San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, quarterback Brock Purdy, and others spoke with reporters after Saturday's 21-20 preseason win against the Denver Broncos. Here is everything they had to say.
Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan
Opening comments:
"[WR] Danny Gray had a shoulder, never returned. [DL] Kerry Hyder [Jr.] had a stinger, didn't return. And [RB] Jeremy McNichols didn't return with a hamstring."
When you say Danny Gray had a shoulder, separated?
"Possible collarbone that we couldn't tell from our x-rays. So, he is getting them right now down there."
How important was it for you to get K Jake Moody one more try and then to see it go through the uprights?
"I thought it was pretty important. The first time down there I was hoping to get him one. Probably would've gone for it if it wasn't his first time. We wanted to get him his first kick. So it was good to get that out of the way after last week. And I know after he missed that extra point, wanted to get him another one and thought it was going to be a farther one, but [RB] Ty [Tyrion Davis-Price] broke a long one there at the end. And it was just good to get the winner."
What made you want to see QB Brock Purdy tonight and how do you think he did just at first glance?
"He's just been doing a good job in practice. When we started out, I didn't think I'd go to the third game. But just after the week of practice, I wanted to get him out there with the starters, most of them at least. The goal was to get him one drive. I told him if we went three-and-out wasn't sure what I would do. But I was glad to get a long one."
How did you think he did?
"I thought he did real good, all the plays that he had he made and I don't think he had a bad one. That sack, we busted a protection, and we'll see if he could've done anything about it and got rid of it. You always try your hardest to get rid of it because once you get sacked there, it's tough to score. But it didn't look like there was much you could do live."
You think that's it for Brock for preseason?
"No, the starters will play next week."
You went pretty long with QB Sam Darnold. Was that the plan? Five possessions, I think it was.
"Yeah. I wanted to give Sam a whole half, just like we gave [QB] Trey [Lance] a whole half last week. And then Brock had a long first drive, they had a long drive and Sam's first one went three-and-out. So, I felt like he didn't get to even play in the first quarter except for like three plays. So, the goal was to get him a half. And at the end of the third is when we took him out, I think."
Without obviously watching the film, would you expect to see some really good things from the quarterbacks, all three of them tonight?
"Yeah, I thought all three of them did a good job. I thought the two picks we had, one was a tip, that [WR] Ronnie [Bell] had. And the other one I thought that D-Lineman made a good play on that screen, which still thought we were going to reverse it, but I think it was inconclusive some of the shots. But I thought all three of them did a good job and a good steppingstone for next week."
How did Trey handle this game? Did you feel like he was a little bit more relaxed and more comfortable from the start?
"It seemed like it. I think always when you don't go three-and-out it helps. And so, I think we got a little bit of better rhythm for him. It still took a little bit while to get going. Not just him, but the whole group. I thought we were a little sloppy throughout the whole game. Way too many penalties. Seemed like when we did get some stuff going, especially there in the second quarter, it seemed like we always had a penalty or missed assignment. So, I thought it was smoother than last week, but by no means where we pumped about it. I was pumped how we finished, pumped about the win, some good things. But still have a lot to do to cleanup."
Did you see that coming, the penalty for the guys leaving the bench?
"No, I didn't, but I know they felt pretty stupid right when it happened. I was pretty pissed. But it's the preseason and they were excited. Their boy scored so they're excited for them. But yeah, that cost us an attempt at a two-point conversion. We attempted it still, but it's not high percentage from the 17. But I told him in the locker room it was genius because it led to us being able to go for the win at the end. So, it worked out for them in the long run."
Bell has made a lot of good plays. He's also had those two pretty bad plays. I guess, how do you assess his overall first preseason games?
"It starts by being able to make plays. And lots of guys you expect guys to catch it, when they're in a good spot. And he's missed two of those which were very similar, both of them that've led to picks. But, I think all you guys saw the plays he has made. Just with the ball in his hand breaking tackles, I think that's a lot for a guy to do that in his first two games as a punt returner and as a receiver. Shows that he can hang with our group and hopefully he can clean this stuff up because we did give him a lot of opportunities. So, by no means was he perfect, he's still got a long way to go and he has got to get better. But having Danny down today, [WR] Ray-Ray [McCloud III] down, we need some guys to step it up and he's giving himself a chance."
