Blog Bits: DT Jay Alford

By Ron Bahr

Q: What was the most difficult aspect of the game for you coming back after a year away?
A: My timing, the speed of the game. When I was playing regularly things seemed to slow down a lot the more I played. Now I have to readjust my technique to get my timing back.

Q: Before your injury you said that you felt your pass rush was the strongest part of your game but you needed to improve your run defense. Do you still believe this to be the case now?
A: Well, now I need a little more work on my pass rush. As I have said, my timing isn’t back yet and timing is essential to rushing the passer. But I am certain that it will be there by the end of training camp. My run defense is definitely coming along.

Q: Do you get the reps you need to sharpen your technique working in shells?
A: Working in shells is not as good as working in pads but you get to make moves at game speed to work on and refine your technique, so it is helpful. With this defense it’s a little different for me. Sometimes they have us head up, sometimes on an inside shade, at times in three-technique. If you’re playing one-gap you’re outside the center or in three-technique. Also, they have moved me to the right side which is unnatural for me; I have a lot of adjustments to make. Playing on the right side is so completely different, it is like night and day. I am still playing left tackle too; I play both three and one-technique on each side.

Q: In one-technique, tell me about the many joys of playing nose tackle, other than spending a goodly amount of time in intensive care?
A: Ah, well there are a lot more double teams to begin with. I would rather play three-technique.

Q: You would really rather play one-gap than have two guys beat on you all game?
A: Definitely. You get beat up all game and you get no recognition, no hype. No matter how well you play no one knows you were in the game.

Q: Are you practicing snapping this year?
A: Yes, I am backing up Zak as both short and long snapper.

Read more: http://trainathought.insidefootball.com/2010/08/blog-bits-dt-jay-alford.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Train-aThought+%28Inside+Football%27s+%22Train-a+Thought%22%29#ixzz0woDC5MRO