Q: I’m sure all of that is big this week going against a Brian Flores defense. What challenges does he present to a young quarterback?
Kafka: He’s a really detailed coach, and they do a hell of a job with their scheme. They do a hell of a job with their personnel groupings. Their players are excellent and have had a lot of production in their careers. It’s a veteran group that knows the ins and outs of what they’re trying to get accomplished.
Q: Those “get-back-on-track calls” will be important.
Kafka: Yeah, those are the second-and-long, when you’re behind the sticks, what are those calls that can get us back on track to be in a favorable third down.
Q: Personnel-wise, what does their defense present?
Kafka: They’re all veteran players. They have a lot of pelts on the wall in terms of experience, in terms of time on task in the system. They do a really good job and they’re detailed. These guys play their tails off. You watch their games, sometimes you see the scores that have happened and it’s not really indicative of how they’ve played on defense.
Q: Charlie Bullen said he opened his defensive meeting this week saying there’s a lot of firepower coming to town with the Vikings’ offense. Justin Jefferson’s numbers aren’t to his standard this season, but is he able to break out at any moment?
Kafka: He’s one of the best receivers in the league. He’s explosive. They’re going to try to get him the ball a fair amount – I’d say a lot. So, we’ve got to do a good job of understanding where he’s at every single play and then understanding that he’s not the only guy out there. They’re still going to have other pieces that are really, really good and very, very talented. Having an eye on where Justin is at and then also understanding where our leverages are for the tight end, (Jordan) Addison, the running back. We’re going to have our hands full in terms of tying everyone down.
Q: With the other J.J., McCarthy, what is clicking for him these past few weeks?
Kafka: I think these last few weeks you’re just seeing a young player continuing to ascend, continue getting more comfortable and more confident. He’s doing a really good job in terms of just managing the game but also giving the ball to his playmakers and letting their natural ability show. Watching him this week, it’s been something I’ve definitely noticed.
Q: What do you get from a Kevin O’Connell team? You two go back.
Kafka: I’ve known him for several years now. I have a ton of respect for him and the success he’s had. Just watching his teams, these are tough teams. They’re aggressive. They’re fast. They’re tough. They’re smart. They play the game the right way.
Q: Tyrone Tracy Jr. had two touchdowns last week, including a catch that was impressive even for a converted receiver. What is he bringing to the table right now?
Kafka: He’s a consistent guy that continues to be consistent. The more opportunities he can get with these plays, whether it’s in the run game or the pass game, I think you’re seeing him take full advantage of them. It’s great to see. Anytime you get a young player, now he’s in his second year, all of a sudden now he’s continuing to grow, grow and grow more. You saw that last week. Now the challenge, just like it is for any young player, is do it again, right? Stack another week. Stack another day. That’s what we’re looking for.
Q: That leads nicely into Abdul Carter. Did you see a different look in his eye last week?
Kafka: I think he had a good week of practice, a good week of prep. Anytime you do that, I think that’s always going to set you up for success. It doesn’t guarantee it. It just sets you up for success. Then you’ve got to go do it on gameday. Now, you saw he’s refining his process. You saw that happen in the game. He had production. We need to get a win as a team, but he had some good production. Now, all right, let’s stack it and do it again and continue to help your team and continue to support your teammates.
Q: What does “refining the process” mean?
Kafka: Just go through what makes sense to you in terms of how you go through the week, how you study, how you prep. What cutups are you watching and at what time? Things to set you up for success the next day.
Q: Bullen talked this week about getting his rhythm as a play-caller. What do you remember from getting your feet under you as a new play-caller?
Kafka: There’s no substitute for doing it in a game. Those reps you can bank, and then you’ll get better with it the more times you do it. For him, he’s probably in that same frame of mind that I was at one point. He’s learning, and he’s learning more about himself, learning more about the players, and how he wants to call it. Then obviously doing his prep and study on his weekly opponent.