Defensive Coordinator James Bettcher
Opening Statement:
Starting back in April, I think we sat in as coaches and defensively, you start to try to formulate what your vision is for how you want things to go. And I stood here, same place back then and talked about what we were hoping to accomplish during the offseason was to build a mindset in our defensive room. And that doesn't happen unless players buy in, players believe. That doesn't happen unless guys are willing to come and be here and be present when it's voluntary. And that's one thing I can say about our guys here, is our players have had their hands in the pile, they've been working extremely hard. You'll ask me probably about multiple guys and the common theme that I'm going to say about all these guys is they've been working their butts off. They've been working extremely hard and we've asked a lot of them as they've been here. Both from a mental standpoint, and really, from an effort standpoint on the field. It's building that, as I've said it before, that relentless mindset of how we're going to work in the classroom, how we're going to work outside the building, how we're going to work in a walkthrough period at practice and how we're going to take that over to team periods in practice. And I've loved that about our guys and I think we made some great progress to this point. I think all of us, I think everyone that's a Giants fan, everyone in our building, we're all excited to get to training camp and put some pads on and play some real football. So, with that, any questions that you have.
Q: How do you feel about the pass rush? Where do you think some of that will come from?
A: I think some of that will just come as we get into it. Finding what some of the strengths of the guys that we have on the field and trying to put those guys in the best possible position. OV [defensive end Olivier Vernon], we know is a dynamic guy. A guy that can rush from different angles, a guy that you can move around and put in different matchups. And he's embraced everything that we've done to this point. I've loved working with him and I think he's making some great progress, not just in this scheme, but I think as I've looked at him as a player, he's sharpening his tools right now. Some of the other guys that I think can give us some impact would be guys that have a chance to win one-on-one matchups, or our guys that we can bring from different angles. And at times, if we have to, change who the fourth rusher is. At times maybe bring five or six. Whatever we would need to do.
Q: How do you feel about your three linemen up front, the two young guys and Damon Harrison in the middle?
A: Yeah, from a young guys' standpoint, I think B.J.'s (Hill) really coming along. I'm really excited with where he's at right now. Again, another guy excited to get his pads on, excited to see how we play in the run game when we get to training camp and have some padded practices. We know it's going to start with the run game and if we're going to be good in the run game, it's going to start with those interior guys up front. All three of those guys that you mentioned have done a great job for us and I think [defensive end] Kerry Wynn has had a really, really good offseason and excited to see him in pads. [Defensive end] Josh [Mauro], [defensive tackle A.J.] Francis, the list can go on,[defensive tackle] Robert [Thomas]. I'm going to leave guys out if I keep going. But I'll say this: I'm excited about where that group is at right now, but more importantly I'm excited about putting some pads on and seeing where we're really at.
Q: Do defensive tackles B.J. Hill and Dalvin Tomlinson have pass rush skills in their game?
A: I do think so. I do think so. And one of the things when we drafted B.J., that was part of us selecting him because we thought he has a potential to be a three-down player. Whether that's a middle push guy, whether that's a guy that can beat some guards and create some disruption for either edge players, or edge pressure guys. Dalvin's the same kind of player. Has some slipperiness to him, has the ability to get on edges. Excited to get to – again, I keep saying that, but I'm anxious to get to training camp to really see where some of that's at. But I do expect those guys to be able to help us.
Q: Looking through the middle of the defense, with defensive tackle Damon Harrison, linebacker Alec Ogletree and safety Landon Collins, how does that stack up and how important is it?
A: You just said three Pro Bowl players that are potential All Pros that I think all three of those guys can still play at the highest levels of their careers. Shoot, that's one of the reasons you want to run this defense and have a chance to coach this defense, is the first and last guy you said when you looked at who was here, and guys that are playmakers. Snacks [Harrison] being a guy that can win – we went and looked initially, all the one-on-ones that he had in the run game, and there wasn't anyone that blocked him one-on-one in the run game. And I think what he'll find and what we'll find is we'll be able to get him some one-on-ones. Whether that's matched up on a center, on a guard, we'll be able to get him some one-on-ones in the run game. And Alex has done an outstanding job. He's growing into the leadership role of this defense. And you know, that always happens over time, especially when you're putting a new system in because everyone's really worried about their wheelhouse, their box, their responsibility and all that other stuff comes when we get to training camp and we start playing for real.
