Asst. Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka

MIKE KAFKA: We made the decision to switch out the quarterbacks. Those are tough decisions. Those are hard conversations. There's certainly a human element that goes along with really all the parties involved and so those aren't easy. I'd say, (quarterback) Drew (Lock) is going to remain the backup. He'll remain the backup and I have full confidence in Drew (Lock). He's done everything we've asked him. He's done a nice job, so if he has to go in there, we have full confidence that he'll be able to do that. I'm excited for (quarterback) Tommy (DeVito) and his opportunity within the offense to continue to grow, get better and take advantage of those opportunities that he'll have. Again, like I said, these are tough conversations. This is tough to talk about at these times of the year, but things that we're excited about with Tommy (DeVito) and the offense will continue to look at and improve. I really have nothing else to add other than what (Head Coach) Dabs (Brian Daboll) talked about, the how, when, where, why. All those things came up from what he talked about earlier this week. Our main focus is on Tampa and the offense and the defense that we're about to play. Those are the details that I'm mostly thinking about or that are on my mind at this point in the week. If anyone has any questions about Tampa, I'd gladly take those.

Q: If I could just ask you, as somebody who's played in the position before and probably been a part of some of those difficult conversations as a player, how difficult on (quarterback) Daniel (Jones) is this, in your opinion, as a guy that's been working closely with him for a while?

MIKE KAFKA: I don't want to speak for Daniel (Jones) on this. I know you guys have talked to him and I'm sure he's expressed his feelings about it, but my main focus is on Tampa.

Q: What do you expect to see from Tommy (DeVito) in terms of his development from the last time we saw him in a regular season game to where he's at now?

MIKE KAFKA: I think you'll see some growth. I think you'll see a lot of growth. He's certainly another year in the system, another year in the offense. He's getting better at just the little things, those details. Talking about protections, demonstrating at the line of scrimmage with his hands, setting the defense, getting guys lined up, talking to those guys, communicating, not just on the field but then off the field, on the sideline in between series. All that growth has really been picking up and you can see it has happening in the meeting rooms as he's talking to guys this week. It happening on the field, on the practice field, and that will just continue to get better.

Q: How do you allow the relationship between (wide receiver) Malik (Nabers) and Tommy (DeVito) now to flourish? You're starting from square one pretty much, right?

MIKE KAFKA: I don't think so. They've been teammates here this whole season, so it's not like the first time they were talking to each other was yesterday. I think they're good friends. I think they're good buddies. I think as they just continue to talk more on the field, talk about certain routes and the timing of those things, whether they're talking about it or repping it out on a different field, I think all those things will add up and will continue to add up.

Q: Did that factor into the equation, the fact that Tommy (DeVito) really didn't work with the first team at all and that it would be different to get time on task with those guys?

MIKE KAFKA: That's the importance of practicing. This week is getting on the same page with everybody and talking about it. We talk about it all year, about ball placement and timing and rhythm and all those things and tying the pass game together with the quarterback, receivers, and really the whole skill group. That's been the emphasis this week in practice.

Q: You've had 10 games of film that you can watch on Tampa. Do you expect them to change things just because you've changed quarterbacks?

MIKE KAFKA: There's certainly an element of the unknown where (Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach) Todd (Bowles) has been coaching in this league a long time. I was with him in Philly (Philadelphia) when I was a player. He's a heck of a football coach and they have a great staff. I'm sure there will be a couple of wrinkles we haven't seen on tape yet. He always has those in his back pocket, but we've got to be able to watch the tape and study. They have some core things that they like to do. We have to make sure we're dialed into those.

Q: One of the core things that Todd (Bowles) is known for is sending people…

MIKE KAFKA: The stats are there with the pressures and the fronts.

Q: Do you expect though, particularly with Tommy (DeVito) being in there, to have more of an emphasis on that?

MIKE KAFKA: I don't know how much higher of a pressure… He has a pretty high percentage of pressure. If he's going to bring more, we've just got to be dialed into it. I think our guys will be prepared. Our coaches are doing a heck of a job. We just went through a red zone and third down install that we feel really good about. We'll go out today and practice it and rep it and then make any corrections we need to.