I know you're not a kicking expert, but have you seen stuff? Even the one that won, it looked like it was headed right. Is there any concern about just the way the ball is going off his foot?
"Yeah, I'd like it to go really high and right down the middle every time and I didn't see that today. But that's what he is working through. He's had two NFL games to get through it. It was better this week than last week. I can say that it's been extremely consistent in practice, which is why I don't worry too much. And I think he'll keep getting better as he goes. But there's pressure in those situations. And that's really what he's got to go through is those pressure moments. And it was cool to generate some of those for him today and a step forward from last week. But, we've just got to keep him getting consistent and be the same on game days, as he is in practice."
In kickoffs, it looks like K Zane Gonzalez had two touchbacks. Do you want touchbacks?
"Yeah, we usually do. I mean, Zane had a short one and so did Moody right after his extra point that he missed. Those guys both have big legs, so I expect it to go out every time. But again, I don't major in kicking, so even though I expect it to go out every time it doesn't, you're just a little bit off and you over kick it and that's what happens. And he had one like that today and so did Zane."
With a guy like TE Cameron Latu who's struggled with drops throughout camp, how do you kind of keep his confidence up and then how rewarding is it to see him, you know, step in tonight?
"Yeah, I was real happy for him. Sometimes when that starts in practice, it's tough to get out of it and a lot of eyes are on him and he has had a few of them and it's kind of steamrolled on him. That usually makes it hard to go into games like he did today. And I think his first catch was a rollout from Sam going to the right and made a hell of a catch on his first one, which probably took the monkey off his back a little bit, probably got him to relax a little and I think he made three more throughout the game and got that big touchdown for us."
If you're going to be without Ray-Ray McCloud III to start the season, how close are you to knowing who your return specialists are going to be?
"I mean, there's still lots of people around the league, so you always look into all that. I mean, people on this roster are competing to try to get that job since Ray-Ray's injury gave them an opportunity. But they're also competing with everyone else in this league. You see what's available, you compare it to what we have and you try to have the best 53 for Sunday versus the Steelers."
S Ji'Ayir Brown was in there for the whole first half. Was that just to get him some looks there? Was it a little S Tashaun Gipson Sr. rest? What was the thinking there?
"We wanted the starters to mainly play about 10 to 12 plays, but I gave a few of the guys for age purposes, [T] Trent [Williams] and Gip, we didn't have them go which was perfect for Ji'Ayir to go out there with the ones, get those reps. And when we took the ones out, then he just played on with his two reps. I think that was good for him."
Was CB Ambry Thomas starting so DB Deommodore Lenoir could just focus on nickel or is that being looked at as a possible regular season?
"We're looking at all of it. I mean, we think we have some decent options, but we're trying to figure out our best three."
49ers QB Brock Purdy
It's been a long time since January 29th.What was it like to get back out there and get back in?
"Yeah, no, it felt really good just to be out there with the guys in a game environment. Obviously, just get the nerves out a little bit. Just the buildup to a game and everything, and then being able to get an early completion to [WR] Deebo [Samuel] and get things rolling. So, it felt really good to be able to get out there and drive and honestly, just be in a game environment, like I said. So, yeah, I'm excited about it."
Were these regular nerves or any different nerves just because of the situation?
"Yeah, just the game nerves, you know your first game action, obviously since the postseason last year and everything. So, to be able to get out there and sort of shake all that kind of stuff off, it was normal stuff, normal pre-game nerves and stuff, just like any other game."
You mentioned a couple of weeks ago that you weren't super concerned about getting your first hit or whatever, but was it good to at least, you know, just kind of check that box tonight?
"Yeah, yeah. Honestly, yeah, it was good to be able to drive and then be able to take some hits and get right up and run a play again after that. So, it's part of the game and honestly it helps me sort of settle into the game and so I thought it was pretty good to be able to go through that."
You and QB Trey Lance are tight. He took a lot of criticism nationally during the week. Is it nice to see him, you know finish the game like he did? Maybe kind of silence that for a little while?
"Oh, it was awesome seeing him being able to finish and put a game-winning drive together, set up [K Jake] Moody for the game-winning kick. Yeah, we all want to see him succeed and do great. So to be able to go out there and just chip away honestly, and then he put together two great drives at the end, so it was awesome to see, really excited for him."
What's left for you to get ready for the regular season?
