Dallas cornerback addition Xavier Rhodes ready to bring veteran experience to playoffs
This week, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy broke out the baby pictures of the 10 players who were alive the last time the team won a playoff game on the road 30 years ago. New cornerback addition Xavier Rhodes was one of those few, and he’s hoping he can use his veteran experience on the field on Monday night in Tampa.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn wouldn’t reveal whether Rhodes will have a role in the wild card game, but said the former Bills corner made strong first impressions on the practice field.
The former Florida State star is ready to contribute after a week with the team under his belt.
“I feel great,” Rhodes said Friday. “I feel like I’m getting the hang of things on defense, with the playbook and everything, so we’ll see sometime today or tomorrow. Can I go? If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.”
Asked what he is bringing to the Dallas defense that already leads the league in takeaways, Rhodes harped on his experience, especially in the postseason.
“Veteran [mentality] — 10 years in,” said Rhodes. “I’ve seen a lot of things and been in a lot of situations throughout my NFL career. I’ve been to the NFC Championship and throughout the playoffs. You can name it all, I’ve probably been through it, and having that experience to teach the young guys what to expect in certain situations and what certain quarterbacks like to throw to; and who their favorite players are.
“I’ve been through a lot. I can definitely help teach them about situational football.”
Rhodes ‘falling in’ with new Cowboys teammates
In the last week, Rhodes traveled with the team to Washington and began reconnecting with friends like Anthony Barr and Jayron Kearse.
“It feels great, like you’re at home,” Rhodes said. “Once you go to a new team, and you don’t know anyone, you have to start all over and feel it out yourself, and hopefully the guys like you. But having guys you’ve played with for multiple years, I’d say approximately a minimum of four [years].
“… You just fall in and they help you out with the team and the coaching staff.”
Rhodes is in his 10th season in the league. The three-time Pro Bowl selection has a major opportunity to boost his legacy this postseason with the Cowboys. The Vikings drafted Rhodes with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.