Head Coach Mike Vrabel 1/4: "I really appreciate the way the defense responded"

Mike Vrabel (0:00)

How are you doing, Karen?

Karen (0:02)

I'm doing well. How are you, Mike?

Mike Vrabel (0:03)

Fantastic.

Karen (0:05)

That's good. I'm guessing you might be pleased with the finish and kind of taking care of business before heading into the postseason.

Mike Vrabel (0:14)

Yeah, and I think that a little lull there in the second quarter, but I really appreciate the way that the defense responded after the block to force them to make a long kick, and then the way the offense was able to go back and get Andy into field goal range, and a fantastic kick by him. So I tried to ask them to replicate those last two series and that intensity and that execution as we went into the second half, and I think that's what we saw.

SPEAKER_3 (0:51)

What's your initial reaction to learning that you guys will host the Chargers next weekend?

Mike Vrabel (1:00)

We'll get ready and get rolling and try to do what we do every week, which is prepare and figure out who we have available and what we feel like the keys are going to be, and try to practice and be ready to go. That's all we've done all year, and it's all we'll be able to do this weekend of playoffs.

SPEAKER_4 (1:24)

Mike, just a thought on Ramondre today with 131 yards rushing 22 receiving three touchdowns. The last three games, it seems like, especially after contact, he's been real good. Just what you've seen from him.

Mike Vrabel (1:35)

Just build his confidence and appreciate all of our backs ability to protect. And, you know, Ramondre does that. And I think that goes sometimes unnoticed. And I know that that's not as, you know, sexy as or exciting as, you know, the run game production and the pass receiving. But, you know, he cares deeply about this team. I was excited to be able to have him be a game captain for us. And I think he's just continued to get better. He's continued to make people miss and to run hard and still protect the football.

SPEAKER_5 (2:13)

Mike, I know you'll have to review the film, but what did you see from Will Campbell and Milton Williams throughout the week and today in their return?

Mike Vrabel (2:19)

I mean, I thought that they were okay. I thought Milt factored a few times. Again, you know, a lot of great efforts out there. I'm not going to signal Will or Milt. I mean, I'm sure they did okay.

SPEAKER_6 (2:37)

Mike, you end this first season with 14 wins. Just what does it mean for you to have a start like this here?

Mike Vrabel (2:43)

It means we are the second seed, and we're going to host chargers, and we start over. The only ones that are going to matter are going to be the ones that we can get moving forward.

SPEAKER_4 (2:57)

Mike, to that point, you know, when you stood in this room months ago and said we want to win the division, host playoff games, and compete for championships, you're here. I understand the season's not over, but how does that happen in the matter of months?

Mike Vrabel (3:09)

We get the right guys in the building at the right time, and we got good quarterback play. We figured out how to not beat ourselves. I think we played over an identity, and, you know, guys make plays. That's what happens. So, I'm excited for all those guys that, again, when you chase wins, usually the production comes along with it, and so we need to focus on winning and the efforts that are going to help us win, and in turn, you end up with all the plays that you're going to need, and I think you saw that.

SPEAKER_7 (3:44)

Hi, Mike. I'm just curious with Ramandre Stevenson, is there anything you can pinpoint to maybe the turnaround he had towards the second half of the season from the fumbling issues maybe early on to just now kind of dominating on the field?

Mike Vrabel (4:01)

Just hard work and perseverance, and I think Tony and all the offensive coaches do a great job in emphasizing ball security, and I think just him being just... We kind of feel like we got into a little flow with him and Trevion and Ramandre and kind of figured out where that balance was, and I think that they did a great job. We need them both, we need De'Ernest, but figuring out the balance with Ramandre and Trevion and those guys both taking advantage of the opportunities that they have. So I feel like that's a good flow by Josh and Tony calling the game and getting the guys in there.