As of Friday, fifth-year cornerback Tarell Brown is atop the 49ers depth chart to start in Sunday's season opener against Seattle at right cornerback. With the Seahawks adding players like quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, wide receiver Sidney Rice and tight end Zach Miller, Brown is looking forward to a good challenge to start the year. 49ers.com spoke with Brown about his mindset heading into Week 1.
Q: What do you make of Seattle's offense now that they've added new weapons in the passing game?
A: First of all, I'm really excited to get the season going and I think Seattle will be a good test for us right away. They've really improved and brought in a lot of playmakers from other teams and they're gelling well together right now. It's just more of a challenge for us to go out there and make big plays. I watched a lot of film to prepare and I think the defense is ready to show what we've got.
Q: There's a lot of competition within the secondary for starting spots. Is that something you like as a player?
A: I think it's great because it's going to bring the best out of every player every day. There's no day for you to slack off because nobody's job is secure back there. We're just going out there to work hard every day, stay on our p's and q's and do what's asked of us.
Q: What have free-agent veteran additions S Donte Whitner and CB Carlos Rogers added to the secondary?
A: They add a lot of leadership. Those guys have played a lot football, they've been around and they know a lot. Just their presence is really a blessing. To have those guys that have played that many snaps in the NFL and made so many plays in this league, it really helps. They've already made a big impact in the short time they've been here.
Q: Do you feel more prepared for this season than seasons past?
A: I feel really comfortable with the defense and comfortable with what the coaches want from me and what they're asking me to do. That comes from a lot film study and classroom work, too. Just being comfortable in a certain scheme, it's easier to play fast. I really feel like defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system plays to the team's strengths. We can be aggressive, attack people and let our playmakers make plays.
Q: It seems like you guys are a tight-knit bunch. How would you describe the dynamic of the locker room?
A: The chemistry's there and they guys are having fun, man. We like to be around each other which is good, because a lot of times guys come in from different teams and stay within a shell and within themselves. Not over here, it's really family atmosphere and guys are really gelling together well, working on and off the field.
