56 Quotes by Jim Bates

We're counting on him to do it, ... That was his best game for us by far this season. We need more of that, because it definitely has an influence on how we play defense when he's playing at a high level and making plays in the backfield and getting some push up the middle.

We've got some good flexibility there with the rotation we've been in,

We haven't given up the big run, the 25-, 30-, 40-yard run. But we have given up way too many for big chunks on early downs. We have to get better, it doesn't matter who's playing. I have confidence we'll stop the run.

We'll make that decision (today). But we'll go on a lot of plays and the total preseason, not just tonight.

We definitely have to improve. Third down-and-long situations have been the one that's been most disappointing. We should be off at a much higher percentage.

We (coaches) will sit around and talk it over, and let the tape soak in and see where we are. We'll visit sometime (today) and be set for Wednesday.

We just have to sort through that and keep improving. They've shown on the practice field they can do it, but have to carry it to the field. We have to sort this out and get both guys playing at high level.

When you get that opportunity to be a head coach, you have a list of people you've worked with. I wanted to give him the chance to pick those people with whom he had relationships. I didn't want to get in his way.

Well, when you have as many young players as we have, until they put a stamp on the position, it can change. And so nothing's permanent, especially with the young players. But Joey now has the opportunity, he's ready for the opportunity and he had a great offseason.