Q: What is the difference between the defensive pressure of your defense versus others?
A: I think the thing that we focus on, however and whenever we're coming, is that it's about beating your man. If there's anything that we focus on and talk about, it's about lining up over the guy you're going to play against. And you might be moving down to that guy to rush against him. You might be a safety blitzing and on a back, you might be a safety on a tackle. There's going to be different guys in different situations that are going to have one-on-ones. As much as you talk about one-on-ones on the perimeter in the pass game, covering your man, there's other guys that have to win too to help those guys out. And if we're going to be any good as a pressure team, we're going to have to win some of those one-on-ones inside, not just outside on the perimeter.
Q: Are you putting somewhat more responsibility on the players, saying we are going to put you here, and now it's up to you?
A: Well, I think that's the game, though. I think the game is our players win games in this league. And I love that about these guys, is they haven't shied away from that. They want an opportunity to be one-on-one with someone. And you have to want that and you have to relish that opportunity. And I think that's what the game is, especially with the way this league has kind of developed and grown, where everything is a lot more horizontal. Formations are more horizontal, people are more spread out, where it doesn't matter if you're a zone team or a man team, there's plays in space that you have to make that are one-on-one plays. And I think a little bit of that relates to how the league is going, and a little bit of that is personal philosophy.
Q: What stands out about defensive back Curtis Riley?
A: Curtis is a guy that, we all know he's played corner, so he's got really great feet and hips and range. And the thing I'm probably most proud of him about is how he's picked it up playing safety because that's a change, when you go from playing outside, to go inside. And some of the checks and the communication and one minute you're in the post, the next minute you're down, or you're playing in the half field, or you're blitzing off the edge and some of the different duties that our safeties have to handle here. He's done a really nice job with that. So, I'm excited for him, getting to training camp just like all these guys, and he's competing his butt off with a group of guys that I've really seen grow over these last two months.
Q: What kind of impact has cornerback William Gay made off the field?
A: A pro's pro. He is a pro's pro. Everything that when we talked about having Will join us, anyone that you talk to, loves his work ethic, loves the seriousness and the professional mentality that he brings to the room. He is going to ask great questions, going to be very engaged, has done a great job with some of our younger players. And [taught] some of our guys that are three- and four-year players, about how to have longevity in this league and play at a high level. He knows what a great defense looks like from the inside and we're excited to have him here working with us.
Q: What is your impression of running back Saquon Barkley?
A: He's a special player. Special player. Guy that, any single down, is going to create a lot of matchup nightmares for coordinators in this league and players in this league.
Q: Are you glad that you don't have to defend Barkley?
A: Yeah, no question.
Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula
Q: How is the installation going?
A: It's been going well. Our guys have been really into it. They have had a good look in their eye all offseason, which is what we would have expected. We still have a ways to go, but as we think back to where we've come from, we've come a long way. So we're just going to keep trying to get better, we have one more day tomorrow and then get ourselves ready for training camp.
Q: How has Kyle Lauletta looked compared to rookie quarterbacks that you have worked with in the past?
A: He's got – it's early, we haven't done anything in pads, we haven't played any games, but he has a nice calmness about himself that if things don't go exactly how they are drawn out on the board, his mind works pretty fast so far and he finds the next guy, gets through his progressions. He has a good feel for anticipation and touch and things like that, so I think he's off to a good start.
Q: You have two guys that it seems like are starting on the right side of the offensive line that have spent most of their time on the left side. What are the challenges and concerns with that situation?
A: About like you would expect. There is a newness. You start from the stance, just kind of getting comfortable in the stances. Whether or not it is first and second down or third down as you are protecting the passer and then with the newness, not just with those two guys being there and getting a feel for each other, how they work, how they work in pass protection to pass games off or work on double teams in the run game. Just the newness of the whole offense, so it's been good to see. I think we're getting better, both of those guys are getting better and more comfortable. They are both very talented, they both have a good look in their eye in coming out and wanting to prove things. They're kind of like the rest of us – we're not there yet, but we're working to get better.
Q: New habits can go away fast. You have six weeks off after this mini camp. How do they keep going and keep improving during the time off?
