NYG Postgame (vs. Eagles ) Transcripts: RB Saquon Barkley -- December 29, 2019
Q: How hard is the reality of 4-12?
A: It sucks. You don’t want to be 4-12, but no matter if we were 4-12 or 8-8, at the end of the day, we’re not going to the playoffs. That’s your whole (goal) of a season. In the offseason, that’s what you train for, to compete for a championship. It sucks but you have to let this stuff burn and fuel your fire, learn from it and hopefully it helps build us and helps build character for us to compete next year.
Q: How much pride do you take in setting the Giant record with 1,000 yards in each of your first two seasons?
A: It doesn’t mean anything. We’re 5-11 and 4-12, that’s the only thing that matters.
Q: What went well on the 68-yard touchdown play, why did that play work?
A: We were talking about it on the sideline, me and the running backs and all the coaches. You could see they were selling out early to stop the run. They kept diving inside, I felt that, we all felt that. We were able to seal the edge, block it up and get the seam. I just had to do my job, make someone miss and try to take it to the crib. We were able to do that.
Q: How tough was their defensive front to run against?
A: They are always tough. I love going against those guys. It’s always fun. We are always talking crap to each other out of love and out of respect. They are a hell of a team. Like I said, it’s always fun going against those guys, they are a tough match up.
Q: How would you sum up your season?
A: Disappointing.
Q: What was the thing that bothered you the most?
A: We didn’t make the playoffs. I’m not trying to be rude or short but that’s just what it is. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you are 4-12, there are 20 teams not making playoffs. Those 20 teams all failed their mission and then there is only going to be one team to win the Super Bowl, so those other 31 teams all failed the mission.
Q: When things like this happen, there are consequences, like people losing their jobs. What are your thoughts on what this could mean for the coaching staff?
A: You asked me this question already. I believe in the coaching staff. Obviously, it’s a results-based sport and business, but you can’t point the finger at one person. There are a lot of things in this game that I could have done better or this person or that person could have done better. At the end of the day, it’s a team sport, we all have to find ways to win games. At the end of the day, whatever decision does happen, that’s above me, I don’t get paid for that. My mindset is to come in here every single day and try to get better.
Q: How did the touchdown run feel?
A: It felt good. It felt good because at the time we needed a big play and we were able to make that play. I begged for it on the sideline. The offensive line did a great job blocking it up and springing me to the second level. I was able to use my speed to get into the endzone.
Q: It seems like this team has played off of each other. The offense plays off the defense’s success, the defense plays off the offense’s success. How much does that speak to how close this group has been throughout this season?
A: I would disagree, I would say that’s the problem. We have to be better next year, or whenever football starts again for us. We have to play complementary football, that’s what we haven’t been doing this year. Going to what you were saying, with the energy and how we are as a team and the friendships we have are amazing. We all respect one another, we all hang out outside of football, we have that mindset. Complementary football is something we haven’t been doing this year. Special teams is playing here, offense is playing here, defense is playing here and vice versa, vice versa, vice versa. When you look at the teams that are in the playoffs or going to be competing for the playoffs, I would say they do that really well. That’s what we didn’t do, in my opinion, well all season.
Q: How frustrating is to have the season end like this?
A: Definitely frustrating. It doesn’t matter how it ended, doesn’t matter if we lost or we won, I was going to sit here and tell you the same thing. Yes, it would have felt better to get a win and finish the season off strong. That was the mindset, that was the goal. At the end of the day, we’re not going to the playoffs. No matter what, there was nothing we could have done to change that. The only thing we were able to do is finish the season off strong and spoil someone else’s playoffs and we weren’t able to do that. No matter what, I don’t care if we were 9-7, I don’t care if we were 1-15, we didn’t make the playoffs. At the end of the day, it’s going to be a frustrating and disappointing season.
Q: What did you see in the growth of Daniel Jones?
A: He is a heck of a player. He is going to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, that’s a fact, I know that for sure. Not because of his talent, he is very talented. Put his talent aside, his worth ethic. The way he comes to work, he is one of the first people in and one of the last people to leave. You can see how passionate he is and he actually cares about this sport. He’s rare, he’s very rare. He is going to be very special. For all the ones that doubted him or didn’t think he was the right draft pick, it doesn’t even matter because he doesn’t have to prove that to you guys. You guys will see that, I think you saw flashes this year. As time comes, you will see more of that.
Q: Did you get to talk to Eli at all?
A: I’m going to see him tomorrow, I will talk to him tomorrow. I was able to get one of his jerseys, I gave him my last jersey of the season this year. I have always been a big fan of Eli, much respect. He helped me, not only as a player but as a person. Helped develop my game to another level. Seeing the field differently and just how he comes to work through the ups and downs, you respect that. Not only as a player and a person but as a man. I’m really thankful to have Eli in my life. I’m going to see him tomorrow, we are friends, I have his number. I’m pretty sure we will talk in the offseason.
Q: Do you think this team is building something? If so, will that building be interrupted if there is a new coaching regime?
A: That is a great question. Yes, I do think we have something here. I don’t think, I know. We have something special here. We just have to continue to stick to the process and believe in it. With the coaching staff, I already said what I had to say. I believe in those guys, I respect those guys. They helped turn me into a better player. That decision is above me. Just have to continue to come to work every day, that’s all we can do as players.
Q: Have you talked to guys in league that have had coaching changes?
A: Nope. That’s not our focus. Our focus is not whether we are getting a new coach or not. You heard me say it, you heard DJ (Daniel Jones) say it, everybody that has talked has said we believe in the coaching staff here.
