EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Dabs' Digest, Giants.com's weekly conversation with head coach Brian Daboll:
Q: Your family visited Penn State last weekend?
Daboll: "We did. It was good. We got to go to (son Christian's) last game. He's been a student-coach there for three and a half years; he signals the plays in. So, they honored all the senior players, and the support staff that are seniors also got honored before the game. It was a nice Saturday drive to see him at Penn State, and we drove right back after the game."
Q: I would imagine given your schedule you haven't been able to do that too much during his time there.
Daboll: "Right, this game, and then there was a game last year on the bye week that timed up where I was able to drive down and see him. So, only twice."
Q: Did you do any scouting while you were there?
Daboll: "Oh, yeah. Before the game. So, you're able to see your son, and you're also able to take a look at some guys that are working out pregame and during the game."
Q: Did you spend Sunday watching NFL games?
Daboll: "Sunday, I watched the Washington game, and then after we watched that game, I did some work on Washington."
Q: This is a December division home game against the team right behind you in the standings. Would you concede this is a big game?
Daboll: "They're all big, so I think the most important thing is we have a process that we go through each week. And we go through that. We double down on all the things that are important from taking care of your body to sleep to hydration to nutrition to extra time in the treatment room to practices to meetings. This time of year, you kind of put everything in a drawer. And you're singularly focused on one team, one week. And you try to put your best performance out there."
View photos of head coach Brian Daboll's time with the New York Giants.
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) and safety Julian Love (20) dump Gatorade on New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll in the locker room following a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Head Coach Brian Daboll
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll following week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8)during a football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday October 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll, Eli Manning,
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Laura Young Director of Coaching Operations
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Michael Strahan, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll & General Manager Joe Schoen
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll Head Coach, WR David Sills V (84)
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll addresses the media at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana
General Manager Joe Schoen & Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll addresses the media at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll addresses the media at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana
Head Coach Brian Daboll addresses the media at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sam Prince, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sam Prince
Tyrod Taylor (2), Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Tyrod Taylor (2), Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Amani Toomer
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Amani Toomer
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
General Manager Joe Schoen, OT Evan Neal, Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, Head Coach Brian Daboll
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll before minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Wan'Dale Robinson during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with general manager Joe Schoen during training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll before minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head Coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head Coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Amani Toomer
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduces Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll waves to fans before training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Sam Prince shake hands during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 23, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll talks to Dexter Lawrence during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 23, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 23, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with former NFL coach Bill Cowher during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Joe Morris following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with assistant general manager Brandon Brown during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with former Giant Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll stands in the offensive huddle during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 23, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen talk during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Joe Schoen before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Wink Martindale talk during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with former New York Giant OJ Anderson following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brandon Jacobs talks with Brian Daboll after training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Joe Schoen, Ronnie Barnes and Leigh Weiss during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 15, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen watch training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 1, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll arriving before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to high school football players after training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll arriving before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 17, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 15, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll shakes hands with head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 17, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with defensive coordinator Don Martindale during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 1, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 17, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brandon Jacobs talks with Brian Daboll after training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday August 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday August 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh shakes hands with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll following a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduce boys from the San Miguel Academy following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduce boys from the San Miguel Academy following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduce boys from the San Miguel Academy following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduce boys from the San Miguel Academy following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen talks during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown pass with head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with general manager Joe Schoen and Shaun O'Hara during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with offensive line coach Bobby Johnson during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) talks with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Brandon Jacobs during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants yea coach Brian Daboll talks to the offense in the huddle during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Joe Schoen during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Mario Manningham shake during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen talk during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Joe Schoen talks with Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 13, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux (50 talks with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll celebrates an interception with safety Xavier McKinney during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll shakes with Jalyn Holmes (91) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with running back Saquon Barkley (26) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) talks with head coach Brian Daboll before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks quaterback Daniel Jones during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh before a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with defensive coordinator Don Martindale during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 9, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll pose for a photo with first round draft pick Evan Neal during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday April 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with