Charles Grant in Miami interview

QBREES9 · 08-23-2010, 08:57 PM

DAVIE — A conversation with Charles Grant is nothing if not entertaining.

When the longtime New Orleans Saints defensive lineman was asked Monday about how his new team, the Miami Dolphins, might fare this season, he replied, "This team's got a chance. An old country guy like me, you know, you go hunting sometimes and you walk up on a snake in the bushes. That's the kind of team this one is.

"Lay low, and when the time comes, show the world."

Grant, 31, grew up in Colquitt, Ga., and spent his first eight NFL seasons down on the bayou with the Saints, so his rich Southern drawl and mannerisms are no act. But as Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard found out this weekend, this "old country guy" can still pack a wallop.

Playing left defensive end in a 3-4 scheme he admits he's still learning, Grant broke into the backfield twice in one series, knocking Garrard to the ground with his first hit and out of the game with his second.

Released by the Saints last March despite playing all 16 games each of the last five seasons, Grant was one of three defensive linemen signed by Miami in late July after Phillip Merling was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Of the three — the other two are Marques Douglas and Montavious Stanley — he's made by far the most impact .

"His productivity has been good in the two (exhibition ) games," coach Tony Sparano said. "I've seen him getting better in the two-gap defense right now, which is completely different for him."

Grant played in a 4-3 his entire career with the Saints and has been getting extra help after practice from defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers to help him learn the 3-4.

"The first two weeks I had a lot of mental errors," he said. "I was having to think a lot, and when you're having to think too much you can't really play.

"This D-line is a great D-line," Grant added. "Coach Kacy does a great job making sure his defensive line knows what can happen in every situation in a game, and I like that in a defensive line coach. I've had five of them, and he's one of the top two I've had."

The other, he said, is Saints' defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who earned a name for himself when he spoke openly about his guys going after Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl. Grant said Williams reminds him of Miami's first-year defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. "They're both aggressive and they know what they're doing."

Grant has a ring from the Saints' Super Bowl victory even though he wasn't a part of it. He tore his triceps in Week 17 — ironically, the Colts rested most of their starters that week, but the Saints did not — and missed the post-season.

Just weeks after claiming the Vince Lombardi Trophy at Sun Life Stadium, the Saints cut Grant loose, three years into a seven-year, $63 million contract with $20 million guaranteed.

"They weren't getting enough production out of a guy making a whole lot of money," Saints radio analyst Hokie Gajan said. "But he's still a talented player, and a delightful guy. If he keeps himself in shape and keeps his weight down, he'll be good for Miami."

Grant, who signed a two-year deal worth a comparatively modest $4.5 million, said the snub from the Saints was all the motivation he needed.

"When you're accustomed to being somewhere and think you're going to retire there," Grant said, "you've got to be the first one to kick yourself in the behind and say, 'you were in a place where you got comfortable. Now nobody knows you.'

"This is a great thing for me. I can go home after practice, study my playbook, and nobody knows who I am. I just want to get to work and be apart of a great football team.

saintfan · 08-23-2010, 09:24 PM

I hope he does well. Nothin but love for Grant, besides, he's got kids to feed. LOL

QBREES9 · 08-23-2010, 11:07 PM

yeah and lots of them .... LOL what he two ???

the-commish · 08-23-2010, 11:20 PM

I hope the Fins sign him. Grant is a good guy; just got a bit too big and slow to play DE for the Saints.

strato · 08-23-2010, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by the-commish

I hope the Fins sign him. Grant is a good guy; just got a bit too big and slow to play DE for the Saints.

they did

SmashMouth · 08-24-2010, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by saintfan

I hope he does well. Nothin but love for Grant, besides, he's got kids to feed. LOL

He does? How many? Is he a Nation Maker?

Ashley · 08-24-2010, 08:52 AM

he'll do fine with Miami.

SaintsFan1967 · 08-24-2010, 10:29 AM

Wish him all the best. He did a fine job for us except for the last few years.

Rugby Saint II · 08-24-2010, 10:46 AM

He might do better in Miami playing in the 3-4. I wish him good luck.