A: Yeah. That's a good question. It is a little bit harder than you probably think, really for all of us. We get a little break, but you kind of got to get your mind going back quickly and you might lose out on a little muscle memory, so to speak. We plan for that as well as coaches and I think our players do, especially our veterans that have done it before so that maybe what you lose a little bit to start with is not as much as maybe you're starting at the start of the offseason. I think it's important – the other part of it is and just from the little short time that I've been here, I think it is important to these guys and I think that shows up in our meetings and our walk throughs, and I think because of that it is going to be less of a learning curve when we get back.
Q: Does it ever feel like you never left Carolina with so many Panthers around here?
A: No, it definitely feels like I left Carolina. I'm thrilled to be here and we've got, Dave (Gettleman) has brought some guys in here that were quality players for us in Charlotte and they're all – again, like the rest of us, here with something to prove.
Q: How valuable is it to have a running back as versatile as Saquon as a threat?
A: Yeah, he's looked good in all of those areas as you have seen and we have seen day-in and day-out. He's still a rookie and he's still got things to learn – not just what is on paper and this is your job on this play, but all of the little adjustments you are going to make before the snap, after the snap and then each team is going to try to, each team is a little bit different and you have to get used to that. We're working all offseason long against our defense and then all of a sudden our first preseason game is going to be against Cleveland, they are a different style. Obviously the opener is going to be a different style of defense. He has to learn that you still have your foundation and what you're doing and then just to make those little adjustments. But he is a guy that we think is going to have some flexibility and some versatility for us.
Q: Now that you've had a spring to work with Eli Manning, what is your assessment on what you have seen from him?
A: I'm excited to continue to work with him. We talk in our profession about coming to work everyday, being the same guy, having the guys around you know what to expect from you and he's the true example of that. He's really worked hard to learn this offense as fast as anybody and again, not just to learn it but to learn all the adjustments. He's got such a good feel of what he knows we're going to have to make moving forward even though sometimes we might not have even talked about them here already because it's just our defense. But all that being said, his timing is good, he's been accurate, he knows how to find guys if number one isn't open and those are all things that hopefully he will continue to improve on and he will probably be the first to tell you that he needs to continue to improve and get better for us to keep taking steps.
Q: Ability wise, is there anything at all that you see that is maybe a concession to age?
A: Well, we're not going to run Q-power, but other than that, he's been good. As we know, the guys that are at his age and are playing are in it for a reason, because they understand where they're at in their careers, they understand their bodies, they understand what they have to get done – Drew Brees, Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, those guys. Tom Brady is obviously almost in a different class all by himself even being a few years older. And Eli is a perfect example that they get that and they know that and their minds are really fast. If there is anything that he maybe lacks because he is a little bit older, he makes up because of his mind being so fast.
Q: Where have you seen Davis Webb take the biggest jump this spring?
A: I think it's hard to say exactly where he has taken the biggest jump. He has taken big strides and I think he's flashed for sure during some practices. I really like his arm strength, he can be really accurate. Again, he will probably be the first to tell you that he can work on his consistency. If everything is not right, finding the outlet and fixing it sometimes. It might not be a great call against that defense, knowing how to fix it, maybe a receiver falls down or whatever or there is a protection and knowing where to go when those things happen. But all those guys are and he is another good example of guys that are really eager to learn the offense as well as they can and he comes to work with the mindset that he wants to prove to himself and everybody in this building that he can play.
Q: When we spoke to (offensive line coach) Hal Hunter a couple months ago, he said that you have to kind of see who your pieces are on the field to know what kind of running game you know you have. Where do you see that going at this point?
A: Well, I think we're still in that step, right in the middle of that step. We are still evaluating the guys up front. In Coach Shurmur's offense, we have the ability to do a lot of things, we just want to still have the ability to do those things, but zero in on things that we're good at up front, that Saquon is good at, all of our running backs and just have that mix of things that we're going to be good at, but also do enough stuff where we're versatile and keeping teams off balance. Like I said, we're still in the middle of that step, but as we get into training camp, we will start zeroing in on the things that we can hang our hat on.
Q: Are you leaning any way at this point?
A: Right now it's kind of – we want to be a bit of everything in that regard and for good reason, so that we're not being too predictable. Then we will kind of tailor it as we get into the games.
RB Saquon Barkley
Q: Where do you feel that you have grown the most in the last few weeks?
