Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/408565
IRISH IN THE PROS really know what to expect. So [now] I'm trying to give him an idea of what to expect with our organization." Watt also has already made an on- field impact with the Chargers this season. Heading into week nine, the third-round pick had played in five straight games for San Diego as part of a rotation at right guard with Johnnie Troutman. Since Watt made his debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week four, his snap count has gradually risen each game. In week eight against the Denver Broncos, he registered 40 snaps to Troutman's 22, according to ProFoot- ballFocus.com. Watt served as a starter in each of his final three seasons at Notre Dame, but rotated with former Irish offensive lineman Chris Stewart at right guard in 2010, his sophomore season after red- shirting in 2009. "It's definitely a little bit of an adjust- ment," Watt said. "I've done it before but haven't done it in a while. "It's been going real well. The last five games I've gotten to play a lot, a lot of snaps. … Hopefully we can keep it go- ing here. So far, so good." One of Watt's skills that made him a valuable pick in the third round last May is his versatility. Like fellow rookie and Notre Dame graduate Zack Martin — a Dallas Cowboys starter — Watt can play at multiple positions on the line. "It's very valuable," Watt said. "The old saying goes, 'The more you know, the longer you can stay.' It's really true. If you can come in and learn a lot of positions, you become that much more valuable to a team than a guy that might know how to play only one." After a demanding schedule at Notre Dame that included classes, practice and film study from sunrise until 8 p.m. each evening — not to mention home- work, papers and reading at night — Watt said the NFL life is more relaxed than college. "Here it's like a regular work day and then you have the night to do what you need to do, hang out with family or things like that," he said. "I'm a single guy in San Diego, so I'm just watching film and relaxing. You definitely have more free time than you did in college." It's all part of the adjustment for Watt, as is helping his former Irish teammate acclimate to the Chargers. NFL NOTES Through Oct. 29 • In his second week as an active member of the New England Patriots roster, former Irish running back Jonas Gray (2008‑11) registered 17 carries for 86 yards in a 51‑23 win over the Chicago Bears Oct. 26. With an injury‑depleted Patriots backfield, Gray — at least for now — is one of the team's top options at running back. • Dallas Cowboys right guard Zack Martin (2009‑13) is part of a starting offensive line that has helped running back DeMarco Murray to reach 100 rushing yards in each of the first eight games, which is an NFL record. • With Reggie Bush and Calvin Johnson again inactive, former Irish running back Theo Riddick (2009‑12) caught eight passes for 74 yards and one touchdown in the Detroit Lions' 22‑21 win over the Atlanta Falcons in London's Wembley Stadium. The Lions trailed 21‑0 at the half in that game and Rid‑ dick's strong October has led Detroit columnists to ask whether he should start over Bush in the future. • Riddick's teammate, Golden Tate (2007‑09), caught seven passes for 151 yards and one score