Byard Praises Patriots Rookie Jacas for Early Work Habits
The short version
- Gabe Jacas has six tackles, a sack and an interception through two NFL games.
- Kevin Byard praised Jacas's daily habits and willingness to learn from everyone in the building.
- Jacas intercepted Aaron Rodgers in a Week 2 win over Pittsburgh.
- Jacas has been doing early-morning hand drills with head coach Mike Vrabel, a former NFL linebacker.
- Injuries along the edge could mean a bigger role for the rookie.
Veteran safety Kevin Byard says first-year linebacker Gabe Jacas has stood out for his daily preparation, and the numbers back it up through two games.
New England Patriots rookie Gabe Jacas has made a quick impression in his first two NFL games. The first-year defender has recorded six tackles, one sack and an interception, an early production line that has turned heads inside the building.
Veteran safety Kevin Byard offered strong praise for the rookie on September 26, but his enthusiasm went beyond the statistics. Byard said what stands out most is how Jacas handles himself day to day, from his meeting-room habits to his willingness to seek advice from anyone in the organization.
Byard said Jacas flashed repeatedly during training camp while adjusting to the demands of professional football. He noted that younger players often struggle early because of the volume of thinking required — getting lined up, sorting out assignments and managing first-game nerves — but that Jacas has impressed him by soaking in everything available to him.
Byard described the rookie as someone who asks questions constantly, including recovery tips during conversations in the sauna, and who takes that same approach with everyone in the building. He joked with Jacas about the number he wears, pointing out that the team's head coach once played the same position.
That coach is Mike Vrabel, who played linebacker during his own NFL career. Byard said he has encouraged Jacas to draw on that relationship, and the rookie has taken the advice seriously, already joining Vrabel for early-morning hand drills as part of his development.
The on-field results have followed. Jacas recorded his first career interception off Aaron Rodgers in the Patriots' Week 2 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he added a sack in the same game.
The timing of his emergence could matter for New England. The Patriots are dealing with injuries along the edge of their defense, creating an opening for Jacas to take on a larger role going forward.
The Patriots visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 PM EDT at EverBank Stadium. The game airs on CBS.
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