(on the development of a third receiver to complement Anthony Gonzalez and Reggie Wayne) [
"We depend heavily on the pass. It's been an integral part of our offense, just in terms of our ability to put the ball in the end zone. So, what we're looking for is the same thing that we've had year-in and year-out, and that's a guy who plays that third position that can be a contributor and that comes along and understands the system and is able to adapt and adjust to various coverages. I think that's what we're working on getting, and I think we have some young guys that are in position to give us some help in that situation."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on OG-Ryan Lilja's return from injury) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"Yes, he appears to becoming along very well. He's making good progress. He feels that he's further along than he's been, and they are starting to do things with him little-by-little. So, he's increasing his activity."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on if he thinks OG-Ryan Lilja will be back by training camp) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"The way things are going right now it looks pretty good. I'm not certain, exactly, when he'll be to the point that he can perform full-speed consistently, but I know that he's moving in that direction."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on not having OG-Ryan Lilja last season) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"Well, he's a very experienced guy. Not only that, he has a great attitude in terms of his leadership and his understanding of our scheme. He is a very, very bright individual who does a great job of executing his techniques on the interior. Anytime you lose some experience like that it certainly does have an effect on you. We had some young guys that did step in and play quite well, but Lilja gives you a little bit more experience."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on today's practice being different from the last few weeks of OTAs) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"There are some similarities. The first few weeks we had skill improvement early on, and then we moved from skill improvement to what we call coaching sessions. The coaching sessions and skill improvement really focus in on strictly fundamentals and technique. Now, we're at the point where we are adding a little bit more to our practice, but we are still trying to combine that with an emphasis on fundamentals. But, also, it's an information gathering session for the players and disseminating for the coaches. We're also looking to add a few more situational things, yesterday was a first-and-10, today was third-down, and tomorrow will be red-zone. So, we're trying to add a little team work and seven-on-seven in there as well."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on any resolution with Coaches Tom Moore and Howard Mudd) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"Status quo."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on the NFL possibly expanding to an 18-game schedule) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"Well, I've been asked that question quite a few times, particularly, when we were out at the league meetings. My take on it has been this: I have to deal with the here and now, rather than look down the line at the future. I have enough on my plate as it is, rather than trying to determine whether or not we're going to have 17 or 18 games. I do know that this year we have four preseason games and 16 regular season games. We're trying to get ready to deal with that issue. Whenever it comes, we'll adjust, we'll evaluate it when it becomes an issue on the table, and at that time I think it will be appropriate for us to look at all scenarios involved. For me right now, it's a little too early."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on the progress of WR-Pierre Garcon) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"He's coming along. I think you can see in practice today that he can catch your eye. He has the speed, size and strength to be a real fine player. It's just a matter of getting enough experience and getting a better grasp of the system. All of those things are moving in the right direction. I've been pleased with him thus far."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on if they still limit the number of throws QB-Peyton Manning makes in OTAs) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"Yes, we try and monitor that as closely as we can. Today, for example, he did seven-on-seven and team work. We modify and make certain that we keep a count (of his throws). (Quarterbacks coach) Frank (Reich) and Peyton have a schedule, a number of throws that they like to make each day and it varies. Some days are a little bit heavier than others, some days are light days. He still gets his work in every day but the volume decreases somewhat. We are just trying to make sure that we keep him fresh."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on the progress of QB-Curtis Painter) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"He's coming along well. He's getting a feel for the system, and I think he's functioning well within it. During this time of year, particularly with the way we're working right now, his reps are limited. He's gets a little bit more of individual work than he will in a team setting. He's making progress."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on how much like a coach QB-Peyton Manning is right now) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"Well, let me say this, he's not any different than he's always been, at least since I've been here, and that is he's always been a guy who is an outstanding field general, who has a great sense of what he's doing there and knows what he wants. In that sense, you're not seeing any difference in him. But are you asking me, 'Is it comforting?' You better believe it because he does indeed know it. He can operate it. He can also teach it. He gets the receivers to understand exactly what he wants, and our offense has been able to function quite well because of it. But his role isn't any different than its been in the (eight years) I've been here.
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on QB-Peyton Manning) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"He's one of the great performers of all-time. He works at it. He's diligent. He's a true professional, consummate professional, and every single day he comes to find a way to get better. He was out there this afternoon running after practice was over, when everybody else was in, he was still out there running, trying to get a few extra reps in. He's a special individual."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on if his relationship with QB-Peyton Manning has changed now that he is head coach) Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"It has. We don't spend as much time together as we used to. It used to be early in the mornings and late in the afternoons and on a consistent basis. That's (Quarterbacks coach) Frank's (Reich) job now. Frank is a guy that has played in this league for a long time. I think he and Peyton have developed a great relationship. There is no need for me to be in those meetings on a consistent basis. But, overall, in terms of a relationship, we still have a good, solid relationship."
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