 In 1997, he was a reserve player until earning a start in the season finale against the Miami Dolphins.He finished with 21 tackles, 3 passes defensed and one sack.In 1998, he earned the starting nose tackle job, posting 69 tackles (ninth on the team), 6 sacks (second on the team), 3 fumble recoveries, 4 passes defensed and one forced fumble.