Head Coach Brian Daboll

Q: Where do things stand with injuries?

A: So, everybody will practice today. Some in a limited role, but we'll see where they go from individual, team, but they're all practicing today.

Q: (guard Ben) Bredeson is out of the protocol?

A: He's got the last deal, but all signs are pointing to he'll be fine. He's full practice today. Pads, full practice.

Q: I don't think we asked about the injury to (defensive lineman) D.J. Davidson, but do you have any issue with how that happened?

A: Look, football happens. You hate to see anybody get hurt. Competitive game, particularly inside in the trenches. So, he's doing better, but he'll be a limited guy today, too.

Q: What does it mean that (running back) Saquon (Barkley) is able to get back on the field and what do you kind of expect from him at this point, given the injury?

A: Going to put him out here, go through some individual stuff, let him run around and see how he does. But again, making progress. I think this is a good evaluation today in pads to see where he's at.

Q: Is it D.J.'s shoulder or elbow?

A: Elbow.

Q: Elbow?

A: Yep.

Q: Does it feel like it's been this long since you've played between these two games, like it seems like on the outside?

A: Yeah, when you play on a Thursday, there's always a few more days but looking forward to getting back out here.

Q: The way that the season has gone, you haven't had a normal week, Sunday to Sunday. You've had Thursday, Sunday, Monday. It's not an excuse, but is it more challenging to keep all the ducks in order?

A: No. You get the schedule early, so you do your best to plan. You make adjustments throughout it and whatever they are, that's when they are, and we do our best to get ready to play.

Q: You've gone against the (Seahawks Head Coach) Pete Carroll's defenses before. What's the challenge they present? They always seem to start off slow and then they get it going.

A: I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Carroll. He's been a head coach at three different spots in this league. I think he only has four losing seasons in almost 20 years. Six and 10, I believe in '94 with the Jets, didn't have a losing season at the Patriots and just a few with the Seahawks. Then obviously what he did at USC and how his players play. I think he's been at Seattle for quite some time, 13 years I believe. Has a great culture, players play hard, they understand the system, a lot of continuity there. Some of the coordinators, he's had different ones like (Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Dan) Quinn and those guys. But tremendous leader, does a great job in his organization. His defenses play fast, they're disruptive. He's won a lot of football games, done this a long time, so tremendous amount of respect for him and how he runs his football team.

Q: In that same regard, how much respect do you have for what (Seahawks quarterback) Geno (Smith) did last year? Nobody saw that coming.

A: Yeah, he's done a great job this year, too. He does a great job understanding Coach Waldron's (Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron) offense. Has good skill players around him, gets them the ball, makes good decisions with the ball and he's only got one turnover this year. They don't have any fumbles, one of three teams not to have any fumbles. Has good leadership about him, you can tell. He's done a heck of a job.

Q: (Seahawks running back) Kenneth Walker (III), can you talk about the challenge he presents?

A: He's a heck of a running back. Obviously, at Michigan State there, transferring there, but as productive as—many backs don't have the production that he had and what he did for that program. He's a tough runner. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, but he can run with power. He can cut back. He has really good vision. He's an outstanding football player. He's a great back. He's one of those backs, they give him the ball, he's always making some type of yards, which is important for a running back to do when you hand them the ball. He's done a really good job.

Q: On defense, there's a report that they're getting (Seahawks safety) Jamal Adams back. How does his presence change what they do on defense?

A: Well, obviously, another very good player that went to a good college, was good at the Jets. Downhill player, can play in the box, makes a lot of tackles, very physical. Where they play, whether it's (Seahawks cornerback Quandre) Diggs, (Seahawks safety Julian) Love or him, and he's back, and they have three guys out there, and they decide to do something with him versus the other guys, that'll be something that we'll have to see as the game goes on. But tough, smart, headsy player. Can make a lot of tackles, can be very disruptive, particularly if they bring him up, whether it's off the press off the slot, whether he plays in the back end. Another good player.

Q: With the idea of starting fast or starting slow, the players have really lamented slow starts really going back to last year. Is there anything tangible that you guys can plan for or coach up to change that?