safety Xavier McKinney (29) during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 9, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll pose for a photo with first round draft pick Evan Neal during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday April 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll pose for a photo with first round draft pick Kavon Thibodeaux during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday April 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll signals touchdown during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants center Joe Feliciano (76) gets a hug from head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works with running back Saquon Barkley (26) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with General manager Joe Schoen and former Giant Jeff Feagles during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 1, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks with General manager Joe Schoen during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks with General manager Joe Schoen during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brain Daboll introduces Sam Prince to the team during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quaterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll fist bumps quaterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll fist bumps quaterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head Coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Joe Schoen, Michael Strahan and Brian Daboll talk after organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Joe Schoen, Michael Strahan and Brian Daboll talk after organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Joe Schoen, Michael Strahan and Brian Daboll talk after organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his players during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Foundation Charity Golf Classic at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday May 31, 2022 in Summit, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his players during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Michael Strahan during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) shakes hands with Brian Daboll after returning an interception during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with running back Saquon Barkley (26) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday August 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Evan Neal (70) talks with head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and Darnay Holmes (30) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Foundation Charity Golf Classic at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday May 31, 2022 in Summit, New Jersey
New York Giants Foundation Charity Golf Classic at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday May 31, 2022 in Summit, New Jersey
New York Giants Foundation Charity Golf Classic at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday May 31, 2022 in Summit, New Jersey
Brian Daboll
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches from the sideline during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll congratulates Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) as he comes off the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars in their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Davis Webb (12) during an NFL pre-season football game, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks off the field after their 31-27 loss to the New York Jets in an NFL pre-season football game, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, left, meets with quarterback Daniel Jones, right, during practice before a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) runs off the field alongside head coach Brian Daboll, center right, after taking a hard hit from New York Jets defensive end Micheal Clemons (72) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, right, shakes hands with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after an NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 25-22. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines during practice before a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll greets people on the field prior to an NFL football game between against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
FILE - New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen, left, and head coach Brian Daboll, right, attend a news conference before training camp at the NFL football team's practice facility July 27, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. For the third time since 2018, the Giants are rebuilding again. Schoen has replaced Dave Gettleman as general manager and Daboll was selected to replace Joe Judge as coach. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches his team warm up before a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to reporters before a practice at the NFL football team's training facility in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) talk with head coach Brian Daboll during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll calls out to his players during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to tight end Daniel Bellinger during drills at the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in East Rutherford, N.J., Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, center, speaks with his first string defensive lineman during training camp at the NFL football team's practice facility, Saturday, July 30, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Giants offensive line coach Bobby Johnson talks with head coach Brian Daboll, left, during a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll speaks with reporters during a coaches press availability at the NFL owner's meeting, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
FILE - Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll attends warmups before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jan. 23, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The New York Giants hired Daboll as their head coach Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll answers questions from media at the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in East Rutherford, N.J., Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll waits to take the stage to speak at an introductory news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduces Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll at practice in Ware, England before a game against the Green Bay Packers. Credit: Evan Pinkus/New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday October 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll at practice in Ware, England before a game against the Green Bay Packers. Credit: Evan Pinkus/New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll shakes hands with New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) at practice in Ware, England before a game against the Green Bay Packers. Credit: Evan Pinkus/New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks to practice in England before a game against the Green Bay Packers Credit: Evan Pinkus/ New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll fist bumps Shea Tierney before a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks to practice in England before a game against the Green Bay Packers Credit: Evan Pinkus/ New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) and safety Julian Love (20) dump Gatorade on New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Leonard Williams (99)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
HC Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Landon Collins (21), Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator, Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll hugs General Manager Joe Schoen following a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday January 8, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after beating the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll hugs New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll hugs New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Jeff Saturday
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll before a NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday January 8, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) and safety Julian Love (20) dump Gatorade on New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team in the locker room following a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll before a NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Jerry Meade Vice President of Security
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones hug following a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with general manager Joe Schoen before a NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator, Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Q: You spoke about this earlier this week, but when you're in the hunt at this time of year in the NFL, there's nothing like it?
