Q: Is there a difference of philosophy in playing strongside versus weakside?A: We're trying to do a lot of different things right now. Wherever I line up, wherever everybody on the defense lines up – I think we have a lot of guys who can play a lot of different positions, myself included. Trying to mix it up.
Q: Was Saturday's game any kind of barrier that you were trying to cross?A: I've been through this before, unfortunately. The first game back from an injury, whether it's preseason or not, it's always good to get out there. The adrenaline is going to be pumping regardless of the circumstances. I felt good coming out of the game and I feel good going forward.
Q: Because of the nature of this injury, is there hesitation?A: No. I think it was actually a little easier because I've been through it before. I've been in the league for a while now. Felt good to come out of it.
Q: Not something you want to be familiar with?A: No. If I had my way, I would never experience that, but it is what it is.
Q: Is coverage the biggest thing you have to learn?A: I think that transition, I crossed that bridge when I went from being a full-time down lineman to being a full-time linebacker. This year everything is already familiar with me. We did a lot of that stuff at the beginning of last year before I went down. It's not that big of an issue.
Q: Do you wear a special brace at the back of your pads?A: Yeah, just a little neck brace. Nothing serious.
Q: Makes you look a little bigger.A: A little bigger. Add a little [size]. Yeah that's part of it.
Q: A little bit of a tougher look?A: A little bit.
Q: Is it comfortable?A: After the first day it was fine. I really didn't notice it after that. We adjusted it a little bit, but I don't think it's changed anything about how I play. It's just there. Some of it might be mental, but it really does help you stop your neck from snapping back. It's purely precautionary. There's no recurrence or anything like that.
