Nate Potter: ‘Every NFL game is a learning experience’
Nov 16, 2012, 5:25 PM | Updated: 5:45 pm
The Arizona Cardinals offensive line has been historically bad through nine games, leading the coaching staff to finally make a change. With veteran left tackle D’Anthony Batiste struggling mightily in the pass protection, the Cardinals moved rookie Nate Potter to the top of their depth chart.
The move shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, as Potter came in early against Green Bay and held his own against Clay Matthews and the Packers’ formidable pass rush.
Entering the Cardinals’ lineup during a five-game losing streak, the former All-American out of Boise State will look to cement himself at the starting spot but knows he just has to concentrate on the task at hand.
“I’m just focused on doing my job. As an O-lineman you kind of want to be out of the spotlight,” Potter told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf. “You don’t want your name to be called because it’s probably for a bad reason. So, my focus is on preparing for the game and trying to do what I got to do.”
Potter went on to say he’s taken advantage of the veterans surrounding him at practice to help get past the mental barriers that come with an NFL game.
“I learned I’ve still got a long ways to go,” said Potter. “I learned about the importance of mental preparation and how that plays into the game. But, this is the NFL so every game is going to be a learning experience with new schemes, new people. So you’ve got to be ready for anything.”
With the responsibility of facing a premiere pass rusher every week, Potter stressed the mental preparation that comes with being a left tackle is just as important as being physically ready.
“It’s a huge side of football. It’s a football intelligence part and it’s all the things that go into it before the snap,” said Potter. “I’ve still got to focus on that, got to be ready for that and make sure by game time, I eliminate those mental errors.”
