JI had the pleasure to chat with Jets Safety Kerry Rhodes prior to practice on Wednesday and speak about his emergence as a dominant force in the NFL. The second year pro and former 4th round pick from Louisville has racked up Pro-Bowl type numbers in his first three games with 25 tackles, an INT and QB 3 sacks each causing a fumbles.
Rhodes for his great performance against Buffalo last week (10 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles) was named today the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Despite his success Rhodes comes off as a very humble, focused young man.
JI: How does it feel being the AFC Defensive Player Of The Week?
Rhodes:: “It’s a good individual award but more importantly we are doing a lot of good things as a team and it compliments the fact that we are winning. It is though, nice to reap the rewards for playing well. My main focus is winning.
JI: What do you think has attributed to your game escalating to the level it is now? Is it Bob Sutton’s new system or is it things you did in the off-season to improve yourself?
Rhodes: “I think it’s a testament of my hard work as I worked very hard this off-season but it’s also the schemes that the Coach has put me in. He’s put me in position to make plays and I’ve been able to make them. Overall I’d say it’s a combination of both things.”
JI: Is there any player you emulated coming up in college and also to start your NFL career?
Rhodes: “Believe it or not, Steve Young. You know I played QB coming out of High School into college so at the time I was into offense. Jerry Rice and Steve Young were my guys. Recently, I’ve become friends With Donavan Darius down in Jacksonville and Rodney Harrison in New England. Those are two guys I can look at who have been in the league for a while making plays and are great players. It was good to talk to them this off-season and learned a lot.”
JI: You seemed to have perfected the safety blitz as of late. Can you tell me what’s going through your mind when you see that open lane and the QB is in your sights?
Rhodes: “Going after the ball. I’m not just trying to get the sack, I’m trying to make the biggest play I can and that’s getting the ball out. Thankfully I’ve been able to do that so far.”
JI: How did you develop your technique? Have you been watching some old tapes of L.T. when he was on the Giants? Safeties aren’t supposed to know that kind of stuff.
Rhodes: “My defensive backs coach Corwin Brown. Every time we sack or tackle in practice, even if we are not going after the QB, we always tomahawk for the ball. Thankfully it’s been working for me and the ball has been coming out, and I’ll keep doing it”
JI: Now that you are getting a reputation, you will obviously be schemed against. How will that change your strategy?
Rhodes: “It won’t change at all. Buffalo was calling me out when I came down in the box and I know they are aware of me. But that’s fine because it often opens up opportunities for other on the team to make a big play when they are focusing on me. Either way it’s a good thing.”
JI: Is it going to be tough against Manning this week to not show your hand when you are coming? The way he audibles you may have to wait till the absolute last second to make your move.
Rhodes: “You’re right. We just have to do what we do and be patient against him because he’s going to take his time up there…. His moves and gyrations, that’s just his thing. We just have to be patient.”
JI: Do you look forward to playing against a guy like Manning, who many consider the best QB in the league?
Rhodes: “Most definitely. If you want to be labeled as one of the better players you have to play well against the best. I’m looking forward to matching up with him to see where I stack up. It’s a good challenge for the entire team.”
JI: Is this game against the Colts a statement game for the team?
Rhodes: “Nah, it’s not a statement game. If we can win it would be a big game for us, just to show how much we’ve improved since last year and the beginning of this season.”
JI: Have you been dreaming about that safety blitz sack against Manning?
Rhodes:: [Laughs] “Honestly, I’d rather get a pick against Peyton but if I can sack him I’d definitely take it with open arms. It should be fun.”