A: Playbook. Understanding the playbook. Continuing to hop on that and to get better at that. There is always room for improvement on anything. Playbook is definitely something that I feel like I am getting more comfortable with. I am seeing the field a lot differently. Understanding where I have to be in my pass concepts. Obviously, not having pads on, but understanding your landmark as a running back position. Watching film on other backs and try to take stuff from their game and add it to mine.
Q: Are there a lot more huddle adjustments?
A: A lot more in the NFL than there was in college. It was kind of, I wouldn't say basic in college but it is more difficult in the NFL. That is what I mean when I think I have come along way with the playbook. I know where I need to go. The concept is football is football but hearing Eli changing plays and hearing him sliding protections can get me too much but understanding that and knowing where I need to be is where I feel I will continue to grow and get better at.
Q: What are you going to do this break for a couple of weeks?
A: My twin brother and sister, my sister is having her sweet 16 and my brother is tied in with that. So I will go home for a little bit for that. I will then be training. I am thinking LA or Florida or a mixture of both.
Q: Snacks said yesterday he can't wait to get the pads on and get you. What is your response to that?
A: My response to that is I am happy we are on the same team. He only gets to hit me maybe once or twice a year rather than a full game. Snacks is arguably one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL. I definitely have a lot of respect for him and how he carries himself as a vet. You could just watch him on the field. I am going to say I am going to run away from that. I am happy he is on my team and my side.
Q: Are you sure that is what you want to say?
A: Positive.
Q: I thought you said you could run him over?
A: I don't know anyone in this league that could run over Snacks. His name is Snacks for a reason. Just happy he is on my team and fortunate that I get to play with him.
Q: Have you dropped any passes since you've been here?
A: I did. I dropped one. That is something that I pride myself on. You come out here every single day and you want to be perfect. When I mean perfect, I don't mean a perfect player, but you want to go through practice without drops. Sometimes it reassures you that you have to get back on the jugs and catching after practice. There is a ball that I caught 100 times and I dropped it because I was trying to turn up field instead of securing the catch. I kind of worked on that after and it has not happened since. That is just a part of the game. I hate making mistakes but I love making mistakes. I love having MA's (missed assignments) and drops. It reassures you and makes you get back on your grind, lock in and focus a little more. It is better to happen now and in practice than in week one against Jacksonville or preseason against the Browns.
Q: Do you remember the details of the drop more than the catches?
A: Yes. It was an angle route. I looked up before I secured the catch, tried to go and score and didn't lock it in. You have to lock it in and move onto the next play.
Q: Anything surprise you the most about this experience?
A: The thing that surprised me the most was how welcoming the vets are and all the players. I heard a lot from college guys that you are never going to get what you have in a college locker room. You hear that in college and in high school. Then, you get to the NFL, the vets, not just the vets, but everyone besides the rookies. I don't care of it is one year, 20 years, they are all so cool. They are a family and all welcoming. I am pretty sure and I really believe that if I ever need anything, I can call any of them. Whether it is Odell or OV that I only go against. That is what surprised me and it is shocking. I am just happy that I have that environment, not only myself but all the rookies. To be able to have that, come into this locker room and have that team, it is special. It is bigger than what people actually think. It is not only on the field, but the chemistry in the locker room. I think the chemistry we have in the locker room is really good.
Q: What have you learned about being a Giant?
A: Two things. The first is the tradition here. The history, legacy and all the great players. Being able to go to the softball game and seeing all the running backs. The Tiki's (Barber) and the (Rodney) Hampton's of the world and to be able to meet them. You heard about the Giants growing up. I was a Jets fan growing up but you heard that and I knew of the Giants but I was across the river. You knew and learned how special this place is when you walk in the building. It hits you when you walk in this place, play on this team and put on this jersey. The second one was New York and being recognized more. At State College, it is like it's own little city. It is a small city. Then, in New York, you walk around and people know you. It is not like, 'wow they know me, I have fame' but it is like people notice you and what you are doing. I have not played a down of football yet so I am just handling myself. That is credit to my mother and father and my family and how they raised me. Hopefully I could continue to do the right things.
Q: What is it that makes a good running back?