"Yeah, I think honestly just keep honing in on the little details and stuff throughout the week, trying to be accurate as best as possible at practice. Obviously, chip away at trying to take away from the mistakes at practice and feel you know, not perfect, but get close to it. And so, I want to be able to practice consistently and come Week One, be ready to rip it. So, we're getting there."
Will you try things in practice occasionally that you would not try in a game just to see where you're at?
"Yeah, honestly, I'd say so. You know, with this whole process with my arm and stuff coming back, there's times where you get into an 11-on-11 situation and there's tight windows and stuff, and you're looking off guys and you want to see, alright, can I fit this in there or not? And so, I feel like I've tried that out a little bit all throughout camp. And so, you watch the film, you learn from it, and it's something that you come out the next day and be like, alright, I can do this or I can't, you know? So yeah, it's a good time to try stuff out."
As you probably know your practice interceptions are being charted and carefully monitored. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said you don't care about that. I mean, he likes the fact that you really don't care about a headline, you know, 'QB Brock Purdy has another pick practice'. Does that type of stuff doesn't even register with you?
"Yeah, I mean, for myself obviously I take pride in not turning the ball over. Yes, it's huge as a quarterback to be able to make smart decisions every single snap, every single play. So, it's not like I'm just going out there throwing stuff up and saying, alright, I'm trying stuff out. It's nothing like that. I'm a competitor. I want to be able to rip the ball, obviously coming off an injury, sort of seeing where I'm at with some throws and stuff, that's a thing. But outside of that, it's practice for a reason and obviously, I'm trying to find that edge and that little chip every single day. And so yeah, I just keep working at my craft and go about it that way. But, to make a big deal about interceptions and stuff at practice and whatnot, I don't know, if you get tied up in that and wrapped up in that, I feel like it's sort of for nothing in a sense. Like what matters is game days on Sundays and being in the moment and making the right decision when you're in real situational football and stuff. But you can work on that at practice."
This is your first week doing three days in a row without that day off, are there any restrictions that you still have to get rid of? Or are you completely fully cleared now for throwing?
"Yeah, there's days where I practice obviously, and so I go through those days of practice, but we still monitor in a sense how many throws and this and that, so it's not like we're going to be like, alright, you can go throw out your arm every single day now from here on out it's still like, 'Hey, how's your arm feeling? And we're going to get you reps and go from there' kind of thing. So, that's where we're at. I feel really good, honestly. And even with one day off and then three days in a row, I feel good about that."
Can you go over your split-second decision on the scramble, but rather than maybe throw to WR Jauan Jennings at the goal line, your decision to run for it?
"Yeah, I mean it was just sort of in the moment, 11-on-11 like it was off-schedule, we're scrambling. I feel like I sort of saw a crease backside and it's probably going to be something I'll see on film where it's like, man, give JJ a shot. But yeah, honestly it was a split-second decision and try to run it and set us up for fourth and goal and go for it. But it's preseason, let's kick a field goal."
You got to play with [WR] Deebo [Samuel] last year, a year where he was pretty self-critical of his own performance later saying that he wasn't as explosive as he wanted to be, although he was still pretty good. The first drive tonight are you seeing a more explosive Deebo right now than you ever saw last year?
"Yeah, I think Deebo has obviously taken last year's film and everything and has been real with himself, and man, you've seen like a different mindset with him all throughout camp. Every single rep, even if he's not getting the ball, like he's running extremely hard and doing his part for the team. And so today I feel like you saw a little glimpse of how he is going to do his job, when he gets the ball, he's going to be Deebo, but even when he doesn't, he's still going to be where he needs to be and be there for the team and sort of set the standard. And so, Deebo's done a great job with that and we're really excited about what he's going to do."
49ers QB Sam Darnold
How difficult is it to get in sync when there is penalty after penalty?
"Yeah, obviously, it's tough to get a rhythm so we try to avoid that as much as possible. But when that's the case you just have to continue to play football and not let that affect your decision making."
Did you see improvements this week compared to the game in Vegas last week?
"Yeah, we saw some improvements, a little bit, but we just have to continue to get better. I don't think we're at necessarily where we want to be by the time the season starts. We just have to keep practicing and getting better."
What can you say about WR Ronnie Bell? He got really involved in the game today.
"Ronnie continues to do a really good job for us. Really smart player. For him, he has got to continue to do that because as a rookie it can be hard to absorb the offense and go out there and play ball. You just have to continue to put your head down and go to work."
