Can you talk about the development of Javon Bullard so far?
Javon Bullard is going to play a big part of our defense by the end of this season. He definitely showed some flashes in camp and he proved why he was our first player we took in the draft. However, like most players coming from the college game to the pro game, there are some areas in his skill set that we will continue to work on before giving him too big of a role. Our plan is to put him out there in sub packages at safety and make sure he is doing the things he is best at. As the season goes, we expect him to get more comfortable with the game and be able to do all the things we need our safeties to be able to do in order to play all 3 downs. We run a complex scheme with a variety of coverages, blitzes, and fronts. So, it can be a lot for any rookie in his first season.
How do you see the competition level in the AFC North currently?
I think our division can surprise some people this year. I think the Steelers were better last season than a lot gave them credit for. They got a playoff win, and competed hard against the best teams in the league. They're only getting better over there in Pittsburgh so I know that'll be a tough opponent. The Bengals lead by coach Goose will always come to play. Thats a tough opponent because nothing will come easy and you know you won't get a lot of opportunities with the ball. They have a great squad and are well coached; that always results in an opponent you can't take lightly. The Ravens are a bit of a wildcard. Yes, Lamar had an awful season last year, but they're also perhaps the most improved squads in the league from a personnel standpoint. They'll provide a tough matchup all around the field.
Some would say your roster is one of the better teams in the league. Would you agree with that? Do you see any weaknesses in your team as you self-scout?
Our roster is definitely stacked to win right now. We have a great offensive line, maybe the best in the league. And our running back room is also among the very best in the league. We have a strong core at WR lead by Amari Cooper who makes it tough on any defense to play us man to man. Watson will start off the season at QB for us after having a strong camp and preseason.
Defensively, we have top players at every level of the unit. Probably have the best edge rusher in the league, one of the best cover LBs, and a the best young CB group in the league. We will be learning as a team how we are going to win games, it'll be a process for sure. We don't expect to go undefeated in this league, it's too competitive. But I expect us to learn a lot early on and hit our stride as a team down the stretch.
