LB Jacob Phillips (8.3.22)
On working to get stronger during the offseason:
“Yeah, I knew it was one of my focal points from talking to Coach last year. Obviously, I tore my bicep when I came back. I was only really able to curl like 25-pound dumbbells. Other than that, I felt like just personally, I should get a little stronger and get a little bit heavier. That way, I can play our divisional games, and when you make that first collision and go down right then instead of going on and getting those one or two yards more. That was something that I worked on. I got with the trainers. I stayed here after the season for about a month and a half and just tried to add as much muscle and smart muscle onto my body that I could.”
On how big of a year this is for him:
“This is a very big year for me. Obviously, coming in my rookie year dealing with injuries and missing games and last year tearing my bicep and missing games, this year, I am just really trying to gear myself up to have a healthy season. I know when I am healthy and I am on the field that everything is going to fall into place, and I am going to be able to show everybody in Cleveland the player I am.”
On if durability is more important to prove this season compared to who he is as a player:
“I think they go hand in hand. I think the best players in the NFL are players that get to play for the majority of the whole season. I think you can only be the best player if you are available for the majority of the games.”
On how much he can curl after only being able to curl 25-pound dumbbells following the bicep injury in 2021:
“I can curl a lot heavier. My arms are equal now. I do not have any weight restrictions. I do everything the same now. Thank God my bicep healed very well.”
On if he can give a specific number for his max curl:
“I do not think I have really maxed out. I just do it within my workout.”
On if he or LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would win a 40-yard dash:
“I say I win; he says he wins. That is just good. I think our speed goes hand in hand with each other, especially when we are on the field together. I think Coach likes that when you have two people who can fly around and get to the perimeter fast because it will make for a tough defense to get past.”
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