You had one offensive line on the first drive and second offensive grouping on your second drive. Was that a little bit difficult to adjust to?
"No, we do it all the time in practice. Whether I'm going with the twos or the threes and sometimes rolling with the ones when QB Brock Purdy wasn't practicing. We work with different centers and different lines all the time. It doesn't change anything about how we read things or go through our progressions."
You've been around awhile. Have you given any thought to DE Nick Bosa being out and getting him back?
"Yeah obviously there is nothing we can do. They're figuring out. That's something I don't worry about."
49ers QB Trey Lance
Seems like you got into a really nice rhythm in the fourth quarter. How did it feel to get into that sort of groove?
"It felt great. It was fun, man. Offensive line did a great job. We had some dumb penalties. But it was awesome. Guys made plays and we're super excited to come out with the win."
Are starts a concern for you? Starts with practices, starts with games? It seems like you were usually better towards the end of these sessions than maybe at the beginning.
"I don't think I would say that. Last week, thinking about it, going three-and-out in the first few series was tough to get started. It feels like we don't have rhythm, even though we feel we're in a good spot to move the ball. I think last week just chalk it up to those first three-and-outs."
Did you talk to Head Coach Kyle Shanahan about bringing the ball after that last drive? Did you want to go for six instead of the field goal?
"Not in that situation. I wanted to win the game. Once [RB Tyrion Davis-Price] Ty had that run, maybe I thought about it a little bit. But coming out with the win is the most important thing."
Did things slow down for you at all, even just from last week? Like just getting more reps can help slow things down?
"I feel like every time I step on the field, I learn so much. I get so much better from every rep, whether it's practice, games or whatever. Just seeing as many pictures as I can and continuing to get as many reps as I can with these guys."
Did the interception by the defensive end surprise you?
"Yeah, he made a heck of a play. I got to find a way to get it to [RB] Jeremy [McNichols] in that situation. That was unfortunate. But the defense did a great job getting the ball back to us."
What did you think of WR Ronnie Bell's performance?
"He's been making plays. He does it in practice every single day. It's not surprising for any of the guys who see him from day-to-day. He comes in and does a great job."
He's been breaking tackles too, very WR Deebo Samuel-like runs. He doesn't have the biggest body. Are you surprised he's able to have that run-after-the-catch ability?
"Sometimes, some of the tackles he breaks are real impressive. He's a guy who competes his butt off every single time. He gets the ball in his hands, every single time he touches the field. He comes to work every single day with that mindset."
Has there been a focus for you coming off the last game and entering this game, this week of practices, is there any one thing in particular that you've focused on more than anything else?
"Not really. My mindset today was to just kind of move on, turn the page and just continue to attack the defense."
Do you feel like your decision making was faster? Were you getting the ball out quicker today?
"I thought we were on the same page for sure with a lot of guys. Guys made great plays. That last drive was a lot faster than I anticipated with those guys making big plays and Ronnie breaking tackles."
K Jake Moody is under a ton of pressure. How important was it to see him get that last kick and you set it up for him? How much were you pulling for him?
"Yeah, it was big time, man. He's done a great job. This is his first few times kicking in the NFL. We've got all the faith in the world in him. Great dude, great human being, and obviously a great kicker."
Those final three scoring drives. Could you feel the momentum building?
"Absolutely. Coming into the game being down, the mindset was to score every time we get the ball. [QB] Sam [Darnold] had a couple of tough drives, a couple of tough picks and penalties on his drives that slowed him down. We have to clean it up and get him going without those penalties. But yeah, the mindset was to score every single play."
You weren't ever down much at North Dakota State. When was the last time you led a game-winning drive?
"Oh man, I couldn't tell you. We do a lot of two-minute drills in practice. I get a lot of reps doing that. I'd have to look back for sure."
49ers WR Ronnie Bell
What was going through your mind while making plays tonight?
"I'm just grateful they called my number and get a chance to get the ball in my hands and be able to make a play. Really, the biggest thing is just blessed to have that opportunity."
You've always been a playmaker; that's the whole point of getting the ball in your hands. Talk about that a little bit.
"It's something my dad's always been about when I was younger and when I first started playing. He has always called the receivers 'the playmakers,' and that's what I've always wanted to be about. So, I definitely just wanted to do that."
Tell me so far what you have learned with the 49ers and with the guys in front of you like WR Deebo Samuel and WR Brandon Aiyuk?
