NYG Postgame (vs. Buccaneers) Transcripts: C Spencer Pulley -- November 18, 2018
Q: Eli only threw the ball 18 times.
A: Yeah, and completed 17, right? That’s what you want right there.
Q: Why did you have so much success running the ball? Last week too.
A: It’s something we looked at during the bye week as a group with the running backs, tight ends and everyone, and it’s something we really worked on. We’ve got a great quarterback, no doubt, but we don’t want to pass the ball 60 times in a game and drop back, it’s just us working together with Saquon (Barkley) and other backs, and just getting it done.
Q: Were you just fed up a little bit? That’s the word Will Hernandez used. Were you fed up as an offensive line that because of the results you were taking a lot of the (blame)?
A: Of course. The outside noise about whose fault it is is not the big deal, but it’s personal to us – the sacks, the rushing yards – those things are personal for us. Being able to run the ball into the end zone is something we want to do.
Q: The way you guys handled Saquon running it between the tackles today – today, he was just running it right up the middle.
A: Yeah, the big plays are awesome, you love that. It’s like, alright cool, let’s get off the field, but when it’s first down and you’re running for eight yards, that’s second and two, that’s a great feeling. It opens up the play book, it makes everything easier.
Q: The protection was better too the last couple games. I think one sack last game and two or three today. Does that go hand in hand with the runs?
A: Of course. You look at how many drop back passes, or how many two-minute situations we’ve been in trying to get back into the game, and we haven’t had to do that the last two games. It just allows you to run more of your offense.
Q: What’s the right word for the feeling in here – optimism? Belief? What are you guys feeling after two straight wins?
A: Yeah, we’ve always been optimistic, we’ve always had the belief. It’s just good to see it come to fruition.
He's still below average but below average is a huge upgrade from where we were at.
He's still below average but below average is a huge upgrade from where we were at.
Z, I have been watching both Brown and Pulley closely and I agree that Pulley is below average. As a backup he is okay to have on the roster but the truth is that Brown has been a big help for Pulley. He saved him several times over the past two weeks. Pulley just is easily thrown into the backfield. I can guarantee that if the Giants add a good center in free agency or the draft then we will see Hernandez and Brown improve significantly. Next year Pulley can compete with Halapio for the backup center spot.
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But we have been running right up the gut a ton. He's been every bit as important as adding Jamon Brown IMO.
He's still below average but below average is a huge upgrade from where we were at.
Z, I have been watching both Brown and Pulley closely and I agree that Pulley is below average. As a backup he is okay to have on the roster but the truth is that Brown has been a big help for Pulley. He saved him several times over the past two weeks. Pulley just is easily thrown into the backfield. I can guarantee that if the Giants add a good center in free agency or the draft then we will see Hernandez and Brown improve significantly. Next year Pulley can compete with Halapio for the backup center spot.
Agree entirely. I think Pulley is getting a chance to show what he can do. Shurmur keeps praising him and I’m not sure that’s to give him confidence? He’s just not s5rong at the POA. He’s more finesse in a power running scheme! I wonder if Evan Brown will get a shot next year? At any rate, we definitely need a very strong, solid Center in the worst way and I agree that it’s not Pulley.
Quote:
But we have been running right up the gut a ton. He's been every bit as important as adding Jamon Brown IMO.
He's still below average but below average is a huge upgrade from where we were at.
Z, I have been watching both Brown and Pulley closely and I agree that Pulley is below average. As a backup he is okay to have on the roster but the truth is that Brown has been a big help for Pulley. He saved him several times over the past two weeks. Pulley just is easily thrown into the backfield. I can guarantee that if the Giants add a good center in free agency or the draft then we will see Hernandez and Brown improve significantly. Next year Pulley can compete with Halapio for the backup center spot.
There's no doubt that he is upgradeable, I just think he's been holding his own. There's been a few negative plays (Same with Brown) but overall the two of them have been opening lanes for Barkley and giving Eli some time. Its been noticeable. Banks was literally raving about Pulley today. He's also still pretty young so there may be some upside left. Im still thrilled we are playing Pulley over Greco who literally offers nothing for now or the future.
I'm partial to Jonah Williams in the first next year. Solder-Hernandez-C-Brown-Williams Let Evan/Halapio/Pulley compete. I've been pretty harsh on Pulley, but another off-season in the weight room might make it an actual competition.
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Halapio was receiving praise for his play and having an entire season to show whether he deserves to be a starter for the next few years would have been ideal. I would welcome Pulley back next year but only if he beats out Evan Brown and Halapio for the backup job. It would be ideal if Evan Brown won the starting center job because that would give the Giants two cheap young starting OL on rookie contracts. That would allow the Giants to extend Jamon Brown and spend big on a free agent RT. Donovan Smith of the Bucs would be my top target.
I'm partial to Jonah Williams in the first next year. Solder-Hernandez-C-Brown-Williams Let Evan/Halapio/Pulley compete. I've been pretty harsh on Pulley, but another off-season in the weight room might make it an actual competition.
If the Giants are picking in the 6-9 range and Bosa, Q Williams, Ferrell, and Oliver are off the board then I would be in full support of Jonah Williams as the pick. I would prefer to get a pass rusher, if Herbert isn't available, and wait until round 2 to get an OL like Cajuste, David Edwards, or a center.