Levi Brown vs. Nate Potter.
The seven-year veteran vs. the second-year pro. The former first-round draft pick from Norfolk, Va., against the seventh-round pick from Boise, Idaho.
“I can’t wait to see it and the start of those guys truly competing at football,” Arians said. “You can’t have enough competition. I know with really good competition between good players, you’re going to have a damn good starter and a hell of a backup.
“Somebody’s going to have their lip poked out for a little while, but hey, win the job.”
That’s exactly what Brown and Potter are out to do, though they view the quest a little differently.
For Brown, 29, who missed all of last season with a torn triceps, it’s all about returning as the incumbent. He started every game from 2008-11 and he fully expects to be named the starter again.
“That’s the plan,” he said. “That, and to just play as long as you can. Right now, I’m focusing on my weaknesses and technique and getting the coaching I need. I’m working on getting better and then just go out there and be myself.”
Potter, 25, who started the final six games at left tackle last year and drew praise from the former coaching staff.
Winning the starter’s job would be great, he said, but becoming a better player is his only concern.
“For me it’s been the same thing for a long, long time,” Potter said. “I just want to continue to get stronger, continue to gain weight and continue to get better fundamentally.”
Both have been taking snaps with the first-team offense, though Brown has been getting more. Early in camp, however, Potter was the first offensive lineman Arians singled out in a positive light.
“He’s one of the guys I don’t ever have to talk to,” Arians said, “so that’s a nice thing.”
Potter smiled when told of that comment but was quick to explain he doesn’t have it all figured out just yet. He’s simply focused on playing sound technique at the quarterback’s blind side and is doing his best to eliminate mental mistakes.
Maybe that’s what Arians was referring to, he said. But mistakes are going to happen.
“It’s harder when you’re out there and things are going 100 mph,” he said. “But last year was a good for me. It was good to get that experience.
“Both (right tackle) Bobby (Massie) and I got a chance to play, and that goes a long way, just getting in there and taking live bullets.”
Potter added at least 10 pounds this off-season, bringing his weight up to about 295. But he says he can stand to still get bigger and when he’s not hitting the weight room, he’s “trying to eat all the time.”
Getting bigger and stronger helps you on all aspects playing O-line,”
Potter said. “It helps you anchor, it helps you in the run game, the pass game — all of the above. For me, it’s been a detriment for a long time and I’m still not where I want to be, but trust me, I’m working on it.”
He's about to get a ringside seat for the abuse he will witness next Friday against Clay Matthews. Lol