"Yeah, playmakers. Exactly that. It's everything that I've always wanted to be about and been about. Just to be a part of this group, with these guys, is a huge blessing."
You were good after contact at Michigan but it seems to me that you might have taken it to another level here. Is there something about playing with guys like Deebo and just this whole team? It seems they really emphasize that YAC, and that's kind of taken that to the next level?
"100-percent. And as you said, it is something that I've always prided myself on. And last year, I wasn't very pleased with the way that I ran with the ball in my hands. That was something that was a big point of emphasis on myself to improve in my game. So yeah, that's something I want to continue to improve on, especially around these guys, the way that they're toting the ball. I want to be able to do the same thing."
49ers K Jake Moody
You talked about the wind pattern, was there any wind involved today?
"Yes, it's beautiful weather out here. I won't have to worry about snow, I hope. But as far as wind, nothing that I haven't dealt with in the past, it can be tricky. It's switched a couple times which direction it was going. So, you just have to be a little bit more focused, a little bit more in tune the entire game with the wind patterns."
What specifically did you see there at the picture point? The wind. It looked like the wind was going that way?
"Yes, it just wasn't a great hit. That's what he was saying, that didn't look like me. The word he uses is attack and he said, it just didn't look like I attacked the ball and just, I was trying to like, kick it a little too smooth and then, the wind just kind of took it at the end. So bad kick in that situation, I have to attack it a little bit harder and give it a better shot."
Do these two games sort of remind you how fragile and fickle a Place Kicker's life is? Not only you, but, Denver Broncos K Brett Maher on the other side had all his issues in the playoffs and came back and played well tonight?
"Yes, it was good talking to him. He is a very nice guy. I'm glad I got to, hear from him a bit, how to deal with stuff like that. And yes, he's bouncing back too, so I'm really happy for him."
Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton
Opening Comments:
"I was encouraged in a lot of areas tonight. I thought we did a good job with the turnover takeaways but we ran the ball. I also thought we defended the run well. I certainly would've liked to have won, but I was pleased with pretty much most of that game. I was a little disappointed at the end of the half because I felt like we had time left. Obviously they felt that we didn't. It's pretty easy to get right, and I think they missed it, but it is what it is."
Tell me about Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams being heavily involved in the passing game.
"Yeah. Look, [Javonte Williams] must not like screens that are wide open and I gave him a hard time on the first play, but it was good to get him back in."
Tell me about the decision to take QB Russell Wilson out.
"Yeah, it was part of the plan going in is to play him 15 or so and then get some work with the first group before we made the overall change and then keep [QB] Jarrett [Stidham] in there."
What was the game play for Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams? Why were so many passes thrown?
"It just felt that way. I don't have his touches yet or how many carries he had, I think it just felt that way. A screen pass is one thing, but him getting a throw on a third down where he's not the intended target but the coverage dictates it. I think that's kind of what happened."
In the second half, you guys really held in there. What does that say about the depth of your roster?
"It's a good question. You know, it's two weeks in a row that we've given up a drive for a field goal instead of a touchdown, but again, there were a lot of things tonight that where different than a week ago that I was encouraged by and pleased with."
You played the first string defense in the first half and even a couple guys in the second.
"Yeah, I think we had numbers for everyone. We're not looking at halves or quarters. We're looking at numbers so we, kind of stood to the number count. It's easy to measure the offensive line when you have a hard number. The runners, the receivers, the outside linebackers. There's some guys that if they're in a rotation, if they come out with the whole unit, they may not be at the number we wanted. Then there were a few guys we wanted to see more numbers from. So I thought we did a pretty good job. We talk about it throughout the whole game where we're at with phase one, two, and three. I thought that went smooth."
Compared to the first game and what you saw today, where did you see the biggest improvement?
"Well, I thought on protection we were better. I thought Russ did a good job of tucking it a few times. Our time of possession was good and I thought we ran the ball a little bit better than a week ago."
When they're reviewing the scoring play, what would you like to see when it's that close?
"Are you talking about the end of the half? Yeah, well it went upstairs. It happened super-fast for them. So, I don't know what time flights are leaving tonight."
What do you think of the versatility that Denver Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin displayed?
"We've kind of been seeing it, if you've been paying attention to practice. I wouldn't say anyone's surprised."
