Football Diner talks with Rams’ OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar by Michael E Lawrence October 24th 2012
Jo-Lonn you’re in London to play the Patriots at Wembley Stadium strange experience or just another week?
JD: Oh it’s definitely a strange experience when you have to fly eight hours over here and you’re in a completely different place. It’s awesome, it’s great, but it’s definitely a strange experience! But, you know, when it comes to work and the working week you got to prioritise that. So that’s what it’s about to me – work first, then play later.
It’s a business trip
JD: Absolutely.
You’re going into this game as the underdogs, and the Patriots are a very popular team nationally too – what do you have to do to make things even entering the game?
JD: There are a few things that we need to do, musts we need to achieve to have a chance to win the game. We’ve got to limit explosive plays, we’ve got to stop the run, we’ve got to put some pressure on Tom Brady – there’s a bunch of things. Mix up the coverages too. As long as we can do that we can give ourselves a chance to win the game.
Are there any matchups that you particularly need to focus on?
JD: They have a dynamic offense. Brandon Lloyd can do some damage, the two tight ends Hernandez and Gronk can do some things, Wes Welker too They have weapons everywhere. So it’s hard to pick out individual matchups and say we have to win them, but as a defense we have to win as a whole and play as whole, and if we can do that I think we’ll be all right.
What’s the best part of your game as a linebacker?
JD: I’d say my physicality and the excitement and enthusiasm that I play with, and sometimes the ability to make some plays.
Sometimes?
JD: Sometimes! Sometimes you make plays, sometimes you don’t, that’s the way the game is.
Are there particular plays in your professional career you cherish above all others?
JD: Yeah, there’s been a few. Certain interceptions, some sacks
And pick-sixes?
JD: No! I have not gotten one of those, I have not gotten into the end zone. I’m upset about that. That’s definitely a goal for me.
Maybe on Sunday?
JD: Oh yeah! And you know, when I return one for a touchdown, you’re going to see a soccer slide. I’ll be running, I’ll be sliding, and you’re going to see that whole thing. I promise you, you’re going see that soccer slide.
JD: Oh it’s definitely a strange experience when you have to fly eight hours over here and you’re in a completely different place. It’s awesome, it’s great, but it’s definitely a strange experience! But, you know, when it comes to work and the working week you got to prioritise that. So that’s what it’s about to me – work first, then play later.
JD: They have a dynamic offense. Brandon Lloyd can do some damage, the two tight ends Hernandez and Gronk can do some things, Wes Welker too They have weapons everywhere. So it’s hard to pick out individual matchups and say we have to win them, but as a defense we have to win as a whole and play as whole, and if we can do that I think we’ll be all right.
