Post-Game Q&A: Fred Smoot
September 12, 2004
Q: How important was it to get the first win of the season?
A: "It's everything. It's good to get off on a good roll. Now hopefully we can go out and win the next one. Every game is important. One game can stop you from making the playoffs--and one can get you in there. We're just going to take it one game at a time."
Q: How motivated was the defense to set the tone early?
A: "We came out to play. That's how we're going to try to come out and play every week. Everybody wants a whole lot of offense. We're going to try to put up some points and we're going to stop people from scoring."
Q: Did the cornerbacks prove that this team can get by without Champ Bailey?
A: "We've got two shutdown corners. A lot of people act like Shawn Springs and I have never played in the NFL. I'm wondering what's going on. Point blank, we've got two shutdown corners. And until the NFL respects us, we're going to keep showing it."
Q: What do you think the team still needs to improve on?
A: "We still have a lot of stuff to work on. It's mainly on becoming a true team because that's what's going to win games. It's not going to be individual performances out there. We are going to try to go out there and win as a team. That's just how we are."
Q: How did if feel to give Coach Gibbs his first win in 12 years?
A: "We were happy to get him a win. We were happy to have him back on the field after 12 years. He told us it wasn't about him, though, it was about all of us. We won as a team. And now we're going to focus on getting ready for the Giants."
Q: What did you think of the FedExField crowd?
A: "I loved the crowd out there. The people of D.C. really affected this game. The 12th man was awesome out there today. I love it when FedExField is like that. If we can keep that going every game, we're going to have a lot of fun this year."
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