WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (7.29.23)
Seems like at the end of last season, you really sort of developed a connection with Deshaun (Watson). How much did you feel that and how much is that carrying through to this year?
“I definitely felt the connection with him. We’ve been working this whole offseason to continue to improve that connection. Starts every day.”
As you head into this final season of your contract, how do you sort of approach that mentally? Are you able to set it aside and not think about it at all? Or do you hope something happens that you can be here long term? What is your sort of mindset?
“I’m focused on the team and where the team goes. That’s my main focus.”
Is it an opportunity for you to almost have, like, a career season and then see how it all shakes out?
“I’m going to continue to do my best and focus on the team goals.”
Is it tough not to think about that, given the kind of reality of everything, the personal business side of it?
“I come out here, try to do my job, try to get better every day – listen to the coaches, and like I said, our main goal is to win games.”
Ultimately, do you think this offense is going to look a lot different than it did last year? Or more like minor differences?
“We definitely have a couple of different players, but our job is to just do the give-and-play call and continue to improve.”
What do you think of the week here and what have you found most interesting about this place?
“It’s been a good week. I definitely like it out here. Definitely, the mountains and the scenery has been my favorite. And the camaraderie with my teammates has also been a wonderful thing out here too.”
Just looking out there and three wides and seeing you and Amari (Cooper) and Elijah (Moore), it looks good. It looks like a lot of fun. When you think of that trio, what are your thoughts on what you guys bring?
“Yeah, I think we definitely all bring different things to the table, it’s good to compliment those guys and we all compliment each other. So, it’s definitely fun playing with them.”
How about Elijah? I mean, just what are you seeing in him out there?
“Yeah, he’s doing really good. Making a lot of plays, great route runner, really getting better at the details and just coming out here every day to work.”
How much of a difference do you see in Deshaun this year from where he was even at the end of last year?
“Yeah, I would definitely say poised, confident. His knowledge of the system. He’s great at reading the defenses, so really, just overall, he’s just getting better and growing and developing.”
Do you spend a lot of time with Cedric (Tillman)? And if so, how do you think you can help a rookie transition into the league?
“Yeah, definitely just there for him anytime he has a question. There’s a lot of stuff that can happen on the field, off the field. It’s a big transition for him. Honestly, just being there for him, I went through experiences – everybody in the receiver room has gone through their own rookie experiences. So just being there for him.
Does he seem receptive to any advice or anything you have to tell?
“Absolutely. He’s learning. He’s growing every day too.”
Donovan, I know it seems like Deshaun is so good at throwing receivers open. How do you think that meshes with your skill set?
“Definitely, I know coming out of the breaks, the ball is right where it needs to be. So that gives me confidence to run my route and be able to get out of it fast and know that the ball is going to be where it needs to be.”
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