A: I think it is instinct. Actually breaking down film and watching the David Johnson's and Le'Veon Bell's, instinct is one thing, but also what Stew (Jonathan Stewart) has been teaching me, it is how to set up your blocks. For me, I did it so natural in college that I didn't even notice I was doing it. Now, understanding and seeing the play before it develops and seeing the linebacker overflowing, that is how you set up cutback lanes. A guy who does it the best is Le'Veon Bell. I was watching him this morning and how he was picking up blocks. I think you have to be versatile as a running back. Catch the ball in the backfield and be able to block. Be able to run in between tackles and outside of tackles. If you really think if the three backs, the top five backs, that is what they are able to do. They block, catch the ball in the backfield and are able to run the ball. Just the way they set up their blocks. That is what it takes to be a top back in the NFL.
Q: When you sit at lunch with Odell do you allow yourself to dream and discuss about what the offense can be?
A: Yes. We talked about that before I even came here. We talked this into existence and became really good friends. He has been a great mentor to me along with all the vets. The proof is in the pudding. We know with Eli, Sterling Shep, E, all the receivers, the new additions to the line. We know the talent is there across the board. We really don't dream about it right now because every team is talented in the NFL. The only thing I talked to him about is just asking for advice and checking on him. Asking what his body feels like coming back from injury. That is the only thing we really talk about.
T Ereck Flowers
Q: So in your new role, what is being asked of you in this type of setting?
A: I am feeling great, I am having fun every day and I am just looking to continue this.
Q: How is it going on the right side versus the left side?
A: It is an adjustment, but it's going well. I'm just chopping wood everyday and trying to get better.
Q: What do you feel about the cohesiveness of the line with the different personnel and where you are?
A: I think it's going great. I think they brought in some great guys – Nate, Pat, Will. I think it's going great. I think that everybody is clicking and just trying to keep this going throughout the season.
Q: Are you happy?
A: Yeah, I am happy. I'm very happy.
Q: You played left tackle for a lot of years. Was it tough getting the phone call that you were moving to right tackle?
A: Yeah, of course, but I love playing football so it's whatever.
Q: What is the biggest change between right and left?
A: Kick set. You are pushing off of your left instead of your right now. With any position change, it is just getting used to it, muscle memory and trying to get that muscle memory in it.
Q: How has it been trying to change that muscle memory?
A: It has been going well so far. I'm having fun and it's been great.
Q: When Pat Shurmur first told us about the change, he said he had a lot of confidence in you and believed that injuries might have hurt you last year. He thought you could still be a strong player. Does getting that kind of backing from the coach mean a lot to you?
A: Yeah, but I still have to go out there and do my job. It is great, but I'm still focused on doing what I have to do.
Q: You came to the first day of OTAs, but you didn't go to that pre-draft mini camp. Did something change between those two dates?
A: No. I'm here right now and I'm having a great time.
Q: What has it been like working with Nate Solder?
A: It has been cool. We've been going everyday and watching film, talking about what we see and just trying to go out there and perform.
Q: How would you describe the pressure level on you this season?
A: I think every player has a pressure to perform at a certain level. I think that's the only kind of pressure you would see, but in the end I just want to go out there and leave what I have out there on the field. I just want to play the best that I can play.
Q: You had played some right tackle earlier in your college career. Has anything come back to your memory?
A: I only played like the first four games of my freshman year because our right tackle – there was a situation there. Other than that, I mostly played left tackle, so I never really got into the swing of playing it. But I think I have gotten better each OTA.
Q: Is this the kind of year that the Giants have asked you to prove yourself because they didn't pick up your option?
A: At the end of the day, they have to do what is best for the organization. I don't have any personal feelings about it and for me, I want to prove myself and every time I hit the field, I want to get better every year and mainly I want to do it for myself. It's not to prove to anybody else, I want to prove to myself that I can play at a certain level.
Q: I guess the same goes for the rumors around the draft that you might get traded.
A: What do you mean?
Q: What was your reaction that the Giants might try and trade you?
A: Any player can get traded. I didn't get traded and I'm still here. I haven't even thought about that.
Q: How is the chemistry going with the new guys?
A: It's going great. They are great guys.
Q: Is there a higher motivation to prove yourself this year because of all that has happened?
A: I always wanted to prove to myself, but would you say it is higher? I don't think of it as higher. I'm not trying to over pressure myself, I just want to go out there and play the best I can play.
Q: You and Patrick spent most of your careers on the left side. Do you work together closely on making that switch?
A: Every day, we partner up during drills. After practice we do extra stuff, we sit next to each other in the meeting room and we just try to get it down pat.
Q: How important is it for the offensive line to have that camaraderie on and off the field?
