Q: There seemed to be a good celebration in the locker room after the game.
JT: I think we got carried away. It was a big win. We made some plays and got a win. It brings back memories. We were happy about that.
Q: What memories does it bring back?
JT: We all know what memories.
Q: You saw Eli Manning step up. Can you talk about what he's done?
JT: I think he told all of the New York media that he was an elite quarterback, and he just continues to prove it. He was right when he said it, considering some of the weapons that he didn't have today. To come out and lead us to another victory…I've been here seven years with him [and] I'd dare to say he's probably playing his best ball in those seven years.
Q: Do you think he's better than the Super Bowl year?
JT: I think so.
Q: What did you think of the signs in the stands that said Eli is not an elite quarterback?
JT: You should go ask them about how they feel about that now.
Q: Can you talk about the defensive strategy today?
JT: All of us defensive guys were kind of bummed out. We had the opportunity to shut them out in the fourth quarter. We played consistently. There's been some games where we've had some spurts of playing really well and then for some [times when] we've looked liked we've never played together before. Today, I think we were consistent against a great offense. Considering what we were able to do today, obviously we're not going to be able to stop them, but to slow them down, and make him think twice about doing some things. He looked like he was a little bit uncomfortable with some of his reads. He took his time at the line of scrimmage. That's when you know you've given him some things that maybe he hasn't done before or he's confused a little bit about it. I think [Perry] Fewell had a great plan and he did a great job executing.
Q: What does a win like this mean?
JT: I think we are past that. I think this win shows that this team is starting to come together. We are nowhere near where we can be, but to be one of the elite teams in the league, like the Patriots are on their home field, with them coming off a loss, that's big. But it doesn't get any easier for us though. We'll enjoy this for now, but we have a tough one next week, and the week after that and the week after that. For us, if we can get these wins rolling, we just have to consider it as a blessing for the day and move on. That is what we are going to do this week.
Q: What do you think it means to Eli Manning to come to Foxborough and get a win today?
JT: I think you have the opportunity to ask him when he steps up here. I know he feels good about it; obviously, he does. Call it what it is. He just beat what is probably the best quarterback in the league in his house. Obviously you feel good about it. But he'll be able to elaborate on it more than I would.
Q: Why were you smiling when you were being asked that question?
JT: I'm smiling when you were asking that question.
Q: Do you think this team has answered some questions about if it should be considered one of the elite teams in the league?
JT: We'll have more opportunities coming up, but I think we're close. But, I've always told you it doesn't matter what you do in November. No one is going to remember what we did in November. No one is going to remember what we did in December. It's all about getting to the Super Bowl and winning that. And when you do that, that's when you're elite. We don't play this game to be second best, or third best or whatever. So, if you're not holding that trophy at the end of the year, you're not elite in my opinion.
Q: Can you elaborate more about the signs about Eli Manning?
JT: I wish you had the opportunity to go ask the people that had the signs, to ask them what they think about our quarterback. They might not tell you, but to quote one of our captains, 'You can't spell 'elite' without Eli.' I'm saying that because he's here.
Q: What different types of things did you try to throw at Tom Brady?
JT: There's been times when that offense hurries up and gets in and out of the huddle so quickly and it's hard to get a call in and get everyone on the same page. He does a great job – maybe the best in the league – of looking at a defense and knowing what a weakness is, and exploiting it. I think we did a good job of disguising. I think probably from the time he snapped the ball, I think he knew where he needed to go with the football. But, just watching film, I think he spent more time at the line of scrimmage checking today than he had all year. That's a credit to it again. The scheme we had today and the fact that we played 11… I don't know if we did it, but I felt as if we slowed down their offense.
Q: When you're watching Eli Manning drive down the sidelines, what do you think?
JT: I'm actually about to throw up on myself because I was sick to my stomach because us as a defense didn't stand up and stop the Patriots for that. But it's funny seeing Eli and his game go up and down the field. We don't even get nervous anymore. It's like we expect him to go down and get a touchdown. Honestly, on the sideline, I wasn't even watching the game. I was talking about some plays that we missed some opportunities with our defense and I was just kind of like, 'Eli's going to get them again.' You don't even think about it; you just have that confidence.Join other diehard Giants Fans!
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