Although it’s DeJean’s first game back, the rookie knows he could have performed better and that playing in this league will be a learning curve for him. He was assessed a penalty for illegal contact on a play in which safety Tristin McCollum intercepted a ball that was called back.
“It was OK, but there’s still a lot to learn,” DeJean said of his performance. “If you look back at the video, I can remember a couple of missed tackles. I just have to get better and stay with the guys better as well. There’s a lot to learn. We have a great group of guys to learn from as well.”
DeJean was prepared for this moment because he was also alert off the field. Knowing the defense and the system was the most important thing he could do while he was not allowed to play, and he felt comfortable on the field on Saturday.
The versatile defensive back has seen good things in himself and is aware of the improvements he needs to make in the future.
“I feel like I followed instructions. I knew what I was doing out there,” DeJean said. “Sometimes I just need to be in a better position on some of these plays and be able to make them better, but it’s good to be back out there and it’ll be a good learning experience when I watch the video.”
While DeJean must continue to adapt to Fangio’s defense, he can rely on players like Avonte Maddox, Darius Slay and Reed Blankenship to help him during his rookie training camp.
“I wouldn’t say it’s too difficult. A lot of things go hand in hand. Some parts go hand in hand, whether it’s our nickel or our base, but we have older guys that have played a lot in the league and have seen different defenses. So it’s good to have those guys around us. He (Vic Fangio) has done a great job of teaching as well,” DeJean said.
With the regular season just around the corner and the opening kickoff in Brazil against the Packers just 13 days away, DeJean feels ready for whatever the team needs from him.
“I feel like when I’m out there and my name is called, I can play and follow any instructions. My job is to be ready to play, no matter what position I’m in,” he said. – Written by Liam Wichser
