What was this whole week like, the joint practices, the game tonight, and everything? How much do you think you guys got out of all this?
I think it was really beneficial for us as a club. Especially with a lot of guys, even some third and fourth-year guys, we've never had a joint practice. It was big for me to be able to see a different color all week and not practice against each other. I think it took the edge off on that piece a little bit, but I think it was very productive for us to go up against someone else all week long. Then, use that preparation for the game today. I think it was really, really big.
Going into your second season, where do you feel like you have grown the most as a player?
I think just my pass rush. Being able to develop that, that was huge for me in the offseason and that was huge for me in the summer. To develop my big thing, power, and being able to work off of that and now try to start finishing and being more agile around the quarterback and be able to stay on my feet.
Mike Macdonald's defense is complementing your ability to rush in terms of power, how is that working out for you?
I think it's great. I think the scheme that he has put in place for us is good for not only the edge backers, but the entire defense. He definitely puts us in positions to be successful every time we step out there on the field no matter what. Being able to take what he gives you and being able to play that. Just knowing what you have going on a daily basis. It comes down to just trying to be productive every single day and take the good with it all.
We heard communication is important with this defense, where do you think that is after a couple games?
I think we are going really, really well. Just from having that first meeting with (Mike Macdonald) in April until now, I think the understanding of the defense, understanding of the scheme across the board is really, really good. I think at the edge position we actually do a lot more, so it takes a little bit of stress off the inside backers. I think it's really good. We're growing and rocking and rolling. We are going to take what came with this loss and see what we can do better and come back out and be ready for Cleveland next week.
