CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
September 10, 2015
Q: Wouldn’t you worry about safeties?
A: Somewhat, because in this defense, a lot is put on the safeties. They have to make the call, the adjustments, lining people up and still play. That’s kind of hard, but for the most part, guys have been picking it up and we’ve just been rolling.
Q: …
A: Sunday you are just definitely ready to get out there to see how everybody plays together, how it goes, how the calls are being made. Just get that real game up under your belt and see how they do it full speed.
Q: Do you feel like it’s important for them early on—do you think Dallas might challenge the safeties early on and it might be big for their confidence if they can have a couple balls hit the ground?
A: Oh yeah, definitely. Anytime you can make a play as a young guy early, it sort of builds your confidence up. But I definitely think the guys are ready. We definitely put in the work. We have spent the extra time studying, understanding the playbook. I’m just anxious to get out there.
Q: You’ve been at this for a while, do you still get butterflies opening game and why?
A: Yes, sir. It’s just new season, there’s so much going through your mind. You’re excited to play, you’re nervous to play, it’s a new system, you got new guys. I think you’re more excited than anything. So you definitely just got to go out and hit somebody and calm down.
Q: Can you tell the youngsters in your secondary about that feeling and how to deal with it?
A: It’s kind of hard going into Dallas. You got the amazing stadium and things of that nature, so you’re eyes just kind of—you’ve just got to tell them to zone in and focus and understand we’re there for a job and do what’s asked of us.
Q: Jon Beason hasn’t been out there. Are you concerned about?
A: Oh you know, Jon. You know the work Jon’s put in and the leader. You definitely know he knows the stuff. He’s the guy that flies around if you see him but he definitely has to fly to the ball every play like it’s his last. It’s just got to get him on the field. Once he gets there, we’re not worried about that.
Q: And if he’s not there Sunday?
A: With Spags, it’s that ‘next man up’ mentality. You can’t be worried about who’s going to be there. With his defense, you’ve got to understand it and know it’s going to work and just go out and play.
Q: What have you thought about Landon Collins so far?
A: I really like him. He’s a competitive guy, tough guy. He flies around, he can definitely get hands to hands. He’s picking up the defense, he’s making the call, they’re starting to use him a lot more as far as him being vocal, so he’s been picking it up. Definitely impressed with him.
Q: Think he’s up to the challenge Sunday night?
A: He’s got no choice. He’s kinda really got to be up to it. I think he is just watching him and going through practice. You got to get the first game under your belt to truly understand it and feel it and go from there.
