BIG BLUE GETS ENERGIZED FOR PLAYOFF GAME IN GREEN BAY
BY MATT COHEN, CHARLIE MULE
For the first time since 2011, the New York Giants (11-5) are in the postseason. Big Blue will visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 8th as the last of four games on NFL Wild Card Weekend. The Giants have won two consecutive playoff games in Lambeau Field. They went on to win the Super Bowl both seasons.
As one would expect, the Giants are plenty excited and energized to be going back to the playoffs.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to even be able to play in the playoffs," said wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. "For me, it's like...I feel like I've talked about it for years since I've been here, and it's finally here."
Giants.com caught up with a few other players and asked about their excitement heading into Sunday's game with the Packers.
JUSTIN PUGH
Q: What gets you pumped up?
A: I'm always pumped up before a game. I'll listen to music or just try and get in the right frame of mind. The offensive line as a group is good at getting each other going before we get out there to play.
Q: Who are the leaders on the team and how do they get you pumped up?
A: There's a lot of guys. Definitely JPP [Jason Pierre-Paul], J.T. Thomas, Weston Richburg and Jonathan Casillas. They get everyone fired up before a game.
Q: Do you have more enthusiasm for bigger games or is the energy level the same?
A: You have to try and be consistent no matter what the game is. That's going to be important this weekend. I try and stay the same no matter if it's regular season or playoffs. Coach McAdoo is like that too.
Q: How long is your adrenaline running after a game?
A: A while. It's tough to fall asleep at night after a big game because my adrenaline is pumping.
MARK HERZLICH
Q: What gets you pumped up?
A: I guess I'm naturally pumped up. Just the excitement of the game. I guess the music. I kind of joke around with the guys. I'm not super serious.
Q: Who are the leaders on the team and how do they get you pumped up?
A: I would say JC. [Jonathan Casillas] Casillas is definitely a vocal leader. I try and be a vocal leader myself. On offense, I just hear from across the room but I know Weston [Richburg] a leader on the offensive line. The best leaders just stay within themselves. They are guys who are not doing too much. You can kind of sense the fake enthusiasm and they're actually pumped up for games.
Q: Do you have more enthusiasm for bigger games or is the energy level the same?
A: I would say it's pretty much the same. Every time you get to go out and play is awesome, fun and a blessing.
Q: How long is your adrenaline running after a game?
A: I don't get to sleep all night. Not till the next day.
DEVON KENNARD
Q: What gets you pumped up?
A: I like listening to music and just being around the guys. Just being in the locker room and getting dressed. Listening to music and getting pumped up.
Q: Who are the leaders on the team and how do they get you pumped up?
A: Definitely Damon "Snacks" Harrison. He keeps it real and tells it how it is. Also, JC [Jonathan Casillas].
Q: Do you have more enthusiasm for bigger games or is the energy level the same?
A: I try and stay the same. I'll be lying if I told you I'm not going to be hyped for this week.
Q: How long is your adrenaline running after a game?
A: All night. That's the hardest time for me to fall asleep.
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