Transcripts

Search Transcripts
Zach Sieler – December 21, 2020 Download PDF version

Monday, December 21, 2020

DT Zach Sieler

(The sack you had yesterday, it looked like you came off of the edge of the defensive line. I was curious how have you been able to incorporate your skills to be able to rush both from the interior of the defensive line as well as off the edge like that?) – “I think the biggest thing for me is just the planning. Obviously things on the edge are much different than on the inside. For me, preparing for each game as if I’m going to be outside, inside or for both. Just knowing that going into the game, preparing for which I plan on getting my rushes at.”

(How helpful has it been that you guys have been good this year with what’s been going on in the external world with all of the protocols you guys have been through? I’d imagine if this was a 5-9 instead of a 9-5 team, it would be a rough season.) – “I think honestly with this COVID stuff, as hard as it’s been on us, I think it’s almost helped bring us closer. We’re almost in a – we’re in it together kind of thing. I think that’s helped and helped get us to where we’re at in the season now.”

(We saw CB Xavien Howard get his first forced fumble of the season. That gives him 10 for the season as far as interceptions and forced fumbles. Have you ever been around a guy that’s been around the football so much? Is there a skill to that? And how does he change the defense with his ability to always be around the football?) ]- “It’s huge. That flips the field. It gives automatic ball position. It’s a huge asset to have. You’re right. I don’t know if it’s a special skill he’s got, but he definitely fins – I think it’s the hustle. He’s always hustling to make sure he’s near the ball and wherever he needs to be.”

(It’s a short week and it’s early in the week so I don’t know how much, if any, you’ve gotten to see of the Raiders. But what, if anything, have you noticed, whether it’s on film or highlights, of their running back, Josh Jacobs?) – “I think they’ve got a very good offense and a good running back obviously – No. 28, Jacobs. It’s definitely going to be a challenge for us defensively. We’ve got to prepare for this week and like you said, it’s an accelerated week. It’s on a Saturday night instead of Sunday. Just prepare as much as we can and get ready for this week.”

(If you could, I was hoping you might be able to expand a little bit more on the answer you gave me about how this pandemic has brought you guys together. One thing that comes to mind is there are not many social activities beyond your house. These might be some of the few people you might see on a day-to-day basis. I’m curious, how has it brought you guys together?) – “Yeah. We’re going through daily testing, changes in protocol each week every week. Instead of just getting frustrated or discouraged by it, guys are rallying behind each other like ‘hey, we’ll get through it.’ Or if somebody gets it, ‘hey man, we hope you’re feeling alright. We’ll see you when you get back.’ Then someone else steps up and takes that role, filling in when someone is missing. I think that’s really brought us together.”       

Search Transcripts

Weekly Archives