CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
November 12, 2015
Q: You guys have logged defensively a lot of takeaways, and that’s something the Patriots have done very well, that’s hold onto the ball, how do you force them to turn the ball over?
A: Good question, you look at them on film, you look at Tom Brady who’s operating over there at a fast pace to get the ball out his hands quick, it’s kind of hard. They definitely don’t make mistakes, and they rely on you to make mistakes, and he’s a guy that’s definitely going to find it so it’s going to be a tough one. I think this is going to have to be one of the most disciplined games we have tom play.
Q: Does that reduce the number of risk you can take going for the ball?
A: Yeah, you have to let the game come to you, and be honest. You have to play with good technique and be sound. Technique definitely comes to play in this game.
Q: This could be a game where the takeaways are reduced?
A: Yeah. Whenever you get a chance, some of those guys have a history of just fumbling the ball, so if they do catch it, get to them, put as many guys to the hat and try and get the ball out that way.
Q: Have you ever covered a tight end as a cornerback?
A: No.
Q: Do you think it’s even reasonable?
A: Yeah it is. You have guys like [Rob] Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, more receiving tight ends that definitely can be a problem for your linebackers and safeties. You want to have the best matchup you can so some of that could be done.
Q: This week?
A: No, it could be, you never know.
Q: They don’t have traditional like super tall super-fast guys in [Danny] Amendola and [Julian] Edelman, what’s the difference for you playing against maybe the smaller quicker guys outside that you’re not used to facing?
A: I think you have to get up there and put your hands on them because if you sit back and let them, if you look at their passing offense it seems like they always have a two way go choice route. They tend to do what they want and they’re very good in and out of breaks, quick guys, so you have to get up there and challenge them. If you sit off and let them they’ll tear you apart.
Q: With Brady getting rid of it quick I imagine disrupting that timing early in their routes is important to right?
A: Yes, very important. I think they’re kind of get up, get in, get out, he gets the ball out real quick, so if you get up there and throw his timing off a little bit I think he’ll hold it a little longer for your d-line to get after him.