Everything was eyes on you and Russ. Did you see what you wanted to see from him?
"I thought he looked sharp. Especially early on, you know, we struggled later, but early on I thought we did a good job creating two turnovers. We hit their quarterback a lot and that was good."
It looked like you were trying to get McLaughlin back in the game. Did that not work out?
"Yeah, that's on us coaches. We had 12 guys out there so that never should have happened, but we were trying to make a substitution. We'll get that cleaned up."
Compared to a week ago do you think there was more turnover?
"Yep. It was good. It was one of the things we talked about, taking the ball away and protecting it."
Were you pleased with Denver Broncos K Brett Maher?"
"Yes, I was pleased with Mahar tonight."
I know you have to keep track of your own team, but on the other side, 49ers QB Trey Lance has been under a lot of fire himself. What do you think of the way he played?
"Yeah, I'm worried about my own team. I'm not worried about Trey Lance."
Are you enjoying the passion that is involved with coaching?
"I don't enjoy when we can't get a simple end of half situation correctly officiating. So no, I don't. I like being friendly with those guys, but man, then we get a substitution. If you sub on offense, the defense has a chance to make a substitution. There's a sub that takes place and on the touchdown pass at the end of the game and they're right at the line of scrimmage, it's preseason for the officials as well as it is for us. I'm focused on us really. There's a number of things mechanically I didn't like that we'll clean up."
After training camp and these first two games, have you maybe found a couple guys that you want?
"We'll look at the tape. I thought inside we were pretty stout. We didn't defend the boots very well early on and we didn't defend the receiver screens. We haven't stopped one of those yet, but I thought we defended some of the runs that these guys present and then forced a field goal with the first group, that was encouraging. It wasn't until late in the game so we will look at some of that stuff."
Broncos QB Russell Wilson
What were your impressions of Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams getting his first game action?
"I mean, it was great. That's one of the best backs in the game. Obviously he had a tough injury last year and anytime you have an injury like that you have two choices, and he's given everything to the right choice, just how hard he's worked. He's prepared at the best level. He's a guy that loves the game and he's so smart. Great teammate, and he was poised, ready from the beginning of training camp. It was good to see him back out there. What a great feeling that is to see your star running back touching the ball, making plays and doing the things that he does best."
You used your legs a few times.
"Yeah, I thought we did a great job. I thought the offensive line did a tremendous job with protection. I thought that they did a really good job of giving me space. I was able to step up and get the ball out of my hand quickly to the right guys at the right time and then obviously scramble for some really big first downs using my legs. I feel great, you know? Those guys did a great job protecting. It was good to see [Denver Broncos WR Marvin] Mims out there make his first catch too on a key play. There's a lot of good things to feel great about. Where we are as a team and all the hard work those guys have been putting in all of us together. It's coming together one day at a time."
Are you making a conscious decision to run more and keep the defenses more honest?
"I trust my reads going through 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. If it's not there or if there's something there where I can use my legs, it's part of my game. Obviously also being able to get the ball out and throw the ball down the field and all that kind of stuff too. But it's hard for the defense. They can't account for that part of it necessarily. When all of our guys are doing a tremendous job on the line blocking the way they do, it gives me a great chance to get some first downs and use my legs."
After last year, probably the lowest point of your career, how are you feeling mentally, physically, beginning this year with Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton?
"I think coach Payton has done a tremendous job of bringing us all together and getting us to compete at the highest level. I think for me personally, you go through a journey. I want to play 20-plus years so when you go through that, there's going to be some tough moments. There's going to be some highs, there's going to be some lows and a lot more highs than lows. But I think knowing how to weather storms, take everything and understand that gratitude and love for this game, it never changes. It never waves. On your best days or your toughest days, knowing that the best days are ahead. I'm just grateful that I got great people around me. In terms of teammates, the coaching staff and coach Payton and the rest of the staff has done a tremendous job of teaching us every day. My love for the game never waves - just the passion, the love for being out in between those white lines. I've played a lot of football games. I've been in a lot of moments and every time I step in between those white lines you feel like a kid all over again. So I'm just grateful."
You mentioned the other day it felt like things were coming together. Did this feel like the next step?
