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Friday Media Conference Call: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Eric from BBI : Admin : 9/2/2016 2:35 pm
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Conference Call, September 2, 2016

Q: Do you feel like a switch gets flipped now between preseason and the regular season?

A: Definitely, man. Things are starting to crank up around here, the energy, everything. You can definitely tell this is that time.

Q: At the beginning of camp, we asked your teammates about the gelling process on defense. Now that the preseason is over, where do you feel this defense is in terms of everyone being on the same page?

A: I think we came a long way. We made strides and progress. The first two games, we definitely struggled a little bit communication-wise, but the one thing we have been doing that has showed up the last four games has been just flying around and getting to the ball, so the understanding is definitely there and I think the communication has gotten a lot better.

Q: How is it for you playing in the slot?

A: It was cool. I definitely like it, man. You can do a lot of things. You can disguise a lot, you aren’t always in man, you are zoned up, you can blitz, so it definitely requires a lot, but it has been fun and I am definitely liking it in there.

Q: When you look back at last year’s opener, what sticks out to you the most?

A: Basically the finish. I definitely think that we could have won the ball game, going into a hostile environment like that, so I definitely say just going out and finishing the task at hand is what sticks out to me the most.

Q: How did you see Ben McAdoo handle everything with the offensive side of the ball with the way that game ended?

A: It happened and you learn from it. I definitely think we are past that. I know the mindset is to just get the ball in the end zone any way, any how. If we had the chance to do it again, I definitely think with the offensive weapons we have, that we will make the right decision or whatever the case may be and definitely get it in there.

Q: What is the biggest difference between this year and last year? Are you confident that the problems with last year’s defense won’t happen again?

A: I think that is the first time that the defense was presented to a lot of guys. Within the second year, you will always be better with knowing the defense, knowing the scheme and understanding the scheme and they brought in some guys that understand football and can get after the ball and make plays and the draft class has really stepped up big for us. So you bring in all the pieces and the second year guys are comfortable in it, and I definitely think it is going to be a whole lot better. I mean being 32nd, you only can get better.

Q: What parts of the game do you think this defense has improved on and is really going to thrive on?

A: I would say that mentality. It is about building a mentality and if you look from the preseason games, you are seeing guys just flying around and being relentless to the ball, building that mentality of what Giants defenses are known for. It is just like building the bully is what we are calling it.

Q: How hard is this weekend for veteran players? There are a lot of people that are going to lose jobs in the next couple of days.

A: It is very hard. You have guys that come in in the spring, young guys, veteran guys that transfer over to the team and you make friends and make bonds and then it is sad to see a friend, a brother, leave like that. It is definitely hard. I just don’t even like being in the locker room around this time because seeing the faces on guys, it kind of does something to you inside and it hurts you, but it also helps you understand how privileged you are and you want to be grateful for that.

Q: What is your message to the young guys who lose their job?

A: I had a lot of them already coming to me. I just tell them, man, the grind never stops. Just understand that just because one door closes, another one isn’t going to open. You just have to stay focused and believe in yourself. No matter what happens, always believe in yourself.
Those were some thoughtful responses  
OdellBeckhamJr : 9/2/2016 3:00 pm : link
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RE: Those were some thoughtful responses  
Bchurch : 9/2/2016 5:57 pm : link
In comment 13100456 OdellBeckhamJr said:
Quote:
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I agree... Nothing but class. It really shows on this team and will pave the way for the younger guys to show them how to behave as NFL football players. It's a privilege and an honor to be part of the New York Football Giants.
He gets paid to much?  
est1986 : 9/2/2016 6:49 pm : link
Yeah right. We need this guy. Best player on defense last year, hands down.
RE: He gets paid to much?  
SGMen : 9/2/2016 7:08 pm : link
In comment 13100697 est1986 said:
Quote:
Yeah right. We need this guy. Best player on defense last year, hands down.
With his speed and style, he is much needed and will DEFINITELY be a GIANT next year despite his "high" salary.

I really look forward to how well this defense will play with a great starting DL, a healthy D. Kennard, and a secondary that just feels "strong" in all areas. It will take time to "gel" but hopefully we'll get wins still while we come together.
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