A: Yeah, it's something you talk about, whether it's during the season or the offseason, it is certainly a point of emphasis. We've got to do a good job of putting them in good positions, and we've got to go out there and execute. Whether that's third downs early on, or negative plays on both sides, we have to do a good job of really controlling the game on early downs so we get some advantage on whether we skip third downs or have shorter third downs.

Q: Everybody from you to (General Manager) Joe Schoen to, I think even (President) John Mara said in the offseason, rushing defense was a big point of emphasis to correct. You guys have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards. How much does that need to change right now?

A: Yeah, we've got to obviously put a point of emphasis on that, too. But that's a collective—that's a team thing, too. You've got to be able to start fast and try to control the game as well so that you don't get so far behind and one team can run it on you, or you go away from the run game. That's a collective thing that we all can do better.

Q: What does Julian Love bring to a defense and how much—I don't want to say miss him, but was it tough to see him go?

A: Yes, certainly. I think anytime you have players that you have a lot of respect for, those decisions have to come up. It's between the club and the player and you've got to make decisions that work best for, I'd say, both parties. Tremendous player, tremendous person. Wish him well; just not this week.

Quarterback Daniel Jones

Q: Do you consider this to be a crucial game?

A: Yeah, I think it's a big game for us. Without a doubt. It's a big game, and we're excited for the opportunity. We're going to do what we always do and prepare and get ready to go. We're excited to get out there.

Q: What about your offense? Where do you think it's at right now going into this game?

A: I think we've done some good things at times. We haven't executed as well as we've needed to at times, too. We've got to be more consistent, got to find ways to sustain drives and score more points.

Q: How do you get off to faster starts?

A: I think we've moved the ball well the first couple of drives in two of the games. I think we've got to finish with points, finish in the end zone, and execute all the way down the field, and score a touchdown. It's just about sustaining that execution.

Q: Do you think this team has found its identity yet? I mean, it's still early in the season; teams take time sometimes to do that?

A: I think we're still improving. I mean, we're still working to grow. Like I said, I think there are a lot of things we need to sharpen up and clean up as an offense and as a unit, and we're working to do that. But we're still confident and excited for what we can be.

Q: What do you take when you look back at the matchup against them last year, and how much of that do you think carries over?

A: They're a good defense. A lot of the same players as last year. So definitely, we'll study that. Some differences here and there in what they're doing this year, but a lot of the same stuff shows up. It's a similar system. So yeah, I think we'll look to that where we can but understand it's a new year with a different team. We'll have a good game plan and be ready to go.

Q: What would it mean to have (running back) Saquon (Barkley) in the lineup?

A: Yeah, I mean, he's an important part of our team, for sure. But he's working as hard as he can to get back and if he's ready to go, I'm sure he'll be out there.

Q: How optimistic are you at this point that you have a chance to have him back?

A: I think that's a Dabs (Head Coach Brian Daboll) question. I know he's working hard and trying to get back.

Q: You guys have been running those power sneaks or whatever you want to call them. Is anything different for you when you run those as opposed to just a regular sneak?

A: Not really. I mean, you get a little extra help. But other than that, it's the same thing. You're just trying to keep your feet moving and get that yard.

Q: How do you practice that? Do you practice them?

A: We do them in walkthrough. We practice them in walkthrough. It's kind of a hard thing to practice full speed.

Q: Seattle's pass defense has struggled the past few weeks. Are there things that you can take advantage of there?

A: Yeah, I think they're a good defense. They've faced some dynamic offenses and good passing attacks, good scheme, and good players. There's stuff you can learn from there, but we have a lot of respect for their defense and who they have.

Q: How do you get started earlier? I mean, the first half has been six points in three games.

A: I think we've got to sustain the execution. We've got to have sustained drives and finish in the end zone. Got to take advantage of our opportunities to do that and we'll certainly look to.

Q: Did you run any less the last game? It seemed they were boxing you in more.

