OC Mike Kafka said he looks at the preseason debut as an opportunity to put the players in the best position by calling plays. He said it’s been a collaborative effort with Daboll and the staff.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Kafka said his background as a QB helps him calling plays. His first priority is to get it in fast and clear to the QB. He admits sometimes he gets too amped up.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Kafka said the communication on offense has improved over the last 7-10 days. Coaches have stressed opening the lines of communication to make everything click.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Kafka said they’re “right on schedule” with installing the offense.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Kafka said he knew coaching was exactly what he wanted to do three days into being a grad assistant at Northwestern. “This is what I love to do.”

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Kafka said Wink’s defense has been a good challenge for the offense. “It’s part of competing.”

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Kafka said Wink’s defense specifically challenges the communication on offense.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Wink Martindale: “I’m excited. I’m happy where we are.” They’ll find out who’s the “smartest, toughest and most competitive” over the three preseason games in terms of evaluating the roster.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Wink said it’s fun having players like Julian Love to move around. He’s a “valuable piece.”

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Wink said Kayvon came in and went to work. “That’s what has impressed me.” He’s excited to see where this road takes the rookie.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Wink said he’s told the inside linebackers that it’s an “open competition. … They’ve accepted the challenge.” Wink said he’s tough on that position having coached it for so long.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Wink said it’s not written in stone that a safety will continue to relay the calls on the field. It could be week to week.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Wink said Darnay Holmes been productive first and foremost and that he wants to go against the best in practice. He calls him “Dirty 30.” He loves how tough he is and embraces the competition.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Wink said he runs a different style meeting room. He wants people talking. It’s how you build a unit.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

Thomas McGaughey said punter Jamie Gillan “hammers the ball.” The name fits but the next step is matching hang with distance.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

McGaughey said they have a lot of guys who can catch punts. They have a “bunch of options” back there.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022

McGaughey said Cam Brown has a high ceiling. “He’s on his way” and not just on special teams. He didn’t want to speak for Wink, but he’s sure there’s a good role for him on defense.

— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) August 8, 2022