We pride ourselves on our defense, and it kept us in the game. Our offense just wasn't going. They had great on-ball pressure. Usually when people play man against us, we just take it to the middle.

I'm not going to lie to you. There's nothing fun about going out there and practicing twice a day in this kind of heat. But it makes us better. It makes us mentally and physically tougher. It's just one of those things you have to fight through to get to the real season.

It's huge having him back. He's a big part of our offense, a big part of our team. Any time he touches it, he could take it to the house. Just to have that weapon, whether he does or doesn't, it's a big part of our offense.

The swelling has gone down and the range of motion has come back, but it's still sore. I will have to pad up and protect. I do want to play. I'm preparing to play, but it's whatever they want me to do.

We just have to get movement and start running the ball again. Be able to run the ball and just get physical with them.

They're a good defense,