Head Coach Joe Judge
Opening Statement:To give everyone a quick update in terms of what we did today and why we're going virtual, we came in this morning and we had the players using our indoor facility that we set up as a meeting facility since the beginning of COVID last year. Everything's been approved by the league. We started the day out in the bubble and we started out in position meetings. As the meetings are starting, we're getting alerts on a couple new positives that came up today along with several players who came up with flu symptoms. At that time, we deemed the best thing for the players was to end the meetings. We went immediately outside, we did a brief walkthrough that lasted about a half hour outside with the players masked and spaced out when they weren't involved. When that was done, we sent them home and then we Zoomed for about an hour and a half. We just ended that not too long ago. We'll bring the players back in here tomorrow more in the afternoon, which will take the place of our Saturday meetings. We won't do anything at the hotel tomorrow. We'll just meet here, we'll have a brief walkthrough on the field, we'll make sure that everybody's in an environment where it's spaced out and open air, all that stuff. We'll continue with our process getting ready for the game. That being said, I'll open up to any questions you guys have.
Q: Are you ramping up testing to every day now?
A: No, the testing protocol from the league really hasn't changed for us. The unvaccinated players test every day. If you come in and you're symptomatic, you test. If you're vaccinated and you're asymptomatic, you're not required to test more than once a week. In terms of the guys coming down with flu symptoms, we send them and make sure that everybody gets tested that's symptomatic. A lot of the symptoms are shared from flu and COVID. They all get tested for COVID immediately. When they come back as negative, they get tested for flu. Now, that takes a little bit longer to get the results on the flu than it does on COVID, so we always make a decision with those guys. Is it safe to keep them around our players? Is it best to send them home? Do we want to isolate those guys in a different part of the building, have them Zoom in for meetings and join us on the field? Everyone is a different case-by-case basis. Today, we felt it was best to get the players all away.
Q: Your secondary has been hit pretty hard in particular by the flu and the COVID stuff. I'm curious if you are worried about having enough guys out there in the defensive backfield Sunday.
A: We're talking through a lot of moves that could happen defensively and schematically, things we have to do to make sure we can adjust. Right now, there are some things in the air. We'll know a little bit more tomorrow in terms of guys like Zay (Safety Xavier McKinney) when his five days of testing are up and see where he's at. We'll go ahead and make any necessary adjustments we have to. I'm about to meet with the defense in a little bit and go through some different adjustments that could take place.
Q: Has Xavier still been testing negative to this point?
A: Yes, to this point he has.
Q: Are there any guys on the COVID list this week that have a chance of testing out of it, like (Wide Receiver) Kadarius (Toney) or (Linebacker) Cam Brown or any of these other guys?
A: I wouldn't say it's impossible for any of those guys to test out. We do check their viral loads, which show up on their daily testing. Typically, you want to get the number closer to about 35. As you get closer to 35, that's really when you test negative. You kind of watch as it goes up, if that makes sense. We'll watch as some of these guys raise and they get a little bit closer. It's a similar situation to when (Defensive Back) Logan Ryan was out, so we're keeping a close eye. Obviously, with the window we have left, there would have to be multiple negative tests in the next couple of days leading up to it. I wouldn't say it's impossible, but we're planning at this moment not to have them.
Q: Is your quarterback position affected at all by the flu symptoms?
A: At this moment, it has not been.
Q: If I could take us off COVID for a second, when Giants-Cowboys games late in the season have a chance for the visiting team – this goes both ways, obviously – for the visiting team to kind of turn a game into a home game with the fans invading and the home team selling their tickets to the road team. Obviously, this year that would be Cowboys fans invading MetLife. I'm wondering if that would be discouraging for you for a home game for Cowboys fans to kind of take over your building.
A: It's the National Football League, every stadium you go into has different jerseys. I think it's more discouraging sometimes when you go into a game and you see a jersey of a team that's not even playing in the game. It's more of a lack of common sense. In terms of whoever's in the stands, we've got a great atmosphere, our fans have been great this year and we look forward to getting out there in MetLife this weekend and hearing the fans in our jersey.
