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Branden Albert – November 7, 2016 Download PDF version

Monday, November 7, 2016

Tackle Branden Albert

(Over 500 yards rushing the last three games, 111 yards I think against the top ranked rushing defense. What kind of point of pride is that for you, and RB Jay Ajayi and the whole offense?) – “I think as an offensive line, we feel like we could’ve done better. But for the most part, for us to do what we’ve been doing is gratifying. We felt like we left a lot out there yesterday. We could’ve done better, but we’ll keep improving and keep going.”

(The second half, you guys really asserted yourselves. What was the difference, did you just wear them down?) – “No, I just think … I think they were on to us and what we were trying to do. They had a point to prove and I think we had to make some adjustments in the second half, and that’s what we did.”

(RB Jay Ajayi said that there was some trash talk in that first drive, and that him punching the wall was him letting out some frustration. What did you hear going on there?) – “They had a point to prove. They didn’t want us to make history on them. They had pride. Their pride was playing into it. They did a good job in the first half, but winning the game – that’s the most important part.”

(Were they kind of quiet in the fourth quarter?) – “No, they were still talking a little trash. It was an uphill battle yesterday. They came with their A-game; but all three phases played good together, and we all got it done.”

(Because of the style of RB Jay Ajayi … he’s a hard runner. Do you sense those defensive guys soften up over time?) – “I feel like the last … the first two games as the second half came, guys didn’t want to hit him. But I think yesterday those guys had a point to prove yesterday. They were playing yesterday; I’m not going to lie. So I give them the credit, but we got the ‘W’ and we still rushed for 100 and something yards. That’s all that matters.”

(How would you describe the confidence level of the team sitting at 4-4 with a three game winning streak?) – “I think we’re confident but we still know we got an uphill battle. We still got things we’ve got to do and we’ve got to keep preparing each and every week, not get comfortable and keep working.”

(How does the skill and talent of this offensive line group compare to some of the others you’ve been a part of throughout your career?) – “I think you’ve got four guys who can play left tackle. You’ve got probably the best center in football, in my eyes. I think there’s a lot of experience. You’ve got two young guys that just want to play football. You’ve got three guys that have been there. I think our talent and I think our experience is helping us out right now.”

(Looking ahead to this week, the running game travels in this league. It’s a tough one – 11 days out, West Coast…) – “Well, we’re going to see what type of team we really are. (We’ll) see what type of discipline we’ve got. We’ve got to stay grounded, stay humble and make sure we do the little things to keep us going.”

(How do you feel right now? We’re halfway through the season and it seems like you’re playing some of your best football.) – “Myself? I’ve just got the support of my teammates and we’re just doing good. I just feel good about how we are doing as a team. If I’m doing my job and helping this team win, that’s all that matters.”

(What’s the biggest challenge of this road swing, being gone so long and going so far?) – “We’re not on vacation. We are there for business. Guys have got to get that in their heads that we’re there for business. We are not there for pleasure.”

(To go up against a run defense that talented, and you guys still get RB Jay Ajayi over 100 yards. What does that say about your offense?) – “We did some of it and he did some of it yesterday. With the tight ends and receivers, it’s a whole collective thing with our offense. It speaks a lot about us, our attitude and what we’re trying to do; but we can be better, and we can achieve more.”

(How much do you enjoy the feeling … It seems like a lot of the onus has been put on the offensive line to make things go, and you guys have responded.) – “It feels good. It feels good that we’ve got the support of our coaches and the organization. I think that’s been lacking … the offensive line play has been lacking the last couple of years. Now we’re starting to get it done. It can’t be just three games; we’ve got to keep improving.”

(What kind of sense did you get from the fans and the crowd yesterday?) – “I feel like people are starting to believe in us. I think that we are starting to fill them seats back up. About four weeks ago, there was nobody in those seats, but I think we’re starting to make people believe in us.”

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