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Nik Needham – September 21, 2020 Download PDF version

Monday, September 21, 2020

CB Nik Needham

(Just in general, can you tell us about how you feel and how things went for you on Sunday?) – “I definitely didn’t play close to what I know my caliber of play is. I’ve just got to get back to the drawing board and learn from that and learn from the mistakes. We just got done watching film and made the corrections so I have to come into this Thursday’s game just a whole lot better. I know I can play way better than what I put on the field.”

(In terms of the nickel, that’s not something that we saw during training camp but then it’s also something that we’ve seen from you in the past going back to last season. How much work have you done there and when did you know you were going to get that opportunity this past week?) – “I’ve gotten quite a few reps at nickel. They told me after the Patriots game that I was going to be playing at the nickel this past week. I just had to get ready last week and watch more film at the nickel position.”

(I know you’re a guy who just wants to play and wants to get on the field, but do you feel like nickel is a position that fits your skillset; and if so, why?) – “Yeah, I feel like I’m versatile enough to play outside and inside. I trust in my feet. I feel like that’s one of my strengths. I’ve just got to come out there with better feet this next game and just trust my technique. That’s what it’s all about. And listen to the coaching and trusting the game plan.”

(I’m sure that film you saw today wasn’t pleasant. What did Defensive Coordinator Josh Boyer and Defensive Backs Coach Gerald Alexander say to you about it and the defensive holding – it was either holding or illegal contact – what happened there?) – “That’s what I was saying, just bad technique. My hands were outside of my frame so I was grabbing on the outside of the shoulder pads. I just have to keep my hands tight and keep my feet tight so that doesn’t happen ever again. What was the second question again?”

(Just the feedback you got from coaches today.) – “Just what I told you. We have to trust in our technique and get back to the drawing board. They know and I know that I can play way better than that. That’s really what was talked about.”

(You mentioned the quick turnaround to Jacksonville on Thursday night, your first prime time game in your career. Are you excited for that, playing under the lights?) – “Yeah, I’m definitely excited. I’m definitely ready to just get right back out there this week and having a Thursday night game, it couldn’t be more better than that.”

(I’m wondering after the New England game, we saw how easily New England ran on your defense and then yesterday, how easily the Bills passed on your defense. I’m wondering where the confidence level is on the defense as a whole? Do you feel it’s shaken at any point or where is it?) – “No, it’s not shaken. We’re right there. It comes down to little plays – leverage, knowing the personnel and all of the little things like that. If we can just execute on that this week, we should come out with a positive result.”

(Obviously a short turnaround but an important game. How would you describe the sense of urgency, climate, mood there for the team heading into this game?) – “We’re not about to freak out or think about anything like that. ‘Coach Flo’ (Head Coach Brian Flores) even said we’re right back to it. It’s a long season ahead of us and what not a perfect way to get right back out there on Thursday so we can get right back to it and get a W.”

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