Q: With regard to Logan Ryan, obviously he's always been very standup and accountable. He was very accountable for that long touchdown last week. I'm kind of curious, what is the process of a player getting over that and moving on? What is your level of appreciation for guys that take ownership for mistakes like that?
A: I'd say the first thing, that's just what I believe in. I believe in when you make a mistake, you own up to it. Look, I make mistakes all the time. I make a point of when I screw up, I make sure the team understands that I'm going to own it in front of them. We come out of games and I tell them all the time, 'Guys, that's a mistake on my part, it's not going to happen again.' I expect the coaches to do the same thing, which they do. That way I expect the players to understand, you make a mistake, you don't hide behind it. You own it, you move on, you make the correction. People respect people who own their mistakes. We don't really have much of a tolerance for people who point fingers and make excuses. That's not really what the culture in this building is. It's not what we're ever going to allow it to be. In terms of the appreciation and respect of someone being a standup guy, that's what we expect and that's what we do respect here. On the other part, in terms of the process of getting over giving up a play, you've got to have a short memory as a defensive back in the National Football League. You have to. You've got to be able to move on to the next play immediately. When that happens, you've got to learn from it. You've got to realize what mistake you made and how to correct it and make sure you're on the same page as teammates. As any defensive back in the NFL, you've got to move on the next play immediately. You don't have time to dwell on that.
Q: The flu going around is just the flu, right? It has nothing to do with COVID? How prevalent would you say it is? Is it just because it's flu season and guys get the flu?
A: You're correct that the flu stuff has nothing to do with COVID. I don't know that I have any more diagnosis than what you just described it as. It's flu season and things go around. We're wearing masks in the building, we talk to our guys all the time about being smart about who you interact with outside of the building. It's just common sense this time of year. None of our guys have really done anything that we would call foolish or anything that's putting themselves at risk other than just living a normal life. We've just got to be careful at all times of the year understanding where everything is. Washing your hands, taking proper protocols, disinfecting things around the building. The cleaning staff here does a phenomenal job, the medical staff does a great job educating our players with it. We kind of just stay on that and stay proactive with it. It is what it is. The guys that come in with symptoms, sometimes they can go out and practice, sometimes they Zoom in for meetings and stay isolated from the team, sometimes they go home and get rest and then stay in through the post-practice film through Zoom. It's always different, but there's been cases of guys who wanted to get IV's or pumping their body full of fluids, coming over it quick. A lot of the guys come in the next day and feel a lot better. I'm getting a lot of those reports from these guys. You've just got to be aware of when it comes up, you're looking to avoid it spreading throughout the building.
Q: At some point, you look on social media and you see teams around the league that have 20 guys out, people debating whether games should be cancelled, top quarterbacks are out, it's a competitive advantage or disadvantage. At some point Sunday morning when you know who your team is and who everybody out there will be, how difficult is it to just put it all aside and say, 'That's it, no more COVID anymore, now we've just got football'? It's really unprecedented stuff here, isn't it?
A: I mean, it's been football for us the entire week. I don't have any control over an illness. We coach who we have available to us. We get those players ready and prepared, so it is what it is. We've known from the beginning. Same thing as last year, the games are going to go on. Whoever you have, you have to have them ready.
Q: How did (Defensive Lineman) Leonard (Williams) do yesterday and what do you expect from him? Can you just talk about if he is going to be available and that trajectory from the early pretty dire tests in the week to where he is now?
A: He had a good day yesterday. Moving around well for us, was able to use his upper body, do it, test it out. Today was a day we were going to push it a little bit longer and, to be honest with the way things turned out with how we had to do things, kind of bought him a day, if you would. We'll bring him in here tomorrow and move him around early in the afternoon before all the other players get here, get us a better view of what it would look like going into a game day. Whatever he can do, we'll make sure we go ahead and utilize that putting him out there, if he's safe to go out there.
