OL Brett Jones
November 11, 2016
Q: Excited for your first start here?
A: I’m just preparing like it’s any other game. If I get to go, just try and treat it like any other one. It’s just like any other game. It’s a Monday night game, so definitely excited for it.
Q: Is there a CFL equivalent to Monday night?
A: Maybe Friday night football. It doesn’t have the same as Monday Night Football, no.
Q: First start since the Grey Cup?
A: Yes, it would be. The last game I started would be the Grey Cup game a couple years ago.
Q: What do you remember about that game?
A: That was one of the best games to play in that I ever played in. Those are some great memories that I have with those teammates. I cherish that game.
Q: What do you see when you look at the Bengals?
A: The Bengals are a very good front. You say that almost every week. Every team you’re going to play in the NFL has a very good front. The Bengals are a very good team. You have to be prepared for what they’re going to bring. Especially with each player. Definitely a good front.
Q: How much better are you than when you first walked in here?
A: From the first day to now is day and night. Just learning the game. There is a lot of nuances to the game that you don’t even realize. Just playing with one yard in Canada versus no yard here. It’s definitely a lot different.
Q: Was that a big adjustment, the one yard to no yard?
A: Definitely. Just the way you set and go about looking at the angles and stuff. It’s a lot different. Those are some things that I had to adjust to. I’m just working on those things every day.
Q: How different is your preparation for this game?
A: I just prepare like I’m going to play. When it gets to be my opportunity, I’m not going to waste it. When I got my chance to go in, I was going to prepare each game like I was the starter. That’s what I think I’ve done for the last nine weeks. That’s what I’ll keep doing as the season goes on. I’m going to prepare every week like I’m going to start. Whatever happens, happens. These guys are relying on me to know what I’m doing and to keep winning. Those are things that I really take pride in and would like to keep up.
Q: Are you really this calm about starting an NFL game?
A: I just try and look at it as any other game. It’s a big game because it’s the next game. Definitely being in Canada, everyone would get excited for Sunday and Monday Night Football. Especially at university. We would go after practice and watch. It’s a big game. It’s just a big game because it’s the next one. My teammates are riding with me. I’ll go out and do the job, whatever that job is.
Q: Have you heard from a lot of people back home?
A: I try not to talk about it too much. My buddies back home and the guys I played with, they all ask. I don’t say much. It’s just another game. I just tell them they have to tune in. They’re going to watch anyway. It’s Monday Night Football.
Q: Have you thought about your little Monday Night Football intro?
A: I would probably just say the university I went to. Everyone always laughs when I say it. The guys that have played there and been announced always laugh at what they say. The University of Regina. What did he say? That’s definitely what I would say.
Q: Is Monday Night Football generally big in Canada?
A: Definitely. It’s an excuse to hangout with the guys and do stuff. That’s what we would do. The CFL doesn’t play Sunday or Monday. Sometimes they do, but not often. Those are the NFL days. Those are the games we always watch. Thursday night’s, we watch them all. You dream about playing here. When you get a chance, it’s very cool.
Q: Does you not feeling overwhelmed about starting an NFL game show how far you’ve come?
A: Definitely. When you look at something far in advance, maybe your emotions get away from you. I just try and stay in the moment and stay focused. Don’t let the situation get too big. When you go out there, you just go one play at a time. Just keep working. I think that’s the key.
