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Thursday, October 29, 1998
Conference call with Tennessee Oilers quarterback Steve McNair
Are you pumped up about playing the Steelers this week?
Most definitely. Anytime we play the Steelers we get pumped up. We're very excited about it. We just have to go up there with the attitude that we have to win.
How tough was that to take that last snafu on the field goal last week? It was very tough, especially when you fought as hard as we did to come back and put ourselves in a position to win. That was a downfall when we tried to do that. We had to get over that. That's a loss and we have to put that behind us and concentrate on the next game. It's a division game and that's what we have to focus on right now.
How healthy are you now?
I'm pretty healthy.
What does the loss of Yancey Thigpen do to your offense?
We're down a little bit receiver-wise, but we have some guys that have stepped up and done a great job. With him out there, there's more of a name threat and an athletic threat. With him not in there, people tend to play a little looser in the passing game. The young guys have stepped up and did a great job.
What does this team need to become a Super Bowl contender?
Right now, we just have to win the games that we're supposed to win. We kind of relaxed on those games that we know that we can win and we lose. That is the difference between Super Bowl teams and the average .500 teams. Each and every week they stay focused and win each game and take it one game at a time.
Are you amazed how similar you are to Kordell (Stewart) at quarterback?
I'm not amazed. It's something that God gave us the ability to play this position and have the athleticism, and I'm grateful for that.
How has Kevin Dyson progressed?
He's coming along well. He didn't get a chance to play earlier because of the depth at receivers. The times he's been in there, he's done a great job.
Are you right where you want to be as quarterback?
There's always room for improvement. I've been in the league for two years. I'm working on all phases of the game. That's something that you have to take in stride and continue to try to get better each and every week.
Do you feel homeless without a stadium to call your own?
It took a lot of pressure off just to know we're playing here in Nashville and playing in front of our fans. Teams do a lot better when the stadium gets built. It's great now in taking a lot of pressure off us not having a 16-game road trip. Being here in Nashville is enough for us right now.
Are fans starting to warm up to you a little bit?
Yes. It's going to become better once we get on the winning track and get things going.
Can you pinpoint why you have been so successful in the red zone?
Once we get into the green zone, as we call it, we focus on not making mistakes and not having penalties. It's mental. It's to go down there and play hard, go right at them, and not turn the ball over down there. That's been a key for us this whole year.
Why do you call it the green zone?
The green zone is money, baby. That's where your money comes in.
Is it still the 20 and in?
We call it the 30 and in.
From what you've seen on film this week, what is one of the things you're concerned about the Steelers defense?
They do a lot of things to confuse the offense. They'll show blitz on one side and drop back and come on the other side of you. When people aren't aware of that, then guys become free.
How important is it for Eddie (George) to get off to a good start Sunday?
It's good for Eddie to get off to a good start for the passing game. Either or it's going to open up the other phase of the ball game. Whatever we do first, it's going to open it up and it's going to help us keep balanced.
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