EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Coach's Corner, Giants.com's exclusive weekly interview with head coach Pat Shurmur:
Q: The team is going into the bye after this game and has lost five straight. Is the sense of urgency greater this week than usual?
Shurmur: "No. We've had the urgency, and the sense of purpose has been high all year. We've practiced hard. We just need to take what we do in practice and put it on the field. We've had stretches of really good play. We've just fallen victim to game-changing plays that have hurt us in close games."
Q: You have both won and lost prior to a bye. Whatever happens on Sunday against the Jets stays with you for two weeks. Any greater urgency because you have the bye coming up?
Shurmur: "You've used the word urgency a bunch. I don't necessarily feel like… I think you're always urgent to win. I really do. I think everything just has to get done better."
Q: On Monday night against Dallas, if not for a missed extra point, you're tied in the fourth quarter. Moving forward, do you tell the players, "Just keep knocking, because we're going to break through and when we do, we're not leaving"?
Shurmur: "That's the message. You just keep working hard, you keep trying to fix the things that have become problems and put a plan together to play the next team."
Q: You've only had four possessions start in opposing territory all year, which is one byproduct of not getting a lot of takeaways. You don't get the benefit of a short field. How much more difficult is it on on offense when you always have to travel long distances to get to the end zone?
Shurmur: "It goes without saying the further you have to drive the ball, the more good things you have to do, whether it's executing a big play or being consistent with making sure you make yardage and then convert on third down. Certainly, you're looking to get the ball as close to their goal line as possible. The closer you get the ball, the better it is."
Q: You mentioned you wanted to give (Saquon) Barkley a chance to run in the red zone last week. You figure once the offense gets going, so will Barkley. Do you think with Barkley it can work the other way, that he can be the catalyst to get the offense going?
Shurmur: "There are a lot of things that we're doing where we're going pretty well. That involves running the football. Each game plays out differently."
Q: You were asked a couple times about the red zone the other night. When you come close like that and you don't get the touchdowns, can you devote extra practice time or extra meeting time to that specific area? How do you attack that when that happens?
Shurmur: "Well, there are individual reasons why things don't work. You're always practicing those areas and situational football. We just need to make sure we practice well and when we get to the game, do it in the game. We just have to be better. We have to work on it, we have to coach it better and we have to execute better."
Q: It appears Spencer Pulley will play center this week in place of (Jon) Halapio (hamstring injury). Pulley started 16 games a couple years ago (for the Chargers), he started nine games for you last year. He hasn't been on the field at all this year. With a veteran like that, do you say, "Just keep doing what you're doing. We're going to need you at some point. Stay ready?"
Shurmur: "I think he knew that. I feel like we have what I would consider to be two starting centers. We're very fortunate, because I think as you go through the season, you need multiple players to perform at a high level. I think he's going to do a good job for us."
Q: We often think of those two players as a tandem. How are they different?
Shurmur: "They're similar in a lot of ways. They're very smart. Part of being a center is, obviously, directing us, and I think Spencer does a really good job in that area. He's also got probably a little bit more quickness than Pio. Pio probably has a little bit more power. But for the most part, they are very similar in a lot of ways."
Q: When you were asked about Daniel Jones' turnovers, you said, "When you hold the ball, nothing you do is acceptable when you don't end the down with the ball." How do you stress that to Daniel so he takes better care of the ball without mitigating his instinctiveness and aggressiveness?
Shurmur: "Well, I think just that. I think there needs to be just a premium placed on when you're moving around outside the pocket or whatever, you have to lock the ball up. The problem we had the other night was a scramble, which was good. He got down to protect himself, and as he was doing so, the ball came loose. That's something that we work on, certainly. We practice it, but it's something that needs to be executed in the game."
Q: Leonard Williams has not always been a big stat guy, but he's a very good player. Is he a guy whose presence helps because he occupies blockers and he commands attention, and that helps everyone else on the line?
Shurmur: "I think so. I think he can be an impact player in both the run and the pass. So, when you have a guy like that who can line up in many different spots, I think it helps your defense."
View rare photos from the all-time series between the Giants and Jets.
