FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons defensive end Lawrence Sidbury, who’s in his third season, has been contributing on special teams while quietly working on his craft.
He’s part of the four major special-teams units — kickoff, kickoff coverage, punt and punt return — and has played as the fourth player in rotation at defensive end.
“Lawrence has done a nice job for us,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He’s had some production when he’s had his opportunities, and we want to continue through the rest of the season to get him more snaps.”
In a Q&A with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sidbury discussed his role on the team and his work in the community at Duluth High.
Q: How’s it going for you so far this year?
A: It's going pretty good. I'm getting an opportunity to do some things when they call me out on the field. Our rotation helps out because you get to stay fresh. I see a lot of other teams rotating their guys, and we are kind of doing the same thing. When they send me in the game, I try to make the most of my opportunities.
Q: After starting at Richmond, how have you managed to be so patient waiting for your opportunity?
A: I'm not the first person to come into this league and have had to do that. That's part of the growing process of the NFL. I take it in stride and I'm learning. I'm learning by watching and by doing. It works both ways. It helps out.
Q: Going forward would you like to see more playing time?
A: I don't really think that's my decision. My job is to, whenever they call me, go out there and do what I do. That's kind of how I'm taking it right now. When they ask me to go out on the field, whether if it is to play the run or get to the quarterback, that's what I'm going to try to do.
Q: What are the key points that you and [defensive line] coach Ray Hamilton have been working on within your game?
A: He harps about getting off the football fast. Being in your gap, and when it's time to rush the passer, everybody making their moves fast and getting to the quarterback. It's something that we work on every day ... and that's something that we're going to continue to get better at as the season goes along.
Q: They said you were raw coming out of Richmond and you had to work on your techniques. Was that accurate? How do you feel your techniques are coming along?
A: I think that's the same for everybody. Stuff you did in school or in college, you have to put something on it at this level because everybody can play. I definitely have gotten a lot better [with my techniques]. I think it's starting to show. The hay is never in the barn, so I'm going to keep working.
Q: What do you do when get a break from football?
A: Right now, I've been working with the team over at Duluth High School. On our days off, I've been going over there talking to them and helping them out. That's kind of consumed my off-days.
Q: What’s your role with them?
A: I'm not doing any coaching. I'm staying out of their way. I just staying around and making sure that the kids are doing what they are supposed to be doing in the classroom. I'm offering up any other advice that I can offer them.
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