"That's a great defense, a great team and a great organization, the [San Francisco] 49ers. They've done a lot of great things over the years and if anybody's played them a lot, I have. I know how well they're coached with [49ers Head Coach] Kyle Shanahan and their team and they have a lot of great players. A lot of respect on both sides of the ball. I know what a great defense that is and they've done a lot of great things over the years playing in some of the biggest games. To go out with our first team offense, play well and battle and do the things that we're able to do, it feels great. It's a good measure of where we can be and where we can go. It's still a lot of more work to do, but I'm excited about who we are and where we're going."
How's Denver Broncos LT Garett Bolles doing?
"Garett Bolles is one of the best tackles in the game. He's so athletic. Him having that severe injury last year and then to come back the first time stepping back on the field. It's like taking that and understanding that this is a part of the process. And so he took that huge step. This week and over the past couple weeks in practice, he's looking great. He's that big left tackle over there that you trust and he can do a lot of things over there. He's a great teammate. Garett's a guy that will do anything for you. He's a guy who battles, a guy who wants to win at the highest level. I'm really excited about the five guys we have up front."
Talk about Denver Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin
"Everybody will obviously talk about him scoring and making plays, but that doesn't just happen overnight. It's one of those things that you work at it every day. He's a guy that comes in early. He's one of the first guys there every morning and sits in the front of the room. He takes notes every day and he's a professional. There's a certain process. Success leaves clues. A lot of the hard work that a guy gives and what he gives to the process, especially as a young player, and to really learn how to be a professional. I remember when I was a rookie. Being able to have other people to look up to and watch his understanding of how to take care of his body, his mind, his soul, all of that. Then also to his game. Man, what a blessing to have such a young player who can really do a lot of special things like his kick return. Tonight, like you mentioned, his runs, his catches - he can do it all. More importantly, the best thing that I see is his work habits. When it comes to practice, he runs ball to the right, runs to the left, and he runs to the end zone every single time. That's his mentality. That's where greatness comes."
So Russell, as a former young black quarterback yourself, what do you see when you see 49ers QB Trey Lance? Do you have any kind of advice for him about making it in this tough NFL?
"The thing about Trey that people have to understand is that I believe he's 22 years old. The guy got drafted at 20 years old with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I think that the thing about it is he's a tremendous football player. He's got a lot of gifts, he's got a lot of talent, and it's going to turn for his good. Trey's a guy that's worked at his craft, watching him and just all the things he's done. But also the best thing that Trey can do is ignore the noise. There's only so many people in the world that get to play this position. There's only so many people in the world that get to step in between the white lines on a National Football League field. He's one of them. He's a guy that's going to have a great career. He's just got to keep working at it and know that there's going to be some tough days, there's going to be some great days. It's one of those things that you just trust the process. You trust the process, you enjoy the journey, and you have tunnel vision. You put the blinders on, you keep working and there's always a breakthrough. I'm rooting for him. I think he's got a lot of talent, a lot of ability, and a lot of years left. Thank you very much. Go Broncos."
Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper
Jonathon, the defense has three sacks. What have your overall goals done to progress the pass rush?
"I think we progressed a lot. Obviously, getting some new guys in here and then developing the young guys who have been here. We got to do better in the pass rush, obviously. That's been the emphasis. I think last year we had 30-some sacks. [Denver Broncos Head] Coach [Sean Payton] talks about it all the time. That's not the standard. That's not what we're settling for at all. I feel like that was just a little glimpse of our pass rush right now and we're only going to get better week by week."
What about someone like Denver Broncos DE Zach Allen? What does he bring from a pass rushing standpoint?
"He brings a lot. Obviously, Zach is a phenomenal player. I feel like he's getting better week-to-week and I feel like adding someone like him on a D-line has been a great help. The pressure that he can bring in the inside just makes it easier for us on the edge."
When Coach is talking about how everything matters, do you still see that from him after a loss? You know it doesn't count, but he's trying to change the culture. Is that why there's such discipline in a preseason game?
"Yeah, it does matter. Just because it's not a part of our regular season record doesn't mean that it doesn't matter to us. Every time we step on that field, we expect to win and winning is something that we have to get used to around here in order to bring that into our culture. I feel like it's really good by Coach to just make that a point of emphasis whether it's a preseason game or not. When we're out there, we got to win. We expect to win."
For you, what was it like to see Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams running out there knowing his journey from a torn ACL last year and his intensity to get back to the field?