View photos from practice as the Giants prepare for their NFC East matchup against the Cowboys.
Saquon Barkley (26)
Julian Love (20)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Quincy Roche (95)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
JR Reed (27)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Logan Ryan (23)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Devontae Booker (28)
Devontae Booker (28)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Nate Solder (76)
Matt Peart (74)
Will Hernandez (71)
Isaiah Wilson (77)
Billy Price (69)
Travis Toivonen (13)
Travis Toivonen (13)
Keion Crossen (31)
Keion Crossen (31)
Travis Toivonen (13)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Alex Bachman (81)
Evan Engram (88)
David Sills V (84)
Chris Myarick (41)
David Sills V (84)
Head Coach Joe Judge
Collin Johnson (15)
JR Reed (27)
JR Reed (27)
Isaiah Wilson (77)
Isaiah Wilson (77)
Isaiah Wilson (77)
Isaiah Wilson (77)
Nate Solder (76)
Matt Peart (74)
Korey Cunningham (79)
Wes Martin (63)
Kenny Golladay (19)
Matt Skura (67)
Danny Shelton (75)
David Moa (96)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Danny Shelton (75)
David Moa (96)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
David Moa (96)
Elerson Smith (94)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Quincy Roche (95)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Niko Lalos (57)
Benardrick McKinney (49)
Niko Lalos (57)
Niko Lalos (57)
Omari Cobb (44)
Niko Lalos (57)
Julian Love (20)
JR Reed (27)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard
Q: I have a question about (Defensive Back) Logan Ryan and the leadership he displayed in taking ownership for giving up that long pass last week – and that's not an isolated incident, he's always been standup. What does that mean to the guys in the locker room, particularly the younger games and the example that may show?
A: It's huge. He does a great job with mentoring the younger guys, but also, communicating with the other guys. I feel like to have the team going in the right direction, you have to be able to communicate to some of the vets too. Logan has always done a good job with that. I really appreciate some of the work that he puts in on the side and off the field. It just shows you how good of a guy he is. I really appreciate that about him.
Q: With all that is going on with COVID around the league, as a player, how much do you have to put up your guard or make changes to the way you approach your work week and everything?
A: We've kind of been through this for a while now, so we kind of know how to handle it. Been through pretty much every situation you could think of when it comes to COVID. We have precautions that we take. I'm fully confident in (Senior Vice President, Medical Services/Head Athletic Trainer) Ronnie (Barnes) and the staff that they're going to have us doing the right things and using the PPE that we need in order to stay safe. Sometimes things happen, but all in all I feel like we have a good little system that we have going on in the building and trying to keep guys safe as we can while being in there. But I mean, nobody's going to care about what 's going on with COVID on game day, so we have to prepare the best that we can and if that's through Zoom, then that's what it has to be. But, we've been through it before.
Q: Have you thought about the possibility of there being a point where too many players are being sidelined and you guys being able to go out there and do what you need to do?
A: Yeah, I mean, you've got to figure it out. We have guys that stay at home that we can use if we have to, but I guess we'll worry about that when we get there. Yeah, I mean, it's no fun having guys having to sit out. It's kind of what we're living in at this point.
Q: As the veteran guy on this team and in the league, do you think the NFL should consider postponing games or are you in support of the plow through method that they've used for the last two years?
A: I don't know, I can't really say. I don't really know what's going on around the league. I know there's an outbreak, but for our team, I mean that's all that I'm really focused on. We've got a couple of guys sick whether it's COVID or the flu, whatever. I'm not sure. It just depends on how many guys end up getting sick. It's hard for me to say what I think the league should do though.
Q: Football wise, while you were out injured, it seemed like every day and every week somebody – a coach, a quarterback – says, 'We've got to make more of an effort to get (Wide Receiver) Kenny (Golladay) the ball.' There's a concentrated effort to get Kenny the ball. Now that you're back and obviously you're one of the best receivers, do you worry that that could take away from your targets? How do other receivers feel about the concentrated effort to get Kenny Golladay more targets?
