Marvin Lewis News Conference
November 18, 2015
Paul Brown Stadium
Opening Comments:
"We look forward to playing the Cardinals. Obviously, they are leading the league in offense, running for about 127 yards a game, and 4.4 yards a snap, and throwing for almost 300. They're doing a really good job on being effective in both areas. It's going to be one of those days where you're going to have to play good defense, against a good quarterback, and a talented group of receivers. We know they have a good runner in Chris Johnson, and (Andre) Ellington is back and playing now, and even the rookies get an opportunity. They are put together well on offense. Jermaine (Gresham) is getting involved in the pass game. He's getting more comfortable when you watch him each and every week.
"We're going to have to play sound defensively, and do things correctly. On defense, I've been impressed with them getting after the quarterback and after the football. They're doing a good job of creating turnovers. They're doing a good job on third down. Their guys in the secondary play the ball well off the hand. I think up front, Calais Campbell is one of the top up-front guys in the NFL. They've got Frostee (Rucker), who's really doing a good job. These guys are well coached, you can tell in watching them play. They do a good job in the running game and converting in the pass game."
For your defense, three straight games holding teams to 10 points. What has been the key to the consistency?
"Each and every week you're striving to get off the field. That's the key to playing good defense, when you're sitting on the bench and the offense is out there. We just have to keep being consistent, be assignment sound, winning first down and going on to second, and then winning third down and getting off the field. We have to keep that up. It's important this week."
Vontaze (Burfict) has played some snaps, not as many as he used to. How have you judged his impact?
"It's a huge impact. His impact playing and his knowledge of the game. I think he brings his physicality, his playing ability, and his mental ability impact the football team."
Have you noticed a different energy when he's out there?
"I don't know if I notice a difference. I think he brings it. He's one of our leaders out there and he's obviously a very good player."
Did you know that you guys and (Mike) Zimmer have the top two defenses in the NFL in points allowed?
(nods)
Is that a coincidence ?
"The key to it is the next seven weeks, and then go from there."
Coming off a loss, what are you looking for in your team in a tough environment on Sunday night?
"We've got to play better. Plain and simple."
How do you limit the penalties?
"We've got to do things right all the time. We have to make sure our hands and everything are in the right spots. Sometimes things that are flagged aren't quite penalties, and sometimes they are. We just have to make sure we stay out of that gray area, make it more difficult for mistakes to be made, and that we're not fouling"
