Head Coach Jerod Mayo 9/30: "We are always looking for ways to improve our roster"

Jerod Mayo (0:01)

Yeah, you know, I just spoke on the radio not too long ago. Obviously, we're disappointed with the first quarter of the season.

We just have to do a better job coaching, a better job playing, and really taking advantage of our opportunities. Yesterday, we missed on our targets, our targets coming off of the Jets week and scouting San Fran. Defensively was to keep the quarterback in the pocket. You always want to limit big plays, which we didn't do that. Now, it also said the edge in the run game was shaky. Offensively, we talked about not turning the ball over. We did turn the ball over, and this team is still, we have to learn from those mistakes, and we'll take our lumps along the way. I think the guys understand that, so looking forward to them getting back in the building, hopefully with good energy, and ready to go. Hands up.

SPEAKER_2 (0:49)

We'll open up with questions.

SPEAKER_3 (0:50)

We'll start with Mike Reese, followed by Mike Chieri. Morning, Jerod. When it comes to learning from the mistakes, on the Remandre fumble, went back to watch it, and I'm curious what the coaching point is. I mean, it looked like he's got the two hands around the ball. What is the coaching point? Obviously, it looked like the guard maybe missed a block. Tell me what you saw.

Jerod Mayo (1:17)

That's right. We missed a block on that. The defender was able to get his hand in there and rip the ball out. If you look at even just the past, well, just really all season, he has a target on his back as far as a guy that doesn't have good ball security. And he knows he has to improve that. And it's not just for him, it's for anyone that touches the football. We always talk about ball security, equaling job security, and we just have to continue to develop that.

SPEAKER_3 (1:46)

Next question, Mike, Jerry, over there.

SPEAKER_4 (1:49)

Morning, Jerod. I just want some clarification on what you just told the guys on the radio. You said the plan, you were asked about the plan for Drake, and if it was going to be revealed, you said the plan, we can't put the plan in place, essentially, until we're competitive. Is that in reference to Drake?

Jerod Mayo (2:08)

No, I didn't say, I don't think I said you can't put the plan in place. They wanted to know about the plan. They wanted to know what the plan was. And so it came up, well, Drake was in there. Could you reveal the plan? And that's what I was saying. I was like, no, it's this no one else's business.

SPEAKER_4 (2:25)

Very good.

Jerod Mayo (2:26)

Well, if I just had to clarify for you.

SPEAKER_4 (2:28)

No, that's good.

SPEAKER_5 (2:29)

Yeah, thanks.

SPEAKER_2 (2:31)

That kind followed by Chris Ryan.

SPEAKER_4 (2:34)

Good morning, Jerod. There's some experienced offensive tackles available right now in free agency. Has there been any thought to adding any of those guys? And if not, then why not?

Jerod Mayo (2:48)

Ellie and I have those conversations all the time. We actually were going to meet today. We are always trying to find ways to improve our roster. And so that's always under consideration.

SPEAKER_4 (3:00)

Thank you.

SPEAKER_6 (3:00)

Thanks.

SPEAKER_3 (3:04)

Chris Ryan followed by Scott Perry.

SPEAKER_7 (3:06)

Morning, Jerod. Just from your standpoint right now, is there more concern about what you're seeing on the defensive side of the ball or the offensive side of the ball, where you kind of felt like the defense was going to be an integral part to winning this year, and some of the areas that you highlighted as being strengths, it seems like you haven't kind of hit the mark with tackling and getting the ball quick in turnovers. Yeah.

Jerod Mayo (3:30)

You know, early in the season, you know, I would say just to look at it from a quarterly review, defensively, we just haven't tackled well, we haven't kept the quarterback in the pocket. There have been times where we've covered well, and also times that, you know, it seems like receivers are wide open. That's something that, you know, we just have to get better at. And really, you know, special teams had a great game yesterday, but offensively and defensively, we did not. And for this team to win games, we have to be able to play well in all three phases. And really, I know you guys get tired of me saying this, fundamentals still continue to be an issue, and I'll continue to harp on it.

SPEAKER_2 (4:11)

Phil Perry followed by Taylor Kyles.