A: At the beginning of the season, we all talked about it and I always said that I wanted a leadership's characteristic to be selfless. That's kind of what it takes to have a successful team, so it doesn't matter who gets the ball to me. I just want guys to make plays and that's what it really comes down to. We're going to get Kenny the ball. He's a dynamic playmaker, so we've got to find ways to get him the ball. There are enough balls to go around for everybody if you do it the right way. I'm confident in the coaches' game plan that they'll be able to find a way to get everybody the ball.
Q: That said, you only had one target in the first half the other day and your team is struggling to score. Was it frustrating getting back in the lineup and not being a big part of the game plan there?
A: Yeah, but I was kind of told that it was going to go slow for me at the beginning. Just trying to get my feet back underneath me. I mean, I hadn't really practiced up until last Thursday and Friday and that had been the first that I'd really ran around in weeks, so I knew it was kind of going to be slow for me. As time has gone on, I'll begin to get more touches. I'm not really worried about it. I'm just focused on this game and trying to get things rolling on offense.
Q: Just related to COVID really quick, is there any kind of fatigue on your guys' end as players, like here we go again with them telling you can't go out to certain places, you've got to do all of these intensive measures? I know I'm tired of it from a media side. How are you guys reacting to it?
A: It's tough, man. You want to be able to get together with your friends and your teammates outside of the building, but you've got to keep the best interests of the team at heart. Doing that kind of stuff can affect the team, so you have to be cautious of what you do. But yeah, we're tired of it (laughs), but like I said before, this is kind of the world that we're living in right now. You've just got to power through it.
View rare photos from the historic rivalry between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboy quarterback Don Meredith (17) is tackled after an 8-yard run in the second quarter of Sunday's game at the Cotton Bowl against the New York Giants September 24, 1967. Making the tackle are Giant Linebackers Bill Swain (52) and Vince Costello (57). (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle directs a last minute shift in strategy as the big Giants line engages the Dallas Cowboys, Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/Ruben Goldberg)
New York Giants right end Aaron Thomas (88) tries hard but fails to catch pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton in second quarter of game with the Dallas Cowboys at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 16, 1968, New York. Unidentified Cowboy pacing Thomas also failed in his intercepted attempt. The Cowboys won, 28-10. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Cowboys fullback James Stiger (40) wasn't stopped by Giants Defensive back Jim Patton (20) in a play in the fourth quarter of their game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas October 12, 1964. Stiger slipped from Patton a grasp and sailed through the air for a 11 yard gain. Coming in on the play is defensive Giants back Andy Nelson. (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle the hero is used to receiving attention and adulation wherever he goes. Here admiring young fans escort him from the field after a victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/Ruben Goldberg)
First quarter of NFL game in Yankee Stadium, on Dec. 6, 1960 in New York. (AP Photo)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach (12) grimaces as he is hit hard by New York Giants defensive end Fred Dryer (89) and safety Tom Longo (44) after making short gain in second quarter of their game in Dallas, Tex., today, September 27, 1970. (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle, quarterback of the N.Y. Giants, directs a last minute shift in strategy as the Giants line crouches to engage the Dallas Cowboys, Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/Ruben Goldberg)
Dallas Cowboys George Andrie (66) during a game against the New York Giants on September 27, 1970 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-10. Craig Morton played for 11 season all with the Dallas Cowboys and was a 5-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Craig Morton (15) turns to handoff as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan (55) and safety Cliff Harris (43) run in pursuit during an NFL game in Flushing on October 12, 1975. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 13-7 in Shea Stadium. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Cliff Harris (43) of the Dallas Cowboys is upended returning a punt by the New York Giants during the second quarter at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 13, 1971. Making the tackle is the Giants' Ralph Heck (55). In the background is Cowboy Claxton Welch. The Cowboys routed the Giants 42-14. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants defensive end George Martin flips Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach for a loss in the fourth quarter of game, Nov. 5, 1979 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Tough pressure by the Giants almost gave them a victory, but the Cowboys won 16-14 on a last minute field goal. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach (12) is chased by New York Giants defensive end Jack Gregory (81) during an NFL game against the New York Giants Oct. 10, 1976, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys seems oblivious to the presence of New York Giants Henry Reed behind him during the second quarter of Sundays game, Dec. 13, 1971, New York. Staubach threw three touchdown passes to lead the Cowboys to a 42-14 win over New York. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants Ottis Anderson (24) is hit by Dallas Cowboys Ken Norton, left, and Eugene Lockhart, right, in this Dec. 1989 photo in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 9, 1984. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Mark Bavaro, left, grabs a Phil Simms pass in front of the Dallas Cowboys Vince Albritt in the first quarter of the game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 2, 1986. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Gary Hogeboom (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall for a loss of ten yards in the third quarter, Nov. 4, 1984 at Irving, Texas. New York won the game 19-7. (AP Photo/Nuri Vallbona)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms celebrates his 53-yard pass to Lionel Manuel in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Irving, Texas, Nov. 4, 1984. (AP Photo/LK)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 38-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor rushes upfield against the Dallas Cowboys November 6, 1998 in New York. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett, right, is hauled down by the New York Giants Carl Banks in the first quarter at Giants Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 6, 1985, East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Earnest Gray (83), a New York Giants wide receiver grabs a pass from quarterback Phil Simms during the second period in Texas Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1984. Everson Wall (24) of the Cowboys was unable to prevent the 18 yard pass completion to the sidelines. The Giants beat Dallas 19-7. (AP Photo/DGB)
