Transcript: OT Justin Pugh

T Justin Pugh
Conference Call, December 23, 2014

Q: How long have you been waiting for a second shot at the Eagles here?
A: It is something that I haven’t necessarily been thinking about too much. As soon as the game ended on Sunday, I was already moving on getting ready to go for Philly.

Q: What are your plans for this week and do you need to do anything differently in regards to canceling out the noise on the outside when you play against the Eagles?
A: I am looking forward to the game; I am looking forward to getting out there and getting that second chance at them. I am going to prepare like I have the last three weeks since I have been back from my injury and get ready to go out there and win a game.

Q: What did you make of the brawl in St. Louis, and who do you think really instigated that whole scenario?
A: In regards to the whole incident in St. Louis with the fight and everything, I think it was guys getting heated, in the heat of the moment of the game. You’re battling; you’re blocking your guys, there are some hits after the whistle on both sides of the team. It really is just a natural reaction to go out there and try to defend your teammate and whatever the case may be there. Obviously, we took it a little too far and it can’t happen again.

Q: When you look at Philadelphia, do you see the same type of team or have they changed much since the last time you saw them?
A: They are very good team. I think in the NFC East this year, you’ve seen all of the teams have weapons, have skill, and they do a lot of different things. Their defense is very good; you have to give them credit for the way they played. Obviously, as of late, they haven’t closed the season as they wanted to. I think going into the last game, it’s big for both teams.

Q: Do you think this offense feels it has something to prove to the Eagles. They are a division team you face twice a year.
A: Yeah, definitely, we didn’t score at all. We definitely have something to prove, we have to go out there, put points up and take pressure of our defense. I think that is something we are looking forward to getting accomplished this week. We’ve got to put in a good week of practice and I think that will show on Sunday.

Q: How would you describe this season as a whole for you?
A: I look at it as a learning process. If you don’t learn and grow from the way this season went, then it was a waste all around. I think, me personally, learning how to be a better player and where I can find and make changes in my game, and my routine, and my schedule. I think it is definitely something that has helped me and helped me grow as a player. I am looking forward to going out there Sunday, playing a good game and ending the season on a high note.

Q: The running game seems to have been successful the past few weeks. What do you attribute to it all coming together?
A: I think it is just guys going out there, working hard, keep doing what they’ve been doing, and making sure we are hitting our stride at the right time. I think, obviously, the running backs are running hard, we have been in close games so were able to stick with the run and didn’t have to go to the pass right away. All of those different things combined have helped us out.

Q: Is it a little frustrating to have the season come to an end? It seems like you guys are finally putting things together, finding an identity, and playing pretty well the last three games.
A: Yeah, you wish you could’ve done that earlier on in the season. You look back at some games that were close that we could’ve come away with. It could’ve changed the whole dynamic of the season for the Giants and for everyone here. It is definitely something you want to get back and change, but that is the thing about this game, week in and week out, whether it is Week 8 or Week 16, Week 17, you have to bring your ‘A’ game, or else you are going to pay for it. Obviously, we are not going to the playoffs so we have to get better next year.