The one point loss against the Bucs on Sunday is one I’d like to forget.  We played in dreadful conditions that you just have to expect at this time of year.  The steady rain, muddy field and freezing temperature did not make it fun out there.

Football in December is tough.  It’s when the aches and pains start to set in and you see everyone begin to break down.  Still, the great players know how to compete and that’s what I have to do for the rest of the season.

Two weeks ago vs. the Giants the conditions were horrendous.  Playing in that stadium is difficult, especially in the final weeks of the season.  The wind is always blowing in your face and you find it hard to breathe.

When conditions are extremely hard, I sometimes need to use an oxygen mask on the sideline to recover faster.  I don’t depend on oxygen after every series if we hold an offense to a three-and-out, but will use it sometimes after a long drive.  It is there for a reason and usually it makes me feel great afterwards.

At this part of the season, I have to pay even closer attention to my body to stay fresh and prevent injuries.  I receive massages regularly and will go to the training room from time to time to take care of any chiropractic issues.  In addition, I’ll also spend time in the ice tub and the hot tub at least once a week at the team’s facility.

This year, I’m doing a better job of handling the end of the season.  Coming out of college last year, I didn’t know how to deal with the grueling, longer schedule.  By the final few games, I started to hit a wall.  This time, I’m better prepared and feel like I have more energy.

For the season as a whole, I’ve been happy with my play.  Entering this week I had 8.5 sacks, two more than my total of 6.5 from last year at this time.  My awareness of opposing offenses has been better and my ability to rush the passer has improved.

After last year’s Pro Bowl season, teams have focused more on me this year.  I’m just looking to continue to improve every day and to do all I can to help to help the team.  Though we are now 5-8 and likely out of playoff contention, we still need to play hard for the rest of the season.

If we can end the year by winning a couple games in a row, it will give us momentum heading into next year.  At the very least, we want to finish the season 8-8.  We would also like to spoil the playoff chances for some teams like the Jaguars and the Giants.  We want to be the “Grinch on Christmas” and ruin their parties.