DE Olivier Vernon
December 8, 2016
Q: Obviously a big game against the Cowboys this week. Now without JPP, what do you guys have to do to pick up for the loss?
A: Guys just have to step up. It’s a big game. One of our rivals. Come Sunday, we’re going to see what the young guys can do. We have a lot of confidence in them. They’ve been working their tails off since day one. We just have to wait and see come Sunday.
Q: You and JPP have worked so well together. How much added pressure does this put on you?
A: Really it’s just about adapting. Hopefully we can get back sooner than we think. Just play ball. We can’t control anything that’s happening right now. All we can do is just adapt.
Q: To what degree does the pressure increase on you?
A: We just have to go out there and play. There’s going to be obstacles out there. You just have to go out and play. Do what you have to do. Hopefully the other guys are going to come in and step up. Make the plays like they have to. I know they are. Nobody is really losing any type of confidence right now. We’re just sticking to it. We have the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday and we’re ready to play.
Q: How have you worked on your communication with Romeo Okwara and or Kerry Wynn this week as a result of the absence of JPP?
A: That’s something that we’ve been working on since day one. Everyone on the defense pretty much communicates. That’s probably been one of the biggest things that’s helped us get to where we are right now. Just the communication aspect of everything. Just continue. Continue as follows. Stay communicating.
Q: Now that JPP is not here, how much more has that changed in terms of the volume or how you have to communicate because it’s not the same?
A: That’s true, it’s not the same person. As far as when it comes down to practice, the young guys, they’re communicating as well. They just have to step in and do what they have to do. One thing about them is that they have a lot of confidence. That’s one of the big things I admire about them. When they get in the game, they do what they have to do. They do their job and make things happen.
Q: What do you worry about first when it comes to Dallas?
A: They have a lot of weapons. They can run the ball and pass the ball. They have an elusive quarterback. He’s very calm, cool and collected. We just have to bring our A game. Bring our A game and focus on Giants football.
Q: Are you surprised, impressed when you look at what Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have been able to do?
A: I’m impressed by two rookie guys doing their thing. You can’t even call them rookies anymore. It’s already past that stage. We’re in December. December is all that matters. Pretty much have to just play Giants football and keep it moving.
