DE Jason Pierre-Paul
December 2, 2015
Q: Is this game a rivalry?
A: No.
Q: Does the rivalry between the two teams take a back seat because so much is at stake now?
A: Honestly, it doesn’t matter. At this point, we’re just trying to win the game, and go on to the next game and win that one as well. It’s just one game, we have to win it, and that’s how we’re playing it.
Q: Because of the slow start last week, how important is it to get off to a quick start this week to make sure the fans are behind you right away?
A: The players, we know what we have to do. It was a tough loss, we could have played better, but we didn’t. We’re in here working hard and trying to get right for the fans, and for our families, and definitely for our teammates. We know what we have to do and we’re going to do it.
Q: The last time you played these guys?
A: I don’t even know man.
Q: 2011, you guys never lost again. Remember, you had the 99-yard [Victor] Cruz touchdown? You see any parallels? You played them a little later that year.
A: I don’t even remember, to tell you the truth.
Q: Coach [Coughlin] said he wants you guys showing extra effort in December, what did he tell you exactly?
A: The motto is: you only remember what you do in December. So that’s true. Every game counts. How I feel is we should win every game, we have the talent to do it, and we just have to put it together. We can’t come out and start how we started last week or whatever. We’re out here working hard as a team and we’re going to get it right.
Q: Do you see the effort, more guys all in?
A: Of course, all the guys came out there and did what they had to do. We picked up the speed. You know you practice how you play, and Coach Coughlin has always preached that to us. We’re practicing fast right now and we’re getting at each other’s heads. The players know what we have to do to win this game.
Q: The Jets have given up only 14 sacks this year, which is tied for fewest in the league.
A: Look, I’m still trying to get a sack myself. I’m not even worried about that, how I feel I’m going to go out there and give my best game. That’s how I’m going to play the game, giving my best game, and I know about the d-linemen behind me, so I’m going to play at a high level and they’re going to play at a high level.
Q: I guess what I’m saying is, are they part of that trend of just getting the ball getting out quick? Is that the primary way to avoid sacks or is their offensive line that talented and that strong?
A: It all starts with the quarterback. Anytime you have a good quarterback, he knows what to do with the ball and he’s a good quarterback, so we’ll see. Sunday is far (away), so we have time.