New York Giants tackle Brad Benson (60) prepares to block during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 38-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett (33) can't elude the grasp of New York Giants defensive end Curtis McGriff (76) during second half action in Texas Stadium in Irving, Sept. 28, 1981. The Giants held Dorsett to 70-yards for the day and stopped his 100-yards or better per games at three. The Cowboys still played well enough to defeat the Giants 18-10. (AP Photo/Ron Heflin)
New York Giants wide-receiver Johnny Perkins sprints down the side lines during second half action Sunday September 28, 1981 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Perkins (86) caught a pass from quarterback Phil Simms and was stopped by Dallas Cowboys safety Michael Downs (26). The Cowboys defeated the Giants 18-10 to win their fourth straight game. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Dallas Cowboys running back Lincoln Coleman (44) is in the center of a free-for- all with the New York Giants at the end of the first half Monday night, Nov. 7, 1994 in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys won, 38-10. -- (November 8, 1994.)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) celebrates during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the Meadowlands, East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 18, 1999. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 13-10. (AP Photo/NFL Photos/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Pepper Johnson tries to stop Dallas Cowboys Emmitt Smith during the first quarter of their match up at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Sept. 13, 1992. Johnson was able to hold the charging Smith to just one yard on the play. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) gets some much needed protection from Doug Reisenberg (72) as he blocks Dallas Cowboys Tony Casillas (75) during the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 13, 1992. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Anthony Wright (2) hits the ground after being sacked by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan in the fourth quarater Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000 in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) and New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, watches his coin toss, as do officials and New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys players before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, left, crosses the goal line for a touchdown before Dallas Cowboys safety Keith Davis pushed him out during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants players including Shaun O'Hara (60) and David Diehl, right, celebrate after Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scored the wining touchdown on a 1-yard run against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. The Giants beat the Cowboys 21-17. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants cornerback R.W. McQuarters (25) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terry Glenn (83) in the end zone during the final seconds of the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. The interception ended the Cowboys' final drive and sealed the Giants' 21-17 win. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) beats Dallas Cowboys linebacker Akin Ayodele, right, to the end zone as Toomer scores a touchdown on a 52-yard pass play in an NFC divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber (24) fumbles the ball as he is hit by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan in the first quarter of an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer races 52 yards against the Dallas Cowboys for a touchdown in the first quarter in an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants fullback Jim Finn carries a pass from quarterback Eli Manning for 15 yards in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys to give the Giants sole possession of first place in the NFC East, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Cowboys cornerback Terrence Newman tries but can't stop Finn's run. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens (81) tries to get around New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25), right, and Sam Madison (22) after a reception during the second quarter of NFL Football in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates his touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys by standing on the Cowboy's star in the end zone in the third quarter of their football game in Irving, Texas, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe (11) is sacked for a loss of six yards by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) in the 2nd quarter of their football game in Irving, Texas, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006. (AP Photo/L.M. Otero)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) pull in a 50-yard touchdown pass in front of Dallas Cowboys safety Patrick Watkins (25) in the first quarter of their football game in Irving, Texas, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006. (AP Photo/L.M. Otero))
