Head Coach Ben McAdoo
Short week to get ready for a well-coached Chicago team. They're hungry, they got their backs against the wall. We expect a great fight on Sunday afternoon. Defensively, they're well-coordinated, they're talented up front, they have a lot of length. They have two veteran linebackers who really gel everything together for them, two pickups in the off-season.
Tracy Porter leads a young and hungry secondary. Offensively, a Jay Cutler-led offense, you always have to be ready for explosive plays. We have a challenge ahead of us there. Up front, Josh Sitton has been a solid addition for them and helps pave the way for Jordan Howard.
Zach Miller has been productive at the tight end spot and he's always dangerous running down the middle of the field. And as we know, Eddie Royal is a good player for them in the slot. Special teams, they're well-disciplined and creative. Thompson and Royal are both dangerous in the return game.
Q: What have you seen from Leonard Floyd and how they've used him?
A: He's really coming into his own. He has a lot of nice length. They're using him as an edge player and outside linebacker or defensive end. They do drop him into coverage a little bit but he's getting his feet wet and he's coming on for them.
Q: What's it like to see a player like him on film that you might have considered at draft time?
A: He's a good player. He has a lot of length and he's learning to use that to his advantage. I saw a couple of plays, he had a nice play versus Green Bay on the caused fumble and a score.
Q: Obviously Alshon Jeffery won't be playing; how does that affect things?
A: They have plenty of talented playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Jay's always dangerous, going back to my years in Green Bay. He can really spin it, he can make every throw and we have to be ready for it.
Q: What do you tell some of your younger guys so as to avoid the "trap game" over the next two weeks?
A: There's no such a thing as a trap game. We have to be ready to play each and every week in this league. Especially this week, coming off of an emotional night game on Monday night. We have to make sure we're dialed in. We got everything we could out of today's practice. More of a jog through type mentality and tomorrow we have to squeeze everything out of Thursday.
Q: Did you like what you accomplished today and the attitude you saw from the players?
A: Everyone was dialed in today, yes.
Q: How is Victor Cruz feeling today?
A: That's a better question for Victor. But he was out here moving around.
Q: Adam Gettis was listed on the injury report, do you have an update on him?
A: He was moving around a little bit in the jog through but he and Brett, we'll have to evaluate as the week goes on.
Q: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie wasn't on there, he's good now?
A: Those guys we'll evaluate as the week goes on.
Q: With the production of the outside receivers in Cruz's absence, does that make you re-evaluate whether you'd like to limit his snaps a little bit?
A: No, we want to use all of our 46.
Q: Do you think you'll have either Gettis or Jones this week?
A: We'll see how the week goes.
Q: Do you have another guy that can step in and snap?
A: Yes. We have a few guys that can snap.
Q: When you guys added the talent that you did in the secondary, is this kind of play what you imaged when you put it together?
A: As far as?
Q: They're playing well, Landon Collins is making picks, Jenkins is shutting down receivers.
A: We have a lot of confidence in our secondary. Landon has really stepped it up. We have some corners that for sure we have confidence in. Some of them play more than others but even the guys who aren't getting a ton of snaps, we have a lot of confidence in
Q: What happened this offseason with Landon. Is there one reason that you think allowed him to make such a big improvement?
A: He's still a young player. He's growing. He's not a finished product. He still can get better and he will get better. He played a lot of reps as a rookie and that helps
Q: Is it much of a concern when you have guys on the offensive line and you don't know what their status is and you have to roll different guys in there and building that continuity?
A: No. It's my job to make sure that we put a plan in place that if everyone is healthy, we go out and play our game and if not, then we need to be able to adjust and improvise during the course of the game so we can adjust. Re: the production from the running game at the end of Monday night's game
A: It was a step in the right direction and that's what we need to do. We need to continue to improve, continue to take small steps and go forward.
Q: After scoring his first NFL touchdown this week, do you see Jerell Adams working his way into the 1st team this week?
A: Jerell has played quite a bit on the offense and on special teams and we're going to continue to work him in.
Q: Will you have your antenna up even more this week. It's the third straight home game, you're playing against a team with a losing record. Just spot signs of something you don't want creeping in?
A: Every week you play pros in this league and you have to be at your best. You can't exhale, can't get complacent. It's my job to make sure that doesn't happen.
Q: Do you have an update on Dwayne Harris? Is his toe injury a re-aggravation of the earlier one?
