Ndamukong Suh – September 27, 2016 (Conference Call)
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Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh Conference Call with Cincinnati Media
(On how challenging it is to play a Thursday night road game) – “It’s not always the easiest, but definitely doable from a recovery standpoint. At the end of the day, the way we have things set up here at this organization, it allows us to definitely get back on our feet quickly and be prepared for a Thursday night game.”
(On if he feels that this is a must-win game) – “Yes, no question. It’s definitely a big game for us. Being 1-2, in my opinion, we need to definitely finish the (first) quarter (of the season) out 2-2 and go from there, or else we put ourselves in a very tough bind for the rest of the season. The best thing we can do is focus on the task at hand, which is obviously Cincinnati, and we need to go up there and have a great showing.”
(On the Bengals run game) – “They have some good downhill runners. They have two solid (running) backs. Both of them can run the ball. One of them is more specialized to get out in the passing and screen game. At the end of the day, we have to be able to contain both of them and shut down the run and put it on the quarterback’s shoulders, who is obviously capable to win the games. But (we want to) force them to be a one-dimensional team.”
(On what he sees out of QB Andy Dalton and what he’s done well so far this season) – “He’s been able to get rid of the ball, especially having a big target in No. 18 (A.J. Green). At the end of the day, he is experienced. This won’t be my first time going against him. He’s athletic, he can move outside of the pocket. He likes to move up into the pocket and obviously make plays with his feet, as well as his arms. We definitely have a big challenge on our hands.”
(On giving QB Andy Dalton his greeting to the NFL on the very first preseason snap) – “I’m not sure what you mean by that, sir.”
(On him hitting QB Andy Dalton with a pretty good hit) – “Yes, I like to hit any and every quarterback that steps up in front of me. That’s my goal when I go out there on Thursday, to hit him as much as I can.”
(On it not being the first time he’s gone against G Kevin Zeitler) – “(He’s a) good young kid, obviously in his fifth year. (He’s a) first round pick, obviously you’re not picked in the first round without having some talent. In my opinion, (he’s) a guy that I respect. It will be a good battle, I look forward to it and we’ll go from there.”
(On if he watches much tape of DT Geno Atkins) – “I’ve watched tape of him, without question. I watched a lot of his tape of last year and the success he’s had. I respect all defensive tackles and wish them all the best. At the end of the day, they’re my counterparts and we want to see success in them. Yes, I definitely watch Geno (Atkins) and his ability to be a great pass rusher as well as in the run game.”
(On what he likes about his game, what) – “He’s an explosive, strong guy, plays great with his hands, doesn’t allow guys to hang on to him. He’s quick (and has) good inside moves, from the three technique especially. At the end of the day, it’s not going to be between me and him, it’s going to be between himself and our offensive line and myself against their offensive line.”
(On what he thinks needs to get better on defense) – “I think at the end of the day, for us, it comes down to execution. Obviously when we do execute, we need to make sure that we are down and dirty and make sure we make the plays and tackle. We’ve had some missed tackles in games past and haven’t always been in the right positon, myself included. At the end of the day, just execute and make sure we tackle and get the guys on the ground.”
(On if it’s difficult to face two running backs that have very different running styles) – “Yes, it’s actually been that way for the last two or three weeks for us. (We’ve) seen a lot of running back combinations like that, where (teams) have a predominately downhill running back, a guy that they are going to feed a lot of times, as well as a guy that they like to use in the screen game and the pass game on third down. It’s not something that will be new to our defense. I think that we will be well-prepared for it. I think that we have a good scheme; we just got through with a walkthrough. I’m excited about it and I look forward to it. At the end of the day, it’s about us just going out there and tackling and not allowing them to make explosive plays.”
(On Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s history coaching in Cincinnati and could he give any insight on the Bengals’ offense that you can’t get from film) – “I think he can give us insight, but at the end of the day, I think the other team obviously knows that. They’ll have some pieces to combat that. At the end of the day, we just have to go out there, line up and play ball, and execute the scheme and make plays.”
(On how he feels Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s transition to calling plays is going) – “I like Vance a lot, first and foremost, as a human being. He’s a smart, sharp guy. We get along; (he has a) great personality. Most importantly and secondly, he’s a guy that understands that he’s not out there on the football field making plays. It’s his players out there making plays for him. He puts us in great positions to do that, I respect a guy who has that type of mindset. I think it will serve him well as he continues to move in his career. Obviously, I’m enjoying every bit of it with him being our defensive coordinator here.”
