T Chad Wheeler -- November 28, 2018
Q: On the matchup against Khalil Mack on Sunday:
A: It will be a challenge against Khalil Mack, he’s a good player, so you’ve obviously got to bring your A game.
Q: Is he different or more special, more talented than other guys you see on tape? What is it about him?
A: Of course. He’s a great edge rusher, he has a good combination of speed and power. He brings a lot to the table, so we’ve got to do the same.
Q: There was a time in this league where people thought the right tackle could hide a little bit. That isn’t the case anymore as you’ve seen earlier in the year. Have these challenges helped you speed up your growth as a player this year? It’s not like you haven’t seen the best of the best so far.
A: Yeah, obviously, you always see good talent on the right side constantly, week in and week out. Yeah, it used to be a run block inside, now you have to block the best pass rusher.
Q: So much was made about your matchup with J.J. Watt when you got put in the lineup, it seems like years ago. Can you take anything from that matchup and apply it to Mack, or is two completely players?
A: It’s two different animals. They’re both really good at what they do, but they do different things so you can’t just do the same thing for one guy. Everybody’s different.
Q: What about the mindset for you to take on a player like that? Is that something you can take from?
A: Just a very professional mindset. It’s my job, so whatever I can do to get an edge, I’m going to do it.
Q: Do you feel better prepared now because of the experience you’ve had this season?
A: Yeah, obviously you gain some confidence, but it would be better if we won some games with it, too. That will ultimately be better.
Q: When you watch Mack on video, what stands out?
A: He’s just relentless. A great player, he has an internal drive that sometimes I match, so you’ve got to bring it.
Q: How do you think your season has gone personally, since that first start you made?
A: Personally, it could be better. Could be a lot better. Obviously, I want some plays back in the run game, pass game, can always be better.
Q: Were you on the right side in Oakland last year?
A: Yeah, I was.
Q: So this isn’t the first time you’re facing Mack?
A: No, it’s not. It’s the second time.
Q: Do you go back to watch that matchup?
A: Yeah, I want to see what he saw and breakdowns in my pass protection and run blocking, see if I’ve fixed those or not. That’s going to help me out.
Q: Is that weird, getting ready to prepare for a guy but you’re also watching him and what he did against you last time?
A: Yeah, it’s not weird, but obviously if there’s something in my game I can fix from last year, I’m going to obviously do that.
Q: Is he different from one year to the next, because it’s a different defense?
A: He plays on the left side a lot, too, so he’s not just on the right side. He’s both.
Q: You mentioned his internal drive. How does that show up, just in the fact that he doesn’t quit on plays?
A: Just the fact how relentless, there’s a chip on his shoulder. You can tell. Some players in the league have a chip on their shoulder, they’ve got some X factor that makes him, I don’t know, different or unique. That’s what I think of when I see him.
Q: Has he taken his game to another level this year? He was one of the best defensive players last year.
A: I think he’s the same guy every year, that’s why he’s so great.
Q: You didn’t go back and watch last year’s game yet, or you did?
A: I did.
Q: Did you see a different player in yourself?
A: Yeah, I did. I saw someone who’s more comfortable (now) obviously a lot more, especially dealing with these blocks and stuff. I look a lot (calmer) in the zone.
Q: Do you have a chip on your shoulder?
A: Obviously yeah, an undrafted free agent, passed up on by every team. Yeah, there’s a drive in me.
Q: Do you think there’s a similarity there? (Mack) wasn’t a huge college prospect.
A: There is something in that with players. A lot of these great players, they don’t really come from much at first, but they make something of themselves in the long run.
Better have the backup QB ready though just in case.