Q: What was your input on quarterback change?

MIKE KAFKA: All those discussions that we had during the bye, leading up to the week, we certainly talked about them as a staff. I'll just keep those in-house with Dabs (Brian Daboll). If you have any questions, you can hit Dabs (Brian Daboll) on those.

Q: Were there any conversations during the bye week about your role evolving, whether it's getting back involved in the play calling or doing something different?

MIKE KAFKA: My role is to stay the same and I'm going to continue to do the best I can to help the offense.

Q: How did (running back) Tyrone (Tracy Jr.) handle the disappointment of the fumble and coming back from that?

MIKE KAFKA: That's what I love about Tyrone (Tracy Jr.), he's really hard on himself. He wants to do the right thing every time. Obviously, he was hurt about it and he took it personal. You like to see that from a young player, taking ownership of it. When it comes down to it, it wasn't just one play. There's a bunch of plays that we'd like to have back within that game. I know it will make him better for it.

Q: Did that impact at all how you'll use him? Snap counts and situations you put him in?

MIKE KAFKA: I don't see any change in that.

Q: When you went back and looked at the offense in the first half of the season, you're 32nd in points per game. What did you come away thinking and what did you see?

MIKE KAFKA: There was a lot of positives that we talked about over the bye. Ten-plus play drives, we are top three in the league. Time of possession, we're doing really well with that. We are having sustaining drives, but when we get into the red zone, we're just falling short or turning the ball over. Those are the things that we've got to improve on. It's not just one position. Everybody's a part of that.

Q: With the change at quarterback and the idea of now you have a quarterback who's got to get used to the line and the receivers, does it also help you guys as a whole group, I don't want to say start from square one, but maybe hit on details that over the course of the first 10 games you didn't because you're just practicing for the next game? Maybe you find certain things that maybe you didn't attack as well or as consistently as you did?

MIKE KAFKA: I'd say each quarterback's a little bit different. They communicate in a little bit different way, so it's getting everyone on the same page. Sure, there's going to be details that we need to make sure we hit for certain plays or certain players. Those are things that we looked at. We dug down deep during the bye week to make sure we can get those corrections and show it to the players in bite-sized increments so that they can understand it and then go and improve on it.

Q: How do you feel Daniel (Jones) being the #4 (quarterback) and not the #3?

MIKE KAFKA: I'll let Dabs (Brian Daboll) talk about the depth chart and those type of things. But whatever Dabs (Brian Daboll) wants to go with, that's what we'll do.

Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen

Q: So how do you fit three outside linebackers into two?

SHANE BOWEN: Yeah, it's a good problem to have. Obviously with (outside linebacker) Azeez (Ojulari) coming on and the impact he's been able to have for us, he's earned the opportunity to play. So, it's really good getting (outside linebacker) Kayvon (Thibodeuax) back out there, seeing him going back through it, kind of see where it progresses with him this week, see where we're at come Sunday. But optimistic with him, and we'll see where it goes. But it's a good problem to have.

Q: Will he have a snap count?

SHANE BOWEN: I am not sure. I think we'll see kind of where the week goes with that. But I don't have a number for you right now.

Q: Did you spend your bye week concentrating on the run defense, that side of it?

SHANE BOWEN: Yeah, I mean you look at everything. You go back and watch it all just to kind of see what you're doing. But, yeah, the explosive runs, like it's an area we've got to improve and it's three to four runs a game. And then you've got another 20-22 that you feel pretty good about. So, we've got to do a good job finding ways to eliminate those, making sure we're tackling, making sure we're fitting things appropriately, playing with fundamentals, being where we're supposed to be, getting off blocks and making sure we're getting to the football. So, it's a myriad of things that kind of showed up. As you go back and watch, I think there were 33 running back ones that were explosive, which is too many. And really, that's what's setting us back behind everything. So, I mean just the percentages, over 85 percent of the snaps you feel pretty good. It's 2.5 per rush, that's really good run defense. And then you get these explosives in there, and it just kind of escalates everything. So, we've got to make sure we do a good job of eliminating those and minimizing those. Like you might give up a 10-12-yarder, but let's not turn that thing into 25 or 30.

