Andy Levitre will see Nissan Stadium in Nashville from a different angle Sunday when the Falcons travel to play the Titans.
Levitre said that although he’s traveling back to Nashville to play against his former team, he’s prepared.
“It’ll be a different experience in a different locker room,” Levitre said. “It’ll be a different experience being on the other side of the field, but it should be exciting.”
Traded after playing three exhibition games, Levitre said he has no hard feelings toward the Titans (1-5) for trading him to the Falcons just over six weeks ago.
A starting offensive guard for the Falcons, Levitre said that without a doubt, he’s benefited from the trade.
“It’s business; I understand that,” Levitre said. “I’m glad to be here. (I’m playing with) a great group of guys. I’m excited to continue to work with them.”
Since signing with the Falcons (5-1) in September, offensive line coach Chris Morgan said Levitre’s ability to pick up the Falcons’ offensive scheme quickly proves that he’s a professional.
Morgan said Levitre, in his seventh season in the NFL, is becoming more comfortable with the scheme each day through study on and off the field.
“It’s very impressive with the job he’s done studying and grinding and getting himself up to speed,” Morgan said. “Coming here in such a short notice, like a week before our first game and picking up the nuances of this offense. It’s a credit to him and how important it is to him. He’s a smart guy who studies and works his tail off that way.”
Morgan said Levitre gives his team a “super effort” every day, and his hunger to improve has helped Levitre excel in Atlanta.
“He brings an awesome toughness to the group,” Morgan said. “He’s like very other guy though. There’s still always stuff we can improve at and we’re trying to get better every single day.”
Coach Dan Quinn said Levitre continues to impress him through Levitre’s effort on every play in practice or in a game.
“One thing you know you’re going to get from him is he finishes down the field blocking (or) he’s finishing in the run game,” Quinn said. “It’s one of the parts of his game I respect the most.”
Levitre, although the newest member of the Falcons’ starting offensive line, said he’s comfortable and confident in the Falcons’ offensive scheme heading into the line’s seventh game together.
“There is a lot of carryover and some differences (in schemes),” Levitre said. “You are always going to have some differences with some coaches and how they want things to be blocked and things like that.”
Levitre said an important part of preparing to face the Titans is tight communication of the offensive line by spending as much time together on and off the field as possible.
“Being in the meeting rooms together, communicating on and off the field,” Levitre said. “Just kind of developing relationships so that when we get on the field, it becomes natural.”
Offensive tackle Jake Matthews said although the team played two physical games within five days against the Redskins and the Saints, the team is ready to prove that they can learn from their mistakes.
“When we get opportunities, we have to make sure that we get points out of those,” Matthews said. “We can definitely move the ball, but the game obviously comes down to points. We had opportunities in this last game, but it didn’t work out.”
After playing against the Saints (2-4) on Oct. 15, the Falcons have 10 days to rest until their game in Nashville.
Morgan said the break has motivated the offensive line.
“They’re definitely chomping at the bit,” Morgan said. “They came back today, came back Monday and got after it.”
