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JIMMY JOHNSON’S ONE-ON-ONE WITH BILL BELICHICK
Johnson: Hey, Bill, you know, Kliff Kingsbury, he was with you for a year, but he said he learned more football from you than he has his entire career.
Belichick: “Well, Kliff’s a sharp guy. He picked up probably everything that was within earshot. He does a good job, puts a lot of pressure on the defense.”
Johnson: He brought a little bit different style offense into the league and they’re having success.
Belichick: “Yeah, they’re on — they lead the league in rushing. They’re at the top of the league in scoring. They don’t turn the ball over much. They’re well-balanced. They’re well-coached.”
Johnson: Their quarterback, Kyler Murray, he’s an extreme athlete. Now, how do you try to corral him?
Belichick: “Yeah, well, that’s a challenge. They do a good job of creating a lot of space in their offense and their good skill players from the quarterbacks to the running backs.”
Johnson: Bill, he doesn’t take a lot of hits. You know, he gets down on the ground.
Belichick: “Yeah, he’s pretty quick, too. It’s hard to get a solid hit on him, even if you’re there. He avoids a lot of contact. He’s very quick and fast.”
Johnson: I tried a little fishing this morning, but I didn’t try catching, just fishing.
Belichick: “I’m sure you hooked a Heineken.”
Johnson: Light. I’ve got to save those 50 calories.
Belichick: “Light, right.”
Johnson: You know you ticked me off. I was really upset. This offseason you did some commercials. That’s for the old retired coaches. We’ve got to make a living (laughing).
Belichick: “Luckily there were no lines, so I couldn’t screw it up.”
Johnson: I notice you’ve got your mask on. Games have been postponed. They’ve been moved. How do you think the league has handled COVID‑19 with the safety of the players?
Belichick: “We’re required to wear masks in the building here. So I’m going to be compliant with that. But everything’s been a little different than what it normally is. So we just tried day‑by‑day to do the best we can to maximize the safety of the players, the coaches, the staff, and still get as much work done as we possibly can.”
Johnson: You’ve told me many times how high a regard you had for Tom Brady, but Cam Newton is a different style of athlete. How difficult was it to change the style of offense?
Belichick: “I think it’s been an ongoing process throughout the course of the season. We started the year and as the games have continued, we’ve modified things along the way. It’s just part of the process here. We’re learning more about Cam. Cam has become more comfortable with some of the core things we do and the adjustments we make.”
Johnson: It used to be a quarterback‑driven league. Now that’s the only thing. How has he adapted to what you might call the “Patriot way?”
Belichick: “Cam is a hard‑working guy. He’s been a great fit for us and has given our team a lot of leadership. Certainly brings a high, high work ethic to the program. We made steady progress. We’re not where we need to be, but we’re heading in the right direction.”
Johnson: Well, Bill, I appreciate everything. I know in the offseason you’re going to need a break, and we’ll go out there ‑‑ we won’t go fishing; we’ll go catching.
Belichick: “Sounds good, Jimmy. I’ll be there. I look forward to it.”
Johnson: Good luck to you, Bill.
Belichick: “Thanks, Jimmy.”
CHARLES WOODSON’S ONE-ON-ONE WITH JALEN RAMSEY
Woodson: A lot of guys, they say well, if you can tackle, you can’t cover. But you’re out there, man. You’re able to do both. You aren’t just hitting. You are taking folks off of their feet. Take me through your mindset as far as you being out there on the field.
Ramsey: “Whoever’s going to come, I’m not out there looking for any type of wreck, you know what I mean? Man, it’s — football is a physical game. It’s a fierce game. I want to keep it that way. I want to play clean. But the rules have changed drastically to where it seems like it’s an offensive league. But as best as I can, I want to make sure that the game is still physical, fierce and violent, to be honest with you.”
Woodson: Looking at this team, the way you guys are built, when I look at the names you guys have — (Michael) Brockers, (Aaron) Donald; you bring in Leonard Floyd. Just tell me how exciting it is for a defensive back to go out there knowing you have those dudes to handle their work up front.
Ramsey: “You know how it is as a defensive back, though. They’re my best friends on the team.”
Woodson: Yeah. No doubt.
Ramsey: “Rush and cover go together.”
Woodson: Right.
Ramsey: “When I go out there, I’m going to be on the number one receiver week in and week out. I know the quarterback is not going to have time to just sit in the pocket. That makes my job a little bit easier. I love being able to go out there and play with Aaron Donald, who I’ll forever say is probably the best football player I ever played with, a Hall of Famer walking. It’s just in due time for him.”
Woodson: Speaking about Aaron Donald, I remember my last couple of years in Oakland, Khalil (Mack), he came in. You knew right off the bat he was a stud, right? And so I remember asking him one time, “You know what, man, you think you are better than me, don’t you?” I was trying to create that competition, because that’s what brings the best out of him. How do you guys interact with each other and how do you guys elevate each other’s game?
Ramsey: “We push each other to be the best, to be the greatest. I view him – I feel that he views me the same way. We have that type of respect for each other. I hold him in high regard, and he’s the best player in his position and he thinks the same about me — I’m the best player in my position. So we push each other to hold up to that.”
Woodson: You signed the extension in the offseason. Is Jalen Ramsey planning on being here for the entirety of his career?
Ramsey: “I hope so, man. I would love to finish out my career here in L.A., and bring as many wins as I can to the organization. Hopefully a Super Bowl and as much success as I can.”
Woodson: You seem to me to be a little bit of a different Jalen Ramsey. And this year you seem to be letting your play do the talking for you. What is going into that evolution of Jalen Ramsey?
Ramsey: “Just growth, I would say, growth and maturity. A couple years ago I was younger, made decisions that a younger guy would. I still have some of that dog and some of that trash‑talking. I still have it in me, but I channel it and it comes out in times when it needs to come out. It’s kind of a growth, and the people I’m surrounded with and probably my kids, they help me a lot.”
Woodson: I know you’ve got to keep that dog in you. But I know having kids, they help tone you down a little bit.
Ramsey: “Yeah, I have two little girls. So, patience. Especially they’re so young right now. They’re young. They’re emotional. It’s taught me how to be a better leader from being a dad to crossing over in football.”
Woodson: Watching you especially over the last couple of weeks, you are playing against big, 6’4″ guys that can run. How does that change your preparation?
Ramsey: “Gotta have my big boy pants on. It’s a little bit more physical. I always feel like I’m the best defensive back that any receiver plays against. And I want to go out there and show them that. I don’t want to just say that; I want them to feel that.”
Woodson: I know that world, and to me, the coach putting you into position to make plays, how much do you enjoy that responsibility?
Ramsey: “Truthfully it’s the most fun I’ve had since I was in college. I played at Florida State and I had the time of my life, and I feel like this year has opened up for me a little bit. I take a lot of pride in being the best wherever I’m lined up. I’m having the most fun I’ve had in my NFL career. I love being out here in LA. Can’t be thankful enough for that trade happening last year and rejuvenating my whole spirit.” |
