Cheesehead
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Za’Darius (6-4, 272) and Preston (6-5, 265) possess similar builds and skill sets, which allows Pettine to move them all around the defensive front on third downs. The two ran several stunts together against the Bears, with one lined up off the edge and the other rushing from a three-point stance.
Developing chemistry hasn’t been difficult due in part to their history. The two first met when Za’Darius, then a junior college standout, went on an official visit at Mississippi State. His host was Preston, a three-year starter for the Bulldogs.
Although Za’Darius eventually committed to Kentucky, he and Preston were reunited during the pre-draft process in 2015, grouped together at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine due to their last names.
The two stayed connected after Washington drafted Preston in the second round and Baltimore took Za’Darius in the fourth. From Za’Darius’ viewpoint, it’s not hard to figure out why he and Preston became such fast friends – “He’s a Georgia guy and I’m an Alabama guy. Two country guys, man.”
Over time, their conversations have shifted from not just football but to life, in general. They’ve also developed a tongue-in-cheek habit of conducting joint interviews.
“Me and Za’Darius are like brothers,” Preston said. “Just being on the same team with somebody you can relate to, somebody you’ve known for a long time, is great. Because it’s easy for us to communicate and not shy away from talking about a lot of things with each other.”
This year has marked new territory in Za’Darius’ NFL career. Primarily a rotational rusher in Baltimore, the fifth-year veteran has now shifted into an every-down role in playing 67 of 71 snaps last Thursday.
The extra reps didn’t appear to diminish his effectiveness, with Pro Football Focus crediting Za’Darius with 10 pressures individually. In order to sustain his production, Za’Darius outlined his comprehensive recovery plan after games, consisting of massages, the cold tub and other rehab techniques.