Aug. 30, 2010

Opening Remarks
It's been nine months of great anticipation. This is game week, which is new to me, but we are very, very excited. In terms of this team, look at what we've tried to do in the last nine months in terms of building, you know on toughness, on discipline, the character of this team. And I think from that aspect, the growth of that has been tremendous.

I think on Saturday night you'll see a team with tremendous resolve; a team that has a fighting spirit and willing heart and is looking forward to pursuing victory on Saturday. I can't wait, in terms of putting them on the field and letting them go. Again, we're taking a team out there that's new with no identity. I'm looking for the birth of an identity when we hit the field Saturday night.

As we go forward, our starting quarterback will be Cannon Smith, and as we sat back and evaluated the quarterbacks based on three things: decision making, being able to manage the offense, and productivity. And, when you look at the two, Ryan (Williams) and Cannon, are very, very similar in terms of their production. They both bring a different style. Ryan is more of a pocket guy, probably has a little bit stronger arm. You look at their presence in the huddle in terms of demanding their teammates' attention. Overall, I'm very, very happy with their growth as quarterbacks. So, I look forward to those guys being in position to lead this team.

Our starting tailback will be Greg Ray. That's big in my eyes because Greg has been such a true solider and warrior in terms of he's made every practice. He's been battling; he's been bruised; he's been banged. He's still standing tall.

I talk about toughness a lot because at the end of the day it gives you an advantage when you're trying to pursue victory because it allows your guys to compete for 60 minutes. And I think this team is ready for that challenge. They're ready for a 60 minute ballgame. And I think you will see that come Saturday.

Q: How close was this quarterback competition?
A: It was very close. The thing that made it such a unique battle was the fact that they were both not only competing against each other, but they were friends. It was one of those deals where over time you looked around, (and) you saw one encouraging the other guy. So, it was close.

Q: Is there a plan to use both QB's or will you let the game dictate that?
A: My plan is to do whatever it takes to win. If we need to play them both, then that's what we'll do. Ryan does bring something different to the table, and if the opportunity presents itself, in terms of just the change of pace to do that, then we'll do that.

Q: Is it your plan to let both Smith and Williams see some reps in on Saturday?
A: No. We need to establish some rhythm, some continuity within the game. So, I'd like for a guy to get settled and manage the offense and put us in a position to be productive. Again, if the situation presents itself to where I think we need a different pace, we'll definitely play Ryan, but that's not our plan.