Head Coach Mike Macdonald Recaps The Divisional Round Victory, Provides Injury Updates

Mike Macdonald (0:01)

All right. You know, I speak every day this week, so only a select crowd, so respect for showing up.

SPEAKER_2 (0:11)

I know you talked about it earlier, but just the situation with Zach, and then just that he's going to be out, and kind of what do you do moving forward there?

Mike Macdonald (0:18)

Yeah, it's, yeah, I mean, really it's just pretty sure it's ACL. You know, maybe we're figuring out what kind of the extent of the injury is, and we'll, you know, get all the details on when he's going to get it fixed and all that. But, you know, you just feel for the guy, for the person, you know, just, this guy's just an absolute stud. So, but he's around and he's in good spirits and we got his back.

SPEAKER_3 (0:47)

What have you thought of Ken's season to this point? You know, over a thousand yards played in every game?

Mike Macdonald (0:53)

Yeah, I think Ken's done a heck of a job. I mean, I think you've seen the results in the past X amount of weeks now of the result of, like, we always use the term, but really, like, stacking all those reps. I thought this is the most decisive he's ran up to this point. And as expected, you know, you just keep getting better and keep finding ways to improve, especially in the run game. And he's done a great job.

SPEAKER_3 (1:17)

You said the most decisive he's ran in that last game or just the last?

Mike Macdonald (1:20)

Yeah, this past game, I thought that was a heck of a performance.

SPEAKER_4 (1:26)

You had the one run, I think it was maybe third quarter, where the whole offense basically pushed him another five yards.

Mike Macdonald (1:31)

Right.

SPEAKER_4 (1:31)

Guessing that's a play you like, and you highlight it.

Mike Macdonald (1:33)

Yeah, we showed that one today. That was awesome. Just every yard matters, you know? So guys are fired up to watch that one.

SPEAKER_2 (1:41)

So Bellis and Kam, what have you kind of seen out of them?

Mike Macdonald (1:44)

Yeah, well, that's part of the reason we brought them here, is just to provide great running back depth. Both are really good players in their own right, and they got a great opportunity in front of them, you know?

So you hate it to be under these circumstances, but it is what it is. You know, we got to move forward, so they'll be ready to go.

SPEAKER_5 (2:05)

Zach's pass protection is one of his kind of really high traits. What have you seen out of those other guys kind of behind him and how they kind of stack up in that situation?

Mike Macdonald (2:13)

Yeah, that's something we depend on with Zach, and other guys are definitely capable of doing it as well, but Zach has really just been excellent at it, so that's why he's gotten the majority of those reps.

SPEAKER_6 (2:25)

Do you see George Helani as someone who could potentially come back and help out?

Mike Macdonald (2:29)

George is an option, yeah. We'll see how it goes this week.

SPEAKER_3 (2:33)

Is he physically ready to go?

Mike Macdonald (2:38)

I think we'll just let it play out this week on how everything goes, but we'll probably hear from that over the next few days.

SPEAKER_6 (2:46)

Right. Justin Outen obviously stepped into the running back room when Kennedy left, and I'm curious your thoughts on the impact he's had in helping evolve that running game.

Mike Macdonald (2:57)

Yeah, J.O.'s done a great job with those guys taking over that room, helping his role in how we game plan, and then what he's done with helping out with the offensive line as well, and he's an e-guy. I mean, he's kind of all hands on deck in all the different ways, which from my perspective is something I really appreciate. It's just whatever you kind of dig into, just kind of make that area sweet, make that take it to the next level. And he definitely has that mindset and has great presentations for the players. I know our running back room has really enjoyed working with him. So yeah, definitely shout out to JO. He's done a great job.

SPEAKER_7 (3:37)

Mike, this morning, I wonder if you can clarify something for me. You said this morning, if you're getting blocked, you're not doing your 1.9 percent?

Mike Macdonald (3:45)

Yeah, 1.09.

SPEAKER_7 (3:46)

I'm sorry, 1.09.

Mike Macdonald (3:47)

Yeah, times 11 is what, 12? 12 is more.

SPEAKER_7 (3:52)

Okay. And then you did drill down a little bit. You talked about your area of influence in the run game, in stopping the run game.