IRVING, Texas - Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas isn't new to Texas, having grown up in Pampa, up by the panhandle. However, he does admit being new to the Cowboys-Redskins rivalry, although he's watched it several times on TV as a kid.
Thomas talked to reporters this week about playing Washington and having to stop key players such as Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley. Thomas also spoke on not playing against former Dolphins teammate Jason Taylor, who is out for this game with a recent knee injury. But Taylor and Thomas are more than just former teammates, but family as well. Taylor married Thomas' sister, Katina.
So what do you know about the Cowboys-Redskins rivalry?
THOMAS: I've definitely heard about it. I definitely watched a lot of games, especially growing up here. I know it's a big rivalry and they're a physical squad, so we've definitely got to buckle up this week. They've got a physical offense. They'll hit you in the mouth. Hopefully we'll keep getting better week-to-week and improve.
Do rivalries matter as much as they used to?
THOMAS: For certain guys it does. But I try to look at the big picture and just try to say, "Hey, win your games now, be consistent, try to get better and then be high at the end of the season." So if you're up for one game more than another, it doesn't really make much sense. So you try to pace yourself. But it falls into play, especially being a rivalry, especially if they've had your number.
Is your family divided even though brother-in-law Jason Taylor is not playing?
THOMAS: I don't know, I haven't asked my sister. I've got little nephews (two), maybe they will root for me or something, because they like the star on the helmet or the jerseys. That's what they root for. But I hate to see that Jason is not playing. He's been healthy his whole career. But if he has to take a week off, I'm cool with him taking this week off. Let him get healthy.
With this division being so tough, how important are these games?
THOMAS: Yeah, our division, you look at all the teams, the only loss is to a division opponents, with Washington losing to the Giants. We've got a strong division, you don't get a game off, and we've got to be on top of things. Like I said, hopefully we just get better than we did last week and improve.
Why is Jay Ratliff so productive in this defense?
THOMAS: I tell you what, he works hard. He's just a beast. Just to be a guy that they move from outside in and to adjust. He causes a lot of problems, just that penetration causes a lot of problems, and then it also helps us linebackers, especially. They've got to find out where he's going before they come up to us. If a guard knows that he's going one way, then he comes up on us now and it makes it a problem. But they have to check always with him, and it slows them down a little bit, which I love. Jay's playing awesome and it's always fun to play behind a guy like that.
Your numbers show production, but how do you feel?
THOMAS: I'm learning. I don't even try to look at numbers because numbers are overrated. But I look at that I am probably averaging a little over 30 plays a game and I feel fresh. That's the biggest key. As long as we're still winning, that's the only numbers I really try to look at. Once you figure out this defense, you can make plays. There have been so many things I'm learning as I go. Man, I could have done this. I could have got a pick or something. So you know it's something you try to improve on. I'm really adjusting, but I'm really learning a lot and I really like the scheme.
How far are you from knowing the whole defense?
THOMAS: Really, it just takes reps. You can't see it all and ask all the questions and things like that. You've just got to adjust. I'm really enjoying it, but I am learning. So hopefully by the end of the season, I'll know it at all. I know the basics, but the plays that can beat you and the way teams attack you is what you've got to learn."
Is all the rust gone after you missed time last year?
THOMAS: The rust is gone. I got so many reps during camp, it's just the learning part that I'm still learning. But the rust, yeah. I mean its football. You try to simplify things and don't make it too complicated because it's not. When you do that, you're thinking too much, you can't really react. My play is off reaction, so I definitely ... I knocked that off by the second week of camp.
Do you not worry about the concussion?
THOMAS: Yeah, you're always vulnerable in this sport, even if you're a rookie who hasn't had problems. But I knew coming in that I have got to be very sure. And I was sure of things. Not saying it couldn't happen because it's a violent sport.
What makes Clinton Portis so tough to handle?
THOMAS: Well, he's got that burst of speed, but he's a physical back. Not just on running the ball, you should see him on blitz pickups and the way he chips those ends, the defensive ends, wow. I mean he's impressive. He'll slow those guys down a little bit. Even DeMarcus (Ware) and those guys know about him because of the way he lunges into them and makes some great plays, great hits, but we've definitely got to try to make them take the running game out, but that's what they do. They're a physical football team. They'll hit you in the mouth and we'll see if we can stop them.
How tough is Chris Cooley, especially when they move him around in the offense?
THOMAS: Yeah, they do (move him around). But it's a new system for them, it's a West Coast offense, but they do a lot of the same things with Cooley. He creates matchups, mismatches I guess you would say, but he does a great job of reading the defense and setting things some time. Him and Jason (Campbell) work well together.
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