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe, rear during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 17-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Dallas Cowboys running back Julius Jones hangs on to the ball while being tackled by New York Giants' Nick Greisen during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005 in East Rutherford, N.J. Jones finished the game with 74 rushing yards and 88 receiving yards, but the Giants won 17-10. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, front, celebrates after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe, left rear, during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Cowboys guard Larry Allen is behind Strahan. The Giants won, 17-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Kendrick Allen celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning calls an audible during he fourth quarter agaisnt the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night, Jan. 2, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 18 of 27 passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Giants to a 28-24 win. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Brent Alexander reacts as he carries the ball after intercepting Drew Bledsoe's pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-10 victory over Dallas, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, right, shakes hands with New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants' 26-10 win in Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. (AP Photo/L.M. Otero)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) crashes over Dallas Cowboy cornerback Terence Newman (41) as Cowboys linebacker Bradie James (56) tries to make the stop in the 4th quarter in Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. The Giants won, 26-10. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
New York Giants' Visanthe Shiancoe celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Dallas Cowboys running back Eddie George (27) and New York Giants safety Gibril Wilson (28) get into a shoving match after George picked up 24-yards on a running play in the 1st quarter in Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants corner back Frnk Walker (41) knocks the pass away from Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson (19) in the end zone in 1st quarter at Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. The Giants won, 26-10. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants Ike Hilliard (88) dives over the goal line for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys, in Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, left, shakes hands with New York Giants coach Jim Fassel, prior to the game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday Sept. 15, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000, as Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis (98) gives chase. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys' Troy Hambrick (42) is tackled by New York Giants Will Peterson (24) during the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Sept. 15, 2003. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Brian Mitchell, right, grabs Dallas Cowboys' Zuriel Smith, center, as he carries a punt return in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday Sept. 15, 2003. Giants' Quincy Monk (93) and Cowboys' Randal Williams are at left. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, right, breaks away from Dallas Cowboys safety Tony Dixon as he runs for a 60-yard gain during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ron Dayne (27) scores a touchdown on a four-yard run during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Dayne gained 80 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Giants beat the Cowboys 37-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Thabiti Davis, right, blocks a punt by Dallas Cowboys punter Micah Knorr during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 4, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Cowboys 27-24 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Tiki Barber (21) pushes off Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dexter Coakley (52) in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, in Irving, Texas. The Giants won, 21-17. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks runs for the end zone during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The New York Giants celebrate after defeating the Dallas Cowboys 37-34 after an NFL game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webstern celebrates in front of the Dallas Cowboys following a failed field goal attempt by the Cowboys in the final seconds of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. The Giants won 37-34. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The New York Giants celebrate after Dallas Cowboys' Dan Bailey, center, had his field goal attempt blocked during the final seconds of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. New York won 37-34. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs scores the winning touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. New York won 37-34. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants' Eli Manning during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Kevin Boss, left, fends off Dallas Cowboys' Bradie James during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs scores a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys' Anthony Spencer looks on during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
New York Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson (71) tries to wrap up Dallas Cowboys quaterback Tony Romo (9) during an NFL football game on Sunday January 1, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) catches the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 35-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) leaps over Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) and tight end Evan Engram (88) celebrate a touchdown catch by Engram in the first half of a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes between Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) and free safety Barry Church (42) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct., 19, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) chats with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning after their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 31-14.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) attempts to escape the tackle by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (24) in the first half of a NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, left, runs past Dallas Cowboys' Jeff Heath during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 31-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, top, scores a touchdown just before the ball is knocked from his hands during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec., 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, left, celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Will Hernandez (71) during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals at the line of scrimmage in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is wrapped up by New York Giants defenders after a short run in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) breaks up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant (88) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson (71) tries to wrap up Dallas Cowboys quaterback Tony Romo (9) during an NFL football game on Sunday January 1, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) breaks loose during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a 18-yard touchdown as Dallas Cowboys safety Will Allen (26) loses his helmet during the second half of aN NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) intercepts a pass in front of Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant (88) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a pass between Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (43) during an NFL football game Sunday, January 1, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in Newark, New Jersey. The Giants won the game, 31-14. