Praising “Daniel”

October 15th, 2012

Announcers and coaches fear saying his last name. Hopefully quarterbacks will fear him, too. He’s Daniel Te’o-Nesheim, Adrian Clayborn’s replacement, who has been solid at right defensive end.

He was in the Chiefs backfield against the run Sunday, and he laid a huge hit on Brady Quinn that would have been a fumble in the old days.

“I thought Daniel played really good football for us. Did his job,” Greg Schiano said today.

Joe caught up with Te’o-Nesheim to see how he feels about his game.

JoeBucsFan.com: You’ve got the starter’s job now. How have you settled into that role and where’s your game at now.

Te’o-Nesheim: I think today was an improvement, but there’s a lot of stuff I need to do, especially on third down getting to the quarterback, being more productive as a pass rusher.

Joe: So you were a 2010 third-round pick in Philadelphia and the Bucs got you off their practice squad last season. Do you feel you just hadn’t caught a break until now?

Te’o-Nesheim: I’m never going to blame me not succeeding on anything but me. I’m just glad to have gotten this opportunity and hope to be productive enough to stay in the spot.

Joe: The Chiefs were the NFL’s No. 2 running team coming in Sunday. Can you talk about how the line played together and executed a great run defense.

Te’o-Nesheim: Just seeing all different guys on the line make tackles for a loss and nice plays, like Gerald [McCoy] and Mike [Bennett] and Roy [Miller] and Gary [Gibson]. It’s such a team effort. People don’t realize how when you play good run defense the wealth is spread to all positions, all depths. Just everyone excecuting their assignments, someone’s got to make the tackle.

9 Responses to “Praising “Daniel””

  1. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    He went to high school in Hawaii. Just wanted to throw that out there.

  2. Macabee Says:

    I went back and looked at some film of Daniel at Washington and this guy was a beast. He still has records there and was high regarded coming into the draft. He wasn’t the fastest guy, but had a nose for the ball and good instincts.

    He’s been under the radar because of his slightly smaller size. Would have been perfect as a rush OLB in a 34 defense. He’s been kept from last years team because he has skills. Don’t know if he can hold on to the position, but he can definitely play!

  3. menofear Says:

    #50 is a teamate of Foster. his Highlight…. great find Dom….http://youtu.be/GBbvqk3fT-g

  4. Jonny 3.3 Says:

    Epitome of accountability: “I’m never going to blame me not succeeding on anything but me. I’m just glad to have gotten this opportunity and hope to be productive enough to stay in the spot.”

    Buccaneer Man!

  5. Drew Says:

    @menofear

    Thanks for the link. The Kid has excellent ball awareness and shows an excellent ability to shed blocks. He may just be a gem in the rough and another good find by Dominick.

  6. 1976Buc Says:

    Refreshing.

  7. blackmagic00 Says:

    Gruden just said if he had a qb who got him 26 points a game he might still be coaching. Lol at his humour. Glad we got our coaches but I do miss chunky.

  8. Oahubuc Says:

    Ikaika ‘o ia! E komo mai to da Bucs.

  9. Ladyz Says:

    Here’s hoping that this young Buc can continue to show his stuff. Love his attitude. Agree with Jonny that he is a Buccaneer Man.