A: I didn't use my legs as much. I think I've got to do a good job of finding opportunities to do that when I can and getting outside of the pocket or finding a lane to step up and run. Always looking for those opportunities, and I think a lot of those arise naturally throughout the game.

Q: It looks like they spied you a bunch there. How much is that something you expect moving forward, or have you seen it at least in the past year?

A: I don't know if it was necessarily a spy per se, but I think they were tuned in to pursue when I did get outside of the pocket. Yeah, I think that's something I'm ready for and aware for and I think when it happens, I have to be ready to throw the ball away or find somebody downfield.

Q: Did you see what the 49ers said after the game the other day about how much money you make?

A: Yeah, I saw that. I'm focused on what we're doing here with these guys and trying to get back on track.

Q: You're a guy who never will say anything, I don't think, negative about an opponent. Does it bother you that it comes from the other side? You didn't do anything to provoke it is what I'm saying.

A: No, I mean, they won. They've got good players on defense, and they won. We're focused on us, focused on what we're doing here.

Q: That's not the first time a player has done that. You don't see that necessarily. Maybe (quarterback) Baker Mayfield way back when. Why do you think that has been the case with you?

A: I don't know. You'd have to ask them.

Q: How much do you think that's something when you sign a big contract that sort of comes with it? People are always looking at the contract and the money you make.

A: Yeah, I guess some people are like that, where they feel the need to do that. That's fine. That's part of it.

Q: (Inaudible)

A: (Inaudible)…in a busy pocket at times. Every team has got good pass rushers. You've got to be able to execute and perform regardless of circumstance.

Q: You said that this was a big game. I know why we think it's a big game. Why do you think it's a big game?

A: Because it's our next opportunity. It's an opportunity for us to get back on track. They're all big games. We're excited for the opportunity.

Q: Do you guys think a lot about that, the back-on-track narrative?

A: I think we're always approaching the game the same way. We're always working as hard as we can to prepare and play our best. Yeah, I think we're excited.

Q: For a guy who puts so much into the preparation for the next opponent – I'm not using it as an excuse, and I know you wouldn't either – has it been strange or at least a challenge over the first couple of weeks to deal with different styles of preparation? You don't have the same schedule that you used to, so you've got to change things, adjust things, and now it's a long week and the first time you get on the practice field since before you went to Arizona. Is that weird? Do you almost have to challenge yourself to change things and adjust?

A: Yeah, it's a little different. I think each week we've had this year has been a little bit different. I think it's just having a routine and trying to stick to it as much as you can, despite the circumstances. Having played a few years now, you kind of understand what each week's like and how you're going to change your routine to kind of account for that. I mean, you have to adjust, but the other team has to adjust too.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke

Q. You look at this game, is this a crucial game? Is this a must-win game? Even though it's only the fourth game of the year?

A: It's a really important game because it's the next game. But it's an opportunity for us to finish the first quarter of the season strong. We're 1-2 right now, an opportunity to go 2-2 but it's another great opponent. Another dynamic offense and we're excited about the challenge.

Q. They have a lot of weapons, and they can run the football, too. What kind of pressure does that put on you, who likes to cover the whole field?

A: Big time. They've got big guys in space. Their wide receivers. Number nine (running back Kenneth Walker III), their running backs a bigger running back. (Quarterback) Geno Smith's running that offense really well so it's a great challenge and an opportunity for me to be all over the field.

Q. Do you appreciate bright lights and the prime-time game in your home stadium this week?

A: 100 percent. When you're playing for the New York Giants, you couldn't ask for anything better.

Q. How do you expect overall your defense to respond in terms of tackling? Do you think you guys need to do a better job in that regard?

A: 100 percent. We put an emphasis on it today at practice. I had a coach always tell me that tackling is all about technique and desire. We all have a great desire to tackle, now it's just cleaning up the technique and we'll get it right.

Q. Do you feel like we're almost judging too early? The seasons a long season and 1-2 doesn't mean much because there's so much in front of you.

A: I mean, I think you can look right now. A majority of the teams are 2-1. It's a long 17-week season. The most important thing for us is to show resilience and just get better every week and we'll be where we want to be towards the end of the season.