Daboll: "It's great. But again, what you can't lose sight of is that the things that help you win in September help you win in December. Obviously, there's a little bit more excitement for communities, for fans, for organizations where teams are playing in games where (they are meaningful). I've been part of both of them. I've been part of teams where you have a good, winning record. I've been part of teams where you don't. This is ultimately why you play this game – to have an opportunity to keep playing for as long as you can."
Q: It looks like several injured players will return to the field this week. There's a tangible benefit from getting some of your best players back in the lineup. But do you think that also provides for the coaches and the players a psychological lift as well?
Daboll: "I just think that's the nature of (the league). Every team deals with injuries. And the person that's playing behind the person that's injured has got to be ready to go. So, of course, you like all your players to be out there. But I think you don't make any excuses about injuries or anything like that. Whatever you have in terms of players, those guys need to be ready to play. And if you get more back, then those guys have got to be ready to play. So as a coach, you like to have all your players."
Q: If you get (center Jon) Feliciano and (tackle Evan) Neal back, you'll have a lot of depth and competition on the offensive line. Do you prefer to keep the same five players on the field or rotate in substitutes?
Daboll: "Whatever we need to do to win. Again, I think whether or not we get all these players back is yet to be determined. I think we're moving in the right direction, but there's never a guarantee. And you hope that everybody will be ready to go. We're going to take it all the way to the end of the week to see if these guys can go."
Q: Last week, your decisions on inactive players were made for you, because you had seven guys hurt. This week, you may have to make decisions. Do you prefer to know early in the week so you can set up special teams, or would you rather players earn the uniform in practice?
Daboll: "Obviously, you want to have an idea of who's going to be at the game. I think that helps with depth chart decisions, particularly in the kicking game. Sometimes when you have a roster full of healthy players, which would be ideal, then you make that at the end of the week based on practice, and you move guys in and out. But you try to have the best idea that you can to make decisions based on – again, it usually affects the kicking game more than anything else. Preparation-wise, who's playing your right guard on the punt team? There's a lot of interchangeable pieces."
Q: Two weeks ago, we talked about the winning formula: running the ball, high time of possession, etc. You're 6-1 when you rush for 100 yards, and 4-0 when (running back) Saquon (Barkley) gets 100. The last two weeks you haven't run the ball as well. Do you need to get back to that?
Daboll: "I just think we need to execute the things we need to be able to do to win the game, whether it's a critical play, a block. All of us just need to do our job as well as we can do it. Again, whether that's throw it, run it, defend the run, play better red zone defense, third down, kicking game, there's a lot of things that go into winning and a lot of things that go into losing."
Q: (Running back) Gary Brightwell came in and gave you a little spark last week in Dallas. Did he earn himself more time? What prompted you to do that in the first place?
Daboll: "To try to give us a spark. I thought he ran the ball downhill with power. I thought some of the play designs with using Saquon as a little bit of a decoy helped loosen up some things. He ran, hit the hole with power, got his pads down. And we'll see where we go this week with it."
Q: (Wide receiver) Darius (Slayton) leads the NFC in yards per catch (17.6). He's done it both ways – catching long pass and taking short throws and turning them into long gains. So, I'll repeat a question I've previously asked: Do you have to get the ball to him more often?
Daboll: "I think the biggest thing for (quarterback) Daniel (Jones) is to throw the ball to the right guy. Again, we move guys all around, and if that's where the read takes him, then that's where the read takes him. I said this a couple weeks back with Darius, just a tremendous amount of mental toughness that young man has had this season, a positive attitude when things weren't going his way, resiliency, the ability to deal with adversity. And he's made the most of each and every one of his opportunities."
Q: Along those lines, Nick Gates got the Ed Block Courage Award. When you got here and you watched the tape from last year and saw the play on which he got hurt…
Daboll: "I saw it a few times this week, getting ready to play them."
