Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De’Von Achane, two of the main players on the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line, were happy this Thursday to be present in Madrid for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders in the first game in the history of the NFL, the American football league, in Spain.
“It has been great, they have received us wonderfully. I don’t know much about football, but it is a fairly traditional place. The hospitality has been incredible and the field is great and in perfect condition,” said Jaylen Waddle at a press conference at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano after training.
In any case, he confessed not knowing much about football and Real Madrid. “I know something because there was a game in our stadium (Hard Rock Stadium), but not much. The truth is that I am not a big soccer fan, but I know the team and some players. I don’t know much, to be honest,” he said.
At his side, runner De’Von Achane also stressed his comfort with this trip to Madrid. “It’s been good. The stadium is impressive. It’s good to go out and see things different from where we come from. I’ve walked around the city, I’ve seen a lot of things and it’s a great atmosphere, especially because you don’t see this very often. It’s fun to be here,” he remarked.
In sports, Waddle recalled that “success is always about team victories” and that they have had “ups and downs” since the injury of fellow wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Furthermore, he pointed out that on offense they enjoy “moving the ball, extending offensive series and scoring points not necessarily with a specific formation.”
“We simply seek to advance the ball and score points. That is, ultimately, the main objective. However, the personnel we have to use to achieve this is the main objective,” he warned about his current role as first receiver.
On Sunday, he will face Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, “a great competitor” and who “has been playing excellent.” “It’s going to be a close matchup and I have to be very attentive,” Waddle said.
Asked about his good work in recent weeks in extreme situations for the Dolphins, the wide receiver clarified that he is not thinking “about anything in particular.” “I think it just comes down to great preparation throughout the week, knowing that I’m going to be ready at the right time and at the moment of the play, honestly,” he said.
He also spoke about the leadership of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. “I think Tua has been great. He really wanted to be the leader and the best captain of his team. Knowing that maybe he didn’t show it in front of you, I think it really hurt him, but he has been great. He has simply been himself, he doesn’t let himself be provoked nor is he easily bothered by what people say,” he said.
For his part, Achane has just had a great game in the last victory against the Buffalo Bills with two touchdowns and 225 total yards, but he stressed that he is not “the only one” on the Dolphins. “In attack I feel that we played very well, but we have to maintain the same motivation and make sure we continue like this,” he expressed.
The ‘running back’ does not think “about any strategy” when he carries out his long races. “I’m just trying to get to the end zone as quickly as possible and hope no one chases me. I don’t have things in my head, like what am I going to do, I’m just running toward the goal,” he explained.
Regarding the comparison with players like Jonathan Taylor, running back for the Indianapolis Colts, Achane acknowledges that “it means a lot.” “There are a lot of great running backs in this league and Jon Taylor had a great game last week. Even during our game, when they were showing the stats, I couldn’t believe he played that well,” he said.
“But it’s just a healthy competition. Everyone in your position is doing well and had a great game, and you want to do the same. It’s like a healthy competition between us. I feel like we’re getting better every week and it’s simply due to the training of our line,” he concluded.