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by New York Giants' Robert Thomas (99) and Romeo Okwara (78) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) drags Dallas Cowboys free safety Barry Church (42) into the end zone for a score as the Giants' Rueben Randle (82) watches during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) runs around the edge during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (24) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 38-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is forced out of bounds by Dallas Cowboys free safety Xavier Woods (25) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) meet at midfield after an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys won 37-18. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts after tackling Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Devonta Freeman (31)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches the ball in the endzone during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) rushes the passer during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Bradlee Anae (56) pressures New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 37-34. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs the ball during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) on the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Dallas Cowboys defensive line during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 37-34. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) attempts to tackle New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during an NFL game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) breaks up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and defensive end Aldon Smith (58) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal from the hold of Riley Dixon (9) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys during a week 5 game in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
Leonard Williams (99)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Devontae Booker (28)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 15 football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 19th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Danny Shelton (75)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Saquon Barkley (26)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 15 football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 19th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Saquon Barkley (26)
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Ben Bredeson (68), Andrew Thomas (78)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Darius Slayton (86)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Saquon Barkley (26)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) celebrates a tackle during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
Queen Latifah sings the National Anthem before a week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) before a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
NYPD, FDNY,PAPD before a week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) before a week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) intercepts a pass during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
Deonte Banks, Kayvon Thibodeaux
Defensive Back Logan Ryan
Q: I have two questions, one of which is regarding kind of the process of getting over a situation like last week with the long pass for which you were very accountable for obviously right away. I know in your business it's a short memory kind of thing, but can you speak to kind of coming back out of that and what your mindset is and what that process is like?
A: Yeah, you answered it, it's a short memory. It's football. When you're a fan of football like me and you study the game and you prepare, you give credit where it's due. It was a great pass, but to be a defender in this league, you can't expect that great players aren't going to make some great throws, great catches on you. You respect the game. You respect the throw. You learn from it, and you move on, but you don't let it discourage you from going back out there the next game or the next week. I've played in thousands of snaps, some good, some bad. That's just the nature of any athlete in any sport, you've got to move on to the next play. It has no bearing.
Q: Just as a follow up, you've always been very accountable since we've known you here and obviously prior to that. How important is that in your mind as a veteran to kind of show the younger guys around you because some guys don't want to take kind of public ownership with things like that sometimes?
A: It's everything that I would want in leaders when I was growing up, captains. We talk a lot about leadership, I get asked about it a lot obviously in the position that I am in my life, and it's really about being yourself. It's really about being comfortable in your own skin. I would just hate to be on a team where the best players or the older players, the veteran players, don't take accountability for what they're doing – good or bad. I believe in taking ownership. I'm comfortable in my abilities, in my own skin and when I mess up. I've learned a lot in marriage, you've got to apologize sometimes when you're wrong. Honestly, it works out the best that way for me and I let these guys know, 'hey, I think I could have made that play.' It wouldn't have been an easy play to make. I felt I could have made it. I felt like I was prepared to make it and I didn't make it. It'll be alright. I'll go back out there next week with some confidence to go back out there and make the next play. I just want to let everyone know that accountability is necessary to be a leader and those are the best leaders in my opinion, the people that aren't afraid to make mistakes and admit when they do.
