New Orleans Saints Tackle Ryan Ramczyk
Conference Call with New Orleans Media
Monday, December 30, 2019
Three years into your career and you've won three straight division titles and been to the playoffs every year, is this becoming the expectation every year?
"That's the thing it's pretty special and I've heard other guys talk about what it's like to be on losing teams and not make the playoffs. I'm pretty fortunate to be in this situation and be around the guys on this team and the coaches on this team. I guess I don't really know what it's like to lose or not make the playoffs and then also it's kind of a crazy thing and obviously we're putting in the work every week and all year to be at this spot and chase this opportunity."
What do you attribute the team resilience to? Did you guys try to ignore that stuff or did you, did you embrace it and channel it?
"Yeah, for me personally, it was kind of a thing that you had a brush off and you had to move on. Move on to the next year and start prepping for this year and I think there's different guys who took it other ways, took it personally and stuff like that, but I think it's something collectively as a team that we moved on from well, we came into this year strong and put ourselves in a position again this year to make a run at these playoffs."
How do you approach the playoffs knowing how precious these games are from your experience?
"Yeah, it's playoff football, so every single snap, every single play counts and, this week of preparation that we have is just as important. We're going to be in here, we're going to be working and focusing on Minnesota."
You do have some familiarity with Minnesota. How much does that help preparation wise, I'm sure they've changed some obviously, but how much does it help some preparation wise that you've seen some of this personnel?
"Yeah. Upfront speaking for the O-Line and their D-Line, we have some experience against them and kind of know our match ups. Obviously, we're studying them, seeing what they have been doing this year differently from some of the past. But I think it is beneficial to have played this team before and they will kind of know their tendencies, know kind of how they are going to play this game. I think it is definitely a benefit."
Do you kind of feel like the offense is playing their best football heading into the playoffs now?
"I think we played a very good game against Carolina, what was that yesterday? I think, we finished the season strong and I know that this team is fired up and ready to go into these playoffs strong. As far as playing our best football, I think there's still a lot more to be had, but I think we are in a good position headed into the playoffs."
How much does Drew Brees playing at a high level give confidence to the team heading into the playoffs?
"He's been playing very good football for a long time. Like I said before, we have a ton of faith in Drew and seeing him perform well brings out the best in everyone. With a guy like Drew on our team there is always a shot for us to go and accomplish our goals."
