Calvin Pace approaches every defensive play as if a Super Bowl victory is at stake. As a leader of the top ranked New Jersey Jets, Pace has established a reputation of being one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. Days before the Jets face-off against the Cincinnati Bengals, Pace spoke with rolling out sports about playing as an under dog with the hopes of reaching the Super Bowl.-amir shaw
You guys rallied at the end of the season to clinch a playoff berth. How did the team remain focused throughout the ups and downs?
We had to really become a team. I think guys started doing more things together, like watching film and hanging out off the field. Doing that brought us closer together as friends first, and then as a team.
Do you think that other NFL teams have a lack of respect for the New York Jets when it comes to the team’s chance to win the Super Bowl?
I wouldn’t say they have a “lack of respect,” but we probably aren’t the first team that’s mentioned when people talk super bowl. That only makes us more driven, though.
Although the Jets’ defense is ranked number 1 in the NFL, why is the team still viewed as under dogs?
We had to really become a team. I think guys started doing more things together, like watching film and hanging out off the field. Doing that brought us closer together as friends first, and then as a team.
Describe the feeling that you get moments before each playoff game?
I’m a newcomer to the playoffs so I really don’t know what it feels like yet. I imagine I’ll be nervous, though.
As a defensive, is it better for your opponent to respect or fear you?
Fear. When people fear you it, makes them change what they really want to do on offense, and then we have them right where we want them.
What are your favorite meals to prepare before a game?
Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and a big bowl of oatmeal.
If you win the Super Bowl, what meal will you prepare to celebrate?
If we win, there’ll be no cooking for me! I’ll be going to my favorite restaurant, Per Se in New York.
Calvin Pace approaches every defensive play as if a Super Bowl victory is at stake. As a leader of the top ranked New Jersey Jets, Pace is one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. Days before the Jets face off against the Cincinnati Bengals, Pace spoke with rolling out sports about his team’s underdog status. –amir shaw
You guys rallied at the end of the season to clinch a playoff berth. How did the team remain focused throughout the ups and downs?
We had to really become a team. I think guys started doing more things together, like watching film and hanging out off the field. Doing that brought us closer together as friends first, and then as a team.
Do the other NFL teams lack respect for the New York Jets when it comes to the team’s chances of winning the Super Bowl?
I wouldn’t say they have a lack of respect, but we probably aren’t the first team that’s mentioned when people talk Super Bowl. That only makes us more driven, though.
The Jets’ defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL, so why is the team still considered the underdog?
Honestly, I don’t know why we are viewed that way, but it doesn’t really bother us because our numbers don’t lie. Still, numbers don’t really mean much in the playoffs because one bad game ends our season.
Describe the feeling that you get moments before each playoff game.
I’m a newcomer to the playoffs so I really don’t know what it feels like yet. I imagine I’ll be nervous, though.
As a defensive player, is it better for your opponent to respect or fear you?
Fear. When people fear you, it makes them change what they really want to do on offense, and then we have them right where we want them.
What is your favorite meal to prepare before a game?
Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and a big bowl of oatmeal.
If you win the Super Bowl, what kind of meal will you prepare to celebrate?
If we win, there’ll be no cooking for me! I’ll be going to my favorite restaurant, Per Se in New York.
Calvin Pace approaches every defensive play as if a Super Bowl victory is at stake. As a leader of the top ranked New Jersey Jets, Pace is one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. Days before the Jets face off against the Cincinnati Bengals, Pace spoke with rolling out sports about his team’s underdog status. –amir shaw You guys rallied at the end of the season to clinch a playoff berth. How did the team remain focused throughout the ups and downs?
We had to really become a team. I think guys started doing more things together, like watching film and hanging out off the field. Doing that brought us closer together as friends first, and then as a team.
Do the other NFL teams lack respect for the New York Jets when it comes to the team’s chances of winning the Super Bowl?
I wouldn’t say they have a lack of respect, but we probably aren’t the first team that’s mentioned when people talk Super Bowl. That only makes us more driven, though.
The Jets’ defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL, so why is the team still considered the underdog?
Honestly, I don’t know why we are viewed that way, but it doesn’t really bother us because our numbers don’t lie. Still, numbers don’t really mean much in the playoffs because one bad game ends our season.
Describe the feeling that you get moments before each playoff game.
I’m a newcomer to the playoffs so I really don’t know what it feels like yet. I imagine I’ll be nervous, though.
As a defensive player, is it better for your opponent to respect or fear you?
Fear. When people fear you, it makes them change what they really want to do on offense, and then we have them right where we want them.
What is your favorite meal to prepare before a game?
Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and a big bowl of oatmeal.
If you win the Super Bowl, what kind of meal will you prepare to celebrate?
If we win, there’ll be no cooking for me! I’ll be going to my favorite restaurant, Per Se in New York.
