I think the preseason helps a lot, just to feel a little bit about the speed of the game.

For better or worse, a lot of people's images are based on the first things that are written about them. You can't control what people write about you, so - good or bad - I have never lost sleep about it.

The victories are what I judge things on.

No one prepares to lose ... we prepare to win.

Football is what you do, but it's not who you are. It's a big part of who you are. Part of who you are is you're a football player. It's your profession. It's a game you love to play. It's a game I love to play.

I realize that as the quarterback, you have to assume some sort of leadership role because you have to talk in the huddle on every play, and you're essentially giving out orders to the team. But in my mind, I have to prove myself on the field before I can start asserting a leadership role.

I think the preseason helps a lot, just to feel a little bit about the speed of the game.