(On how he compares his excitement level for the 2014 season to his first head coaching job in 1994)
“It’s really the same. I have the same emotions and the same enthusiasm. I have to say that I feel a little more confident because I have a little bit more, I would say experience at it right now. I’m really looking forward to it. This group has worked really hard and as we talked this morning there’s a lot of good things ahead of us. Opening weekend is special and it’s even that much better to open at home against a very good opponent.”
(On if he feels pressure to bring a winning season to this team)
“No, I don’t think about that. I think about getting this team ready to play. I think about what’s going to take place in the game and the adjustments. We’re in the scheme now, match-ups and those kinds of things. I’ve never been one to think about that. Obviously, I was hired for a reason to bring a winner here and it’s not me, it’s just not me, there’s a whole new crew here and we’re all doing everything we possibly can to do that.”
(On what he remembers about 2012 Minnesota game with respect to RB Adrian Peterson)
“We went into the game knowing that he has the potential to put the ball in the endzone from anywhere on the field. You can’t let your guard down and we started off fast, well against the run and then we put our defense in a couple bad situations and before you know it he’s racking the yards up. We didn’t go back and look at this with the players, but as a staff this summer we looked at it. We’ve got a lot of the same guys here, but we’ve got a different approach and a different game plan to this. Realistically speaking you can’t shut him down. It’s hard to find a game where he’s…unless the team got real behind fast where you’ve taken him out and neutralized him. He’s a very talented player.”
(On what makes Peterson special)
“He’s a big back with tremendous speed and vision and he breaks tackles. He’s not just an inside runner, outside runner, a cut-back runner, he can do everything and then he’s very explosive in the passing game.”
(On benefits of having QB Shaun Hill in the starting position during the preseason and not having to put him in in an emergency situation)
“It’s a matter of reps. He’s taken all the reps since we got back from Cleveland and so he’s got a good feel. Obviously, we didn’t play him in the final preseason game but he took a majority of the practice reps. He’s got a good feel for what he’s doing. Had a good day today.”
(On where he stands on the stability of the offensive line based on who has or hasn’t played this preseason)
“I feel good about the guys that we’re going to play with. They’ve been practicing together now for a couple weeks. I have no concern and I feel good about our depth as well.”
(On where OL Greg Robinson sits in the scheme now and as the season progresses)
“He’s doing a good job. He’s playing guard, he’s playing tackle. He’s doing both in practice. He’s doing them all through preseason and he’s gotten better each week. We made the decision that in the opener that we’re better off going with experience. Doesn’t mean to say that he won’t play in the game, but we’re going to go with guys that have a lot of snaps under their belt right now.”
(On if Robinson’s versatility hurt him in the short term)
“Nothing hurts him at all. It does not hurt him at all. I was told (OL) Orlando Pace, first player in the draft didn’t play till Week f5. There’s no issue here. He’s going to be an outstanding player. Our focus right now is putting the guys on the field that we think gives us our best chance to win right now.”
(On why he claimed QB Case Keenum and what he likes about him)
“Because of injury Case got a lot of experience last year, started eight games. You look at the body of work, no, he didn’t win any of those games but there was some really good things that you saw out of a young player. We spent a lot of time evaluating those games and felt like he’d be a good option to come in here and try to develop as a three or a two, we just wanted him in the mix. You’re going to get as many good players as you can.”
(On if it will be hard to give four quarterbacks enough work in practice)
“Yeah, there’s not enough reps to go around. Still they’re in meetings, they’re learning, he’ll do stuff on his own on day offs and things like that. He’ll get an opportunity to get on the practice field.”
(On if he’s glad to see former Ram DE Michael Sam land in Dallas)
“Yeah I head that. I’m happy for Mike. Yeah, I think it’s a great decision by the Cowboys. Of course based on what I’ve seen or heard they’ve got some issues on the defensive line, they’ve got injuries. I hope Mike gets a chance, maybe he can help them.”
Rams QB Shaun Hill – Post Practice – September 3, 2014
(On his excitement to be the opening day starter)
“Very excited. Season’s finally here. You can really tell everybody’s excited, the whole team is. Went out there today and there was a lot of energy.”
(On if he can throw the ball with anybody in this league)
“Everybody’s different, I mean but as far as they’re concerned it’s all about timing. When does the ball the get there? And no matter what the ball velocity as long as you’re playing with timing, the ball gets there at the same time for those receivers, then for them there’s no difference. That’s kind of the main difference.”
(On if the extra time to get acclimated as the starter has helped)
“This extra time we’ve had in the last week, week and a half has been really good, really beneficial. Got a long a work done. It’s been very beneficial for us.”
(On if the extra time has helped his mindset)
“Yeah the mindset, I’ve said this plenty of times but I’ve always kind of tried to take that same mindset that as if I was going to be playing. That’s the only way I knew how to prepare. So the mindset hasn’t had to change really.”
(On the Vikings defense)
“Well they’re a very athletic group and they play hard, they fly around. It’s a group of players that I’m extremely familiar with. The scheme’s a little bit unfamiliar for me. It’s definitely a good group and they’ve been good for a long time there.”
(On how this situation compares to his situation in Detroit during the 2010 season)
“Well in 2010, the starter went down at the end of the first half of game one so then you’re kind of thrown in without the preparation so, that’s one difference. Obviously this is a different team too, I’m a different player now, so there’s a lot of differences for sure.”
(On if he has had some time this week to help newly acquired QB Case Keenum get acclimated)
“No I haven’t had a chance to really do anything with him. It’s kind of game week, we’re rolling. It’s time to get ready for the Vikings.”
(On if he gets the sense of optimism around the organization)
“I haven’t been here in the past, so I don’t know what the vibe’s been in the past so I don’t know if it’s different or not. But I definitely get the positive vibe around here for sure.”
(On how he has improved since 2010)
“Well I’m just more experienced. That’s probably the main thing. Just more experienced and seeing a lot of things for sure.”
(On if he is feeling fresh)
“Yeah as fresh as a 34-year old can be, I guess. Yeah, no I do, I feel great.”
(On developing a chemistry with his receivers)
“Well, that all started in OTAs, having a lot of reps then, getting a lot of that work with them then. Just working all the way through camp with them. I’ve been able to get a lot of reps with these guys.”
(On if the he thinks the NFL has become a passing league and what he sees as the most important thing for a starting quarterback in the NFL)
“I don’t know if that’s completely accurate. There’s still a lot of teams that run the ball and now option’s coming back in. So everything has its evolution, I guess. I guess the most important thing about being a quarterback in the NFL is being the same guy every day, being consistent and then playing with timing. Being able to anticipate the open holes and trusting your guys and being on the same page with all of them.”
(On if this is his first career opening day start in the NFL)
“Incorrect, ’09.”
(On knowing that this is his team)
“Yeah that is very exciting, it’s certainly added fuel to the fire for me. I think like everybody, just optimistic about the season and just very excited to get it going.”
