By Ryan O’Halloran
Redskins rookie nose tackle Chris Neild had played at least 11 snaps in every game until he was in uniform but didn’t play against New England last week.
Question: How surprised you didn’t play against New England?
Answer: “I knew we were going to run nickel a lot and that’s a situation I’m not in so it was expected.”
Q: Knowing ahead of time, did that make it less more tough to take?
A: “I wouldn’t say that but I was ready if they wanted to put me in. I still had to prepare the same way because if something occurred that they put in personnel to run the ball, I had to be ready.”
Q: In what areas are you better in Week 15 than Week 1?
A: “Every week, you get a little more experience, especially as a rookie. As every game goes by, you learn a little bit more about the NFL game and how it’s played at this level. It’s just getting a feel out there, really, of how each center plays because every center is different.”
Q: Each of the Redskins’ 2011 draft picks remains with the organization. How much pride do you take in that?
A: “That’s what we’re trying to do – stay at the level we’re at. It took a lot for us to get here and overall, I think the rookies are doing a good job.”
Q: Can you learn how to be a pro before getting to the NFL?
A: “Our college coaches tried to emphasize things but you don’t know how to be a pro until you learn from the veterans around you.”
Q: You owned Eli Manning in Week 1 (1.5 sacks). A repeat?
A: (Laughter) “I’m hoping to do the same thing I did last time but you never know what’s going to happen. It worked out the last time we played him.”
Q: Since that game, your beard …
A: “Haven’t shaved since then.”
Contact O’Halloran at rohalloran@comcastsportsnet.com
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