“We want the floodgates to open as far as takeaways, and you know, great,” veteran linebacker Demario Davissaid. “Cisco was able to get the first one for us this year, and Womack was able to get another one. But that’s what we want. That’s what we emphasize every day.”
Another highlight of the defense’s early play came via rookie edge David Bailey, the No. 2 selection in April’s NFL Draft. Bailey had 1 tackle during his time on the field, but it was his first professional sack as he took down Howard for an 11-yard loss on third down to force a punt.
“He looks like the number two overall pick,” Davis said. “That’s the first to many, it’s the first to many, man. You just see the way he comes in each and every day, just working the consistency that he’s putting into his craft, not just in the live team drills, but every single thing that he does.”
Davis added: “These games, they don’t count, but they matter. It’s a close thing, you’re going to get to regular season games, and so you have to approach them like that. And so, anytime you come out and put into effect the things that you’ve been doing well in practice and pitch a shutout, that’s a big deal.”