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Coach Rivera interview on WFNZ today (6/20)


CatMan72

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Wow, finally something from Bustin' loose?! They never update their show.

Frank asked if its harder to spell or say most of these players names.

He was asked by he did the open camp. Said it was a great opportunity to show the fans how things are done.

Frank followed up with the question of toughness to Rivera. He said it's important. That people want to get their due but without paying it. Talked a little about michael jordan and how he had a conversation with him. That MJ enjoyed pressure. "Some guys thrive with pressure."

Next question was who si the guy he could count on when he was playing. "Walter Payton without a doubt, he was a rare guy". "Joe montana, Aaron Rodgers, and now our QB, Cam".

"Coach has the game slowed down for you finally? Are things normal now?", Rivera-"Nothing is normal. something will always come up. which is good to be on edge, you don't want to become comfortable. The good things are becoming repetitive, which makes it easier."

Mini camp question, How good you feel about the team? "The offense is excellent. Name Smith and LaFell, loves those two WR. Said he'd like to find that third guy whoever it is. (not mentioning gettis). He loves the line, he's excited about the running back tandem. The TE position is solid with Olsen. But would like one more guy to step up. Loves the Guards and Tackles, mentions Amini, catching up and handling stuff well.(did not mention Otah). The offense has to be consistent. And wants the to score. Touchdowns not FG.

Defensive side of the ball said they have gotten better by getting injured players back. Went on about who went down, we all know who. Beason, davis, Edwards. he said they never stable at the safety position. They made moves to solidify it. They brought in Kuechly to reassure the corp. mentions that the Defensive line is stacked and that they have to remember they started 2 rookies and 2 second year players in the line. People have to be patient with that group. They hve to find a 3rd corner, talks about Capt that he can flex to the Nickle, loves Gamble as expected. even talked about the punters and the Kicker position. Special teams pilares looked solid and seems to have that job.

Frank asked about the sophomore slump, how to avoid it. "Its about his work ethic. That he does not become complacent. That he has to keep working and working. Also it's not just him. They can't put it all on him. That they have to understand that they have to protect him and put play makers around him. That they extended smitty for that. LaFell is developing. went and got Olsen. They put a very solid line to protect him and they have to grow together as an offense. It's not just about him it's about everyone."

Frank calls out Otah. Leads to how he's not been on the field and how he's a beast when he is on the field. "how important is it that he comes back for this offense to become better?"

"He is a difference maker, but in Jeffs case, the positive thing for us is that we like what we have at the Tackle position. (LOL OTAH IS GONE!)Gross is great and Bell has done a fantastic job. He stepped up, and given the circumstances. He has a full off season. Then Gary williams was well, Bruce Campbell was traded for and he loves what he's doing. Jeff otah si great, if he comes back, great. if not, we're moving on. The balls on his court. We expect him to compete. We have 4 guys that are more than enough to play that right tackle position. It's up to jeff if he can come back."

(LOLOLOLOL Otah..)

Was asked what he's doing for a month. Said he's going on a trip he was inspired. He's going to go to Normandy and go to the beaches. The history aspect about it. He's a very patriotic guy, good to know.

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My observations:

Anyone he does mention, he is very specific about. Whether he's satisfied or not about them.

He mentions LaFell a lot, he's being doing that lately and I'm sold that he's the #2 guy. Especially when he mentions smith and him, then proceeds to say he wants a #3 guy to step up. Not a knock on Gettis to be precise. But it might be a nudge so he doesn't become complacent. He did say that Pilares could be the potential #3 receiver. So that Depth chart may look different.

Rivera is very high on LaFell. He wants someone to step up for that #3 Wide out spot and #2 TE spot. Barnidge, please stand up.

He's not worried at all about the defensive line which is reassuring to me.

The safety position is up for grabs. The Corner position is a little tricky. He's not naming Cap as the #2 like he did LaFell, but he did say he's the Nickel guy.

Otah is done guys. No doubt in my mind. He's in Rivera's dog house and he has to earn that spot now. I'll be surprised if he does win the RT spot. He also feels great about Bell, even if some of you don't. I always thought it was excellent what Byron did given how he came into the league and who he faced. I'm glad he see's it that way too.

I feel he is very very excited about the Defense. I'm starting to drink that kool-aid too. He basically said Pilares and Adams are going to be the return guys. Armanti not even mentioned. That's another guy that is probably heading out.

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