Q. What have you seen from Geno Smith when you watch him on tape and how he operates that offense?

A: A lot of poise. He's pretty athletic back there. He's getting the ball out quick, he's sitting in the pocket, making deep throws. I think he's showing great maturity in that offense.

Q. He's not afraid to put it in the small spots down the field either.

A: No, he's not. Yeah, we're excited for the challenge, for sure.

Q. I'm sorry if somebody asked this but Kenneth Walker, what have you seen in him?

A: I think you have a very physical runner. He's got great vision, he's able to cut back all over the field. He'll be a great challenge for us.

Q. Even when he doesn't get a lot, he gets something. He's kind of a fall-forward kind of guy. How do you stop him from falling forward?

A: He's a physical guy so we're going to be ready for a physical game and get ready for that challenge.

Q. Does a team that missed some tackles last game – today's your day in pads. How do you practice tackling better?

A: We had a tackling circuit today, for sure. Like I said, I had a coach tell me that tackling is technique and desire. We all have a great desire to tackle out there, now it's all about cleaning up the technique. Whether it's chopping down the stiff arm, running our feet, whatever. We're all professionals, we'll get that done.

Q. You said attacking what?

A: A tackling circuit.

Q. A tackling circuit?

A: Yeah.

Q. What exactly is that?

A: It's a couple of different stations. Working on different tackling scenarios, and opportunities on the field.

Q. NFL players ultimately miss some tackles because they get paid to break tackles, but should it not be at that level it is with an NFL defense?

A: I think if you want to win games and you want to go far in the season, postseason, obviously you've got to tackle. And that's the name of the game right now in the league. Getting athletes in space and making guys miss. So that's going to be a big emphasis for us, and we know it's going to be a big part of our success.

Q. As somebody who makes a living getting a lot of them, do you think consider yourself a good tackler?

A: Yeah.

Q. Why is that?

A: I just think I've got great desire and great technique.

Q. Tackling and going for a strip. Same technique or is it different?

A: A little bit different. We always say the first man in, secure the tackle. The second man comes and strips the ball. If you've got that opportunity, obviously and you see the ball, go punch it. First and foremost, get the guy down, and stop the bleeding. Then the second guy's going to come strip the ball and (inaudible) and whatever.

Q. Wild guess here and I know this is going to sound crazy, but do you guys feel like you're trying to get it before as opposed to tackling because you feel like you've got to make something happen?

A: There could be a little bit of that. I think the biggest thing for us is don't press. Turnovers will come so we've got to play good fundamentally sound defense and the rest will take care of itself.

Defensive Lineman Leonard Williams

Q. Do you look at this game as a must game, a crucial game? I know it's early, it's only Week Four, but are you in that spot?

A: I mean it's definitely still early, this is not a must game I would say. It's not something that's going to keep us out or keep us in the playoffs at the end of the year, but at the same time we try to look at the season like quarterly. So, the first four games is a quarter and we would obviously like to go into the next quarter at least even, going into the next quarter. So, if we start off the season 1-3 that's not ideal.

Q. Are you unhappy with the way your group overall has tackled, and do you feel you can do a much better job as a group in that regard?

A: I think we can do a much better job tackling like you said. I think we can do a better job in a lot of areas on defense, but overall, I think that we are on that right track. The way we played against San Fran and the way we've been continually growing is a good thing for the defense right now, I think we are on the right track.

Q. What does it mean to have a Monday night game in your own home building?

A: I think it means a lot. Our first home game didn't go so well for the fans. I think this is going to be a big one to get our fans back on track. I'm pretty sure we are wearing our throwback jerseys this game, not that that means anything, but I just hope there is a lot of excitement in the stadium this game.

Q. Do you think this team has found its identity?

A: That's a good question. I mean, honestly, we are still finding it. That's why I try to say every year is a new year, regardless of if you have a lot of the same players on the team, regardless of if you have a lot of the same coaches that are coming back. Each year is a new year and you've got to treat it that way. Right now, I think we are on the right track, like I said, but there are still some things that I think we have to bring together and close on who we are.