08-23-2010, 08:57 PM	#1
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,982	Charles Grant in Miami interview DAVIE — A conversation with Charles Grant is nothing if not entertaining. When the longtime New Orleans Saints defensive lineman was asked Monday about how his new team, the Miami Dolphins, might fare this season, he replied, "This team's got a chance. An old country guy like me, you know, you go hunting sometimes and you walk up on a snake in the bushes. That's the kind of team this one is. "Lay low, and when the time comes, show the world." Grant, 31, grew up in Colquitt, Ga., and spent his first eight NFL seasons down on the bayou with the Saints, so his rich Southern drawl and mannerisms are no act. But as Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard found out this weekend, this "old country guy" can still pack a wallop. Playing left defensive end in a 3-4 scheme he admits he's still learning, Grant broke into the backfield twice in one series, knocking Garrard to the ground with his first hit and out of the game with his second. Released by the Saints last March despite playing all 16 games each of the last five seasons, Grant was one of three defensive linemen signed by Miami in late July after Phillip Merling was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Of the three — the other two are Marques Douglas and Montavious Stanley — he's made by far the most impact . "His productivity has been good in the two (exhibition ) games," coach Tony Sparano said. "I've seen him getting better in the two-gap defense right now, which is completely different for him." Grant played in a 4-3 his entire career with the Saints and has been getting extra help after practice from defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers to help him learn the 3-4. "The first two weeks I had a lot of mental errors," he said. "I was having to think a lot, and when you're having to think too much you can't really play. "This D-line is a great D-line," Grant added. "Coach Kacy does a great job making sure his defensive line knows what can happen in every situation in a game, and I like that in a defensive line coach. I've had five of them, and he's one of the top two I've had." The other, he said, is Saints' defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who earned a name for himself when he spoke openly about his guys going after Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl. Grant said Williams reminds him of Miami's first-year defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. "They're both aggressive and they know what they're doing." Grant has a ring from the Saints' Super Bowl victory even though he wasn't a part of it. He tore his triceps in Week 17 — ironically, the Colts rested most of their starters that week, but the Saints did not — and missed the post-season. Just weeks after claiming the Vince Lombardi Trophy at Sun Life Stadium, the Saints cut Grant loose, three years into a seven-year, $63 million contract with $20 million guaranteed. "They weren't getting enough production out of a guy making a whole lot of money," Saints radio analyst Hokie Gajan said. "But he's still a talented player, and a delightful guy. If he keeps himself in shape and keeps his weight down, he'll be good for Miami." Grant, who signed a two-year deal worth a comparatively modest $4.5 million, said the snub from the Saints was all the motivation he needed. "When you're accustomed to being somewhere and think you're going to retire there," Grant said, "you've got to be the first one to kick yourself in the behind and say, 'you were in a place where you got comfortable. Now nobody knows you.' "This is a great thing for me. I can go home after practice, study my playbook, and nobody knows who I am. I just want to get to work and be apart of a great football team.
	www.sportsshooter.com/johnjcoleman " Anyone can take a picture Only a Photographer can take a photograph "

08-23-2010, 11:26 PM	#5
strato Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: "Little Ole Town in Tejas" Posts: 7,586	Originally Posted by the-commish I hope the Fins sign him. Grant is a good guy; just got a bit too big and slow to play DE for the Saints. they did

08-24-2010, 06:58 AM	#6
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 36,958 Blog Entries: 29	Originally Posted by saintfan I hope he does well. Nothin but love for Grant, besides, he's got kids to feed. LOL He does? How many? Is he a Nation Maker?

08-24-2010, 10:29 AM	#8
SaintsFan1967 100th Post Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 109	Wish him all the best. He did a fine job for us except for the last few years.
SaintsFan1967 100th Post Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 109

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08-23-2010, 09:24 PM	#2
saintfan Donated Plasma Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 18,556 Blog Entries: 5	I hope he does well. Nothin but love for Grant, besides, he's got kids to feed. LOL

08-23-2010, 11:07 PM	#3
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,982	yeah and lots of them .... LOL what he two ???

08-23-2010, 11:20 PM	#4
the-commish Longtime WhoDat Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 529	I hope the Fins sign him. Grant is a good guy; just got a bit too big and slow to play DE for the Saints.

08-24-2010, 08:52 AM	#7
Ashley Site Donor Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Springs Co Posts: 2,760	he'll do fine with Miami.

08-24-2010, 10:46 AM	#9
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 23,720	He might do better in Miami playing in the 3-4. I wish him good luck.