Q: Has there been a common denominator to those?

SHANE BOWEN: There hasn't. It's been sporadic. I think it's been different guys in different spots at different times. So, I think tackling is the one thing that shows up. Yards after contact, we're towards the bottom of the league just in yards per carry. What teams are getting after contact. We've missed too many tackles. I think that's contributed. And then just fit understanding, making sure where we're supposed to be and not jumping under, not jumping outside until that ball declares.

Q: You mentioned those factors a lot, but personnel-wise, did you make changes there to see if maybe just another guy would do a better job?

SHANE BOWEN: I think it's just continuing to focus on our fundamentals, like the tackling, making sure we work it everyday ad nauseam, but that's got to be something we continue to improve. And again, like obviously not doing it enough if it's not showing up on Sunday. So, it's just something we've got to continue to emphasize and work on. And I think the other big part of it is just getting off blocks, like making sure we're shedding. It's one thing we've got to make sure we're where we're supposed to be when the ball is still back there to go wherever, but at some point, we've got to be able to shed and show up and make some plays.

Q: Is there any advantage with the bye week versus, like you said, day-to-day you're drilling, you're grinding, you're grinding for that next game? The idea that is there a reset that can be made where the guys come back to the practice field on Monday and you can kind of wipe the slate clean a little bit and say, 'okay, we're just going to go back to what we need to do and get rid of habits', or is it really just more of the same?

SHANE BOWEN: I think it's definitely you change your emphasis; you find ways to recreate the situations they're finding themselves in on Sundays as best you can as a coach. Hopefully we're evaluating that week-to-week in terms of the drills we're doing. But I think just with the extra time and being able to have them in the meeting room, you can really go through and show all the things consecutively where on a normal week you're really coaching off one game. You're coaching off the previous game and then you're kind of on to the next. So, it gives you some time to dive back through where the players can see the bulk of it instead of just a certain instance on the Sunday previously. So, there's a little bit more focus I guess that you're able to get out of it.

Q: What have you seen from (Buccaneers quarterback Baker) Mayfield and what he brings?

SHANE BOWEN: Yeah, he's having a really good year. Again, the ability to create is always there with him, to extend plays, to scramble, he's going to take the open lanes. If those are there, he's doing a good job distributing, getting the ball in guys' hands. They've done a really good job after the catch. I think their perimeter players, running backs, they've all done a really good job after the catch. He's going to take his shots; he's going to find ways to get it to (Buccaneers wide receiver Mike) Evans down the field. We understand that. But I think he's comfortable in the system and it shows. Knowing where to go with the ball, he's including everybody. So, it's going to be a big challenge for us. He's playing at a really high level right now. I think he's top five in just about every category quarterback-wise. He's got a lot of weapons. I think the two backs, how they utilize them, not only in the run game but also in the passing game with the screens and some of that stuff, they've got a lot of ways they can attack you.

Q: Dexter Lawrence can't play every single snap. If I remember correctly, last game he was on the bench to start the third quarter coming out of the 20-minute halftime break. Why did he need a breather there?

SHANE BOWEN: Yeah, I think we do a good job trying to manage throughout the game where those snaps are accounted for. (Defensive Line Coach Andre Patterson) Dre does a really good job of handling that and just making sure we got these guys fresh at the fourth quarter when it matters most, especially when a lot of these games are coming down to the wire. That game, you go back and look, it was four drives there at the end where we had to get stops and we were able to. So just trying to manage throughout the game a little bit with him so we're fresh in the fourth. Obviously, we want him out there every snap. I wish he could play 100 percent. I would never take him off the field if I could. But to be able to get him at his best, we've got to find some spots to rotate other guys in.

Q: (Inside linebacker) Bobby Okereke is really important to this defense, but it doesn't feel like he's had the impact maybe that he could have. What are you seeing from him and maybe how can you get more out of Bobby?

