Let’s get right to it. Our focus right now is on Houston. Obviously we want to learn from our mistakes, and the first step is to eliminate turnovers. If you do that, you move the ball, move the chains, you get into a rhythm and it becomes a lot easier. That’s our main focus, just trying to get into that rhythm. Making plays when they’re there, and obviously eliminate the mistakes.
As far as those mistakes against Atlanta, it’s all correctable, which is a good thing. I thought from film obviously turnovers and decision-making, physical stuff as far as route technique, just technique work across the board. It’s all correctable. You can get better at that. Physically we matched up well. I thought we came back and played well in the second half, we’ve just got to build off that.
I think after a loss you always kind of step back and evaluate your own play, what you can do better. It does make you focus more. I think really our mentality is we’ve got to win, string together some games. That’s what good teams do.
For me, the long pass from Peyton late in the game that I couldn’t bring in, that one is on my mind. I wish I could have that one back. I should’ve made a play on it. Unfortunately I didn’t. But next time I get the opportunity, I’ll make the play.
But like I said, we’re on to Houston. Right off the bat, you know they’ve got a very tough defense. Very sound across the board. We’ve got to play physical, we’ve got to use our technique and we’ve just got to execute every play that’s called. Again, move the chains, eliminate turnovers and stay ahead of, obviously, the chains — no third-and-longs and second-and-longs.
Of course we’re expecting the fans to be out in full force on Sunday. With a big game, second game at home, I know the excitement level’s still there. We’ve just got to feed off that and give them something to cheer about. Hopefully we can use you guys as a 12th man on defense with the crowd noise.
One other thing to note, I’m definitely excited about Rod Smith getting into the Ring of Fame. I know he gets inducted at halftime. Just his story of being an undrafted guy who now has the record of most receptions, it’s a pretty neat deal. It just shows hard work, dedication — really his ability to do that through his career speaks a lot about his character and the work ethic he has.
He’s been around the facility for practices and has been on the sideline at games. It’s always great to see alumni come back. He’s a guy that will always pop his head in and give advice, have some jokes with us — he’s a pretty laid-back guy. Those type of people are always great to be around.
Now let’s get to some of your questions.
I saw Laura asked when I started playing football. I think baseball was always my first love, then when I got into high school I started to get a little taller, a little bigger, and I think football just grew on me. It was more of a team sport. Then it became my passion. I got a scholarship in college and that’s when I really started to focus on it.
Caramelloo asked which division rival I like playing against the most. Really I think all three are equal. A division game is so important, whether it’s home or away. You have to play your best because you want to get that win. That’s really what ultimately gets you to the playoffs or not.
Strandoftds82 wanted to know about my favorite fishing holes back home in Minnesota. To answer that, I used to do a lot of fishing — but I can’t give away my hot spot. We had a cabin up north the whole time I was growing up. But now it’s hard for me to get back home, so I don’t do much now.
Big game on Sunday. I’ll catch up with you all next week.
