Head Coach Tom Coughlin
Tuck did not practice today. He had a sore shoulder so we held him out of all of the team stuff.
Q: Is that an issue for Sunday?
A: I hope not.
Q: Is that related to last year?
A: No.
Q: When did he hurt it?
A: I don't know. He was just sore this morning.
Q: Wasn't his shoulder bothering him after the game?
A: Yeah, he had a little burner the other night. I'm not sure that it's the same thing.
Q: O'Hara's status for Sunday?
A: Doubtful.
Q: How did Koets look?
A: Okay, yeah. He's done a good job.
Q: In making the calls and everything?
A: Yep.
Q: Because of O'Hara's experience, is he a guy who could play if he feels okay even though he's missed practice?
A: Oh, yeah, we'd consider it. No question. That's why I say it's day to day. You never know.
Q: Do you know Blackburn's status?
A: No. (Questionable)
Q: I think that it's only something like ten games lost by your starting offensive line since 2006. How blessed have you felt?
A: It's always nice to have that unit intact. We'd certainly like to get back to that. I will say this now, we've had quality reps for a lot of guys out there. Shawn Andrews has gotten a lot of work, Petrus has gotten a lot of work, so those guys are…one side of this that may be looked at as a plus is that those guys are getting a ton of work.
Q: What takes the longest for guys like that to come along? Is it physical? Technique? Mental?
A: It's a tough job, I mean the guy is this far away. They're not just sitting there. They've got to be able to handle things full speed, on the fly, all of the adjustments, all of the movement, the multiple protections, the multiple run schemes, all the techniques that are involved…it takes time.
Q: With the injuries in that area, how tough is it to maintain your confidence in the running game as far as the play calling goes?
A: Well, we've got to go. I mean, this is what we've prepared for and Koets has played in there before. He's played in there with big people on his nose and done a good job.
Q: What does Boss mean to your offense?
A: We've got our starting tight end back, a guy that's played in an awful lot of big games and made an awful lot of big plays for us. He and the quarterback will get on the same page a lot quicker.
Q: How about also in the running game with him as the blocker?
A: Well, he gives us the size dimension at the tight end spot and allows us to…there's no run from the standpoint of a power run that we would not run with Kevin over there.
Q: Last week you sent Koets in as the eligible tight end. With him at center, do you have other linemen who could go in there?
A: Possibly.
Q: Do you need that if Boss is back?
A: It's nice to have the multiplicity.
Q: Where does Michael Johnson stand right now?
A: He's out of the game.
Q: Is he getting worse with that disc issue?
A: Earlier in the week they decided that that's what it was and so we're just going to see where we are.
Q: After the Baltimore game you said that you felt good about how practice went. How has it been this week?
A: I think we've had a good couple of days.
Q: With the young guys you've drafted on the defensive line, is it possible that some veteran jobs could be on the line this week if they don't step up?
A: Well, when you have quality defensive linemen and you keep them, then you have the depth on your own team, so that if in effect you start into the one week on and one week off business where somebody gets nicked up, you've got the help right there because otherwise you're not going to be able to find the quality people that you'd need if something did happen. So, we'd always keep as many as we could of those that could play.
Q: But in other words…
A: I heard what you said, but no, not necessarily. We play a lot of people and will continue to do that.
DE Justin Tuck
Q: How's the shoulder?
A: Great.
Q: Great?
A: Absolutely. What's the cereal with Tony the Tiger? I'm not good, I'm great.
Q: So you'll play on Sunday?
A: Absolutely.
Q: So what's happening then?
A: I woke up stiff, and coach said, 'We know what you can do and you know the offense, so sit out.' That's it.
Q: Is this related to last year's injury?
A: A little bit. Same shoulder.
Q: Last year you played through the injury and it impacted you, is this the same type of thing?
A: I can answer that question after the game, but right now I don't know. It's different. Last year, I was injured. This year, it's just hurting so I'm good.
Q: Is it discouraging?
A: it's football. Every person in this locker room deals with injuries every day. Just got to go get the treatment, go get some ice, stim, and hopefully go out there and play your best game on Sunday.
Q: Is this something where you tell them you can go but they might need a backup plan?
A: No. Once I get on the football field, the adrenaline from your teammates and the crowd, you tend to forget about it after a while. You feel it after the game, but during the game, you normally don't feel it as much. I'm banking on that.
Q: So you won't feel limited at all out there?
A: Oh, you feel limited. Pain wise, you get into that gladiator mode. I don't know how to explain it. You just don't worry about it.
Q: Do you feel that this might linger on during the season?
A: Maybe. I think that I have to do a great job of communicating when I feel something and not be a hero every day. That can get you in trouble. You have to get your treatment. It's a physical game and you're going to get bumps and bruises, and you have to be wise enough to take care of them right when they happen. I have to do a better job of that.
OL Adam Koets
Q: Shaun being doubtful means you'll probably get the start:
A: Yeah. I'm getting ready to go, I'm excited for it.
Q: You have people coming into town for this game?
A: No. My family comes in for a lot of games, and this game they're not going to be here. This wasn't planned, it's kind of funny. They come to four or five home games a year. They'll be here next month. They probably get a better view on TV anyways.
Q: How do you feel about starting? Any part of you nervous or anxious?
A: You're nervous and anxious for every game. Obviously, to get this opportunity, I'm excited. I;ve been here a long time, and I'm ready to go show what I can do.
Q: On switching to center, is the mental part or physical part tougher?
A: Just being able to play multiple positions, there is definitely a mental aspect to it. Being able to understand everything about the offense. I've been here a long time and playing multiple positions and having the opportunity to do what I've been able to has helped me a lot.
Q: You getting a different understanding of the offense in the new position?
A: I think you have a different respect for what is required from each position. There are little subtleties and techniques about each position that makes it more challenging.
Q: Making the calls is a tough part of playing center:
A: Well, it's part of the deal. I'm a smart guy and I've been here for a long time and know the offense well. I'm confident in that regard.
Q: How much time have you spent talking to O'Hara this week?
A: A lot. Being able to play under Shaun and being here this long, I know that he's a great guy to learn from. He knows what he's doing and he's always there to help out. If you have any questions or anything in regards to specifics about what's going on, he's there to help. I'm definitely using that.
Q: Did playing at tight end last week help you?
A: No question. Just to get some action, I was excited for that game for being able to have that opportunity. It's been a while since I've been able to do that. I'm confident in my abilities, and I want to just go out there and play.
Q: This line has been healthy for such a long time, have you grown tired of waiting for a spot?
A: It's been an honor to be a part of this team. This is a great offensive line, and I've been biding my time and am excited for the opportunity to now help my team out.
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