[The Patriots were not shy about abandoning their 3-4 defensive front once it was obvious that Raiders were having their way early on in the first half. Props to defensive coordinator Eric Mangini, too. LaMont Jordan and the Raiders were not quite the same once they had to deal with the Patriots' defensive line combination of Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren and Jarvis Green running down their throats. The four were able to create pressure, cause a key turnover (interception by Wilfork) and get a few negative plays at critical points. Once they Pats made Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins get off the spot, it became quite a different game, too.] We were able to set the edge, ... Once we did that, it seemed to go a lot better. |
He?s definitely a fast guy. What he brings is a whole different element. They?ve got three different styles of backs and you?ve got to defend each one. Top that off with the receiving core they?ve got and (quarterback Ben) Roethlisberger and they?ve got a lot of weapons they can bring at you. We?ve got a full plate. |
He's quick, he's strong and he's fast, all at the same time, |
I don't know what (people think) the problem is with the run defense. I thought we've been playing the run pretty well. Obviously, we gave up the long (68-yard Tatum Bell) run (in Denver). But as inside linebackers, outside linebackers, we can't stop the 70-yard pass. So someone has got to be responsible. |
I think it's gone pretty well thus far. Coming into an organization where they've been successful with free agents makes it easier, ... I think the transition is good with the camaraderie of the players that are already here. |
I think the biggest thing coming in here is the transition of the scheme. I am comfortable as a linebacker. [But] going from the 4-3 to the 3-4, and the way we play it here, is totally different from the way it's played around the league. Chad will testify to that as well. He's played in the 3-4, and it's totally different from the way we play it here. We're just learning day in and day out and just trying to improve. |
It doesn?t get any easier all year in the return game. Once they see that early in the year, they?re going to attack the same things you?ve had problems with, so we?re definitely going to have to get it fixed pretty soon. |
It was an endless process throughout the day and we couldn't get off the damn field. They're going with 10-play drives and we couldn't get off the field. |
It was gut wrenching, ... To come into our house as a 2-1 team and to lose to Diego the way we did, I mean, they beat us in all phases. They had us against the ropes all day and they left here with the KO. |
It was gut wrenching. To come into our house as a 2-1 team and to lose to Diego the way we did, I mean, they beat us in all phases. They had us against the ropes all day and they left here with the KO. |
It's definitely an ongoing process. |
It's great to come back home finally. It's tough playing a couple of road games in a row, but we come back, play this game, and we're on the road for two more weeks. |
Just from a pure motivation standpoint and the way he gets out there and plays the game it's uplifting to everybody. |
Kansas City wanted me back. I also visited Green Bay and Pittsburgh. But I just felt the opportunity and the fit was better here. |
So far, we've played well at times and played poorly at times, but we're still looking for that consistent effort. |