Monday Media Transcript: LB Lorenzo Carter

LB Lorenzo Carter
August 27, 2018
 
Q: How does (LB) Olivier Vernon’s injury affect you?
A: It really doesn’t affect me too much. I’m still going after it, doing the same thing. At practice still trying to get better, taking it one play at a time. He’ll be back though. So, it’s no biggie.
 
Q: Do you get excited practicing with the first team defense?
A: Yeah, it’s just a chance to get out there and get better. Just to test yourself against the starters to see what it’s like. It’s still football at the end of the day. You still go out there reading your keys and striking blockers. Just have to go out there and make the most of it.   
 
Q:  Is there a difference in speed playing with the first team defense, as opposed to the second or third team defense?
A: I don’t think so. The “ones” are a little bit more refined. They know their job, they’ve done their job for a couple of years. So, they have that on top of the “two’s” and “three’s” a little bit. The two’s and three’s, we’re all out there flying around, getting better, working hard.  
 
Q: Are you ready for the regular season after having a few preseason games under your belt?
A: Oh yeah, I’m ready. I feel like it’s been a process, definitely. From preseason on – it’ll be a progression even throughout the season. I feel like I’m ready to go out there and play some football with my guys.
 
Q: With Olivier Vernon going down, does this feel like a big opportunity for you to get some extra reps?
A: I feel like this whole training camp has been an opportunity. I’ve been trying to put it out there and stack the days and just get better. I don’t think nothing is really going to change that “OV” is out. It’s going to be going out there every day with a mindset on getting better.
 
Q:  Where have you improved the most?
A:  I think just knowing things, the knowledge of the game, trying to pick on keys, know what the offense does before they do it, so I can put myself in the best position to stop it. Talking to (LB) Connor (Barwin), talking to “OV”, (LB) Kareem (Martin), it’s all trying to put yourself in a better position before the snap. So, that’s what I’m working on. That’s what I feel like I’ve gotten better at.     
 
Q: Did you see that come to fruition against the Jets? Does it boost your confidence seeing what you worked on translate to game day?
A: Yeah, it’s good to see it in games, but we see it in practice too. When plays start to line up, when the coach calls a play, and people start to come free, it’s just good knowing you’re doing the stuff the right way. When it gets to game time, it’s just even better.
 
Q: Are there things you look at on film and say, “I’ve got to get better with this?”
A: Definitely, I am my biggest critique. I critique myself, I’m hard on myself. When I watch film, it’s not really too much good stuff that I try to point out. I try to point out all the bad things that I can fix and get better at.
 
Q: Is there one thing in particular that you realize you have to work on?  
A: For me, it’s just playing, just getting out there and going. At times, I feel like I’m thinking too much. But, its football, you get used to it. The game slows down as you get experience. 
 
Q: Did you get a chance to talk to Olivier Vernon?   
A: I haven’t really had a chance to talk to him. I’ll talk to him later. 
 
Q: What’s been your impression on this defense as it’s shaping up through training camp?
A: A bunch of hungry guys. Just a bunch of guys. We’ve got great leadership with “LC” (Landon Collins), “Tree” (LB Alec Ogletree), “Snacks” (DT Damon Harrison, Sr.) up front. It’s a lot of great leaders, and we’re going to go out there and follow, and they’re aggressive. So, we’re going to be aggressive.