"It's great. Javonte is one of the best running backs in the league and it's phenomenal to have him back. I just think after his injury last year, we took a real hard hit to our offensive, missing him the whole entire year. But now that he's back and he's healthy and he is good, I think it just adds to our offense even more. And we're really excited to have him back, really glad that he's healthy. And I just can't wait to just see what he does this year."
Broncos ILB Josey Jewell
How can you do better in the final two minutes in a situation like that?
"Guys need to stay locked in. There's some blown coverages here and there by guys not doing the exact right thing. We just need to be able to key on that stuff. Even if they're new guys, they need to be able to still do that and get the small details down."
So much of this will come out of looking at the film, but right now, what can you guys improve on immediately?
"It's going to probably be communication when it comes down to the last two minutes. We need to be able to get everybody on the same call. There's a couple of times where I saw people doing different stuff. We need to make sure everyone's on the same call and everyone's communicating. Especially this week, when we have the Rams come and practice with us. We can get more game-like stuff during the week."
Broncos K Brett Maher
You hit a couple of field goals tonight. How great does it feel for you?
"It was good. It was a good solid day. I wish that we could have come out with a win but that is how it goes sometimes."
Did it feel different tonight rather than the week before?
"Yes. I think there is always an element of getting in the swing of things and remembering what those feelings are. You just go out there and try to go one-for-one as many times as needed."
Do you think that this performance can help you with the Denver Broncos here?
"Yes, absolutely. Anytime you go out there and go one-for-one again, you put yourself in a good spot."
What will you remember most about this game tonight?
"That it was a fun game to be a part of. I thought that our operation as a group of snappers and [Denver Broncos P] Riley [Dixon], I think that we have done a lot of good work here over the last week or so. I think that paid off."
Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin
How great does it feel on the field for you?
"It is a blessing just to be able to work hard and contribute to the team. That is what I have been working hard to do for [head] coach [Sean] Payton and all of the guys to work hard. It has been great."
It looks like you are giggling out there when you are running. Does it feel that way to you?
"I am really just locked in. I just want to thank all of those guys up front. The tight ends, the fullbacks, receivers blocking down the field, it is a blessing to be able to run behind those guys."
What do you think that you did best tonight?
"I will have to go over the film. All that I am trying to do is to help contribute to a win. I have to go back over it because we didn't win tonight. That is what I am trying to focus on."
How is the learning process going for you on the kickoff return side?
"It helped me. Those guys on the team like [Denver Broncos WR] Montrell Washington, he is a great dude. He helps me out a lot back there during practice getting me more comfortable with it. I just got that opportunity in the game and I tried to make the most of it. Shout out to Montrell and all of the kickoff and punt returners that are back there because those vets helps me out a lot."
Broncos RB Samaje Perine
What did you think of Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams' return?
"I don't think anyone expected anything less. He's a hard worker. He's been practicing since camp started, so it was just good to see him get live reps, but no one was surprised with the amount of work that he's put in."
How'd you feel about the preseason that Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson put together for you guys? Assuming he might not play next week, but the overall body of work so far?
"Overall, I feel pretty good about where the offense is headed. There's always work to be done. But the jump from last week to this week was noticeable in all phases: run game, pass game. If we just keep heading in the right direction, I feel like we can be a pretty good offense."
Are you looking forward to having a nice one-two duo with Javonte now that he is healthy and you're obviously playing well?
"Yeah, it's going to be fun. It's going to be hard to stop, but once we get everyone clicking, it's going to be a pretty fun offense. It's going to be a pretty fun year."
Broncos RB Javonte Williams
Your first live action with contact. How did it feel?
"It was really all about just getting the nerves off. I just wanted to get tackled again and to see how it felt. That's the biggest hurdle I had left with the whole recovery process. Getting it out of the way was good."
How did it feel when you finally got tackled? You had talked about it two weeks ago.
"It was just like a weight had been lifted off me. I was thinking that it was going to hurt, but I really didn't feel it. I jumped right back up."
Is there any reason you believe you can't just keep moving forward based on how you feel right now after the game?
"I feel good to go. Like I said, it was good to just get that out of the way in the preseason when the games don't really count, rather than having it come in the regular season."
Are you 100%?
"I feel 100%, yes sir."
Now that you've got this performance out of the way, how much more excited are you for that opener so you can get out there and play a full game? And play for real?
"I'm more excited just seeing the way we improved from last week to this week. It just looks promising for us and hopefully we can translate over to the next preseason game and to the regular season."