Thursday Media Transcript: DE Olivier Vernon

DE Olivier Vernon

November 17, 2016

Q: How much is your improved play in correlation with your health?

A: I’m just happy we’re winning games. That’s all I’m glad about. All I’m worried about, just winning games and getting to the postseason.

Q: Spags has given you some different opportunities inside. Is that something that you’ve ever done at this level and how much are you enjoying it?

A: Yeah, I’ve done it plenty of times back in Miami. Whatever coach tells you to do, you have to be able to fulfill what he wants you to do. We have a lot of guys on the team that can do that.

Q: Are you starting to smell playoffs a little bit?

A: Still taking it one game at a time, one week at a time. That’s the goal.

Q: How good is it to see this defense closing out games like you have done?

A: We still have a lot of work to do. We still have to play more of a solid game. I think everyone feels that way on the defensive side of the ball. Just one game at a time.

Q: What is the mentality of your red zone defense?

A: It’s just defending our territory, basically. You never want to have it fall on us where you give up points. We take a lot of pride in that, our defense as a whole. It’s still something we have to work on. We gave up a touchdown this past game in the red zone. That’s not up to our standards.

Q: Is this scheme for you personally more of a rugged, tough physical deal like it was in Miami?

A: I am not taking anything away from them in Miami. We had a good defense as well. It might not have shown it on the stats paper but we had a lot of guys out there that played their hearts out. It comes like that. Over here, we just played solid defense. Not give up the big plays.

Q: Since you’ve been here, what have you learned about JPP?

A: That’s one hell of a teammate right there. Just as far as his preparation. He never complains about anything despite everything he’s had to battle. He goes out there and makes plays. All you could do is respect that. He comes in the building and works hard. He works hard in practice each and every day.

Q: Do you feel like you two guys are providing what people envisioned?

A: Well, I don’t know what they envisioned. I just know as far as being cohesive as a unit, everyone on the defensive line is just trying to feel each other out. Just play off each other and build that chemistry.

Q: Have you felt that chemistry grow?

A: I think so, most definitely. The whole defense as well. That’s what you need to build good defenses. To build a good team you need that type of good chemistry. All the guys, they make it easy. I’m still a new guy in the building. As far as all the guys, they’ve welcomed us with open arms.

Q: Odell believes this is a Super Bowl defense. Do you agree with that?

A: I didn’t know that. All we can do is prove it on Sunday’s. That’s all we can do.

Q: What did it mean to have the back-to-back sacks on Monday night?

A: Just making plays. I think a lot of guys on the team know that they can make plays. The opportunity presented itself. We were able to make a play.

Q: Is playing opposite JPP part of the reason you signed here?

A: That and Eli had a thing to do with that as well. I spoke with JPP before coming here. He had a lot to prove. I’m with that. I can be a help to him. Let’s do it. It’s great being in the building with guys like that. Not only just him, it’s everyone else. Damon Harrison, he’s trying to do what he has to do to make a name for himself. Prove his name worthy again. Rabbit, as well. Being able to be on the same defense with those guys, it’s a blessing.