Highlights

Q: How has Damion McIntosh adjusted to that right tackle position? It looks like he’s had some mistakes that he says are part of the transition to playing that position.”

HERM EDWARDS: “We all have. I think he’s learning; I think he’s getting better at it. A lot has to do with footwork and he’s working at it every day. There are some flaws, some things he doesn’t do right. But there are a lot of things this team isn’t doing right right now. So, he’s not the only guy.”

Q: Have you thought about making a switch there?

EDWARDS: “No, we like Herbie (Taylor). Herbie’s our other (tackle) and he can play both sides. We’re not trying to pressure Damion. He has to play to a certain standard and I think he’s trying to get there. But it’s a new position for the guy, so right now he’s made some mistakes but we’ve all made some mistakes.”

Q: How did Huard look today?

EDWARDS: “He did okay. He did all right. He threw the ball real good.”

Q: Is he doing all the stuff the number one guy usually does?

EDWARDS: “Yeah. Yes.”

Q: Is his neck fine?

EDWARDS: “Yes, it’s okay. He’s throwing it pretty good.”

Q: In your opinion what components make up a good starting quarterback?

EDWARDS: “I think accuracy, leadership, toughness. I think those are the things the good ones have. Arm strength is arm strength but that, to me, is fourth probably on the list. I think when guys are accurate they can get the ball to where it’s supposed to be. I think that’s how you move the ball in this league. You’ve got to run it but you’ve got to be able to throw it. You’ve got to be accurate with it because there are windows you throw the ball in and the guys who are accurate are the guys who keep the chains moving. Once you get the chains moving you get rhythm in your offense.

“I think the quarterback has to have some leadership qualities too. Guys have to believe in him because he’s the guy who plays with the ball, the guy who orchestrates the whole deal on offense. That’s the ones I always look at as successful.

“Now, some of them have different arm strength and some of them are more maneuverable than others. Some guys can move out of the pocket. That doesn’t mean he has to be able to run, but he has to be able to slide and feel the pressure. The good ones can do all that.

“And, they stay healthy (laughs.) That should probably be number one. I’m sorry. They stay healthy.”

Q: A good quarterback should be a winner, too, a guy who overcomes obstacles, shouldn’t he?

EDWARDS: “They come in all shapes and forms and they don’t have to be number one draft picks. This league has shown that. I think the people around them help them too. And, I think they make people around them better. That’s something you look at in a quarterback, too. He lifts the guys around him that play with him to a different level. That’s what the great ones do. They inspire them.”

Q: Is D. Williams taking Donnie Edwards’ spot? Do you have enough linebackers this week?

EDWARDS: “Yeah. We only play with three and I think we have four or five of them alive.”

Q: You need to dress Napoleon Harris then, too.

EDWARDS: “That’s a possibility.”

Q: Is there something Williams gives you?

EDWARDS: “Speed. He can run and can tackle in space for the most part. He’s a pretty good rusher too, a good blitzer. His problem right now is he’s playing with one hand. It’s hard for him to tackle right now. And, he’s a young player. He’s still learning.”

Q: Surtain’s status?

EDWARDS: “He’s running around.”

Q: How’s Tyler Thigpen holding up? A young guy sometimes takes it hard when he gets demoted.

EDWARDS: “I don’t know if he’s demoted. We’re giving another guy an opportunity. I think he grew a lot playing in that game and we learned a lot about him. I think he’ll continue to grow the more he plays. Damon gives us, in my opinion, some stability on offense. You can’t turn the ball over and you have to be accurate when you throw it. Our margin for error isn’t very big. Damon’s shown that in the past. We’re hoping he can do that this game for us.”