SHANE BOWEN: Yeah, I think he's done a good job overall, I really do. I think he's continuing to play downhill, trying to find ways to pick his moments when to trigger and get downhill and be a little bit more assertive downhill. But he's physical when he does. You feel him on those linemen, taking those guys on. I think just continue to evolve in the passing game where we can find ways to utilize his length. Zone coverage, it's between him and some of these other longer players. They can take up a lot of space without really being in a lot of places, just because of their length and their vision. So, continue to evolve some of that where we can use him that way and take advantage of some of his length and ball production that he's had.

Q: As a defensive coordinator, does a quarterback change affect you at all?

SHANE BOWEN: I mean, no. I think we've got to make sure we're focused on us and controlling what we can control. We've got plenty to worry about defensively, especially with this cast coming in. I think the biggest thing for coaching staffs, for players, you support all your teammates, whether they're playing or not. You're going to ride behind whoever's in there. You're going to support the guys who aren't in there just the same because, again, they could be in there at any moment. That's football. Being a good teammate, making sure you're supporting one another, encouraging one another, and ultimately, we've got to do our part. We've got to do our part to help whoever's on that side of the ball. We've got to do our part, get some takeaways, another area we struggled with. It's another way we can help the offense, too.

Q: Anything you're doing differently? We only get to see the first ten minutes in practice. Have you added more ball-stripping drills or anything at all you're doing to change this weekend?

SHANE BOWEN: Yeah, I think making a bigger emphasis to show them opportunities. I mean going back through the opportunities that we've missed to attack the ball. I think the one that's glaring to me is with all the sack production and the pressure production, not being able to get it (the ball) off the quarterback. Quarterbacks are the number one fumblers in the NFL year after year. So, when you get opportunities to get it off them and you're back there, making sure we don't miss opportunities to get it off the quarterback because we've missed a handful where we should have been able to get it off the quarterback.

Q: How do you explain one pick? Have you been around something like that before?

SHANE BOWEN: I wish I had an explanation because then I could probably have a solution. I think we just got to make them when we have chances. There's a couple that we haven't made when we've had some chances to get them. Continue to make sure we take advantage of our opportunities when we're in vision and break zone type coverages. You play man, it gets hard. Again, the main objective of man coverage is to make sure your guy doesn't catch the ball. So, when you're in those man coverages, it gets a little hard because you're focused on driving and closing space, and you've got to play through the hands a little bit more where you don't have as much vision to break on some throws. I think the batted balls show up, that's an area we've done decent at, but being able to get some more batted balls, get some tipped passes in the air that we can come down with and ultimately making sure we continue to affect the quarterback. That's forcing them to make some errant throws, some quicker decisions with the football when he might not be ready to and hopefully in the right spot and we can make the plays when they're there. I'm searching just like you right now. We're looking, trying to find ways to where we can create some more turnovers.

Q: When you're showing the clips of getting to the quarterback and emphasizing that, what are you pointing out that they can do better and what do you want to see from them?

SHANE BOWEN: Yeah, I think just attacking the ball. There's been a few where a lot of times that quarterback doesn't feel that guy, especially on the edge. Whether he's coming from behind. There were a couple where we were coming frontal on him, and he's got it there and he doesn't really see us, and we don't attack it. So, making sure there's a ball emphasis. Again, you talk out both sides of your mouth because this week we're telling them the same thing. Baker's strong in the pocket. He's going to try to avoid. Make sure you're able to stay on your feet. You can't lunge at the dude. But at the same time, if the ball's there or if I'm trying to reach from the backside, don't miss opportunities to use our length, be long and try to swat down on the ball at his arm, at his elbow, whatever that might be, to see if we can dislodge the ball.

Special Teams Coordinator Michael Ghobrial

Q: How was the bye week for you?

MICHAEL GHOBRIAL: It was good. It was a good opportunity, obviously, to look through the first 11 weeks of not only trends in the NFL, but certain units and how we need to approach it moving forward. Certain strengths that we have, certain challenges that we have. Maybe it's a personnel technique that we got to tweak. It's very telling when you look at the culmination of every game as how teams are attacking you and how you're attacking them. I think that's critical when you are composing a game plan because you want to make certain that you're breaking tendencies, but you're also being sound and you're improving your technique and obviously production and scheme.

