Head Coach Mike Vrabel 9/20: "I'm proud of our defense, I'm proud of everybody"

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

That's okay, you can talk.

SPEAKER_2 (0:03)

In the second game in a row, a very strong defensive effort. Today, the turnover is in constant harassment of Rodgers, I'm guessing, is what you were looking for.

Mike Vrabel (0:17)

Well, that has to be the formula. You know, I mean, you have to affect the quarterback each and every week, and we have to do a better job and continue to do a good job of helping our quarterback be efficient, and he has a large part in that. But we know that that's the formula. I'm proud of our defense, proud of everybody. I mean, a lot of guys stepped up with a lot of injuries, and we played a lot of guys that some of these guys haven't been here for, you know, probably around two weeks or so, and, you know, they play for us. So that's a great thing that they were ready to go, but we have to get healthy and figure out who's available next week for a huge challenge.

SPEAKER_4 (0:52)

Dan Roach in the back.

Dan Roach (0:53)

Mike, how big was the ex-play by Anderson in the first quarter to get you going?

Mike Vrabel (0:57)

Well, I mean, again, that's what you need. We talked about to create ex-plays offensively, you need great execution and extra efforts. And I think we had good execution, and then Pop provided the extra effort to spring the block there that got Trevion into the end zone.

SPEAKER_6 (1:18)

Mike, for Trevion's interception there, what were your thoughts on maybe the decision to throw that? And, you know, is it...

Mike Vrabel (1:26)

I mean, again, I'm going to look at the tape. I think we have to continue to be aggressive, and, you know, I mean, figure out where the guy is, and maybe Hunter can come back and help him. Maybe we can throw it over the guy's head and give Hunter a chance. I don't know. I mean, the guy made a good play. We didn't make a very good one. Those things are going to end up costing us. But, you know, I love the way that we responded defensively.

And, you know, again, we see, you know, how critical the football is, and who possesses it, and how you finish drives.

SPEAKER_7 (1:57)

Back on the left.

SPEAKER_1 (1:58)

Hi, coach. Walk me through sort of the defensive touchdown and the overall pressure that your defense put on Aaron Rodgers.

Mike Vrabel (2:05)

Well, I mean, it's a good mix. I think the defensive coaches, I think Zach and everybody over there does a fantastic job. I think all the credit goes to the players. But certainly, you know, being able to, you know, see Christian Barmore affect the quarterback with a holding putt in the knee and a forced fumble and, you know, seeing everybody work and compete, but work together to affect the quarterback. And the coverage has to be there long enough for the rush to get there. And, you know, I think Ponder had a couple of those, you know, fumble recoveries last year and was able to score. And it was fun to see him be able to get into the end zone today.

SPEAKER_8 (2:41)

Hi, Mike. I'm curious, with the edge group, you talked about players stepping up due to injury. What did you see from them specifically, Steve and Elijah, today?

Mike Vrabel (2:49)

Well, I mean, they just, you know, those are the guys we've been playing with. And I thought Q had a good rush there later on in the game and factored. And these guys have all been practicing and working really hard. And, you know, I mean, I guess I'm just proud of them. You know what I mean? You look over there and they've got TJ. Watt and Highsmith and Herbig. And, you know, we've got Ponder and Ackess and Q. So I'm proud of our guys for going out there and being ready.

SPEAKER_9 (3:17)

Mike, what has allowed Gabe to be a quick study and make an impact here once the season started?

Mike Vrabel (3:21)

Well, I mean, he cares extremely, in an extreme amount. Like, he cares. Like, he comes in early. He stays late. He's with Smitty. He works with me. He works with all the coaches. He cares about his teammates. He goes hard. He makes mistakes. And the thing about Gabe is that he can work through mistakes.

And I think that's really critical for any young player trying to improve that to be willing to make new mistakes and be okay with that and be able to be coached. And I think he's been able to do that.