Head Coach Brian Flores spoke to the media before practice at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University on Thursday. Here were some comments that stood out, along with some perspective:
"I challenge everybody. Players, coaches, security, weight staff. We all have to do a better job."
— When he was asked about challenging veterans who might not be playing up to their standards early in the 2019 season, Flores made it clear he's always looking to get more out of each and every one of his players regardless of circumstances.
"The second I saw that report, I went to that Melvin Gordon tape."
— News came out late Wednesday that Chargers running back Melvin Gordon would be reporting to the team after holding out because of his contract situation. While the thought is that Gordon is unlikely to play, Flores wasn't going to take any chances when it comes to his preparation. Even without Gordon, the Chargers have quality running backs with Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson.
"He played hard. From an assignment standpoint, he knew what to do."
— Evan Boehm came off the bench against the Dallas Cowboys after left guard Michael Deiter slid over the left tackle to replace Jesse Davis, and Flores said Boehm did a solid job under difficult circumstances. Boehm was acquired in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 30.
"Really, what matters is when you get in a building learning the offense, defense or special teams. I'm not really locked in on the rounds."
— Defensive end Taco Charlton joined Robert Nkemdiche as recent first-round picks who joined the Dolphins this year, but Flores says where a player is drafted has no bearing on what happens moving forward. Flores said draft status can sometimes provide extra motivation for some players, though as he pointed out NFL players should have plenty of motivation in the first place.