Q: You had both (kicker) Graham (Gano) and (punter) Jamie (Gillan) coming back from injuries last game. What did you see from them and how much more progress have they made at this point?

MICHAEL GHOBRIAL: I think they were ready come Germany. I think they'll be the first to tell you that that game specifically wasn't up to their standard and our standard in general. So, I know they want to do better and I know they will do better. They've had a good week of practice to make sure that they do. I know we're excited as an organization to have our two specialists back.

Q: Where's Graham (Gano) at in regards to range? Are you back to where he was pre-injury or are you still managing, 'Ok, he's still coming back from an injury,' type deal?

MICHAEL GHOBRIAL: In his first game back, we felt that he was back to normal, so his normal range. We, obviously, wouldn't have put him out there if we didn't think that he had the ability, if we had to necessarily condense his range, in that regard. So, we feel like he's ready to go this game as well, just back to normal. He's excited to do so.

Q: I feel like there was a kick early on, maybe it was even the first drive, that there was a chance to kick a long field goal with him. What was your input on that? You thought he was good from 55-yards or whatever it was at the time?

MICHAEL GHOBRIAL: We have lots of discussions as coaches in terms of what we're trying to get accomplished in a drive when we get into plus territory. That, obviously, fluctuates in terms of situation in the game, what's the opponent's strengths and what's the opponent's weaknesses. So, that's always going to be fluid. But, like I've said in the past, when we're sent out there, the expectation is we've come up with a yard line and we're expected to make the kick. So, whether it's a 60-yarder, whether it's a 50-yarder or a bunny inside the 20, we'll be ready to go.

Q: When you're studying what to prepare for Tampa Bay, I would imagine you watch a lot of Giants film and talk to your guys about their units and what schemes they like. How much have they changed with (Tampa Bay Buccaneers Special Teams Coordinator) T-Mac (Thomas McGaughey) being down there now instead of the stuff they did here?

MICHAEL GHOBRIAL: Whenever I prepare for an opponent, I always look at, obviously, where the coordinator has been and certain things. Taking a peek at what they've done in the past here with the Giants, that's big. But, you also have to see how they're utilizing their personnel because the personnel is different. In this league, obviously, it's meant to showcase your personnel. So, there's a heavy emphasis, like any opponent, to see what he does, but how he's featuring certain personnel. Are there similarities to what he's done in the past? Some. But, at the end of the day, it is different being with new players.

Q: I have a big picture question. Totally unrelated to the Giants. When do you think, as I watched the games last week, it just seemed like 55, 60, 58-yard field goals are like no bother and you're like expected to make those. When do you think that changed and why? Because when I was growing up, that wasn't the case.

MICHAEL GHOBRIAL: I think the athletes continuously grow and get better. I think because of young players coming up in this game and being able to watch attributes of a pro and being able to fine tune things and learn from tape, I think you have a more fine tuned athlete than you had in the past. So, these guys are learning from some of the best and that continuously raises the bar. It's no different than a track runner breaking a record and how that's always raising the bar in terms of that. So, these kickers are getting stronger. They're getting more accurate. In that regard, I think it will continue to rise slightly.

Quarterback Daniel Jones

DANIEL JONES: I wrote something down just to make sure I say it the right way. The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true and I'm extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here. The Giants are truly a first-class organization, and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who have built it and who helped carry on that tradition. I've met so many special people and created relationships that will truly last a lifetime. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches and staff that have done so much for me these past six years. There have been some great times but, of course, we all wish there had been more of those. I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win more games worse than me, and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation. Of course, this season has been disappointing for all and, of course, I wish I could have done more. I'm 100% accountable for my part. I did not play well enough, consistently enough to help the team get the results. The reality of the NFL is it's hard to win games and it requires consistent performance from everyone involved. We didn't do that well enough. So, the idea to change something happens and I understand. I love the game. I love being part of a team. I'm excited for the next opportunity. I know that there's a lot of good football in front of me and I'm excited about that. To all the fans, I have deep respect and appreciation for your passion and love for the Giants. The fans are a huge part of what makes playing for the Giants so special. Thank you.

