Branden Albert – August 8, 2016
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Monday, August 8, 2016
Tackle Branden Albert
(On how he feels the offensive line is doing) – “It’s still Week 1 right? It’s been one week of training camp. The defense is going good. I don’t think we are doing that bad. We are still trying to grasp everything. Things aren’t going to be perfect. Everybody wants to get on the offensive line, but we will get it done.”
(On his thought about putting a foot to someone’s backside to get them going) – “That’s not my thing. My thing is to lead by example. Right now, I’m trying to get myself together and once I get myself together, I can talk. Right now, we are all trying to get it done and we will.”
(On who he thinks is the vocal leader on the o-line) – “Probably Mike (Pouncey). Mike is a vocal leader. He is more outspoken and if I need to say something, I’ll say something. When it’s genuine, it’s on my heart to say something.”
(On if C Mike Pouncey said anything to the o-line) – “Not yet. Like I said, it’s only Week 1. We’re going into our first preseason game. That’s going to be the true test that our defense is good. They are doing (well) against us (and) we got to figure out a way to keep competing and keep trying to figure it out.”
(On what he thinks the biggest challenge is practicing against the Wide 9 defense) – “Our defense is good. We have good defensive linemen. They are doing a good job, they’re rotating and every guy that is in there is competing. The technique they are using is good.”
(On what he has learned about DE Jason Jones) – “Jason (Jones) is an experienced veteran that has a lot of tools in his tool bag. He is a very smart guy and the guy is going to compete every play and is going to push it.”
(On how it feels to play against another team this Friday) – “If we don’t do (well) on Friday, then you will have something to talk about.”
(On the key to get the running backs on the outside to the perimeter) – “There’s a lot of things that goes into it. Sometimes it’s if I don’t reach my guys, sometimes if the running back doesn’t read it, sometimes it’s if somebody leaks into the back field. There’s a lot of things that happen during each play. Each play is different. We got to eliminate all the little things. We are going to get it done. We got time, that’s the good thing about it.”
(On if the offensive line needs more time to gel) – “I think so – just learning the new techniques. We got to find our identity. That’s our problem right now – what we’re going to be on offense and what we are going to be on the offensive line.”
(On his thoughts on when the starting five offensive linemen should be set) “That’s not my call. That’s up to the coaches. My call is to play left tackle and help this team. I don’t make those decisions.”
(On what he saw on the film of Saturday night’s scrimmage) – “We didn’t watch Saturday night. Saturday night was a scrimmage and the defense came out and played well. I don’t know why everybody is getting their panties in a bunch. We will see when the time is right. I’m not one to hold myself until (the season) starts, but things start really going when you go against somebody else. Like I said, our defense is good/ They know what we are going to be doing and they are doing a good job.”
(On what he is looking to accomplish on the offensive line Friday night) – “Just build some more continuity, gel together and make sure we play physical when it’s time. It’s not as bad as everybody thinks, it’s one play here and) one play there. Everybody just has to be on the same page.”
(On if he feels the team is in game form with a preseason game coming Friday night) – “I think guys are. I think guys are itching to play. I’m itching to play Week 1. That’s what I’m worried about.”
(On how he feels right now) – “I feel like I’m off a little bit. This is a schedule I’m getting used to. I’m used to hurting right now. I’m kind of feeling fresh, (Head) Coach (Adam Gase) is looking out for me. I’m learning how to say I’ve got to do extra right now to keep my mind and body right, because I’m not beat up right now. I need to figure out ways to do extra to keep my mind and keep my body going, it’s getting there.”
(On has he been able to help G/T Laremy Tunsil during camp) – “Of course, the best I can. I haven’t played guard since college but I can at least try to tell him some things that I know. As a left tackle, I think that comes natural to him. Right now, he is really starting to get his plays down, which is good. He is in his play book. That’s the one thing I told him was, get in your play book and listen. I asked him when we came off the last day off, ‘What did you do on your day off?’ He said ‘I got in my playbook.’ That the most important thing with him, is to get into his playbook. Once he gets into his playbook and knows everything down cold, he is going to be a good player for us.”
(On what he has told G/T Laremy Tunsil about the guard position being faster than tackle) – “Because of his athleticism, he’s going to make (the adjustment) easier. Once he learns the game, it slows down. He’s so athletic. Once he realizes it’s going to hit faster than playing tackle, once he gets that speed down, I think he will be fine.”
