Hello Silver and Black Pride community. I happy to once again bring our player/fans interaction and interview with Tyvon Branch with #03 in the weekly installment of the series: Talkin' With Tyvon 2010
This week following the very disappointing results out in Tennessee, Tyvon admittedly had one of his poorest games of his career. But Tyvon is here and he takes full responsibility for his play and vows that there will not be a repeat performance. In fact, very soon after the game, Tyvon apologized to the Raider Nation through his twitter account. You can continue to keep up with Tyvon and his thoughts by following him on his twitter page @tyvonbranch.
After the jump you will read how Tyvon felt about his performance form the Titans game as well as how he and the team will be looking ahead to the Rams.
As always, the community is invited to ask questions to Tyvon and he will be around later to answer your questions.
Note: Tyvon has answered your previous questions from Talkin With Tyvon 2010 #02 here.
Tough week for all of us in Raider Nation. This week’s game was utterly disappointing. I take full responsibility for my poor play. I want to make it up to you guys so bad. I can barely sleep thinking about that game. It was bad. But this is the NFL and one week cannot make or break your season. We watched the film, learned and now we are getting back out there to win.
TB
TRW: Obviously the game in Tennessee was very disappointing and did not go as the Raiders of their fans had envisioned. What were the factors that you see that went wrong with what you guys had planned?
TB: We didn’t execute. That’s the bottom-line. Defensively, I think we were in a position to make plays. I missed a tackle at the line on Chris and then got beat up top on the goal line for a second touchdown. I just missed those assignments.
TRW: There seemed again on defense to be some breakdown in communications and some missed assignments and guys being out of position. This has been a reoccurring problem over the last several years. What do you think needs to be done to correct this?
TB: I think we have the right personnel, I just think we need to put it together. We cannot have major meltdowns. The big plays killed us. It was embarrassing.
TRW: On the play that you had the pass interference called against you, it seemed like you were poised for an interception. Could you describe what happed on that play?
TB: You are right. I thought I was right there and made a good break on the ball. Obviously I don’t think I was out of position or bumped him before the ball, but that’s what they called. Later in that series, I should have stepped up and made a play.
TRW: I suppose after a game like this in Tennessee, you have to have a short memory, look at the film, get over it and move on to the next game. Will there be much emphasis placed on dealing with the mistakes that took place in Tennessee or is the team already focused on the Rams?
TB: That’s exactly what we are doing. It’s something we can put out of our minds and move forward. We know what we did wrong, and therefore we look to improve against the Rams.
TRW: The home opener is coming this Sunday with the matchup against the Rams. The Rams have a rookie QB, but once again, the Raiders will be facing an experienced elite running back in Steven Jackson. What are your thoughts going into the preparation for the Rams game and how there will be a turnaround by the Raiders for the Nation?
TB: Stephen is good. He is a much different player than Chris. Stephen is a few inches taller and heavier but with great speed. Chris is shifty and a pure burner in the open field. With Stephen, we have to continue to get penetration in the backfield and not miss tackles. If I didn’t miss that tackle on CJ’s long run, who knows how the momentum would have shifted.
Thanks Tyvon and good luck to all against the Rams.