Q: That was written in the past tense. Are you planning to be with the team for the rest of the year?

DANIEL JONES: I think I'm still processing and, for now, I'm doing the best I can to help (quarterback) Tommy (DeVito) prepare, help the team prepare. That's what I'm going to do right now. So, processing that. Obviously, a decision was made and I'm not playing. That's what that was framed as.

Q: Did (Head Coach) Dabs (Brian Daboll) and (Senior Vice President and General Manager) Joe (Schoen) give you the choice to stick around or not? And is that something you're processing? Is that something that you'll decide on?

DANIEL JONES: I think that's, like I said, something I'm processing. Right now, my focus is on how I can help all these guys, help Tommy, help all these guys prepare for this week.

Q: You used strong words like 'responsibility' and 'accountability.' Are you blaming yourself for a lot of this stuff?

DANIEL JONES: I'd say football's a team game, certainly. But the quarterback is a big piece of that, and I understand that. For my part and my piece of it, I take responsibility.

Q: What factors will you weigh in deciding whether to continue to come out here and be at practice or to leave the team?

DANIEL JONES: I think first you think about what's best for the team and how you can help. And then myself, and what's best for my situation going forward.

Q: People ask that question in terms of possibly just leaving this team and going home. Did you think of asking for a release so you can catch on with another team before the season ends?

DANIEL JONES: Like I said, I'm still processing and trying to think through what the best thing is for this team and what the best thing is for me. But, like I said, my focus right now is on this team.

Q: Were you surprised when Dabs (Brian Daboll) told you this decision? Or did you, after the game in Munich, think it might be coming?

DANIEL JONES: I think it's maybe a little bit in the back of your mind. But I was so focused on what I needed to do to prepare and to play that game. Then obviously after the game, you're just disappointed and you're reviewing what happened.

Q: When you spoke to Joe and Brian on Monday, how much did the injury guarantee factor into the equation on their end?

DANIEL JONES: That was a piece of the conversation, for sure. I wanted to play. I wanted to play badly and do what I could to play. I think it was a part of it. Most of those discussions took place with my agents and Joe.

Q: What did they tell you about the reason why they decided to make this decision?

DANIEL JONES: Well, I think, obviously, we're 2-8 and that's not where we want to be. They're looking to change things up. That was what was communicated.

Q: What was your overriding emotion? Were you ticked off about it? Did you understand? How would you describe it when you got the news?

DANIEL JONES: Definitely not happy about it. Not what you want to hear. All those emotions you have. At the end of the day, this is football and we're in a business where you're expected to get results, and we weren't doing it. You've got to accept it and understand.

Q: Just back to the injury guarantee, would you waive it? If they said, 'Hey, we'll stick with you if you waive the injury guarantee?'

DANIEL JONES: I wanted to play. I want to play. I want to be on the field. I tried to do as much as I could to make that possible and create a situation where we were both comfortable. Most of those discussions went on with my agent and with Joe. I want to play. I want to be on the field. But it's the unfortunate business side of the game, too.

Q: Do you think that Joe and the front office showed you the appropriate amount of respect this year? We saw him, caught on camera, telling the Bears GM, 'It must be nice not to have to look for a quarterback.' How do you process that when you're trying to go out and win and there's a search going on for other QBs and you hear those types of comments?

DANIEL JONES: This is the NFL. My job is to prepare and play and play well. That's what you focus on, you try to focus on. Building a team, being part of it, being the leader as the quarterback and getting everybody going in the right direction. You try to ignore anything that distracts from that and takes away from that. That's your job as a quarterback is to do that.

Q: What have you thought of how little they've had you do out here in practice, what have you thought of that?

DANIEL JONES: Well, I've got the injury guarantee. So, that's that. I understand it. they don't want to take any risks. At that point, it's just do as you're told.