Q. To find that identity, how important is it for the leaders, yourself, a couple of other guys, the offense, the quarterback, to step up and really show the way for that?

A: I mean it's definitely on the leaders, for sure. Even outside of the coaches, the coaches are obviously leaders, but I think at the end of the day this a players game and we are the ones out there on the field, we are the ones setting the tempo in practice and all type of things like that. I think it's on us to shape the identity of the team and shape the way we go about things around here. A lot of times rookies coming in, they're not knowing what to expect, they are just following the guys in front of them and that's when it's on the leaders to show the whole team how it's done.

Q. Do you like Monday night games?

A: Yeah, for sure. Especially after a tough two games we've had, it's good to have a Monday night game to give us a longer week to prepare and recover. I'm still adjusting from the time change, honestly, which is weird. It must be an age thing, I don't know (laughs). But yeah, it's good.

Q. You still are not on eastern time yet?

A: I mean I think I am, but I'm just saying I've been tired from the trip pretty much.

Q. You guys like routine, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. Do you feel that a little bit? You don't know what day it is, you are off on Wednesday, you are not usually off on Wednesday, those kind of things?

A: Yeah, I mean I definitely felt a little bit the first few days, especially because we got back at like 9 a.m. after the San Fran game. But overall, I think the team has done a good job of making sure that we have adequate time to recover and get back on track.

Q. Are you eager for this opportunity to get back there in front of the home fans?

A: Yeah, I am eager. Like I said, it would be a great way to end the quarter, going 2-2 and a great way to close out the quarter and continuing to grow as a team and who we are.

Q. How concerning is it that you guys haven't had a turnover yet?

A: Honestly, I don't think turnovers are too concerning. I think just playing good defense, stopping the run, limiting passing yards and passer rating and stuff like that is more important to me. Turnovers (are) not the big case in my opinion.

Q. Rushing defense was a big emphasis the offseason here, that's why Nacho (defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches) is here and (inside linebacker Bobby) Okereke, you guys have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards. Is that something that you guys are taking personal?

A: As a defense, it's hard to be good in all phases of defense when you are allowing them to run the ball. We always talk about trying to make them play one handed or something like that. What we mean by that is stopping the run. If you allow them to run, then you are allowing them to play their whole offense against you at any time, if you know what I mean. If you stop the run, it makes them have to pass the ball sometimes when they don't want to, and I think that's important for us. We'll have more sack opportunities that way, we'll have more takeaway opportunities that way and I think it all starts with stopping the run on defense.

Q. Obviously, part of that, those guys, the idea was bring in some of those guys and that will save some snaps for you and (defensive lineman) Dex(ter Lawrence II), so you don't have to play so much. At the same time, do you want to be out there more against the run?

A: I think Coach Dre (defensive line coach Andre Patterson) has been doing a great job of rotating us. I definitely feel way more ready to go when I'm out there on the field because we are getting a rotation, whereas sometimes last year we were out there for 15 play drives at times and we are just exhausted but still have to go. I think we are doing a great job of rotating and we also feel comfortable about the guys that we are rotating with. That when they are in there, they are going to do there job as well. I think like you said it just all comes down to stopping the run right now.

Q. Were you asked about (Seahawks quarterback) Geno (Smith)? What's it like to see what he's made of his career when you were with him, obviously he was facing a lot of adversity?

A: To me, it's awesome to see because when I first came in the league, he was the starting quarterback for the Jets, and it was a crazy eye opener for me to see – he got punched by a linebacker in the locker room and I was just like a rookie seeing this and was just like whoa. Since that moment, he kind of like got his opportunity taken away from him and he was trying to climb back and things like that. It's really cool to see him in a system that's working well for him, and he seems to be loving it over there and doing well.

Q. Players have a lot of respect for guys who make the most of a second chance, once you lose your starting job, you don't often six years later get another chance…

A: Especially at the quarterback position, it doesn't happen often. I feel like he just kept his head down, kept grinding and he's also in a system that works well for him. You can tell he just seems more comfortable and confident out there.