HEAD COACH JEFF FISHER, Monday, Nov. 3, 2003

(On whether the players are lagging after the bye week)

Everybody’s fine, everybody’s on time and looked like they took advantage of it. We wanted them to rest, get away and they did. They were anxious to get back and get started.

(On at what point will he be able to tell if the rest is positive)

I think we’ll have a pretty good idea by Friday. You could tell today, they’re moving different. Once we get through the practice week we’ll have a pretty good idea.

(On whether they have already begun to prepare for Miami)

We had a couple periods on Miami, we just introduced them. We haven’t handed out the game plans or anything, but we met for a little bit, just looked at yesterday’s game with them. You can’t let them stay out too long, you want to get them back, get them running. They got a lift in and so they had some good work and we’ll resume a normal week schedule starting tomorrow with that being their day off.

(On injuries)

We’ll have an injury report for you on Wednesday.

(On whether he took anything away from the Miami game)

There is some good things going on with the Dolphins defensively. Offensively, their run game and their very balanced special teams. I thought Miami had a chance to win that ballgame had they tackled a little bit better on defense. You have guys in position to make plays and they didn’t make plays. So it was a well played game. It just goes to show you not only how good Indianapolis is playing, but Miami with the potential to beat them suggests that they are a good football team as well.

(On Indy’s no huddle offense versus Miami)

Most games they’re going to line up and they may huddle momentarily, but most games the Colts philosophy is to get up on the line and make their calls. They did spread things out a little more than what we’re used to seeing out of Indy, but again that was an individual plan, sometimes it works for them, sometimes it doesn’t.

(On Brian Griese versus Jay Fiedler)

I think both quarterbacks are fine quarterbacks. I know Jay (Fiedler) is still struggling with the knee, it took Brian awhile to get into a rhythm only because of Indianapolis’ speed. But once he got into a rhythm he made some plays, he handles the ball well, he’s good in the pocket, and he’s made a lot of plays. He played well against San Diego, so he’s an experienced quarterback and he’s been in their system long enough to where you expect him to make some plays.

(On how the Dolphins have given the Titans trouble)

Well we got shut out by them in ’99. We turned the ball over a few times and then we didn’t make any plays and once again turned the ball over a couple years ago when we opened against them. Turnovers are really the difference in this ballgame. They’re very good in run defense. I think they’re tops in the league in run defense. They make you throw it and they put you in a situation where they can pressure you so that if you can protect the ball on offense you have a chance to play with them.

(On how the teams match up)

We’re familiar with them personnel-wise, having the opportunity to work with them here during the summer. We have a great deal of respect for their players, they play hard and they’re well coached.