Defense Faces Another Tough Test in Stopping the Run

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Our coaches stress the point of emphasis of eliminating the run game each and every week. This week we have another great challenge with two great running backs in DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams. They are really going to come out and try to make big plays for them and establish their running game, but I think our guys up front on the defensive line are going to respond well to them. They are just dominating the line of scrimmage each and every game. The battle of the game is always won in the trenches, and those guys take a lot of pride in that.

This is a game where our strength meets their strength. I think they are 11th in the league in rushing, so I know they want to come out and establish the ground game early-on. They have two proven backs who can really go out and make big plays for them. Our guys up front take a lot of pride in stopping the run. We're going to prepare ourselves really well, and hopefully our D-line can continue to dominate like they've been doing so far this season.

Teams like to do what they do, and they like to do it well. Lately that has been pounding the ground game. We have faced teams that like to run the ball. This week, it will be another challenge in the ground game. Hopefully we can eliminate that factor. Then whoever they have at quarterback, our guys up front will get a chance to put some pressure on him and force some errant throws and we can get some turnovers.

We're preparing to see either of their quarterbacks. David Carr is definitely a little more mobile but has been sacked a few times in his past. Testaverde is a little older in years, but he is a savvy quarterback. Whoever they have back there has definitely proven himself to be a quality quarterback. Our guys up front know their strengths and weaknesses. We just have to go out there and really play well against these guys.

We want to continue the momentum that we have going, going 6-2 and playing well at home in front of our home fans. That is always important. If we can just continue to do the things we've been doing well on defense and improve on offense, we'll have a great chance to win this game.

The 12th man plays a big part in these home games, too. A lot of times they force the opposing team to jump off-sides. It gives us momentum. It gets us excited about playing and doing our jobs. The fans are very important to the game plan. We need them there. We need them supporting us and they always show up and do that. Hopefully we can go out there and win this game for them.