Linebacker Olivier Vernon
July 25, 2018
Q: Would you say it’s a little bit of a different training camp because of the new coaching staff?
A: Yes, a lot of new faces. It’s time to get excited and get the pads back on, the season is almost here so everybody can’t wait.
Q: Do you get excited about this, some veterans really don’t get excited (about the start of training camp)?
A: I mean you get excited about the season being around the corner. This is the first step, you get a little bit excited because you are getting close to the start of the season.
Q: Do you think Pat Shurmur’s training camp will be significantly different than what you are used to?
A: That’s for me to find out. I have no idea how he does things for training camp. I think a lot of people are excited to be in the building right now and get things rolling. OTA’s were smooth, a lot of guys had fun, I had fun myself this is something to look forward to.
Q: The last time we spoke to you was at the start of the OTA’s, since then have you gotten a feel for how the defense is going to take shape, especially your role within it?
A: Its aggressive, a lot of guys are having fun with that, flying around. There is a lot less thinking when it comes down to it. Just getting down pat and getting in the playbook. Once we get the communication down it tends to help guys on the field learn the playbook because everyone is talking amongst each other. It makes it more smooth to delegate all the plays and getting out there and getting after it.
Q: How do you see yourself getting used in this defense?
A: I don’t see myself getting used any differently. I’m still going to be rushing the quarterback. Rush the quarterback and stop the run that’s my forte. So anything else I can handle, we’ll see.
Q: As you dig into the playbook is there anything different compared to last year as far as schemes?
A: Probably just being a little bit more aggressive. We have to stop the run and get to the quarterback so really when it comes to different playbooks and different schemes that’s core of it, stopping the run.
Q: What are your impressions of Saquon Barkley?
A: I can’t wait to see what he has when we get in pads. In training camp, we get to hit. He was very impressive in OTA’s. Running around flying around, as quick as he is and as big as he is its pretty impressive.
Q: The NFL said they would revisit the anthem policy, what do you have to say about that?
A: I will let them handle it. That’s what they are supposed to do and we’ll take it from there.
Q: Having lined up across form the offense, what is different about what they are running?
A: I feel like as far as the guys they have on offense, especially on the offensive line those guys have a little attitude to them that’s one thing you like to see, especially the young guys. We have Hernandez coming in, a very good pick I feel like. He is going to be very good for the line, especially as young as he is. I think the whole offense is rejuvenated and we can wipe everything away from last year. Everybody is excited to come in, its different. A clean slate, different playbooks, different coaches. We got new faces and I think everyone is excited to be here.
Q: How do you know Will Hernandez is going to be a good pick?
A: You can tell. I have been around a little while so I can tell when someone comes in. His demeanor is what you look for in an offensive lineman. They have to have a different mentality and I see that in him. I like him.
Q: Did his (Hernandez) attitude catch some of the veterans on defense by surprise in OTA’s?
A: You appreciate stuff like that because you are not supposed to be good and jolly playing offensive or defensive line. You are supposed to have a little edge to you, a little attitude. It’s refreshing when you see a young cat come into the league with that. I’m looking forward to seeing him play.
Q: Davis Webb said he thought you were the best Giant during the spring. Did you feel particularly good about your spring?
A: Just trying to digest everything and be put in a role where I can make plays for the defense and establish myself as a top pass rusher and top run defender. I think everybody came into the building during OTA’s trying to wash away last year and try to improve on what we have been doing around here and build a foundation.
Q: One of the things Pat (Shurmur) talked to us about was focusing on football, did that get away from you guys last year?
A: There was a lot of things going on last year. I think the biggest thing that happened was a lot of people got hurt. That can be frustrating, when you anticipate guys coming back and getting back then other guys get hurt. Its football everyone gets hurt that’s the name of the game, but it can be frustrating when guys get hurt and you know they want to play, you hurt for them. Hopefully, everyone can stay healthy this year.
Q: How do your assignments change in the new defense?
A: Maybe certain drops, when it comes down to it. Defenses relate to each other in a way. Its just different terminology and different technique. Its just one thing you have to add to the repertoire. I feel like we did a great job of that during OTA’s. We have great coaches teaching us how it has to be done, certain techniques.
Q: You talk about wiping away last year, how much of a tone did Shurmur set from the beginning about what this season is about?
A: He basically said you are starting from zero right now. What you put in right now will determine where you are in the end. Only the players can control that. Coaches add the game plan and schemes but the players make it happen. We have to take ownership and believe in what the coaches are preaching. Its basically on us as players.
Q: With Hernandez and Solder on the left side how different will that left side be and how good could you be up front?
A: As good as those boys want to make it. It seems like those guys have great communication as far as playing together, that’s what you need on the offensive line. They are only as good as how good they work together.
Q: Did you notice a difference?
A: Yeah, I was impressed with them not really making any mistakes that I noticed. I feel like having Nate Solder will help out tremendously and they are doing a lot of good things.
Q: With the Giants signing Connor Barwin what does that do for you considering most of the other pass rushers are inexperienced?
A: Just adds more experience, veteran leadership and a lot more depth. We haven’t had a lot of depth the past couple years. It’s going to help us as a team.
Hey hope springs eternal this time of year.
And there were a couple plays where he went into coverage last year, and seemed to be in good position....
But if I am the opposing qb, and he does not rush, I would be looking in his direction on a pass play...but I think think that will be very rare, with the lack of pass rushers on this team.....I think we will be seeing him rush from multiple positions in the line, while stunting a lot...
I think the odds are that the Giants sack leader at year end is going to rank well down on the NFL list of sack leaders.
Worse, I don't think it's easy to even predict who the Giants season ending sack leader is going to be.
I think the odds are that the Giants sack leader at year end is going to rank well down on the NFL list of sack leaders.
Worse, I don't think it's easy to even predict who the Giants season ending sack leader is going to be.
The pressure will come from anywhere and everywhere, a Bettcher trademark. He disguises well. He hasn’t needed primo talent, just guys who work hard and follow through on their assignments. Not to worry, my friend
Quote:
going to come from?
I think the odds are that the Giants sack leader at year end is going to rank well down on the NFL list of sack leaders.
Worse, I don't think it's easy to even predict who the Giants season ending sack leader is going to be.
The pressure will come from anywhere and everywhere, a Bettcher trademark. He disguises well. He hasn’t needed primo talent, just guys who work hard and follow through on their assignments. Not to worry, my friend
I understand Shurmur's offense lead the league in blitzes last year, which I like - it's aggressive. My fear is they end up in ranking 20+ in QB pressures/sacks. If so, their secondary is going to get roasted.
You can scheme for pressure, but the guys they put on the field have to be able to get home on the pass rushers.
Oh, me too. I'm super excited about the potential for this team... maybe similar to how I felt in 1984 after they drafted Banks (only this time with the offense being the strength, not the defense)... although that 1984 Giants team was probably more complete once Banks was added than the current Giants team is. I just don't see the horses on D, but at the same time, I don't really know this D (unlike the 1984 team which was a very known quantity other than Banks being a rookie - and a HUGE part of what that team was about to become)… but I think the current Giants team is really set to challenge for a SB within the next 3 seasons just like the 1984 team was.
Nothing else matters...