Transcript: QB Daniel Jones Conference Call

QB Daniel Jones Conference Call -- December 2, 2019

Q: Just curious how your ankle is feeling after the game and if you think you’ll be able to practice this week?
A: Yeah, I think I’ll be able to practice. It’s sore, but that’s kind of typical the day after a game. I think I’ll be good to go.

Q: When you hurt that ankle, was there ever a doubt that you would come back into the game or have to take a few snaps off?
A: No. I realized when it happened, but I never really thought it would be something that would keep me from playing.

Q: Just wondering what you thought about playing in the weather? It seemed like you sailed a couple balls, if that maybe had something to do with it or if you would approach it differently next time or anything of the sort?
A: Yeah, I had the one play over the middle to (Sterling) Shep that I missed. It went over his head, and it was a costly mistake. But I’m not sure the weather really had much to do with that. I have to do better in those situations.

Q: One of the things people are talking about with this team is that the way you practice doesn’t translate into the way you play in the game. Why do you think that is? What’s holding this team back?
A: I’m not sure. You have to do several things. Adjusting to different things in the game. I think in practice, you’re able to anticipate a lot of the looks. I think we need to be better in some of our awareness, realizing things on the fly and figuring stuff out during the game.

Q: You’ve been without Evan Engram and Rhett Ellison now for a couple of games. Can you just comment on the job being done by Kaden Smith and Scott Simonson?
A: I think those guys have stepped up and really played well. I thought Kaden had a great day yesterday. He’s someone we all have a lot of confidence in, and I think he showed that yesterday. Scotty, too. Scotty played well. He had some big plays last week. He stepped up and played well this week again. I think both of those guys have played really well.

Q: I saw some video of you and Aaron Rodgers’ brief exchange at midfield after the game. It seemed like he gave you some encouraging words. How do those normally go after these games when you meet with these veteran quarterbacks? Do you get a kick out of meeting some of these guys, and is there anything you’ve taken from any of them that you can use and take to heart?
A: Yeah, I appreciated his encouragement yesterday. It’s cool to meet some of these guys and speak to them briefly. He was encouraging. He told me to stick with it and keep working at it, and I certainly appreciate him saying that.

Q: Obviously, there’s a lot of chatter outside the building and speculation about the coaching staff. Do you guys feel like these last four games, you’re playing for your head coach’s job?
A: We all take a lot of responsibility in the way things have gone and how we’ve played. You certainly can’t look to one person or one group or anyone. We all have a lot to do with it. I don’t feel that way. I have a lot of confidence and appreciation for Coach (Pat Shurmur). We’re playing to win each game, and that’s the way we’ve approached the season. We’re going to compete as hard as we can.

Q: We’ve heard so many good things about your on-field leadership, your huddle presence and whatnot. Where are you at in terms of your locker room presence, your locker room leadership? Are you comfortable setting the tone? Are you comfortable correcting a veteran? What about not in the huddle when everybody looks to the quarterback, when everybody’s in the locker room, where’s your leadership at?
A: I’m certainly comfortable doing that. I’m comfortable having those conversations. But I think with all of that stuff, it’s important for me to understand my position, and the fact that I’m still a rookie. I’m still learning a lot from a lot of guys that have played a lot more football than I have. But in terms of having those conversations or approaching people, I’m certainly comfortable and willing to do that.