New England Patriots Brandon Spikes: Set to Spike
The New England Patriots 62nd overall draft pick of the 2010 NFL draft linebacker, Brandon Spikes, in a locker room interview acknowledged that he did not feel he played his best football in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens.
“Me personally I felt I played my worst game of the season. I definitely want come out and do a lot better than I did in Week 3. Like I said, it’s a whole different defense.”
Linebacker Jerod Mayo added his 10 cents to that comment spontaneously saying: “True”.
Spikes giggled and so did some of the other players in the locker room. In Week 3, Jerod Mayo had 9 tackles against the Ravens. Spikes finished the game with a combined total of 4 tackles.
September 23, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes (55) prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M
While at this point the weight of Week 3 does not quite matter, Spikes reassured that the Patriots defense is playing and is different in a whole new level. The Patriots defense ranked first in the turnover differential at +25 recording 41 takeaways from their opponents and loosing the ball only 16 times this past season.
There are many players in the Ravens offense that need to be contained, but Spikes has all eyes on running back Ray Rice.
“I think that he is just an all around player. He catchs at the back field, make plays that he is supposed to play and we gotta do whatever we can to contain a guy like that. And I got, you know, the upmost respect for a guy like that. He’s been in the league doing it, playing at high level, very productive and we gotta just, you know, key him and try to do what we can to contain.”
Looking back in Week 3, Spikes knows he was not himself. But he is ready and recognizes the chance to play for the AFC Championship again this year is the ideal situation for any team and he is looking forward to the opportunity of playing his best game this Sunday.
“If you like football, me as person, I love football and this is the game you want be in. Playoff game it’s all on the line; we are at home, physical, though, that’s what is all about and we are going to be ready. So we’ll see you on Sunday.”
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