Linebacker Connor Barwin
August 14, 2018
Joint Practice with Detroit
Q: How close are you to returning to the field?
A: It’ll probably day-to-day. Just giving me a little bit of a rest here after a big couple weeks of camp.
Q: Is part of that due to the offseason?
A: It might be, I don’t know. I’m not going to overanalyze things. A little sore, and (Head Coach Pat Shurmur) Shurm was good with me getting some rest. We thought it was best to make sure I’m as good as can be when the season starts.
Q: Would you categorize this as an injury, or just soreness?
A: No, I wouldn’t say that (it’s an injury).
Q: Is it special for you to be back in this area?
A: I can see a little family while I’m back. Other than that, it’s still training camp. I’m focused on football and getting ready for the season. But, of course, I grew up here and I’ve never been to the Lions facility. So, it’s cool for me to see the facility. And again, I get to see a little bit of family with the few hours we have left.
Q: What kind of family do you still have out here?
A: My immediate family is all gone. But, my wife’s family is here.
Q: Do you get to see the defense from a different perspective being on the sideline?
A: Yeah, I’m going to learn no matter what I’m doing – whether I’m in there practicing, or if I’m watching the younger guys and seeing how I can help them. But also for me, I’m still learning the defense. I just sit back and watch practice, and still learning how the whole system works and learning about the defense.
Q: What have you learned about the defense so far?
A: For me on the outside, we do a couple things differently than I’ve done in the past – and I kind of knew that coming in. Then, we do a lot of things that I’ve done too. So, it’s a nice fit. I’m familiar with a lot of it, but it’s nice to be able to be asked to do something new. It’s kind of fun to have that.
Q: What are some of the things you’ve stressed to the younger guys after practice?
A: I’ve been fortunate to learn from some really great coaches. I’ve had (Rams Defensive Coordinator) Wade (Phillips) early in my career that taught me a lot. I had (Jets Linebacker Coach and Hall of Fame Defensive End) Kevin Greene who taught me a lot. And then (Linebackers Coach Bill McGovern) Govs is here. Really, I’m just trying to share with what I’ve learned over my career. I think I had older guys when I was young teach me and help me. I just understood that there’s a difference between hearing it from a coach, and hearing it from a player. I try to help where I can and show them what I’ve learned and what I’ve had success with. The young guys have been really receptive, which is good. It’s a good sign.
Q: Who are some of the players who have influenced you in your playing career, as you were coming up the ranks?
A: (Former Texans Defensive Tackle) Antonio Smith, which is probably one of the biggest. I played with him in Houston. He was a defensive tackle. He was just a great, great teammate. Really one of the best I had, and really a great football player – unselfish, was great at rushing the passer. He was really great at – he understood the idea of how a whole defensive line works together. Me and him had a great couple of years playing together early on when I was in Houston.
Q: How much potential does a young pass rusher like LB Lorenzo Carter have?
A: The sky is the limit for him right now. He’s still young, he’s got a lot to learn. I try to remember what it was like my rookie year. A lot of times, he’s playing everything cool like he’s got it. But, I know what it was like being there before. He’s got a lot to learn, a lot to grow. He’s got all the tools. Like I’ve said before to you guys, he can run, he’s fast, he’s got natural kind of instincts when he gets to the top. So, I’m excited for him.
Q: (Inaudible) What is the value of creating different looks along the defensive front when game planning against opponents?
A: Yeah, a 5-2, a 3-4, 6-2. It’s why I like playing in 3-4, because usually it’s kind of a mix. Obviously in a pass down, we can do a four-down front. (Inaudible). But on first and second down, and sometimes on third down, you can show them three or five down. I think it gives the tackles or the quarterback different looks that they have to pay attention to. Sometimes, they mess up their counts, and it can really be advantageous for the guys up front.
