Indianapolis WR Hakeem Nicks

Q: Can you talk about what extra might be flowing through your heart and veins for this game on Monday going against your former team? Will there be something extra for you?
A: Definitely. We just want to approach it like another game. It is a game where we know what we have to do as a team going into this game, coming off of the game we had last week. We just have to bounce back and have a great week of practice. I think that is what we are going to look forward to as a team. As far as myself looking forward to this game, I think everybody knows we are all looking forward to this as a game to win because it is the next game.

Q: Was it difficult for you to go to another team and have to start over?
A: With the transition period and coming to a new team, I had to learn my role. First things first, I had to learn my role. I have to play it well. My job is to contribute to the team in the best way possible and make plays when I am called on. That is what I want to continue to do and bring to the team and to my game. I look forward to being out there and competing on the field each play and every game.

Q: Do you know yet what your role is yet halfway through the season?
A: Within this offense, I am going to make plays when the ball comes my way. Whether it be in the blocking game or the passing game, we just have to go out there and go to bat for each other. That is what great teams have to do. I was a part of a championship team in New York, so some of those things that were instilled in me are still in me and I carry to this day. I know what it takes to get to that the next level. I just have to make sure I am staying on top of my game, practicing hard every day and showing up. When that time comes for me to make plays, I will do that.

Q: Do you physically feel back to where you were back in your heyday with the Giants?
A: Definitely. Physically, this is the best I have felt since my early career in New York. My last couple of years were rough for me, fighting through injuries and playing through them or whatnot. Right now I have been good. My body is feeling good. I have to keep working hard and making sure I am taking care of my body. Just have to keep on going. We have a lot of games left.

Q: What is the difference for you playing in Indianapolis compared to playing with the Giants?
A: Obviously it is a different offense than what I was in with New York underneath [former Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride]. I am still a receiver. I still line up all over the field. I run the plays that are called and I am a guy that is dependable, a leader and a veteran.

Q: How hard is it for you to take in the different kind of role since you are not playing the same kind of role you were earlier in your career? How big of a transition has that been for you?
A: There was a little bit of a transition, but like I said, I was a part of team where we won a championship and I feel like I keep those things with me. I don't let that mental part get to me. I just focus on [being] in this new situation and the chance that I have to prove to this organization and this team what I can bring to the table. I think that is what I look forward to each and every day.

Q: Did your few injury-plagued seasons teach you something about yourself that you have taken forward as far as the future goes?
A: Yes, definitely. It taught me how to go about things in the future if things like that were to come about. I take everything from the past and I learn from it. I don't really dwell on it. Take the good with the bad. It is life. There are going to be ups and downs. You take the good with the bad and, like I said, I look forward to continue to play this game that I love and compete each and every Sunday.

Q: What are your impressions of T.Y. Hilton?
A: T.Y. is a phenomenal player. He has great speed. He is a small guy who can get open in the slot and can actually take you deep, too, as well. T.Y. is a talented player. I enjoy playing alongside of him and I look forward to playing deep into the season with him.

Q: Do you see any similarities playing with Andrew [Luck] and Eli [Manning]?
A: They are different personalities. As far as quarterbacks, you can't really compare [them because] it is different offenses and different schemes. I was in a whole different scheme in New York than I am in here now. It is really tough to compare those guys, but the competitiveness in both is there and the will to win. Both are great quarterbacks.

Q: What is the difference personalit- wise?
A: Nothing that you can really put your hand on. You have to be around them to observe them. I am an observer, so after being around Eli for five years and seeing how he is and then being around Andrew for this year, they have different personalities. Eli is more laid back and quiet. Andrew is a little bit more outgoing. [He] interacts a little bit more. But as far as that, that is all I can say.