Fred Smoot spoke with Redskins.com following Thursday's training camp practice at Redskins Park
Q: How much are you preparing for the Hall of Fame game:
A: "We are planning a lot. That is one thing I have to say about this coaching staff, we prepare better than we ever have since I got here. We are going to play ball, we are going to play tough, and we are going to play some old-time tough football."
Q: Is winning the most important thing in the game or is it getting back into game shape?
A: "We want to win. We are not a losing ball club. We could have a scrimmage right now against the Baltimore Ravens, we would go out there and win. I feel like if you go out there and prepare to lose, or you are used to losing, then you will lose. I have been through the bad times, so now we can only go higher."
Q: How ready is this team to start playing games?
A: "We are ready to play, no doubt. You can just look at the tempo we practice at. If we had a game tomorrow, we would compete well."
Q: Is the team developing a sense of cohesion?
A: "It is going to take a minute. It is not just going to happen overnight. That's why Coach Gibbs kept us around the whole summer. We are just going to keep getting better every day in camp; we are becoming a team. That is what it's about. It is about how close we are getting to making this thing run."
Q: So do you think you're ready to be the No. 1 corner on this team?
A: "I think I am ready. I am ready to show the NFL all that I am worth. See if you can put me in that top corner division. That's where I am ready to be at. I am ready to lead my team. I bring a lot to the table, more than just locking down receivers. I think I am the glue to this team, the nucleus. I make people feel at home, even if they have only been here a month or two."
Q: How much pressure will be on the corners in Gregg Williams' defensive schemes:
A: "I love the pressure. Pressure brings out the best in good players. Corner is a pressure position anyway. I'm a man-to-man corner, that's what has got me here, that is what is going to keep me here."
Q: You signed autographs for quite a while after practice. Talk about your relationship with the fans:
A: "If you have been out here since training camp started, you can see that me and the fans have a real true love affair. They love me and I love them. As long as it is that way, I will be in Washington. That is the way I want to keep it."
Q: What is playing for Joe Gibbs like?
A: "You can't go out there and let him down. I don't care if it is a preseason game or not. It's kind of like playing for my granddad. He doesn't have to cuss you, he doesn't have to do anything. He can look at you and just smile, but you know he means business. That is someone you want to go out there and lay it on the line for. I'm not leaving this field until I can't walk anymore. I can see why they won those Super Bowls."
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