Tag: Player of the Game

Brian Hill – Player Guest on with Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game

September 28, 2020

Dave Archer started with “What is the mindset of the team right now?”  Brian Hill quietly replied, “Only mindset is to turn this thing around and win on Monday.” Speaking of the Monday Night Football game in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The running backs combined for 135 yards on the ground “We definitely want to contribute to the team.” Hill noted that there are things “we can learn and improve on,” but feel good about their production so far.

Asked about the success change from the first 3 quarters to the 4th quarter, the Bears made some adjustments to the run game, “but it is more us and missed opportunities.  Us stopping us.” 

Ito Smith and Hill have been together for a couple of years, now, Archer asked Hill how Todd Gurley blended in with them.  He replied, “He blended in well from the jump,” even from just virtual meetings before we met in person. So when we met in person, already felt like a teammate.

Asked about the evolution of his game: My rookie year was a struggle and a learning experience.  Over time, I have learned how to work harder.  “Blessing to learn that, wouldn’t have the work ethic I now have.”

What did you do to work on yourself and change your body and running style? Hill replied that he didn’t focus on his weight.  Hill focused on running and cutting, with or without the ball.  His admitted downfall was his ability to change direction, so he’s focused on footwork drills.

Arch asked, “Did you have to re-teach yourself patience?”  “Yes, back in Wyoming, knew I was the guy and if you missed something, you had the next chance.”  In the NFL, Hill was first trying to make a big play to earn that top spot, “learned that I don’t need the big play every time.” 

Back to the game and in regards to Hill’s big 35-yard touchdown.  Hill noted, “after offsides gave us the 3rd and 5, the play call was a run and while I was surprised, I knew the Bears would be surprised.”  So as soon as there was an opening from my blockers, I shot through and sped through for the touchdown.

Hill has focused on his receiving skills.  He’s worked hard for 4 years to improve his hands.  He admitted to “kicking myself on the 3rd down pass conversion.”  After watching the film, just have focus more.  “I will continue to be on the jugs before practice and get more catching reps in.”

“We know as a team we have to do better, but we have to look and fix ourselves.  Continue what we are doing well and improve what we are not doing well.”

Hill wrapped with “We have started off well the last two weeks, we just need to work on finishing.” 

Player of the Game – Grady Jarrett

September 21, 2020 

Hosted by Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game

Dave Archer started out with accolades for Pro Bowler Defense Tackle Grady Jarrett.  Then asked for Grady’s thoughts on the game.

“We started out real hot, but have to finish to the end.” Grady’s advice is that we need to make sure and “Don’t let this one loss beat us more than once.”  It was a tough loss since the team went so hard and so long and then the game ends in a loss.  He admitted that it hurts, but you have to turn that around.

Also asked about the turnaround after the half, Grady also responded that the Cowboys had some explosive plays.  They were just taking shots and they were going in their favor.  Grady was not, but he was not sure if some of the team was getting comfortable, but you need to stay with the same intensity as the first half.  It felt really good getting tackles for loss, forced fumbles and recoveries, but have to maintain that.

Asked about the injuries and difference in the first and second half.  Grady said, “Next man up.”  A number of the guys that were making those big plays were out, Takk McKinley, Foye Oluokun, and affected the rhythm.  Grady admitted that “It definitely affects us when we lose starters, but you have to next man up and keep pushing and let that be an excuse.”  That is Grady.  No excuses. 

Grady complimented the veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, after containing and frustrating him in the first half, he really got going in 2nd half.  He is always very competitive and he is a super strong runner.

Grady is always relentless in his play, so his advice to teammates after a loss is “demand more of yourself, be self-critical early – so we can get on the right track.”  He noted that this will lead to being a better team, for yourself and your teammates.  Teams have finally noticed and are really blocking Grady now.  He said, that “We know teams will try to slide protections to me or double me, we work as a team to deal with that.”

Asked about “The New Normal” specifically on traveling after their first away game, Grady is accepting of the masks and trackers, the way that food is sent up at the hotel, but at the end of the day, he’s just happy to be playing football.  “In life you have to adjust.”

Does anyone have a better attitude than Grady?

He is also one of the leaders for Social Justice for the Falcons.  Archer asked if Grady was pleased with the voice?  He commented that it is encouraging to see it continuing to go and that hopefully the NFL and others will keep pushing the message forward and be the topic of conversation, bringing attention to what needs to be changed.  Grady said, “I am encouraged and excited the league has made it more acceptable for players to speak out.  Hope to continue to make some good impact.” 

As a leader on and off the field, what can Grady say to the team?  “Make sure people are focused on what they can control.”  The team needs to be preparing for Chicago, physically, emotionally.  Now, you can’t do anything but move on.  “Go forward.  Control the controllable.  I put in the work day in and day out and encourage my teammates to do the same.”  Leading by example.

What good advice to the world.

 #RiseUp

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