Pass Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach Chad O’Shea (9.16.22)
On the key to WR Donovan Peoples-Jones being able to make contested catches when needed:
“I think Donovan has put himself in position to be real successful on the field because of what he has done prior to the game. His preparation has been outstanding. When I talk about preparation, there are a lot of things that go into preparation. One of the things is your fundamental preparation. He has worked extremely hard to be fundamentally sound at catching the football. He has worked hard in all areas, but that has been an area that he has really focused in on. He has ability. He has ability to make contested and difficult catches because of his size and his catch skills. Obviously, he has the ability, but he also has worked extremely hard to make sure that he is consistent in that area, and it showed up in the Carolina game.”
On Peoples-Jones collecting receptions on passes that are lower to the ground and if those catches are difficult to make at times:
“It is. I think that when you have receivers who can make the contested, difficult catches, especially when you are facing teams that are going to play tight man coverage and schematically do some things to try to make it difficult on you, you are going to have to have the ability to make the difficult catches. Fortunately, with a player like Donovan, he has been very good in that area. We consider it a strength and are sure glad to have him.”
On how WR Amari Cooper contributed last week despite not having a high number of receptions:
“He had great contributions in the last game. I think he did a good job of beating man coverage. Although he didn’t catch the ball, there were three occasions in which he drew a penalty from the defense that were critical plays in the game. Amari is an exceptional route runner and he has been one who has consistently beat man coverage in his career. It showed up last week, and we are really going to rely on him to be a tremendous route runner and one that we can have the advantage of when they play man coverage.”
On if it is expected that Cooper will get more attention from opposing defenses as the No. 1 WR compared to past seasons:
“I think that anytime you have a receiver who is being successful versus man coverage that he is going to bring attention from the opponent’s defense. I think every week is different and every defensive scheme is different on what they choose to do to try to defend him. Certainly, he has been consistent in beating man coverage, and it is a big part of what he does for us.”
On if he has seen a difference in WR Anthony Schwartz this week after having the opportunity to make some plays in last week’s game:
“Anthony again he is another player who has worked really hard and tried to do everything that we have asked him to do and tries to improve daily. When you go into the game, you can catch the ball and have some success, it brings some confidence. I think that Anthony has had a great week of practice this week. He has been very consistent. I look forward to seeing him here in the near future.”
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