C Weston Richburg
August 8, 2017
Q: How much fun is it to have a bit of a rivalry between offense and defense?
A: This is the only rivalry we have right now. We’ve been going against each other every day for the last two weeks. So I think we’ve got a lot of great work in. They’re a great defense, so it’s good for us to go against guys like that. Especially up front, they’ll give us good looks and give us a hard time in the run game and the passing game.
Q: How important is it to set the tone with the running game on Friday?
A: It’s very important. We want to set the tone so we can open up other things. We have lots of weapons that we want to be able to use, and if we get the running game going, that opens that up to be a little dangerous.
Q: Do you feel like you’re in a better position this year to do that?
A: I think so, yeah. I think we’ve done some good things so far. There’s still lots of things to clean up, but I think we have made some good strides so far.
Q: Who else might be able to help in that regard?
A: All those guys. I think our tight ends have done a great job of getting in the run game with us. We’ve enjoyed working together with them, trying to get those runs and open up some things up there. I think they’ve done a good job with that.
Q: We’ve seen OL Brett Jones working in there a lot, is that to limit the wear and tear on you?
A: I don’t know any of that, I just go in when they tell me to go in. I have no idea.
Q: Have they told you at least that there’s a plan?
A: I’m pretty low on the totem pole when it comes to decisions with roster stuff and personnel. So when they move me up in the hierarchy, I’ll be able to answer that question better.
Q: What do you see in DT Dalvin Tomlinson and what makes him a difficult guy to deal with?
A: He’s strong, very strong. I think that’s a given with guys coming out of Alabama. I think he’ll be good inside for us, and be disruptive because he’s a smart guy, he’s pretty sharp. So I’m excited to see him and how he plays.
Q: You say you’re hopeful in the running game; in what areas do you see yourself being better in that regard?
A: I think we just understand the run game as a whole better. We’ve had time in the offseason to talk about it and think it over, go over some things that didn’t go well last year and put those things into practice this year. I think we’ve made some good strides so far.
Q: What was the number one thing, in your opinion, that you thought you had to get better at?
A: We’ve got to understand our assignment. That’s the main thing. We’ve been able to mix up personnel a lot more, which gives us a lot more diversity in the run game, which helps.
Q: How do you think you’ve improved on the running game from last year?
A: In the game, it’s going to take all eleven. So I think we’ve done a better job of all eleven guys being on the same page, and we’ve just got to continue with that consistency and carry that in through the preseason and regular season.
Q: What are your early impressions of WR Brandon Marshall as a teammate and possible leader on this team?
A: He’s been great. He’s got experience, so he’s obviously a leader, somebody that younger guys can look to and take advice from. Really just follow his example in how he prepares and gets ready for things.
Q: Have you been aware that he’s taken some shots from former Jets teammates?
A: I don’t pay attention to that stuff.
Q: He doesn’t mention it at all?
A: No.
Q: Will the options in the passing game help the running game?
A: I like to think it’s the other way around. Once we get the running game going, it’s going to open up. We have weapons all across the field that can be dangerous. So from my perspective, we want to get the running game going so we can help out the passing game.
Q: What do you look for in the first preseason game?
A: Well, I want to make sure we’re all assignment-sound. There’s not a lot of game plan that goes into these first couple ones. So just to be as assignment-sound as possible and make sure everybody is making the right decisions and that we’re all working in unison together.
Q: Has OL Adam Bisnowaty impressed you?
A: Yeah, I think he’s a big, strong guy that knows the offense really well. I think he’s going to do a good job. He’s tough, hard-nosed and a guy that has a really good attitude.
Q: Do you have any advice for the guys who are getting their first taste of the NFL on Friday?
A: Go hard. That’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to go full speed; if you make a mistake, you make a mistake full speed. That’s what they want to see.
