Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury
On why he wanted to be back in Washington this season:
"Yeah, DQ [Head Coach Dan Quinn] has created a tremendous culture. The organization has as well, just starting at the top with [Managing Partner] Josh [Harris] and then AP [General Manager Adam Peters], type of people they brought in. So, I'm excited to continue to learn from DQ and these other coaches and continue to try to build this thing."
On QB Jayden Daniels improving in his second season:
"Yeah, he works extremely hard. I mean, that's all he kind of thinks about is how he can get better and watches a ton of film, watches a ton of football overall. And so, that organically really takes care of itself in a way when you have a guy who wants to be that great. And then just the pieces we brought in, high character guys that have done it at a high level, continue to try and take another step with the guys we have coming back, we're just working to get better. I think overall that's a group that's hungry, not just Jayden, but it's a group that works really well together, very coachable and wants to improve as a unit."
On why he wanted the team to draft T Josh Conerly Jr.:
"Yeah, I've known Adam [Peters] a long time, so we always have fun with each other, but just being around Josh, the type of person he is, his makeup, competitive spirit, his desire to be great and just he's young. And I think the skillset is definitely there and the sky's the limit for the talent. I think building it, you've seen our division, the team who just won the whole thing, they built it starting up front. And I think to try and keep up with those type teams, you gotta continue to do that and stock that room, injuries happen. We're really impressed with the line last year and the job they did, but injuries happen and you always gotta try and get younger and the more depth you have in that room, the better you're going to do."
On his communication with Daniels over the offseason:
"Yeah, just texts and calls. Like I said, his mind is never very far away from the game, so if he sees something or has a thought, he likes to reach out and talk through it. And so that relationship has really grown, I think kind of figuring out where we want to continue to get better at."
On where he sees Conerly Jr. playing:
"I think DQ said it, I mean there's really one guy that we see as solidified through and through. And the rest are going to compete and continue to try and get better. And wherever he fits in, he fits in, whether it's starting this year or next year or the year after. That's what I love about this culture DQ has, everything's earned and he'll have to earn it as well. And it's a competitive group right now."
On if there was anything he wanted Daniels to work on over the offseason:
"No, he's a guy, like I said, organically it's going to happen as you continue to work with each other and he continues to figure out his game and this offense and match the offense. So, it was more just get some rest because he wanted to get right back into it so, 'Hey, get some rest, get away from it and then attack it.' And he's done that. I mean, he is very highly motivated to be as good as he can be and that's always exciting for the organization."
On how a bulked up offensive line can help him as a play caller:
"That's where it all starts as a play caller. So, the ability to have the entire playbook open and feel comfortable with whatever you call, I think it is always make easier on that group, is really good. And I thought last year they were tremendous for what we asked them to do and playing with the rookie quarterback and really helping him along and hopefully the pieces we added this year will just make them that much better."
On the roles he imagines WR Jaylin Lane and RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt:
"Yeah, I mean it's a pretty loaded group so they're going to have to kind of get in where you fit in with this group and there's not a ton of footballs to go around. So, both guys have really attacked it, great athletes, bring a lot of speed, dynamic players, and so we'll kind of see how this progresses throughout the offseason."
On Daniels being able to play in the same system during his second season:
"Yeah, it's huge. I think you look traditionally through the NFL, the guys who've had a ton of success have been able to stay in those long-term, all-time greats and just the comfort level and then you being able to take the ownership of it and understand it inside and out, where now you're correcting people, you don't even need the coaches. And he's kind of getting to that point."
On if Daniels looks different physically:
"Yeah, I mean, I think he's still pretty lean but he's definitely worked really hard at his fitness in the weight room and I mean, he's here early and stays late and does all the things. So, I haven't seen his weights, but I'm sure that he's a little bit thicker than he was."
On his excitement level having WR Deebo Samuel on the team:
"Yeah, one of the best competitors I've gone against as a coach, just seeing him twice a year there in Arizona. I was always so impressed with how [San Francisco 49ers Head Coach] Kyle [Shanahan] utilized him and did different things with him and he's a football player through and through. Even being out here at OTA's, just you get him on the field, and he's got a natural feel for things as he's figuring this offense out but couldn't be more thrilled having seen it up close and personal for those years to actually get to work with him. Like I said, he's a great football player."
On changing the offense with team's having tape from a full season:
"Yeah, they have a lot of years of play calling on me actually. So, every year you just evolve and really try to maximize who you're as an offense. So, we'll see where these new guys fit in, we'll see what we did well last year, what we think if we can improve on and then go from there. But like I said, the guys I've seen that improve year to year are the really hard workers and that's what Jayden is. So, I would expect him to take another big step."
On how much he pulls from Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray's second season to help Daniels during his second season:
"Yeah, I think throughout my career just guys that I've been able to work with in year two, like I said, the biggest deal is just the ownership of the offense and the mastery of it and where they are very comfortable and checks the line and correcting guys and the timing, the rhythm of plays, their footwork marrying up with every concept. I think that's where they really take a huge step. And traditionally the second year has been a massive jump for those guys."
