?
A: No, I’m just saying, I’m dropping. That’s the difference. You just said I haven’t. Right?

Q: Right.
A: So if things are a little different in that aspect, then it’s like I’ve been saying. If I tell you half the time you can’t use this or that, it’s not going to be the same, right?

Q: Right. When you do raise certain points about the defense and when you have this year…
A: What point?

Q: Whether it’s about dropping, whether it’s about players coming in late, whether…
A: I’ve never said anybody ever came in late. Exactly. Who did I say was late?

Q: Personnel changes.
A: Oh, yeah.

Q: When you do that, there’s a perception that you are questioning or criticizing the scheme…
A: There’s a perception or was there?

Q: But there is.
A: No, I’m asking you. Have you noticed anything like kind of different in those situations in games or whatever when we’re standing there like … and then guys and running on and off? Right? Have you? It’s a question.

Q: Yes, sure.
A: Okay, so how am I implying something, if you’ve noticed that as well?

Q: But do you need to speak that publicly?
A: I was asked about it. So if you don’t want me to answer it, then don’t ask me the question now.

C Eric Wood
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Q: Your thoughts on being named an alternate (Pro Bowl)?
A: You know, this is two years in a row so, kind of always a bridesmaid never the bride, kind of feeling but I was hoping to get over the hump this year, but I’m not disappointed in the way I played this year. I feel like I’ve continued to get better and put out some pretty good film and that’s all I can do and I’m not going to get my hopes up, I didn’t go last year as an alternate, but I’m happy Rex put it out there. Being an alternate is something to be proud of, it puts you in the top five or six at your position, voted on by fans, players and coaches. It’s a good feeling.

Q: What would it mean to make that trip for you, if you actually did finally get that shot?
A: It would mean a lot. I would rather take a trip to the playoffs, that’s for sure, but a trip to the Pro Bowl would be a whole lot of fun.

Q: Would you take anyone in the media?
A: All of you guys (laughs) … I was joking with Richie (Incognito), I would be buying a lot of plane tickets. You never know if you’re going to go back. We played in a BCS game in college and my mom almost didn’t go and I was like, “Don’t even worry about it. We’ll go next year, we got everybody coming back,” and we went 6-6 the next year, so I’m glad she went. I think I would be buying a lot of plane tickets.

Filed under: Buffalo Bills

Tagged with: Buffalo Bills, LeSean McCoy, Mario Williams, Rex Ryan, Ritchie Incognito