Head Coach Tom Coughlin
July 30, 2013
Q: It’s not full gear, but how good was it to see some of the cracking going on today with the shoulder pads on?
A: It was good. It’s always good to get started that way, it was real good to see. The majority of the time we were on our feet. There was a few occasions where I didn’t appreciate it, but it was good to see them; they were very enthusiastic about it, you like to think that would be maintained.
Q: Have you seen Eli kind of enjoy his interactions with Nassib and almost adopt a teacher kind of role in a way?
A: Oh, I’ve seen that since day one, yeah, oh yeah. Eli has done a real good job at that, and he continues to do that, and he does enjoy that role.
Q: Is that something that you talked to him about maybe when you drafted Ryan?
A: Well, I talked to him about bringing in a young player and how challenging it was going to be for the young guy, and I’m sure he remembers his early days. He really does try to help.
Q: How is Aaron Ross doing, it looks like he’s playing well.
A: Yeah, he’s doing pretty good, yeah. Boy that interception yesterday was really good, really good, so I like very much what I see. He really enjoys being back, and he has a big smile on his face. He’s worked hard, I like it.
Q: It’s an unusual situation, I mean guys when they leave, they usually don’t come back. They usually don’t get a second chance.
A: Well, here’s a second chance. Another chance. He did pretty good when he was here, I like that thought.
Q: A guy like Jacquian Williams had a lot of experience before he got hurt. Is the injury slowing him down in the sense that he’s not where you wanted him to be?
A: Yeah, I mean there’s no question that the last year was a problem, in terms of the continuous development of any player. He just missed some time. But he’s back on track and I hope that he’s going to stay out there, that’s the key for all these people. The thing that they must understand is you’ve got to practice, you’ve got to practice.
Q: Some of the defensive guys seem to have a little chip on their shoulder. Do you like …?
A: I do like it. I’m going to like it more if it’s maintained on Sundays. They do have a lot to prove.
Q: Did you like what you saw from the run defense today? It’s the first time you’ve seen it with pads.
A: It’s early on. The best thing I can say is I liked the enthusiasm. I like the fact that from a defensive standpoint it doesn’t look like there’s a lot of room in there. But it’s early. That’s kind of the way it goes for offensive linemen. Figuring it all out, etc. Young guys, but as we advance in camp, it will continue to be very competitive.
Q: You used a lot of jumbo packages on defense where you had Shaun Rogers and Cullen Jenkins and Linval Joseph. Is that something you’re going to experiment with this year?
A: That’s being experimented with right now. Just matching personnel, but matching it with some large bodies. Some large people inside.
Q: How’s Jeremy Horne?
A: I’m not sure. They told me that he had some kind of a foot injury but I don’t know what to expect.
Q: And Hakeem is still limited?
A: He’s limited.
Q: Aaron Curry had a nice pick today, is he starting to show you some flashes of what you need to see?
A: We’ll see. He’s working his way back into football and that’s what he needs. He’s had his moments where he hasn’t been able to compete and play. Now he’s back at it and let’s hope he continues.
Q: How nice has it been to have Sam Madison around again?
A: It’s good to have Sam. Sam’s good. Very good medicine. Sam was like that as a player when he was here with us. He was working and he’s coaching and he did a nice job in that capacity. He did a good job with all the young corners then. The guys seem to respond and like the fact that he’s here right now.
Q: Those young corners he played with, they’re now the old corners, so they have a connection to him obviously.
A: They do have a connection and they’re happy to have him back. Back and around.
Q: Victor missed the offseason. Are you kind of surprised at how he looks like he hasn’t missed a beat out there?
A: I don’t know what you’re seeing. He’s knocking some rust off. He definitely is. He’s made some really nice plays. He’s coming along and he’s definitely going to get there. I wouldn’t tell you he’s (there). He’s working. He’s out here. We know that’s the formula for him and he’ll work his way through camp and he’ll be ready to go.
A: I don’t know what you’re seeing. He’s knocking some rust off.