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HEAD COACH KEN WHISENHUNT**
(On preparing for the Vikings game)
We're still working on things. Good progression. We'll prepare a little bit for Minnesota and try to get some guys some reps in preparation for that, but we're still working on things.
(On the benefit of a quick turnaround between games)
Playing on the surface that we played on in Atlanta is tough. It's tough on the body. Today was a tough practice, a day and a half after the game, working through that. I think that's an important part of it is getting back on the field, but I don't know if it's an advantage.
(On LP Field's surface after last week's concert)
I've gotten a lot of pictures. It looks good, based on what I've seen. I can't validate the pictures, but it looks good, from what I've seen.
(On Jake Locker feeling challenged by the system)
We haven't done anything more than what we've asked of other quarterbacks to do in this system, and he's responded well.
(On Nate Washington's training camp)
Nate (Washington)'s had a good camp. I've said that a couple of times. I was excited to be back with Nate. It's amazing that he's still playing at the level he is, after all these years, old man like he is. Nate's made a number of plays during camp. He's shown up, had a big night at the night practice we had at the stadium, and it was good to see him make some plays in the game. It's good to have him, because he knows the system, he knows what the expectations are, and he's playing at a high level. It's good to have him on our team.
(On the role of special teams in roster cuts)
I think what you always say at the start of camp is somebody's going to make this team based on their special teams play. That's a big piece of it. Field positions, especially where they've changed the kickoff rules, have become a big piece of this equation. We're looking for guys that can do that.
(On looking ahead to the Kansas City game)
I don't think it's a problem looking at them. We've looked at some of the preseason games already, but you don't really focus on it until we get to that week. I think you don't want to put too much energy into it in advance so you're not focused in the week that you do it, but there's nothing wrong with getting a little bit familiar with it. We've worked on some of those things in practice, too, here and there.
(On playing the starters in the fourth preseason game)
Every year's different. I don't know. Some of it's going to depend on where we are injury-wise going into this game. It's like playing a regular game. You've got to stay with the same group for most of the game. I think that there's a few players that you want to look at that you're trying to figure out your roster. They'll get some extended playing time. As far as the way the game goes, there are going to be some guys that are going to get opportunities to play a lot, and they may not be with this team, so they have a chance to show the rest of the league what they can do.
(On available roster spots)
I don't really know, to be honest with you. You wouldn't like to think there were any, but there's a handful, probably, that are still up for competition. Then you never know. There could be somebody that really stands out that you have to make a spot for.
(On releasing players)
We've been with these guys for a long time, if you count OTAs and mini camps, then the start of camp, so it's always tough. I do talk to every one of them. I think that's important. I've been through this process on both sides, and obviously it's not pleasant either way. The conversation with each one of them is different. They're at different stages of their career. What it means for them means different things, so it's a tough day.
(On when he stopped playing in the league)
It was a combination of not being able to physically do it and not being wanted. When I went out, I was injured, so I knew that I couldn't go at that time.
(On expectations for the defense against Minnesota)
We've just got to keep improving as a defense in general. We did some things good. We didn't do some things as good, so just overall.
(On Rams' QB Sam Bradford being out for the season)
It seems like that's part of the game. It happens every year. I played against Sam (Bradford) for a number of years when I was in the NFC West, and I've always respected the way he plays. From that standpoint, you feel sorry for him, but that's part of the game. I don't think it changes our approach or anything as far as how our guys work.
