NFL Game Tempo is something else...

Well, I finally have my first NFL game action under my belt. Although it was a preseason game I got a good taste of how athletic our opponents are and a dose of how it feels to come off the bench and play in a game.

As with any game I've ever played in, pre-game jitters turned to hype as the kickoff approached. It was even more exciting to notice that I was actually on the same playing field and opposing people like Steve McNair and Jamal Lewis. I was pumped and ready to go by kickoff. But, for the first time in many years I wasn't starting the game and had to try and throttle my emotions and excitement in the hopes of preserving them until my number was called. I also found that it's pretty hard to stay loose on the sidelines when you're not seeing action. So, that will be something I'll work on.

I'm sure when we take a look at the tapes we'll find that I missed some assignments and may haven't played as well as I thought but with the exception of a pass to the tight end in the 4th quarter, I think I played pretty well.  I think they recorded me with 2 tackles on the night. Probably the most disappointing play of the night was when I was poised to recover a fumble but was hit from behind and unable to make the play. Thankfully, Darnell Ducket made the recovery and we put the ball back in the offense's hands.

It's an often and much overused saying but it is very true, the NFL game is so much more fast paced than the college game. From the speed of everyone on the field, to the quick tempo between plays, the NFL game is a major step up from the college game. I've learned alot over the past few weeks of practice and I know tonight's game will serve as a learning experience as well.

But the best experience of all was seeing us win the game. We were down 16-7 to start the 4th quarter, held the Ravens scoreless, scored a touchdown then put  ourselves in position to win it at the end with a field goal. Jay Feely's kick with no time on the clock sealed the win 17-16. The end of this game was kind of like a few we had back at Bama last season.

Well, it's about time for us to load the bus and head for the airport and a return trip to New York. After a day off on Saturday, we'll return to camp on Sunday.

I'll check back in next week. Until then, have a great weekend!