Q: When you look at that and see where he is now…
Daboll: "It was a devastating injury, but just seeing him every day – where he was when I first got here to where he is now – I don't know how many people can do what he's done."
Q: You've been around football your whole life. When you see an injury like that, do you cringe?
Daboll: "Absolutely. I cringe on any injury. I never want to see players get injured. They work hard. There's only so many games you play each year, and they work their asses off. So, when they get injured, I cringe."
Q: When you announced to the team that he got the award, what was the response like?
Daboll: "Big applause. We asked him if he wanted to say a few words, and he politely declined."
Q: You've said a lot, and (defensive coordinator) Wink (Martindale) does, too, that pressures and hits on the quarterback are as important as sacks. Pressures and sacks are just as important. But you haven't had a sack in the last two weeks. And sacks result in negative yardage and get everyone excited. Do you think you need to get more sacks?
Daboll: "Anytime you can get, whether it's a sack or a hit for a negative run, I think that helps the defense on the next down. Particularly, if you can get them in a long yardage situation or more pass-obvious situations. So, creating negative plays from a defense's perspective is always helpful, obviously, on the next play."
Q: This week you're playing Washington. The Commanders started 1-4. They're 7-5 now. Do you see a difference in the way they're playing now?
Daboll: "Coach (Ron) Rivera's done this a long time. He's very consistent. And I think that the team takes on his identity. They're tough. They run the ball. They play very good defense. The last eight games, I think they've given up about 16 points a game – that's it. So, they control the tempo of the clock. They play well in the kicking game. And they've won some close games down to the wire – obviously last week against Atlanta, getting the interception (with 58 seconds remaining). So, again, every week is a tough week in this league. And this is no different."
Q: (Commanders quarterback) Taylor Heinicke is thought to have a weaker throwing arm and is less athletic than Carson Wentz. But he seems to have that certain 'it' factor that inspires teammates and a knack for making a big play. Do you see that?
Daboll: "Yes. You see their record. I appreciate the way he competes and the intensity and the fire he shows at that position. I think it goes a long way with his teammates. I'm just saying from afar, watching him on tape. They get a first down rushing the ball, and he is as juiced up as anybody. So, it seems that way. He's playing good football. He seems like a very good leader."
Q: Rivera said this week that now they have (running back) Brian Robinson to run the ball with Antonio Gibson, "Using the two-back tandem, I really do think that being able to commit to the running game the way we have has really helped us." Do you see that having both runners helps them?
Daboll: "Yeah, and you can add (wide receiver Curtis) Samuel right in there, too, because they use him in different ways. So, tough nosed, old school kind of football. They're both talented guys. I've known Brian for a while, just being at (the University of) Alabama when he was a true freshman. He's a load to bring down."
Q: I mentioned Darius (Slayton) leading the NFC in yards per catch. (Commanders wide receiver Terry) McLaurin is third. And he's near the top of the conference in 25 and 40-yard receptions. How does he compare with some of the other players you've faced?
Daboll: "He's a dynamic receiver. Great person, having met him in the pre-draft process. But extremely talented. Fast. Great hands. Route runner. He's an explosive, explosive playmaker for them."
Q: For years, all discussions about Washington's defense begin with the front. They have four first-round draft choices and three of them (defensive tackles Daron Payne and Johnathan Allen and defensive end Montez Sweat) have a total of 20 sacks this season. (Defensive end) Chase Young is coming back this week. Are they as good a front as you've faced?
Daboll: "To me, if you can build your team from the offensive line and defensive line and have strong players in the trenches, that's where the game is really played – whether you run it, whether you throw it. And to have four of those guys – all high-round type of picks – they've played well together, that's where it starts. They've controlled games up front on the defensive side of the ball. That's why they've only given up 16 points a game."
Q: When they were 1-4, they had only one takeaway. Since then, they've had 13.
Daboll: "It's no coincidence, right? That's the game, too. Usually when you win the turnover battle, you put yourself in a pretty good position. Usually – not all of the time. And when you don't, you don't. So, ball security is always a high priority every game."
