FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow, the team's leading tackler over the past three season, is off to a solid start in the team's offseason program.
He spoke to local media about training, meeting a Navy Seal and welcoming the new linebackers to the team.
Here’s what he had to say on Wednesday:
Q: What’s been the focus of the offseason program?
A: The biggest thing, at least in the linebacker room, is that there is a good amount of new faces. There not a ton of us right now. Just trying to get connected on a deeper level than we've been before. We are really trying to develop some authenticity to the style that we want to put out there and develop a bond to where we are all tight and pushing each other. None of us are afraid of criticism from our teammates. That kind of relationship where we can push each other day in and day out.
Q: What did you take away from the visit with the Navy Seals?
A: A lot of things. They touched on all kinds of aspects. The biggest thing that came through was the communication with teammates. A lot of the stuff that they touched on is that everybody has to be on the same page and if somebody is not, you better get them on that page because this team is moving in a direction and we need everybody on board.
Q: What’s your take on the draft picks? They drafted at your spot and safety.
A: I'm excited for them to get here. I know they are coming near the end of the week. I'm just excited to get the linebackers, those guys, into that our room. Like I touched on earlier, it's about that bond we are trying to develop. They are going to be a part of that. So, I'm just looking forward to getting started with those fellas.
Q: Have you met Courtney (Upshaw) yet? How’s that bond coming along?
A: I've met him. We've been training every day. The thing that jumps out is that he's a big, strong dude. He's going to help us out.
Q: What’s it been like having former Falcons Sean Weatherspoon back in the linebacker room?
A: It's cool. Spoon is still Spoon. He's an awesome guy to be around. He brings tremendous energy to meetings, to the field and to the locker room. Being next to him is just a like a couple of years ago. Just the same old Spoon.
Q: The defense made a big jump to 16 last year, but the third down numbers weren’t that good. How can the defense continue to improve?
A: I don't really know any of the numbers, but I know the things that we can do a lot better. There are aspects, things that were taught differently last year, or things were we can play certain stuff a little better to give yourself an advantage. Right now, that's the kind of stuff that we are going through.
Q: How’s your role going to evolve in the nickel package.
A: That's kind of like what it was last year. You're nickel package is huge. Third down is when you get off the field.
Q: What to do you say to those who contend the pass rush was not addressed?
A: I'm not worried about that. I know the guys in here and I know that they are putting everything that they can into working on their craft in the pass rush. There is no doubt in my mind that the steps to be done to get the best that we can in that aspect of our game is being addressed and is being done.
Q: What did you say to rookie De’Vondre Campbell after he was drafted?
A: I just sent him a text. Just getting in touch with them. I want this to be a good group. With the exception of Spoon, but Spoon was gone a year, I'm kind of the guy that's been in there every single year. These guys coming in are going to be a part of it. I just reached out to him and congratulated him and told him to enjoy it because it's a big deal. He's got an awesome opportunity. I'm excited for him and the undrafted guys coming in, too. It's a big deal. He should enjoy it and be proud. All of them should. I know they are going to come ready to work.
Q: What’s your advice to the undrafted rookies?
A: The biggest thing is just don't hold anything back and special teams. If you're undrafted, the special teams is your avenue to making the team. That's just the truth of it. Just selling out in everything can when you come in. I was there, I got called by the wrong name for the first two or three weeks.
Q: What did they call you?
A: Zeke. I got called Zeke Motta. I got called Zeke a couple of times. All of that is irrelevant. It's what you do when the helmet is on and you're on the field.
Q: How does Brooks Reed look? Coach said he’s trimmed down.
A: He looks good. Me and Brooks are kind of tight. I joke with him a lot. He's slimmed down. He looks fast. I think he's actually having an offseason this and I think that's going to go a long way for him. There's no denying him coming off the line and his ability to play football. It's there. He's a ball player. I'm excited for him that he's going to get a real offseason to get his game right. I expect a lot of him.
Q: How’s his mindset knowing that he’s feeling better after the groin injury?
A: You can feel it. He's in there and he's training hard. That's awesome to see because he's a guy that will sell out for his teammates. To see that is real. It's good.
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