Q: Do you blame yourself for the way things worked out over the last year or so?
A: I don't really point the blame at anybody but myself. I know what I'm capable of doing and so far I haven't been able to reach those goals so I can only look at myself in the mirror and see what I can do better. With a coach like Coach Coughlin who gave me the opportunity here to contribute, I'm just trying to do everything I can.
Q: Mike Shanahan had questioned your work ethic. Do you think he had a point or do you think he was overly harsh?
A: I only can take it for what it's worth. That's what he said and I still hear his voice in the back of my head talking about the kind of work ethic I need for the off-season. I took it for that and just worked hard. The time has come that I get my chance to showcase my skills.
Q: Did you work pretty hard this off-season to make sure it wouldn't happen again?
A: I feel like I always work hard, but the extra hunger and thirst knowing that I've been released and I'm not with my original team and having to rebound and regain that composure, knowing what kind of player I am—a lot of people have been writing me off. It's funny, but it makes me smile because that's all I can do is be happy. I can't allow that to make me sad or make me mad about anything.
Q: Hearing his voice is a motivating thing, or does it make you angry?
A: It's a motivation tactic. Honestly, I feel like our relationship was one we had a lot of communication with. The way things ended kind of caught me off-guard. I definitely hold that for motivation.
Q: Do you think you'll have a chance to play on Saturday?
A: I'm assuming so. I'm shooting to get back this week. It's all really going to be on the coaches and how confident they feel in me being out there, but I'm just going to bust my tail to get out there.
Q: You were a second-round pick so you have talent, but you haven't been able to get on the field as much as you would like. Do you feel that you have some surprises to show people in how good you can be in this league?
A: Of course. I feel like I still haven't reached my potential. A lot of things I can do haven't been seen on film. I'm still eager to make it happen.
