Since the close of the 2019 season, Ferrell has grown bigger, stronger and faster, setting individual goals for the coming year.
“I feel like, for me, I’m just going back and I always set goals for the offseason, and I set goals for the year,” Ferrell told reporters Thursday. “My goal for the year kind of drives my goal for the offseason, and that’s to always concentrate on winning the Super Bowl. That, I feel, in order for us to do that, I have to be willing to do something. I’m asked for it. For me, [I want] to be a cornerstone in this organization and I am a man who plays the defensive line up and down. I had to gain a lot of weight and gain a lot of knowledge throughout the season to do that. “
Guenther mentioned last season that Ferrell was too focused on the mental aspect of the game, instead of relying on his physical gifts, and the 23-year-old defensive end sees that now. Understandably, there is a learning curve for any rookie experience, but Ferrell feels confident in what is being asked of him ahead of the Raiders’ first game on September 13, and he credits some of the confidence he has gained to to work with defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.
“First off, I thank God I put great people into my life and just the opportunity to learn from someone who is considered a legend in the game,” he said. “[Marinelli] does not behave like that, he still behaves like he is a young coach who is dying to make an impact on the league. It really, really has been great.
“I really like his teaching because he understands and appreciates that football is not a scientific thing. It’s a game we like to play and you just have to go out and play hard and play with a disposition. That, I love him, Jawis. “
The rise of Maxx Crosby alongside Ferrell was a pleasant surprise last year and the Raiders expect the duo of “Salt N ‘Pepa” to be a force to be reckoned with. The expectations that charged Ferrell during the rookie season still exist, but now he has the knowledge and confidence to exceed them.
“Everything that is asked of me, I am ready to do this now and do it on a whole level.”