A: It's very important to have chemistry on and off the field. I thought the line last year got along unless you know something that I don't. I didn't see that there was a problem.
Q: Is it important to socialize off the field?
A: Yeah. You are with each other all day in the meeting room, getting ready for practice, on the practice field. It is very important.
Q: How would you describe your relationship with Coach Shurmur?
A: Coach Shurmur is a great coach and a great person. We have had a great relationship since he has been here and we're just looking forward to the season.
Q: Is it exciting when you draft a guy like Saquon Barkley?
A: Very exciting. Had a stellar career in college, strong, intelligent, can do it all. Hopefully we can open some holes for him and get some yards.
CB Janoris Jenkins
Q: How do you like this new defense?
A: I love it. It is an aggressive defense. Coach (Bettcher) is doing a good job.
Q: Do you like him as a coach?
A: Yes, I love him. He understands the game, is an aggressive play caller and understands the way his guys play.
Q: Does the role of a cornerback change in this defense?
A: Not really. Basically, it is just the same, they just use different terminology and ways they are playing. Different scheme. You just have to get in and stride it on out.
Q: What do you like about this secondary?
A: We are bonding more off the field. We are hanging out more and everyone is getting to learn everyone. We just compete and are picking each other up whether it is a good day or a bad day. I feel like it is a family atmosphere.
Q: What is the impact of not having DRC, who you are kind of used to having and his presence?
A: It is different. DRC was the old guy. He understood the scheme and what they expected in New York. Now that he is gone, I am the older guy. I have to step in and fill his spot. Push the guys and show them how to practice and play hard. Just continue to do what I do.
Q: Are you instigating the bonding part?
A: It is not about pushing it. Some of that stuff comes natural. You have to understand that it is football and we are going to be around each other more in football season than we would be outside of football. Just bonding off the field and on the field. It is just building that tight chemistry.
Q: Does that translate to more success if you are closer off the field?
A: Of course. It makes everyone want to play even harder. We are already playing hard, but just knowing that we bond on and off the field makes you want to play even harder.
Q: What makes this a tighter group than last year?
A: Just communication, man. No one getting mad at each other or calling each other out for a bad play or rep in practice. It is just critiquing and maximizing potential.
Q: Do you see a change in Eli Apple?
A: Of course. He has been here a while and I keep telling him he can be just as good as he wants to be, if not great. You just have to put the work in and compete. If you compete on a daily level just like it is a game, everything will be fine come Sunday.
Q: Do you think last year was a wake up call for him?
A: No, he just hit some stumbles. That is usual for a young guy. For Eli, I just want to see how he responds. Last year is over with. I just want to see how he responds. Me coming in telling him he could be good, if not great, that is his motivator.
Q: The real question is how he responds when the criticism starts to come. How do you anticipate how he will handle adversity in the season right now?
A: To be honest, I don't think he will feed into it. Not this year. He matured as a young guy and he understands that there is going to be people that love you and people that hate you. No matter how good you play, it is still going to be the same.
Q: Are you playing with a chip on your shoulder?
A: Of course. Big chip. I just feel like defensive-wise, we have to pick it up more.
Q: What do you want to get better at this year?
A: Finishing plays. Staying more focused into the game and just leading the right way on and off the field.
Q: Do you think it is realistic to get back to the defense you had two years ago, a top defense in the league?
A: That is realistic, but right now we are just focusing on getting better one day at a time. When the season comes, we will see how that rolls, but other than that, we are getting better each and every day.
Q: Is there any concern when you switch schemes?
A: I was always told football is football. Everyone has the same defense but everyone uses different terminology. It is basically the same defense.
Q: Are you really going for eight picks and four pick six's?
A: Big time.
Q: That pick you made last week in the end zone, does that show you that you are healthy?
A: That is just a play that is showing that I am coming out and competing everyday. Just as I got here, I am going to be the same when I come as when I leave. Play hungry, play fast and to the best of my ability.
Q: Do you feel focus was an issue last year in the secondary?
A: I wouldn't say we weren't focused. Some plays we didn't play to our full potential. Learning from last year and coming to this year, we understand that. Every play counts. Whether the defensive line or the linebackers make a mistake, we have to pick up the slack. At the end of the day, we are the last line of defense. As a secondary, we have to come in, cover our guys, fill the gaps and play good defense.
