Julian Sayin shared that his grasp of the game has grown significantly this offseason, while Lincoln Kienholz noted that he’s become stronger and quicker.
Julian Sayin has made it clear that this offseason has been all about growth, development, and sharpening his mental approach to the game. For a quarterback like Sayin, who is already recognized for his natural arm talent and leadership qualities, improving his understanding of the game is a major step forward. It’s not just about physical tools for a player at his position—mental sharpness, the ability to read defenses, anticipate coverage, and make lightning-fast decisions under pressure are just as critical, if not more so, than the raw ability to throw the football. Sayin has spent countless hours this offseason studying film, reviewing tendencies, and digging into the nuances of opposing defenses. He’s spoken openly about how much more comfortable he feels in the offense, as if the game has begun to slow down for him. That’s often the sign of a player who is on the verge of making a big leap in his performance.
For Lincoln Kienholz, the focus this offseason has been all about physical transformation. While understanding the game is important for every position, Kienholz’s emphasis on becoming stronger and faster speaks volumes about his determination to elevate his athletic performance to the next level. Adding speed and power is not just about lifting weights or running sprints; it’s about committing to a grueling training regimen that includes explosive drills, strength-building exercises, and conditioning that tests both physical and mental limits. Kienholz has poured himself into that process, and it’s showing in his improved quickness and agility on the field. Being faster means being able to react to plays more quickly, create separation, and make game-changing moments happen. Being stronger means withstanding hits, winning battles at the line of scrimmage, and playing with more physical confidence. For him, this offseason wasn’t just about maintaining his previous form—it was about taking measurable strides forward.
The combination of Sayin’s mental growth and Kienholz’s physical development is a storyline that resonates because it highlights two distinct yet equally important aspects of the game. Football, at its core, is a sport where success is determined by both the mind and the body. A quarterback like Sayin can have all the physical skills in the world, but without the ability to read a defense, recognize blitzes, and know where to go with the ball, his impact will be limited. Conversely, a player like Kienholz could have the sharpest understanding of his role, but without the speed or strength to execute, that knowledge won’t translate into results on the field. The offseason is the time when players dig deep, work on their weaknesses, and make the kinds of changes that can determine the trajectory of the upcoming season.
Sayin’s improvement in understanding the game likely comes from hours of intense preparation. Film study is often cited as one of the most valuable tools for quarterbacks, and Sayin has reportedly doubled down on that aspect of his preparation. He’s analyzing not just his own plays but also those of the opposing defenses he’ll face. That means learning how to recognize certain coverages based on pre-snap movement, understanding the tendencies of defensive backs, and knowing when to take risks and when to play it safe. Mastering these elements is what allows quarterbacks to make faster reads and more confident decisions. For Sayin, this mental growth might also come from building stronger chemistry with his receivers, understanding their timing, and learning how to adjust plays on the fly. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t always show up on highlight reels but makes all the difference during the heat of competition.
Kienholz’s focus on becoming stronger and faster suggests he’s been putting in hours at the gym, fine-tuning every aspect of his athletic performance. Strength training isn’t just about adding muscle; it’s about building the kind of functional strength that translates directly onto the field. That could mean improving his lower-body power for better explosiveness or enhancing his core stability to improve balance and control. Speed work, on the other hand, is all about explosiveness, acceleration, and maintaining top-end speed. Sprinting drills, agility ladders, and resistance training are often key components of that process. For Kienholz, combining this newfound strength with increased speed makes him a much more dynamic player, one who can impact the game in ways that might not have been possible before this offseason.
There’s also an unspoken mental component to Kienholz’s training. Pushing yourself to become faster and stronger requires discipline and determination. Every day in the weight room or on the practice field is an opportunity to improve, but it’s also a test of mental resilience. There are days when progress feels slow, when fatigue sets in, and when the results aren’t immediately visible. The players who make real strides in these areas are the ones who persevere, who trust the process and keep showing up. That mindset is what separates good athletes from great ones, and it seems Kienholz is embracing that mentality wholeheartedly.
The contrast between Sayin and Kienholz’s offseason focus is also a testament to how different players approach the game based on their individual roles and needs. Quarterbacks, by nature, are tasked with being the most cerebral players on the field. Their success is measured not just by their physical output but by their ability to lead, inspire, and make decisions under pressure. For Sayin, becoming a student of the game is just as important as his throwing mechanics or footwork. When a quarterback’s understanding of the game grows, it elevates everyone around him. The offense becomes smoother, the tempo increases, and confidence spreads throughout the team. Sayin’s acknowledgment that he has improved in this area suggests he is stepping into a more commanding role, one where he can guide the offense with greater precision.
Kienholz, meanwhile, seems to understand that his value comes from his ability to physically dominate his matchups. Whether it’s breaking tackles, outrunning defenders, or winning one-on-one battles, his strength and speed are critical to his success. By prioritizing these elements, he’s setting himself up to not just meet expectations but to exceed them. Speed and strength can be game-changers in critical moments, whether it’s turning a short gain into a long run or holding his ground against a powerful defender. His offseason gains could be the difference between good plays and great plays once the season begins.
What makes both players’ stories compelling is that they highlight the never-ending quest for improvement that defines elite athletes. No matter how talented or successful a player might be, there’s always another level to reach. Sayin could have relied on his natural talent and strong arm, but instead, he chose to dive deeper into the mental side of the game, making himself more well-rounded and prepared. Kienholz could have rested on his past performance, but instead, he pushed himself to enhance his physical tools, knowing that raw speed and power can give him the edge he needs.
As the new season approaches, both players’ offseason efforts will be put to the test. For Sayin, fans will be watching to see if his improved understanding translates into more efficient drives, fewer mistakes, and a stronger command of the offense. Will he be able to read defenses with the kind of precision that allows him to find the open man, even under pressure? Will his offseason preparation allow him to anticipate plays rather than simply react to them? These are the questions that will define his performance on the field.
For Kienholz, the test will come in how his improved speed and strength impact his game. Will he be able to burst past defenders with newfound acceleration? Will his added strength help him withstand hits or power through contact for extra yardage? These physical improvements can’t be fully measured until game time, but the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve put in the work can make all the difference. A faster, stronger Kienholz is a more dangerous weapon, and that bodes well for his contributions to the team.
Ultimately, the offseason is a time when the foundations for future success are built. What Sayin and Kienholz have done in recent months is not just about preparing for the upcoming games—it’s about setting themselves apart, proving that they are willing to do whatever it takes to elevate their game. That mentality can be contagious, inspiring teammates to push harder, train smarter, and aim higher. When players at the top of their game commit to this level of improvement, it raises the standard for everyone around them.
As these two continue to refine their respective skill sets, the narrative becomes one of balance and complementarity. Sayin’s mental improvements and Kienholz’s physical upgrades are two sides of the same coin, both necessary for team success. The game of football rewards those who can combine intelligence with athleticism, preparation with execution. By focusing on their own unique areas of growth, both players are ensuring that when the season begins, they will be more prepared, more capable, and more determined than ever to make an impact.
The months of hard work, the early mornings, the late nights spent in the gym or studying playbooks—all of it will soon pay off. For Sayin, the payoff will be in the form of sharper decision-making, smarter reads, and the confidence that comes from knowing the game inside and out. For Kienholz, the payoff will come in those moments when speed and strength give him the edge, when a defender is left trailing behind or when a physical clash is won because of the hours he invested in becoming stronger. These stories are reminders of what it truly means to prepare for greatness. The offseason may be invisible to fans, but it’s where champions are made, and both Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz appear to have embraced that truth wholeheartedly.