On his expectations from the running back room and specifically RB Brian Robinson Jr.:
"Yeah, he's been really focused. The biggest thing that came out of last year I think was that any of the guys that we asked to go in and play, played at a really high level. And [RB Austin] Ekeler in his role and what he was able to do, I thought it really had a resurgence. And all the other guys where there's JMac [RB Jeremy McNichols] or C-Rod [RB Chris Rodriguez], whenever their number was called they stepped up and played at a high level. But B-Rob's a guy who has played an incredibly high level, I thought early in the year when he was really healthy, he was what we expect him to be and the focus this offseason has been great. He knows what this year means to him and can mean to us when he plays at that level."
On how WR Terry McLaurin and Samuel complement each other on the field:
"Yeah, both tremendous players. Terry taking the top off, doing the things he does with his route tree, outside, always scares defenses. And then Deebo, just the myriad of ways you can use him, the touches you can get, he's hard to tackle, that firsthand space rarely gets him down. And so just finding ways that he can continue to impact our offense and still get those other guys to football."
On if the coaching staff recommended Daniels to put on weight:
"I think just through getting older and working out. I don't think it was anything that we really said, 'Hey, you gotta be this weight or that weight.' I mean, he knows what he has to do to protect himself and where he feels comfortable playing, but the arm strength, it looks better and you can tell he's stronger, there's no doubt."
On the importance of learning personnel and building chemistry during OTA's:
"Yeah, it can be good. Those guys like that, that have done it at such a high level for so long, they're constant professionals, they're going to show up ready to go, whether it's training camp or OTA's. But I think a lot of times for the younger players it's pretty vital to get them in here, get them comfortable, so then in training camp they can compete at a high level and feel comfortable."
On areas of the offense he wants to see improvement in this season:
"Yeah, I thought ball security, ultimately, kind of was where achilleas heel late in the season. Had a bunch that we can't do if you really want to be one of those elite teams. And so, I think that's an area that we will harp on all offseason and try to be better protecting the football."
On what he's seen from Lane this offseason:
"Yeah, he can really roll. Fast, dynamic player had a great college career there and very hardworking, very conscientious about his preparation and he's really picked things up quick. We've kind of moved around to try and challenge him inside, outside and he's picked it all up, so I'm excited to see how he develops and does in training camp."
On what he's working on right now in preparation for the season:
"Yeah, trying to get the new players of the system, whether there's the young guys, the rookies or the vets we brought in, really acclimated and comfortable. Some of the veteran guys have a pretty good feel for it. We really streamlined a lot of the stuff we did last year to make sure that this year, this offseason was more skill development and it's not as much scheme. And so really, it's about going out there, we're not trying to scheme people up this time of year but see how you can execute your one-on-ones, win your one-on-ones work, your route technique, things of that nature."
*On how much he looked at the schedule this time of year: *"Yeah, I mean you go week to week, really. The Madrid one will be cool. I'm a big Europe guy, so I'm stoked about that. But other than that it's every time that drops, it's the NFL and every game looks tough on your schedule."
On making sure everyone gets enough touches in the offense:
"Yeah, I've never had a great player that didn't want the ball and so that kind of comes with the territory. But that's one thing I think that DQ has created where it's the team above anything else. And these guys that had their success last year and got their touches, they know bringing Deebo in, there's going to be less, but we're going to be better. And I think when they're able to sacrifice for that and understand that the ultimate goal is winning, then it all works itself out. But you want those guys, I mean, I'll get cussed out a few games, but it's just comes with the territory. You'd rather have really good players cussing you out, than bad players cussing you out."
*On if the wide receivers on the roster are all interchangeable at each position: *"We're working towards that. And [WR] Noah Brown being back, I thought was huge to get him back. We gotta get him healthy. But a lot of guys who understand the system now, played at a really high level, played great in critical situations last year and so that'll help the young guys come along, but most of those guys can play their inside or out, which is really what you're hopeful of."
On if he's excited for the amount of primetime games on the schedule this season:
"Yeah, I get more excited for the players. This is why they do it, to be in those moments and play in those games and work that hard their entire lives to get here. So, to have their friends, family, everybody get to see them in that showcase, that's really exciting for those guys. So, preparation's always going to be tough in the NFL, it's going to be a busy year. I think it's more you gotta appreciate when you get to an opportunity to play on those stages."
On what Daniels is working on this time of year:
"Yeah, I think just mastery of the system more than anything. Like I mentioned last year, had them learn inside and outside, really kind of overloaded them, but you can see the comfort level was there this year. I mean, just watching him move around, he's not thinking as much, he's playing fast and letting his natural gifts kind of take over and that's what we want to see. So, I expect him to take a big jump."
