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Playing in 'Prime Time' makes preseason game more exciting

It's been since last January that I played in a "real" game, but we finally got to hit someone other than our own teammates. Unlike last week's mock game, the preseason opener is exciting for players.

Anytime you get to play a live game against an NFL team, you have to be prepared. The fact that we played during prime time on NBC just added a little excitement to the whole thing.

Knowing that my family and friends all over the country can watch the game is a nice bonus for me.

Preseason games are important for the team is many ways. We try to prepare for the game exactly like we do for regular season games and we have to approach the game with the same mentality. It can be tough in some ways because in pre-season we have more than 80 guys on the roster as opposed to 45 dressing for regular season games.

As a starter, I know I am going to play a limited number of snaps with the first team. My goal is to play with the same intensity I always do.

When I am done with my snaps, I watch carefully what the other defensive players are doing. I check out the other linebackers to give advice to the younger guys but I also watch the whole defense to see the plays we are calling and who is doing what.

Preseason games have a distinct purpose. Just like the mock game last week, these games are needed for us to be the best team we can be. It was a good solid start for us. The defense played well. We made some mistakes but we also did a lot of positive things out there.

Overall, we got to get out on the field against another team. After an entire off-season in the weight room and on the practice field, it was great to hit someone other than a teammate for a change. That's what I really needed. I also came out of the game without injury.

Plus we beat the Redskins, a team some think will win their division. All in all, the exhibition opener was a success.