Q. This group seems to already have the ability to just go to work no matter what's going on on the outside. What is it about this group that allows you guys to do that?
TYROD TAYLOR: I would say this it's guys from different -- well, this team is built around guys that have come from different circumstances, whether it's been situations that didn't go right for them and they are here playing with a chip on their shoulder or guys in their contract years, a bunch of motivated guys.
I think Coach Culley made it very clear early on that we are here to work. Keep the business our business and we're here to work. When we're on that football field, it's about football and that's what we're going to keep it about.
Q. What's it like when you watch a guy like Charles go to work?
TYROD TAYLOR: It's good to see him out there. I know he was mad he didn't make the first game, but to see him make those plays that he did last week was definitely inspiring. Looking forward to seeing him continue to make plays as the year progresses.
Q. How can you get better on third down?
TYROD TAYLOR: I think we can be better on all phases. Communication is where it starts. Executing. If we wasn't in situations where it was third and 9 manageable; when I say that, ten -- ten-plus, we were in third and manageable. It's just about executing and we watch the film and seeing what we can be better at that and we just got to take the right steps in cleaning that up and getting on the right track this week as we go into the season.
Q. What's it like playing with Brandin?
TYROD TAYLOR: He's a great guy. We've grown to know each other more and more throughout this year and throughout this training camp. I met Cooks years ago in San Diego, we were training at the same spot, and to get a chance to play with him is definitely an honor. I've always respected his game from afar and to see him work day-in and day-out has definitely been something that's very impressive. He's a very smart, talented man. He's played a lot of football. We see things a lot the same way a lot, but just continue to keep picking his brain and continue to keep building chemistry with him.
Q. Through training camp, how would you describe what you have come to know the identity of this offense and have we seen that yet in the two preseason games from you guys?
TYROD TAYLOR: Coach Kelly has mentioned to us and reiterated to us that we are definitely going to be a physical group. Of course we have the speed and the play-makers outside on the edge but our identity comes up front and in the backfield. I think that opens up our playbook as we get the front five playing physical and the running backs getting downhill. I think it just opens up the rest of our playbook.
Q. What do you think is the best way it use your athleticism? Do you think it's something that should just be when plays break down or do you like more designed runs?
TYROD TAYLOR: I think it's a combination of both. Of course in the NFL, a lot of big plays from the quarterback -- running happen on broken plays. Of course you can scheme up things but some stuff happens just organically, and I think there's ways to do both and still have success. But more importantly, we have the weapons outside to be able to get those guys the ball and take the hits off the quarterback.
Q. I don't know if you saw the news about Cam with the COVID testing and stuff, being out for a little while.
TYROD TAYLOR: I haven't seen any news, I'm sorry.
Q. Feels like quarterback decisions on vaccinations have been in the news. Did you decide to get vaccinated?
TYROD TAYLOR: I think that's a personal matter to speak about it. I can't say whether it's the right or wrong thing. I think it's just a personal choice. I think guys on this team have taken the right precautions to do the right thing and to protect one another, I mean, regardless of vaccine or not.
I think you still have to treat it as if it's just as real as it was last year. I mean, you see how I have my mask on me and I try to keep it on at all times, and I think that has to be the mindset moving forward for everyone, whether they are vaccinated or not, just because there's something coming out each and every day, so many new reports about it. To have everyone healthy this season we have to take the right precautions.
Q. Is that a conversation in the locker room? Did you discuss the COVID and the situation?
TYROD TAYLOR: No, I wouldn't say -- not as much as last year. It's definitely a conversation but not as much as last year.
Q. Seeing Larry --
TYROD TAYLOR: It was good. I talked to him last week in text. Good to see him come to the locker room today, his presence amongst the guys means a lot. I know the offensive linemen and just the rest of the team have the utmost respect for him, and just happy to have him back. I know he's eager to get back on the field, and we need him to be ready for Week 1 and excited to see him back in the huddle.
Q. Building that rapport and chemistry talking earlier when plays break down, just knowing a guy's tendencies, how comfortable are you guys with that?
TYROD TAYLOR: I'm comfortable with it and I think it's something that you continue to keep building chemistry with day-in and day-out, just talking different concepts, even in practice, maybe sacrificing one of those plays to use as a valuable drill to move it around and coach it and tell guys where you expect them to be on certain concepts.
But yeah, definitely comfortable in that area, and like I said, it's just something that we've got to continue to keep improving. That's something that you just work on and don't touch until the game. You have to continue to keep having those conversations week-in and week-out. They may present themselves and they may not but when they do it's an opportunity for a big play.
Q. After getting more time on the field Saturday, how would you describe kind of the in-between drives, talking with Culley? What is that dynamic like?
TYROD TAYLOR: I think the conversation has been good across the board. It's been clear on the sideline. We have an idea of what -- looking forward to the next drive. Coach Kelly, Coach Culley, they have all done a great job, even Pat has done a great job of preparing us and getting us right mentally before we head into the next series.
Q. Saturday night, how important is it and what do you hope to do as an offense? Just because it's last time you'll play before you play Jacksonville.
TYROD TAYLOR: Absolutely, it's very important. Like you said, every time we step on the field it's important that first and foremost we do our job but then we finish it as well. The execution is something that we preach each and every day and that's what you step on the field, you practice throughout the week on different looks. But more importantly, when it comes to game day, it's about going out and executing and we need that in all phases.
Q. Thoughts playing the champs?
TYROD TAYLOR: For sure. Whether it's preseason or not, whenever they keep the score, you go out and you compete and you aim to win.
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