A: I'm not sure if it's a re-aggravation or not. I know if we were going to practice today, he would not have practiced.
Q: What went into the decision to flip Olivier Vernon back to the right side more?
A: It was a game plan decision.
Q: How much healthier is he?
A: That's a better question for OV.
Q: Did it play into it from your perspective at all?
A: Better question for OV.
Q: You said it's your job to make sure that thoughts about the Bears record or what they did last week doesn't creep into the players' minds. How do you prevent that as a coach?
A: You watch the film. They're better than their record. You can take their record and you can throw it out that window over there. It doesn't matter. You have to prepare for what you see on film. They're a dangerous offense and their defense is pretty dang good.
Q: Do you think that message is sinking in with the players?
A: Yes.
Q: How do you balance between having Super Bowl aspirations and not getting ahead of yourself?
A: We're all ambitious, that's why we're here. But at the same point in time, we're not going to win the Super Bowl this week; we're not going to do it today, we're not going to do it tomorrow, we're not going to do it on Sunday. So we need to prepare our best for this week against Chicago, be ready to go play a complete game.
Q: Shane Vereen was running pretty hard before the game on Monday. Are you close to making a determination with him?
A: As I stand right here today, no.
Q: Eli Manning, when he goes from a drive of 6 for 6 and a touchdown and he plays to some of the turnovers, do you want him to be himself and just be a little bit smarter with some of the decisions given the talent he has? How do you control...?
A: Turning the ball over, you don't ever want to turn the ball over making a poor decision. Does it happen? Yes. Now, missed throws, those are going to happen. You turn the ball over, you miss a throw, that's a part of the game. But decision making, we don't want to turn the ball over making poor decisions. We'll leave it at that.
Q: Is that how the second pick, the one to King, do you feel that was a poor decision?
A: Yeah, I'm not going to stand up here and grade the quarterback. I'm not going to do it.
Q: Is Roger Lewis going to see the same number of snaps that he was seeing before?
A: Roger will still get work but he needs to play better on special teams and play better on offense. We're still going to work him, he's going to learn from his mistakes and get better.
Q: How much did King earn himself more time with the way he played?
A: We'll see.
Q: You've had young players make mistakes and stuck with them, Adams, Apple. Is that something you've come to expect from young players?
A: It's like the Dow, it's development. It's not always going to go up. There are going to be ups and downs and you stick with them if they're working hard in practice and working to get better and they're learning. They're going to improve. It's not always going to improve. There'll be ups and downs in the process.
Q: How much do you feel it's beneficial to their development to make sure they're back out there the next game?
A: You have to show confidence in the players but obviously the more they play, the more they'll develop, the quicker they'll develop.
Q: You don't really have a doghouse, so to speak. Some of the coaches around the league might.
A: I don't have an answer for that.
Q: If Harris gets healthy, is he your punt returner and kick returner or do you like what Rainey did?
A: We have confidence in Rainey. He's done it before. Really, the series there at the end, to set up the last touchdown, he did a nice job fielding the punt. They missed a punt, he ended up going over and getting the ball to the 47-yard line. Did a nice job there. He'll be in the mix. QB Eli Manning
Q: It is a quick turnaround. You have Chicago coming in on Sunday, they're struggling. What do you see when you see them on tape?
A: I see a good defensive front and a good defensive line. They're getting a lot of sacks. Quarterbacks are having to move in the pocket a bunch. They do a good job of throwing the quarterbacks off rhythm. They've played good defensively all year. They have a good plan.
We've got to make sure we're sharp. It's going to be a tough game. We have to prepare for that, go out there on a short week and make sure we're preparing well. Everyone is learning the game plan. Today we had a walk through. Tomorrow is our one full speed practice and we have to take advantage of it.
Q: Ben was just talking about the difference between interceptions where the ball is just an errant throw and then interceptions that come from a poor decision. The second pick you threw the other day, how do you view that pass?
A: Just a bad pass. I don't think it was a terrible decision. He wasn't wide open but I think I had a chance to get it out there far enough to give him a shot. The ball did not go where I wanted it to. Try and get a shot. Thought if I threw a better ball, had a chance for it.
Q: Other than when Victor is out there, you guys have a lot of young receivers. How do you mesh and build chemistry with those guys?
