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Monday Media Transcript: LB Jonathan Casillas

Eric from BBI : Admin : 8/22/2016 5:54 pm
LB Jonathan Casillas

August 22, 2016

Q: You looked like a safety running around Saturday night. Is that a sign that you’re as healthy as you’ve been in a while?

A: Yes, you can say that. I was always blessed with the ability to run. I’m just trying to show that out there as much as I can. I want to let Spags and my other teammates know that they can rely on me in passing situations and situations where I’m covering skill guys.

Q: How much were you hampered in that regard last year?

A: Last year I had a neck issue that I was dealing with during the preseason. It kind of limited the reps I got. I only played in the first preseason game. Now I’m getting full exposure to every practice rep and every rep that I can.

Q: Did that set you back at all into the season or was that just a preseason type of thing?

A: If you’re not actually getting reps, football reps, everybody always says you have to get mental reps, well, it’s hard to replicate it in your head. You can’t replicate an actual stance and actual contact if you’re not doing it. I think I was a little bit behind as we started the season and I had to play catch up during the season. I’m playing now just like everyone else, so I’m not missing any other steps.

Q: Do you see a difference in yourself?

A: Yes. Like you said, I’m healthy and I’m able to run around. I’m fully integrated with all the guys. Not only am I better but I feel like everyone else is getting better. Everybody that’s there is. Some guys are on the sideline and that’s just how it is. You can’t play when you’re hurt, but at the same time, take your mental reps. When you do come back you might be a step behind, but you have to get acclimated as fast as you can.

Q: With the neck, do you have to take extra precautions?

A: Yes. I play linebacker, I’m hitting every play. Something I have to continue to do off the field is the isometric stuff and chiropractic treatments.

Q: Where do you think the linebackers have improved the most?

A: Good question. You talking about compared to last year?

Q: If that makes it easier.

A: In coverage. I believe zone coverage in crucial situations. I put myself in that category. In crucial situations last year, two-minute drives, I was the Mike linebacker. I was either a little too high, too slow, out of position. The Mikes we have now, Jasper Brinkley, Kelvin and even Keenan, they’re doing a phenomenal job. I’m sticking to my outside linebacker position and I think I’m pretty good at that.

Q: Is one of the differences this year with the linebackers is that the line is keeping the offensive linemen off you guys?

A: This defensive line is a linebacker’s dream. You have two of the best defensive ends in the game and the best run-stopper in the game in Hankins. He’s a better player than he was last year. It’s a dream to play behind these guys and we just have to continue to get on the same page and continue to build and put these blocks together. The Jets game is a huge test for us and it’ll be good because they do a lot in the run game and a lot and they spread people out as well.

Q: On the other side of the ball, have you studied Weston Richburg at all at center and how he’s evolved from a year ago?

A: I’m just going against him. I wouldn’t say studied him, but yes, going against him I feel like he’s done a tremendous job in leading those guys and being that captain up there besides Eli. Eli does everything but sometimes when he’s not with Eli, when Nassib is in, Nassib just doesn’t have as much experience as Eli numbers wise. Weston does a great job in getting guys, pointing out different fronts, pointing out linebackers, safety’s and DB’s that are blitzing and involved in the front.

Q: Giant fans are a little concerned about the offensive line. What have you noticed about this offensive line this training camp?

A: We’re still building. We’re still building continuity. If I know anything about the offensive line, I know they’re always the closest group. They’re always the most talkative, have to be on the same page. That doesn’t happen overnight. Hopefully it can happen sooner rather than later. As of right now, I don’t think they’re as together as they want to be as a unit. That’s just my opinion about it. It’s still early. It’s going to be a huge test this weekend and I feel like they have been making strides. Especially going against that D-line everyday.

Q: We talked about a three-down linebacker. Have they talked to you at all about wearing a headset? It looks like at this point you’re going to be the only guy out there all three downs.

A: No. They didn’t say anything about that this year. Like I said, the middle linebackers we have are very capable. Brinkley, Shepp and then Keenan stepping in on dime, they’re doing a good job of getting guys lined up and being in the right place at the right time.

Q: How important is it as a line to have a guy that’s on the field all three downs from a linebacker sense?

A: I would say if you want to go back in the day and say that was a key thing and you have to have a linebacker in there, maybe yes. Nowadays, you don’t have a running back in all three downs, tight ends come in and out of the game. It’s good to have versatility at the linebacker position. If you don’t have a three or four down linebacker, that’s fine as long as someone is there capable to do it at all times.
Interesting that he mentions Hankins...  
Dan in the Springs : 8/22/2016 6:50 pm : link
as the best run stopper in the game. Also mentions the two best DE's in the game, but no mention of Snacks. A bit of a surprise? Why do you think Snacks got no mention? Surely just an oversight I presume.
Not sure about Snacks  
mrvax : 8/22/2016 7:26 pm : link
but Casillas has looked sharp this pre-season. Always around the ball, making plays.
I was optimistic about Casillas last year...  
Dan in the Springs : 8/22/2016 7:48 pm : link
and this interview was great in providing an understanding for why we struggled with him at Mike. Looking forward to him continuing to fly around to the ball as he his play has appeared much improved to my untrained eye.

I can only hope what he says about the improvements in zone defense because we were absolutely abysmal in coverage last year. We really need this to not be a huge opportunity for opposing defenses.
RE: I was optimistic about Casillas last year...  
KeoweeFan : 8/22/2016 8:19 pm : link
In comment 13082169 Dan in the Springs said:
Quote:
and this interview was great in providing an understanding for why we struggled with him at Mike. Looking forward to him continuing to fly around to the ball as he his play has appeared much improved to my untrained eye.

I can only hope what he says about the improvements in zone defense because we were absolutely abysmal in coverage last year. We really need this to not be a huge opportunity for opposing defenses.


It was refreshing to hear him say, in effect, he was not the best fit at middle last year and that he could excel on the outside this year.

My hope for the middle is Goodson. The Giants are doing the right thing in letting him learn. The pre-season confirms his potential. It may come sooner rather than later.
Seems Like an upfront type of guy ....  
Bluesbreaker : 8/22/2016 9:36 pm : link
He has shown some wheels ..
As for Goodson love to see him get more reps late in the
season when Brinkley or whomever gets nicked up or needs a blow ect .
I think he is gonna be a Two down thumper that we can get
a lot of mileage out of just watching his Clemson high lights he was excellent at shrugging off blockers and
making dead stops ..
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