New York Jets quarterback Kyle Mackey is sacked by New York Giants Carl Banks for a six-yard loss in the first quarter of play in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 26, 1989. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) yells at New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (96) as referees separate them during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Both players were ejected after taking swings at each other. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants Joe Morrison (40) tugs away from New York Jets Steve Tannen to score the Giants first touchdown, Sunday, Aug. 23, 1970, New Haven, Conn. Morrison scored on a pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton. (AP Photo)
New York Jets Al Woodall (62) during a game against the New York Giants on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Al Woodall played for 5 season, all with the New York Jets and was a 1-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Tucker Fredrickson lead blocks for New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Tucker Fredrickson played for 6 years all with the New York Giants and was a 1-time Pro Bowler. Fran Tarkenton played for 18 season with 2 different teams. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants Willie Young (69) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Willie Young played for 10 years all with the New York Giants.(David Durochik via AP)
.New York Giants Carl Lockhart (43) during a game against the New York Jets on November 1, 1970 at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. New York Giants beat the New York Jets 22-10. Carl Lockhart played for 11 years all with the New York Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Jets cornerback Earlie Thomas (45) and Giants defensive back Ken Parker (26) square off in third quarter melee that developed after the Jets ended a 65-yard drive by stopping the Giants' Tucker Frederickson for no gain at the one-foot line, Nov. 1, 1970. Giants rolled to a 22-10 victory over the Jets, in their historic first meeting. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Jets coach Weeb Ewbank bellows into microphone on sidelines during first quarter of game with the New York Giants at Shea Stadium, Nov. 1, 1970. Joe Namath, out with an injury, his bandaged hand in his pocket, is at left. Wayne Stewart (89) stands next to Ewbank. (AP Photo)
New York Jets coach Joe Walton, right, greets New York Giants coach Bill Parcells following their game Dec. 27, 1987, E. Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan)
New York Giants' fullback Rob Carpenter takes the ball for a two-yard gain before being tackled by Kirk Springs of the New York Jets during first quarter action at Giants' Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 2, 1984. Bobby Bell (58) of the home team Jets follows up on the play. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau (99) is seen in action during an NFL game against the New York Giants Dec. 2, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is congratulated on the sideline after scoring on a 61-yard touchdown during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Head coach Jim Fassel, right, shakes Toomer's hand as quarterback Kent Graham (10) pats him on the back and receiver Brian Alford (80) pats him on the head. Toomer scored three touchdowns as the Giants won 41-28. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Mike Sherrard tries to outrun New York Jets Ronnie Lott during the first quarter of their pre-season game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 21, 1993. (AP Photo/Mike Albans)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor r(56) rushes against the New York Jets in an NFL game in 1993. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants running back Joe Montgomery (25) carries for an eight-yard gain before being stopped by New York Jets' Steve At water, bottom left, in the fourth quarter, Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Montgomery carried the ball 38 times for 111 yards in the Giants 41-28 victory. Jets Dorian Boose reaches for Montgomery. (AP Photo/ Ron Frehm)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) outruns New York Jets linebacker Marvin Jones (55) as he goes 61 yards for a touchdown on a pass by quarterback Kerry Collins during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants kicker Brett Conway kicks a 29-yard field goal with four seconds left in overtime to beat the New York Jets 31-28 Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Michael Matthews(88) and David Diehl(66) block New York Jets as Giants Brandon Jacobs runs with the ball during the fourth quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, left, is congratulated by Rich Seubert after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Jets Leon Washington, left, is grabbed by New York Giants Justin Tuck as Michael Strahan (92) reaches out during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants Jeremy Shockey is congratulated by Michael Matthews after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the third quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass while playing the New York Jets during the first quarter of their football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey breaks free of a tackle attempt by New York Jets' Kerry Rhodes to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007. The Giants won 35-24. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass from quarterback Kerry Collins for a touchdown as New York Jets' Aaron Beasley (21) defends in the first half at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants kicker Brett Conway (9) is congratulated by holder Jeff Feagles (10) as teammates Wayne Lucier (62) and Visanthe Shiancoe (82) celebrate after Conway kIcked a 29-yard field goal in overtime to beat the New York Jets 31-28 Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants field goal kicker Brett Conway (9) watches his kick that won the game for the Giants against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday Nov. 2, 2003. Holding is punter Jeff Feagles. The Giants beat the Jets 31-28. (AP Photo/Bernie Nunez)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, right, shakes hands with New York Jets coach Eric Mangini after a preseason football game in this Aug. 25, 2007 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by New York Jets Marquice Cole during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) talks with New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during a preseason week 3 NFL football game on August 27, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, speaks with New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez after the Giants defeated the Jets 26-3 in a preseason NFL football game on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) celebrates the victory with quaterback Eli Manning (10) after an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs yells during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants' Cullen Jenkins (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants strong safety Deon Grant (34) tackles New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller (81) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) celebrates the win after an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw during the first quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores on a 99 yard touchdown catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Michael Boley, left, and Justin Tuck celebrate a sack by Tuck during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford celebrates during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates at the end of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz (80) runs 99 yards for a touchdown as the New York Jets sideline watches during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs off the field at the end of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 29-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Kenny Phillips intercepts a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz stiff-arms New York Jets' Dwight Lowery during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw steps in to the end zone to score a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul, top, sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Darrelle Revis, right, looks over a New York Giants huddle during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New York Giants enter the field before an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores on a 99 yard touchdown catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz jumps over a New York Jets defender while scoring 99-yard touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (3) makes a catch against the New York Jets in an preseason NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday August 16, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