A: Guys like Roger and TK, I've practiced with them all spring and all training camp. Got a bunch of reps with those guys, probably more than I did with Victor because of some of the injuries and different things he was dealing with. We work, we communicate, we talk a lot. We go through walk throughs and jog throughs. I test them. I give them different signals, checks and other things to make sure they know what they're doing and are prepared for everything. All of them are prepared and doing good things.
Q: Won four straight, do you have to talk to the other guys about a possible letdown?
A: No. We have to go about our business. I have to make sure I'm doing my part and getting myself prepared. Getting everyone prepared for what might occur. Get with the coaches and make sure we're all on the same page. You learn quickly in this league. If you don't prepare for the upcoming game, you're going to get embarrassed. I don't look at records. I look at Chicago's defense and I see a good defense. I see a good defensive line, good players, good scheme. They're going to have a good defensive scheme and we have to be prepared for it.
Q: How do you feel like you've done with ball security this year?
A: Obviously, we have some interceptions and we have to fix that. Have to make sure we're not turning the ball over and putting the defense in a bind.
Q: How difficult is it to have a Sunday game after a Monday Night game?
A: You just kind of miss a day of practice. You turn around quickly. Today, I thought we had a good, mental practice today. At this point, halfway through the season, we're not putting in a whole new offense. A lot of it is dressing up things. You have a few concepts but it's routes you've thrown and things you've done before. We'll know what we're doing. It's just being able to go out there and play good football.
Q: How do you feel it has been working Victor back in?
A: I think it's gone well. I think he's done a good job. Victor, I was comfortable with him outside. He's played outside before when we were in regular personnel in the old offense. He was outside. I've thrown all the routes with him. I think he's done a good job in his routes. Our timing has been on point.
Q: Were there hiccups on getting that back?
A: Sure. There's always hiccups. You have to work on things. You have two years off of football. He had to get back to being sharp on his routes, being disciplined and catching. It's always a work in progress and I think he's done really well.
Q: How do you think Tony Romo has handled himself and what can you say about him?
A: I didn't see the press conference but I heard about it. I thought it was a classy move by Tony. Good thing to try and end the talk and the speculation. Just go ahead and clear things out. I've always had a lot of respect for Tony but I thought it was a good move by him.
Q: How hard do you think that is?
A: I don't think it changes anything. He sees the situation. You have a young quarterback and Dak is playing great football. They're winning games. I guess he knows that you just don't mess with that.
Q: Did you feel for him?
A: You always feel for guys that are injured. To lose your spot because of injury is tough. Feel for him. I know Tony will do the right things and he'll be ready to play.
Q: Is that why you decided to never miss a start?
A: Yes, maybe. I don't want to lose my spot.
Q: Is it too early in the season to be looking at the scoreboard?
A: It doesn't do any good to look at the records. You have to win the next games. You have to be prepared to. We're in the situation that we are. All we can worry about is our record and what we can do every week. Unless you're getting to the last two games of the season where something might dictate something else, even at that point you still have to go out there and win the games. We have Chicago and we're preparing for Chicgao.
Q: You and Dallas each have three games to play before you play each other here and if you get one behind of them when you play, you would have a chance to take over the division lead. So you don't look at who they are playing and who you are playing?
A: No, you just have to worry about us.
Q: Do you have the freedom to change any play?
A: It is all kind of within the system. I am not picking plays out of a hat. It is all what I have been coached to do, what we talk about in the quarterback room and having a plan. Different looks, what things we want to get to, so we prepare for four minute situations, what looks they may give and what runs or passes or things they like versus certain things, so it is all being coached and talked about.
Q: So there is never a time where this is the play and you from that from hell or high water?
A: Well, there is some of that also. But there might be little tweaks, how you the change the blocking scheme or what not, but yeah there are some plays where they call it and you run it.
Q: You are one of the few players who has been here for a championship run. Are you starting to feel that with this team?
A: Well, just understand that it is fun. It is fun winning games, getting on win streaks and being in a situation where you feel like you are playing good football. These are exciting times. Hey, when you know every game does count, they all count, but when they count towards making the playoffs it is fun to be in these situations and looking forward to these next seven games.
Q: You are facing off against another veteran quarterback this Sunday. What have you seen from him?
A: I haven't watched much of the Chicago offense, but Jay has a big arm, strong arm, can make all the throws, can scramble around and is a smart guy. He is going to know what to do with the ball and so the defense has to be prepared for that. They like to push it down the field and he always was a good deep ball thrower, so we have to be prepared for those things.
