DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa
August 13, 2015
Q: Does this take a little luster off the debut? You kind of know the guys you’re going against, or is this still a big deal for a rookie to be out there?
A: I say it’s definitely a big deal for me. Obviously, my first NFL game. So I’m excited about it, it’s going to be a great opportunity for me. I’ve been working as hard as I can all week to put myself in the best situation to succeed. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.
Q: Did you get a lot out of the past two days? Did you learn some things about yourself?
A: Oh yeah, absolutely. Going against another opponent, another offensive line, just gauging how you are. It’s definitely been useful for me, and like I said, taking full advantage of it and working as hard as I can to be prepared. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun tomorrow.
Q: When you visualize a perfect scenario, where do you see your greatest impact being? Defense or special teams tomorrow night?
A: I think, honestly, wherever they let me play and line up. That’s kind of how I’ve been thinking about it. I know they have me on special teams, and they have me on defense playing. I really want to make an impact at both, just show my versatility, that I can do a lot of different things to help the team.
Q: I’m sure you’ll get a lot of snaps on defense once the starters come out and everything. You must be excited about being on the field and getting that rhythm going.
A: Yeah, absolutely.
Q: You talked about the process of a pass rusher, the idea of getting in the backfield. Yesterday it seemed like you were really active in the backfield, did you notice going up against their guys, that this works and I’m going to do that more. Did you notice that part of that, seeing what you could do against someone else, rather than thinking about doing this or that?
A: Honestly, the more I’ve been practicing, the more I’ve been doing the things that Coach Nunn has been teaching me and then watching film and seeing it, then actually applying it, I feel like I’ve been making a lot of strides in my pass rush. I really feel like I’ve taken a great step in the right direction. I’ve been getting great feedback from the coaches. Biggest thing that Coach Nunn has been telling me is just play to your strength, practice the things that I’m telling you to do, and figure out what works for you from there. He talked to our group the other day and said the most consistent things for any pass rusher is how fast they get off the ball and their pad level and their leverage as a pass rusher. Different moves, guys figure out their moves or what works for them getting to the quarterback. I’ve really taken that to heart, I’ve been really applying it these past couple of days against the Bengals. I feel like I’m making some great improvements.
Q: Does that give you an advantage in this game? You’ve gone up against these guys the past two days, it’s like in-person film study. You know what’s going to work against some of them, and you know what’s not going to work.
A: It’s definitely given us an advantage. It’s given me an advantage, as far as preparation, knowing exactly my game plan, and how I’m going to rush in pass rushing situations and how I’m going to play the game.
Q: They might know you, too, though.
A: Yeah, exactly. I would think they’re doing their homework, too. It’s going to be fun.
Q: Do you think you’ll be nervous tomorrow night?
A: No, I don’t think I will be. At the end of the day, it’s a great privilege to be playing in the NFL and being part of a team. At the end of the day, as much as you practice, you've got to really simplify the game and not make it bigger than what it is.
A: Yeah, absolutely.
It's a shame so many rookies tend to forget this after a year or two because I believe those that understand this, keep there heads on straight and work hard during and after the season to be the best at their craft that they can be. I think it's one of the ingredients for becoming an All-Pro player.