FLOWERY BRANCH – Tampa Bay linebacker Levonta David spoke with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on a conference call on Tuesday.
Here’s what David, the only NFL player with eight-plus sacks and six-plus interceptions over the past two seasons, had to say about facing the Falcons at 8:25 p.m. Thursday at the Georgia Dome.
Q: What impresses you about the Falcons?
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
A: They have a stable of running backs in the backfield led by Steven Jackson. Matt Ryan is the cornerstone of the team. He's a great leader to have. We always have to be on top of things when we face the Atlanta Falcons. They can make explosive plays with all of those weapons.
Q: You all didn’t have to face the Falcons with wide receiver Julio Jones last year. How are they different with him?
A: That makes it more crucial. Last year, Harry Douglas had a breakout game against us. That just shows the depth that the Atlanta Falcons have. With Julio back, we are going to have a bigger challenge. He's a great play-maker and you know that Matt Ryan is going to find a way to get him the ball.
Q: What will it mean for Tampa Bay if Gerald McCoy can not play?
A: He's a great player. He's a great team mate. Every time that he's on the field, he's a force. We just need the next guy to try to fill that void. With a guy like that we just need the whole defense to rally. Everybody has to pick their game up when a dynamic guy like that goes down.
Q: Could you talk about playing under coach Lovie Smith in his system?
A: We are taking it in as a whole. Everybody is paying attention and learning it. His system has been successful. So we are just trying to bring some of that success over here and use it with our guys. We are trying to do some of the things that he did over in Chicago.
Q: Why are the games between the Bucs and the Falcons always so physical and close?
A: It's a division opponent. When you are going against a division opponent, it's going to always be a tough football game. (There's) some bad blood between the two teams. There's some history in this game. It's always going to be a battle when you play a division opponent. Atlanta is home so they've got the upper hand right now. We just have to come with our A-game.
Q: What do you attribute the slow start to?
A: Oh man, it's just us. We just have to start faster. Everybody on the field just has to lock in and do what we have to do.
Q: Can you talk about the challenges facing the Falcons fleet of running backs?
A: We just have to pick our level of play up. When you are facing guys like that, each one has their own special ability. You just have to be prepared for it.
Q: Were the players excited when the front office picked up six-time Pro Bowler Logan Mankins?
A: They thought we needed another lineman and went out and got one.
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