This Sunday, the
Baltimore Ravens
will battle the San Diego Chargers in an AFC conference battle that will undoubtedly be a physical, hard-hitting slugfest, with both teams so heavily dependent on power running games.
Helping pave the way for the Baltimore Raven rushing attack is fullback
Ovie Mughelli
.In just his third year in the NFL, the Wake Forest graduate is one of the premier blocking backs in the tough NFC North and rapidly making a name for himself in the NFL.
Mughelli recently took some time to talk with BV Sports. Here is what he had to say:
How are the Ravens preparing for the Chargers?We are trying to minimize our mistakes. If you saw the Cleveland game, we made too many costly mistakes at critical times and we got away with one in that game. We had turnovers and mental breakdowns. But this week, as long we play our way and play Raven football, we should have a solid game against the Chargers.
What has the addition of Steve McNair meant to the Baltimore Ravens?It has meant everything to this team. He has it all, the tangibles and intangibles. He has given the whole team confidence. He brings a presence and experience to the QB position that has been needed on this team. He commands the offensive huddle, especially at a times the during game when we get frustrated. He stays calm and focused, which allows the offense to go. He brings presence, poise and confidence to the team.
How hard is the life of a fullback in the NFL? A fullback is probably the underappreciated player on the field. We are the lowest paid position average-wise. But if you look around, any championship team has to have a great fullback to sustain themselves. Just like offensive linemen, we are a big part of the passing and running game. I have survived four seasons in the NFL and I feel very blessed.
Many times you hear about the difficulty many rookie backs have with blocking and picking up the blitz, is it really that difficult? It’s a huge jump from college to NFL. The defenses are very difficult and complex. In college, defenses show their rush and you see it coming. In the NFL, it comes from no where. You have to listen to your coaches and really just being able to analyze the coverage in your head to make the right play.
How do you feel about players saying their team got out-coached?Everyone has their own opinion and that you should be kept to yourself. Or you can tell it to your teammates. But definitely keep it from the media. As players, we have off days playing and coaching staffs have "off" days coaching. Sometimes coaches are really out-coached. So why complain? I just don't think it is necessary to say that out in public.