Q: When you step back, and I know it's fairly soon this week, but do you feel like you've been given enough of a chance in the five-plus years here? Do you feel like you've had enough of a chance to prove that you're a franchise quarterback? You can win here, and you haven't. When you look back at that, how do you feel your opportunity has been here?

DANIEL JONES: Obviously there have been difficulties we've all had, and I've had my piece in that, for sure. At the end of the day, we didn't get it done together. It's a team, it's the ultimate team game and you need everybody playing well together consistently. Doing that week after week and then year after year and we weren't able to do that. Like I said, I take full responsibility for my piece of it.

Q: What has it meant to you to represent those guys in the locker room, to represent this franchise, to represent this fan base?

DANIEL JONES: It's been a tremendous honor to be a part of this organization, to represent the Mara and Tisch families, it's a first-class organization. I've met a lot of great people here and then created a lot of great relationships, especially with teammates and guys I've played with, and it's been a real honor to be a part of it.

Q: Not to take anything away from Tommy, because the guys are supporting him, but what does it mean to you that players like (defensive lineman) Dex (Dexter Lawrence II), (wide receiver) Darius (Slayton), and other guys are standing up and saying either, 'We don't agree with this,' or 'We still believe Daniel would give us the best chance to win?'

DANIEL JONES: Like I said, I've created a lot of great relationships here with the guys here and definitely appreciate the support. But, it's about the team and what's best for the team. I know the guys will be ready to go. I know Tommy will be ready to go this week.

Q: Have you thought much about what's next for you in terms of opportunities? You look across the field this weekend and (Buccaneers quarterback) Baker Mayfield is a guy who's been around the league a little bit. He's having success now. Have you thought a little bit about the future?

DANIEL JONES: I think I'm still trying process this and what's best for the team, what's best for me and then make a decision on that going forward. I'm confident in my ability, a lot of good football ahead, and I'm excited for that.

Q: You seem to be very, very emotional right now. Is this still hitting you as hard as it did on Monday or as it's marinating a little bit is it becoming more difficult?

DANIEL JONES: No, I think you handle it and move on and accept it. I'm good and understand. I'm looking forward to the next step and trying to do what I can to help the team.

Wide Receiver Malik Nabers

Q: What was your reaction when you found out you're going to have a new quarterback?

MALIK NABERS: Reaction was just rally around (quarterback Tommy) DeVito, still support (quarterback Daniel Jones) DJ as much as possible. But rally around DeVito and it's a new game. New game plan, we got to get some reps in. So that was really my main focus, was just getting some reps with him, making sure we prepare for the game this Sunday.

Q: What's your relationship like with Tommy? You haven't probably taken a bunch of reps with him until this week?

MALIK NABERS: I took a couple of reps with him during camp. I know he got a steamer for an arm, so I got some catches with him after practice. Relationship with me and DeVito is cool. We talk, play the game, so we got a good relationship.

Q: He was a sensation here and around the NFL last year when you were at LSU. Did any of that make its way to you at LSU? Did you hear about the young kid with the Giants who was kind of making waves in the NFL?

MALIK NABERS: No, sir, I never really watched a lot of NFL games at the time. I was still watching college. But when I got here, a few people in the locker room when the decision was made, they told me how last year he came in and did some great things when DJ got hurt. So, I'm hoping he can go back to where he left off and continue to do what he's done around here.

Q: How hard is it to try to establish chemistry with the quarterback after basically only a week of getting consistent reps together?

MALIK NABERS: I don't think it's really hard. I mean at the end of the day, it's still throw the football, catch the ball. So, I get open pretty well, I create a lot of separation. So, I'm sure he's going to be able to see me on different routes. When I get open, he's going to be able to deliver the ball.

Q: What have you observed about his skill set from kind of just watching him since training camp?

MALIK NABERS: His intentions with the ball is precise. He's able to deliver the ball before you get out your break. So (Head Coach Brian) Daboll told me, 'Make sure you get your head around pretty fast because the ball's going to be coming'. So that's my main focus is just getting my head around. He's going to throw the ball before I get out of my break. So just having that as a quarterback for anticipation for him to throw the ball before you get out your break. So that's what we need.