Q: I've got two for you, the first one's a little off beat. You guys have a super fan, 'License Plate Guy', who's actually trying to get Giants fans to give him tickets rather than sell them to keep Cowboys fans out of the building and your teammate (Cornerback) Darnay Holmes actually gave him some tickets to do that, according to Twitter at least. Can you appreciate that and the willingness of Giants fans to try to keep Cowboys fans out of the building for you guys this week?
A: 100 percent. Listen, I'm a big fan of LPG. We've got him on an acronym name type basis over here. I saw him in the stands with an authentic half Rutgers, half Giants jersey – Logan Ryan jersey, that I've never seen before. He had to make it from hand. I'm a fan of his because he's a die hard. He's there every game obviously for years and he does a lot with charity. I gave some cleats away and he raised money for my charity. When I heard that, I had a similar idea. I was working behind the scenes to try to see if I could a purchase a block of tickets or do something to give it away for those who are more unfortunate around the holiday season. I don't want to see Giants fans in there. I don't appreciate that. Sorry, Cowboys fans. I want to see Giants fans obviously. I don't want to see Cowboys fans in there, so I was trying to find a way to kind of be on that same wave, try to take a situation where you hear that's happening and try to get those less fortunate in the stands or those who wish to be at the game or those who still want to be at the game, to be at the game. You want to have enthusiastic fans and I understand people spend their hard-earned money, so give it to LPG and he'll do a good thing with it, so I support him.
Q: My other obviously more serious football question is by my count you only had five defensive backs healthy today for your walk through now that we know (Defensive Back) J.R. Reed and (Defensive Back Natrell) Jamerson tested positive. How are you guys supposed to play football with only five defensive backs? What can you guys do?
A: You've got to do what's asked upon you, I'm sure the coaches and management will try to get some more healthy legs in there if possible. Just because (Safety) Zay McKinney didn't practice, that doesn't mean he won't play. You've got to see what you've got. I would say I've never had any experience like this, but I kind of played through last year and we obviously didn't have outbreaks this big or bad last year for the Giants. But you kind of do have a lot of experience of just going in completely unknown of who's playing, who may be there, who may not. You've got to be ready to be prepared and we're going to go out there and if I've got to play a little bit of some defense or some special teams, I did it in college, so I'll be ready to do it.
Q: This has been a strange week with the flu and COVID and I'm wondering at this point in the season obviously you're not getting a lot of on-time field practice. I'm wondering if at this point in the season, you really don't need it as much as you need to be mentally alert for the game?
A: I think mentally alert is the number one thing. You've got to do what the team needs. I think a coach always has to figure out what the team needs. Sometimes that's pulling back, sometimes it's going out there full. It's kind of a balance as a coach, I believe, to have a pulse of the team, but this is something that's out of your hands. This is something that everyone in the league's dealing with. Like I said, you can go out there at practice and only have five DBs today, what can you really get done and whatnot. Honestly, this is a pandemic that is out of our hands. You have to be willing to adapt, adapt or die honestly. You have to be willing to adapt and that's what we're doing. We've done virtual meetings before. We're all familiar with it. Obviously, everyone in the world got used to Zoom last year so we're comfortable with that system. (Head Coach) Joe (Judge) will do his best with the schedule to make sure that we're prepared to play. But the Cowboys aren't going to care about how many DBs we've got or whatever that may be. You've got to be prepared, and I really don't care – we've really got to be prepared to go play the game and go win the game. Whatever the task is, I know we're going to go at it 100 percent and give our best effort.
