Texans pass-rushing star J.J. Watt declared this week that Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews is “worthy of the praise” he’s getting in his second season. Watt himself praised Matthews during the Falcons-Texans joint practices last summer, a moment that was captured by HBO’s “Hard Knocks” television cameras, before Watt dominated Matthews during some pass-blocking drills.
Matthews will get another shot at Watt when the Falcons and Texans play Sunday at the Georgia Dome. Matthews was at right tackle for the practices last summer, meaning he was on Watt’s side most of the time. He’s since moved to left tackle, but Watt moves all along the defensive line, so there will be times when Matthews has to block the player who’s recorded 60 sacks in 67 games.
Matthews talked about his experience facing Watt during practice last year and his thoughts about the rematch.
Q: What is the challenge facing a pass rusher who seems to be the total package?
A: Yeah, he's a really good player. Very active. He's going to work hard to finish every play, so we've got to keep doing what we've been doing and that's communicate and execute the game plan we have. We've got real good trust that (offensive coordinator) Kyle (Shanahan) is going to put us in good situations where we can be successful.
Q: Do you feel better prepared to face Watt now that you have more experience?
A: I feel good about. I would have felt good about it last year. All five of us up front are feeling really good. We've got to just keep doing what we are doing.
Q: What were your impressions of Watt when you practiced with him last year?
Q: It was good. It was a really good challenge for me. I was playing right tackle then and got to face him a lot more. He's a good player. I've come to find that every week you are going to be going against a good player. This is the NFL. These are the best players in the world. It's nothing new. We've just got to be prepared and do what we do.
Q. Did Watt have much to say to you during the practices?
A. We didn't really say much to each other. We just kind of played ball.
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