Q: What was your bye week like? And I assume there was a little bit of a reset for you, but what are your goals now for the last seven games for your rookie year?

MALIK NABERS: I would say finish strong, finish as strong as possible. I had a good time just going back home, get my mind off football. So, now that I'm back here, it's continue to still finish off strong. Doesn't matter what the record is, doesn't matter how things are going. We still got to finish off strong leading to the next year.

Q: Did you focus on things in your game that you said, 'you know what, over these next two months, this is where I want to be when the season ends'?

MALIK NABERS: Yeah, I mean I set all these goals at the beginning of the season. Some have changed. I set new goals for the second half of the season. I'm not going to put that out here, but I definitely set goals for half of the season.

Q: Daniel Jones was your first NFL quarterback. What are you feeling for him right now?

MALIK NABERS: We still got to be around DJ. He's still in the building. He's still a quarterback. The coaches made a tough decision to go with Tommy. We can only rally around Tommy. Still look after the DJ, he's still one of our quarterbacks. So, we're not going to just throw him under the bus. We still going to be around him, lean on him, and stuff like that.

Q: What was this decision like for you as a receiver and just kind of processing this change?

MALIK NABERS: I mean it was quick. We all came in, we all shared the same emotions, I feel like as a team. But like I said before, rally around. We got a new quarterback that's starting. We can only support him. It's his first time playing a game in I don't know how many weeks since last year, but we only can support him. Give him the confidence to go out there and do what he knows how to do.

Q: What's the team's morale going into the second half of the season?

MALIK NABERS: We continue to fight strong. (Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux) Tibs is still being a leader that he's always been, making sure we're ahead of our game. We're still fighting strong.

Q: How much actually changes for you guys as receivers? Does the offense look differently in your mind? Does your job change that much

MALIK NABERS: No, I feel like as a receiver, it's getting some extra catches with him after practice. Everybody has a different arm. Everybody throws the ball different. So, it's just trying to get up with the speed of his ball. And that's really it, as a receiver, you're always going to get open. If we can get open as smooth as possible so you can have a spot to throw the ball, we're going to be pretty good.

Q: Do you think you can establish chemistry fairly quickly with Tommy?

MALIK NABERS: I mean I can establish chemistry with anybody, I think. I'm able to get open, I'm able to create separation. So, I mean that's a plus for him for sure. He's comfortable throwing me the ball.

Q: What qualities do you look for in a quarterback? What qualities do you want from the guys giving you the ball?

MALIK NABERS: I mean, I don't want anything, I just want the ball. As long as you can give me the ball, then we good.

Q: You're going to be here a long time, obviously. Does it concern you that the future of the quarterback position, which is relying on your successes, your success is tied to, is uncertain now going forward?

MALIK NABERS: No. Like I said before, as long as we can give me the ball, I should be able to make something happen with it.

Q: You said it was a tough decision, is it one you agree with? I know you have to deal with it, you have to kind of play with it, but is it one you agree with?

MALIK NABERS: I mean it's not my decision. I can't agree to disagree because it's not my decision. The only thing I can do is still go out there and run my routes, catch the ball, try to score as many touchdowns as I can.

Q: Can you tell us any of your goals for the second part of the season?

MALIK NABERS: I'm not going to tell them out here.

Q: Do you think they're scheming up enough targets for you early in games? Seems like it's taking a lot to get you the ball. Once it happens, it happens. Feels like the first quarter, it's not been happening.

MALIK NABERS: I mean Dabs has all his plays that he wants to run. Last game, we were trying to move the ball on the run game, make the secondary come down so we have enough plays for play action. So that's his scheme, that's our scheme as offense. We only can just do what he wants us to do. If the targets happen in the second half, then they happen in the second half. I'm getting the ball, that's all I want is to get the ball. I'm receiving the ball, I think I've been leading the rookies in targets and reception, so I can't say I haven't been getting the ball because I've been getting the ball, it's just second half, that's what it is.