QB Geno Smith
August 9, 2017
Q: How do you compare WR Brandon Marshall to WR Odell Beckham Jr.?
A: They’re similar but different. They both have a unique style. Both dynamic players. Great wide receivers. Work extremely hard and just great players that you love to have as kind of like that safety net – that blanket whenever you get in a jam. You can throw one up to them or, you know, you can design a play for them and you know they’re going to win one-on-one situations.
Q: What’s it like to think about getting on the field Friday?
A: It’s going to be fun. I’m excited. Looking forward to it, you know, being my first game since last October. So, it’ll be fun. We’re going to go out there and cut it loose, you know, play like I know how and just give it everything I got.
Q: Are you looking forward to playing on the opposite sideline?
A: Yeah. It’ll be, maybe when I get to the stadium I’ll get the feeling of it. But, right now, it’s kind of normal. I’ve been here for a few months. So, I’ve got acclimated to things around here, but I’m sure once I go to the stadium and kind of put on the new uniform and walk out for the first time as a Giant, it’ll be different.
Q: Do you approach a preseason game differently since you’re battling for a spot?
A: Nothing in the mental approach. Obviously, you’re going to play more minutes. You’re going to be out there longer, which is great, you know, you get a chance to get a feel for the guys around you, the offense. You get to get some live action, not just playing your own team. So, I think it’ll be great.
Q: Are you more conscious of protecting the ball now that you’re with the Giants?
A: I mean, I’ve always been conscious of that. When it comes to those interceptions – the majority of those happened as a rookie. I’m not making an excuse for it, but I learned from those mistakes and this is what? Four years later. So, I should be better. I am better. I’m smarter. I understand it. I see it better and that just comes with getting more reps and getting a better feel for the NFL game.
Q: Do you know the plan for you on Friday night?
A: Not yet. Not yet. We’ll see.
Q: How is your knowledge of the offense at this point?
A: It’s pretty good, but it can get better. It’s continuously getting better. Every day I’m learning something new. Every day I’m getting better with the operation and exactly what Coach Mac (McAdoo) wants. That’s something that’s important. Understanding what the coach wants, how he wants it done and being able to go out there and execute.
Q: Do you look at it as you and QB Josh Johnson are competing for one spot?
A: If that’s the case, then yeah. I’m not sure, but I know that we’re competing. We’re all competing to get each other better and if it’s that one spot then obviously I’m going for it. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Josh. I think he’s a tremendous player. He’s been in this league a long time, proven guy. And, I mean, if it is a competition for one spot, as a competitor, you want to win every single competition. That’s day-in and day-out.
Q: Does this year feel like chapter two of your NFL career?
A: Not really. It’s still chapter one. We’re still working, still getting better. It’s not that kind of thing for me. I’m always focused on football. I don’t look at the outside storylines, any of that. This is a game that I love. I enjoy playing it and I know that the ups and downs – they just come with it.
Q: Right now, are you physically able to do everything you were able to do before your knee injury?
A: Probably more. I’m in better shape. Having a knee injury, you don’t have a time to take a break. So, I’m in better shape, my body feels better. My weight is up, but my body fat is down, so that’s something that’s a positive. And continuously working on my diet and all the little things that’ll help me stay healthy are things that I’m working on.
Q: Are you looking forward to or dreading the first hit that you take in a game since your injury?
A: Looking forward to it, looking forward to it. I don’t want to get hit, but if it does happen, I’m looking forward to bouncing right up and getting on to the next play.
Q: In a perfect world, what does your body of work look like against the Steelers on Friday when the game is over?
A: Ton of completions, great execution on the reads, getting to the run-checks, doing all the things that we need to do to score points. As long as we’re scoring points, then no matter how it gets done, we’re doing a good job.
Q: Will you wear a knee brace during Friday’s game?
A: No.
Q: Have you been advised either way on wearing the brace for Friday’s game?
A: It’s been 50-50. Some people say you should, some people say you shouldn’t. It all depends on how you feel and, honestly, I feel great. I don’t think there will be any reason for me to wear it.
Q: Is deciding to wear or not wear a knee brace partly a mental thing?
A: Yeah, for some guys. But, I’m not really one of those guys who psyches myself out. I’m kind of one of those guys who’s just fearless about it. If things happen, they happen. You can’t really – a knee brace isn’t going to really stop you from getting hurt. So, you’ve just got to be out there and be smart, take care of your body and be a smart player.
Q: Do you game plan for a preseason game?
A: Well, we watch film on them. You have to, you’ve got to know your opponent. Not as much game plan that you do in the regular season, but still a little bit of game plan. Understanding what they do and how you’re going to beat it.
Q: Would you describe your time with the Giants as what percent football?
A: One hundred percent. One hundred ten percent. And that’s been the blessing in it, is I’ve had a tremendous amount of time to work on my game, to become a more refined quarterback and also, to work on my body and all the small things that help you continuously play in this league.
Q: Has your arm gotten weaker?
A: Not at all. Stronger, definitely.
Q: If Jets fans tune into Friday night’s game, will they not recognize you?
A: They’ll recognize me. I think that’s just a misconception. They’ll recognize me, they’ve seen me play, they’ve seen me play well.
Q: Has there been a specific receiver that you have developed a special rapport with?
A: Travis Rudolph is a guy who you can count on to be in the right spot. He understands how to play the game. The tight ends – Will Tye, [Jerell] Adams, all those guys are doing a great job getting open for us and allowing us to have that safety blanket. All the guys are doing a great job, but once we get out there on Friday night, it’ll be a chance for us to really see who you can rely on and who you can count on once the real pressure’s on.