Q: Does a dropped pass impact where your next throw is going to go?
A: No. It happens, it is part of football and it is like a missed throw. If I make a missed throw, it is not going to affect where I go the next time. If someone drops a pass, I usually try to go back to them fairly quickly if possible, but not forcing it, just keep going through the progressions.
Q: Is that to keep the receiver's confidence up?
A: Yeah and I usually go up to them on the sideline and obviously with a young guy you want to make sure – certain guys you know it is not going to bother them because they have been through it before. But a young guy, you want to try and just let them know, 'Hey, I am going to be coming back to you. We are going to hit a big one. Be ready.'
Q: Do you think this game is one that you have to remind everyone not to take anyone lightly?
A: You just have to be careful looking at record. They don't mean a whole lot. You look at games that they have played, they have played a lot of close games and I look at their defense. You look at their defense and you don't see that record. I see a talented front seven that is getting sacks, that has good scheme and a lot of offenses that are not moving the ball well on them, so I am preparing for that type of game where we have to play smart, protect the football and find ways to score points. I am expecting it to be a tough afternoon.
Q: Are you interested to see how this team handles this third home game in a row?
A: I am looking forward to the game. I don't try and overthink things. I try to prepare, go out there and try to play well and don't try to overthink things.
K Robbie Gould
Q: What is it going to be like facing your old team?
A: It is not too often that you get to play against a team that you have played for, for so long, but I have a lot of respect for those guys in that locker room and I know how talented they are.
Their record does not obviously show the type of team that they are, so we can't take them easy, and it is going to be a fun game. I think it will be a good game. I think they will be ready to play. I saw that Pernell McPhee already is excited to play against Eli Manning. You have got to love Pernell. I love him. He is one of my favorite teammates of all time.
Q: Are you adjusted to New York yet?
A: I love it here. Our fans are great. The organization has been awesome. I am starting to get settled in now to the area, to the team, to the schedule. The teammates and the guys in this locker room are great. They really get it. They play for one another, they play really hard, the coaching staff has come up with great game plans every week, and we have had a great opportunity to win a lot of games. Hopefully this winning streak continues this week, that would be nice.
Q: Is your family still out in Chicago?
A: My family comes in Friday. We have a very, very big crew coming in for this game and it will be fun. It is going to be exciting. There are going to be a lot of guys trying to talk to me or give me a hug or see me before the game and I have a lot of respect for them, like they have for me. It is going to be fun to see all of those guys, but at the end of the day, I hope we win and end up making a playoff run, which is what is comes down to.
Q: Is your family going to hang around or will they go back to Chicago?
A: They will hang around for a little bit. Obviously for the holidays, but I don't want to interrupt my kids' routine. They have swim lessons, activities that they are involved in, and for them, it is easier back in Chicago right now then it would be here.
So it is great because I can focus on football, I get to see them, and it is just one of those things that when you are rooted somewhere for so long this is just part of what the National Football League brings.
You get cut late in camp, you are waiting for the right opportunity, and this has been amazing to play for the Giants organization and get this opportunity with these guys in the locker room.
Q: It took a lot of the NFL by surprise when the Bears let you go. Did it surprise you?
A: Yeah, I didn't see it coming. Obviously, they cut me at nine o'clock at night on Sunday right before the first week, we never had conversations about that. I was preparing to play the Houston Texans, but they made a decision that my performance wasn't what they were looking for, and those are decisions that organizations get to make.
So for me, I am just excited to be in this locker room with a great group of guys, getting a chance to do what I love to do and do it to the best of my abilities and help the team win.
Q: John Fox said it was very difficult to release you. You didn't spend that much time with him, but what are your thoughts on him as a coach?
A: He is a great coach. Obviously he has a long list of wins under his belt. He has coached teams to Super Bowls. There are tough decisions that get made all the time and they made decisions that they had to make to make their team better, and it is just something that they did. I am not mad about it. I am not upset about it.
I had a great run there, and I hope we have a better run here Sunday than they do and realistically, I was talking to Coach McAdoo at practice, what do I have to be upset about? I got to play with one team for 11 years with a lot of great teammates, with a lot of good memories and they made a decision.
I am really happy here, I love being a Giant, I love being in the Giants organization and I have a lot of respect for the guys that are going to be across from me playing, so hopefully we come out with a win.
Q: 6-3 is better than 2-7.
A: That is right. That is right.