In this Dec. 24, 2011, photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, in East Rutherford, N.J. With a running game that is last in the league, the Giants' offense must rely on the arm of Eli Manning in their playoff game scheduled for Jan. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Fans during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz makes a catch during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants huddle during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Plaxico Burress (17) during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) yells at New York Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson (96) as referees separate them during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Both players were ejected after taking swings at each other. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz stiff-arms New York Jets' Dwight Lowery during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz, left, celebrates with Brandon Jacobs during the fourth quarter after scoring his second touchdown of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants defeated the New York Jets 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Antrel Rolle runs with the ball after an interception during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants' Victor Cruz catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by New York Jets Marquice Cole during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Giants won 31-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (3) makes a catch against the New York Jets in an preseason NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday August 16, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) looks to make a tackle during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday December 24, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Bennie Fowler (18) celebrates with teammates, including Wayne Gallman (22) and Rhett Ellison (85), after scoring a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants vs New York Jets Pre-Season Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates with Bennie Fowler (18) after they connected for a touchdown during the first half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Michael Owens)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton, right, runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Jamal Adams (33) chases New York Giants' Rhett Ellison (85) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) directs the offense during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets' Blessuan Austin (31) tackles New York Giants' Darius Slayton (86) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steven Ryan)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs away from New York Jets' Nate Hairston (21) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on theNew York Jets in a week 10 regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) scores a touchdown in a week 10 regular season game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday November 10th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
DT Jordon Riley (95)
CB Darnay Holmes (30)
DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
RB Eric Gray (20)
P Jamie Gillan (6), K Graham Gano (9)
Q: (Corey) Ballentine was saying he never played the slot before (last week), that it was a new position for him. Does it require different attributes than out on the corner?
Shurmur: "There's more happening when you're on the inside. You have to have good instincts. He had been held back by injuries, so we haven't been able to practice him as much as we would have liked to in there. But we feel like he's one of our better corners, and so when you go to nickel, we're going to put him on the field. But I think he has really good instincts as a football player. There are more variables when you play nickel because you're on the inside of the defense. It's like there are times, assignment wise, when it's more difficult to play guard than tackle. As you get closer to the ball, there are more things that happen. The same can be said about the outside as opposed to the slot. You're obviously looking for guys that can cover, you're looking for guys that can tackle, and you're looking for guys that can blitz and pressure, and it's all happening faster because you're closer to the ball."
Q: What can you expect from Sam Beal, who hasn't played a game in almost two years?
Shurmur: "We're going to get him out there, get him going. We've seen him practice. He's a very talented young man that has been held back by injury. We'll get him in the game and see where he can have an impact."
Q: Cody Latimer's 181 kickoff return yards last week are the most by any player this year. Do you believe you now have somebody at that position you can count on?
Shurmur: "I think Cody did a really good job last week. We were very poor in our kickoff return the week before against Detroit. We made a conscience effort on that team to get better in terms of blocking it and running it, and it had a positive effect on the game."
Q: Your kickoff returns are number one in the league - and your punt and kick coverage are in the top 10 in the league. Have your special teams taken a step up this year?
Shurmur: "I think we've made positive contributions. The players are intentional about their work. They play hard on our teams. We've had some negative plays that we need to clean up. Missed some kicks, had a kick blocked, those types of things ... obviously, those are the kinds of things that we need to continue to work on. But in terms of overall, I feel like they're contributing in a good way."
Q: This is your first Giants-Jets regular season game. There can be kind of a strange vibe in the stadium with fans from both teams and you have to go to a different sideline. Do you need to talk to the players about that, or do you treat it like just another road game?
Shurmur: "Obviously, the optics will be different because we're on the other sideline. Somebody will tell us which way we have to enter the field, I'm sure. But once the game starts, the field is 53 and one-third (yards wide), 100 yards long, two end zones, and then you play ball. I think that's where we need to stay in the moment."
Q: The Jets' run defense has been very good. They are allowing a league-low 3.1 yards per rushing attempt. Is the key to their effort the three players up front - (Henry) Anderson, (Steve) McLendon and (Quinnen) Williams?
Shurmur: "I think they do a good job. Gregg Williams does a good job with their defense. We have to do a really good job, whether we choose to run it or throw it, of being very efficient with what we do. Then, if a big play shows up, we need to take advantage of it."
Q: On offense, they have (quarterback) Sam Darnold and (running back) Le'Veon Bell, but their receivers each have a different strength. Demaryius Thomas is bigger and strong, Robby Anderson is very fast, and Jamison Crowder is a quick player who works underneath. Do they complement each other well?
Shurmur: "I think they're a good group for all of the reasons you just mentioned. You have one guy that can work inside, you have some size for guys that can play on the outside or guys crossing through the defense. They're bigger targets. It is a good group."
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