We have yet been able to post video of Joker Phillips’ comments from this afternoon’s press conference, so I thought I would run down some of the more interesting notes and quotes to tide you over: As soon as video is available, I will post it.

• Phillips did not mince words about the performance of his offense on Thursday. He was sure to point out that the Wildcats are happy to be 1-0 and that the offense will improve, but that doesn’t excuse anything. He said that quarterback Morgan Newton simply has to hit open receivers when they are there for him. Phillips said Newton did not get the help he needed from his offensive line and that the group did not play up to the high standard it set for itself last season and in camp. Phillips was hardest on his receivers though. “There will be some changes at the wide receiver position, and rightfully so,” Phillips said. Guys like Demarco Robinson, E.J. Fields and Aaron Boyd will have opportunities to earn playing time this week in light of Thursday’s performance.

• Fields, along with safety Mychal Bailey, was held out last week due to disciplinary issues from last season but will return to action against Central Michigan. Defensive tackle Mark Crawford has not yet been fully reinstated.

• In terms of injuries, UK has a handful of players coping with bumps and bruises. Newton sustained a bruised thumb during the opening series Thursday, but Phillips is not concerned about him in the least. Center Matt Smith, who missed the opener, started practice on Monday, but was unable to finish. He will continue to work to play on Saturday. Defensive end Collins Ukwu sat out on Monday with a chest bruise but is expected to play. Billy Joe Murphy (sprained MCL) is day-to-day and wide receiver Brian Adams sat out practice on Monday with a sprained ankle.

• Defensively, Phillips was pleased in general, but he singled out Winston Guy for praise. Playing his first game in a new hybrid safety/linebacker role, the senior played “exactly” how Phillips and co-defensive coordinator envisioned when they put him in the new role. Guy and linebacker Danny Trevathan set the tone for the entire defense with their intensity, effort and professional approach to the game. “I thought our whole defense played well,” Phillips said. “But I think but Winston Guy and Danny, I think you’re seeing more guys play like Winston Guy and Danny.  Our guys played with great effort.  It’s infectious.”

• One group that has been “infected” by the senior duo’s leadership is UK’s defensive tackles. Phillips was excited to talk about the depth at the position with five players who have the ability to deliver quality reps. First and foremost, Phillips gushed about the play of sophomore Donte Rumph. “Ninety-nine played as good as anybody that we’ve had around here,” Phillips said. “We think he’s got a chance to be a big time player.” Taylor Wyndham, Luke McDermott, Mister Cobble and Christian Coleman also saw time and the position and all graded out well leading Phillips to say that defensive tackle “will be one of our strengths on defense before long.

• Although he was critical of his team in some areas, Phillips said they had “buried” the tape from Thursday’s game and were ready to move on. The second-year head coach does not forget the close game that Central Michigan played against UK when they visited Lexington in 2006 and expects the Chippewas will be ready to play again.

• Saturday’s 12:00 p.m. game against Central Michigan will be Heroes Day. All military, police, firefighters and other first responders can present their service ID at the Gate 4 entrance of Commonwealth Stadium and receive a complimentary ticket. First responders will be honored throughout the game