QB Daniel Jones -- August 21, 2020
Q: What was your overall impression of the offense today? It seemed like from our vantage point the first team offense got off to a slow start and then picked it up during the course of the scrimmage.
A: There were some things that we need to correct, things we need to work on. I think that’s part of the process and the reason we are out there. I think like you said, as it went on and we got into some of the more play it out situations, I thought we got into a rhythm and made some plays. That was encouraging. I think we will continue to work through those things and continue to learn from them. Overall, I was encouraged by what were able to do, we were able to move the ball down the field and execute. Like any day in practice and any situation like that in camp, we are going to have opportunities to learn and we are going to attack those opportunities.
Q: How much freedom were you given today? Were you able to sort of run the entire playbook and the entire offense? I know you were doing certain down and distance situations. Were you allowed to make checks and do all the things you would do in a normal game?
A: We weren’t game planning for our defense. We were running the stuff we’ve been working and the stuff we have been installing and practicing. As far as that goes, we were running our stuff. It wasn’t a game plan necessarily, so you get some plays that we maybe wouldn’t carry into a game plan against our defense. Overall, I think running our stuff and just trying to get plays run, trying to execute, trying to understand what we need to do in certain situations. Try not to make a bad mistake sometimes when the look is not there. Overall, we were running our stuff and pretty much open to everything.
Q: This was the first time you got the chance to take this offense out for a spin against a defense in a game situation. How did it feel? Did it feel comfortable? Is everybody in sync?
A: Yeah, I think so. Like I said a second ago, I think there are things we need to continue to work on and iron out. Overall, I think guys were on it. They knew where to go and what we were trying to do in certain situations. We have to continue to work on it, continue to improve. Take this opportunity to learn from it. Overall, I thought it was a good day. I look forward to working on the stuff we have to clean up.
Q: Take me through the interception early. Was there a moment in the scrimmage where you felt like you started to settle down? Was there a throw where you said, ‘okay, we can start to build some momentum off of this’?
A: Just a poor decision there. We had a double move called, a situation where I have to be smart with the ball and take care of it and make sure we get points. It was a bad decision and something to learn from. As we got going and got into more of the play it out situations where we were moving the ball down the field and executing a drive in a game, I thought we settled in on offense, and started to play better. That was part of getting more comfortable out there. I think we will continue to get more comfortable as we get more reps.
Q: From a communication aspect when you guys were live, how was that going? Between Jason Garrett and the other coaches working it in. I know Joe had said that was one of the biggest reasons why he wanted to get you guys live as early as possible. How did that go and what was the feel as the practice went on?
A: I think the communication was fine. To be able to simulate what you get in a game-like setting as far as coach being off the field and using radios in the helmet, and that process. Communicating on the line of scrimmage with everyone and making sure we are on the same page, I thought it was good to get practice with that. Obviously, those are things we have been repping since we’ve started camp. Continue to make sure we are on the same page with it, but I thought it went well today.
Q: I have a question about two guys you are playing with. Nick Gates as your center and playing with a new center, a guy you know obviously but a guy at a different position. How is that chemistry there? Also, David Sills at wide receiver, a guy you found a couple different times today.
A: Both of those guys have done a good job so far. Like you said, Gates is someone who we have worked with a lot and I have enjoyed working with. I think he has done a good job. Last year he was moving around a little bit position wise. He’s moved around a little bit in this camp so far. Like you said, he is playing a little bit at center. I thought he has done a good job, Sills as well. I think he is a guy out there you can trust, a guy in the right spot a lot of the time and can get open and make plays. He’s a good player and he’s had a good camp so far.
Q: Is that a major transition having a new center, a different one than you had as a rookie?
A: We’re all learning the system, myself and Gates and the whole group. We are kind of learning it together and putting it together as a team, that’s kind of the process right now. It’s been good and I have enjoyed working with him. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone on the o-line and whoever we’ve had in there.
Q: There has been a lot of focus this offseason on you having to learn a new system. When you are looking at a defense, I know you are just going against your own right now, do you feel more comfortable with what you’re seeing with the experience you got last year seeing NFL defenses?
A: I think so. I think recognizing things quicker, having a better idea pre-snap of what’s going on, I’ve felt more comfortable that way. I have to continue to learn. Obviously, it will be different as we get into the games every week. Game planning for a new team, a new system. As far as camp goes, I think with having last year and some of the experience of playing those games, I think it’s certainly been easier for me that way than it was this time last year.
Q: What has it been like working with Jason Garrett?
A: I’ve enjoyed it. I’m trying to do my best to learn the system. Understand what he wants and the detail of what he wants us to execute and how he wants us to see it as quarterbacks. He’s an experienced guy who has had a lot of success in this league as an offensive coordinator and obviously as a head coach. I’ve enjoyed learning from him and enjoyed learning this system and trying to do my best to execute it the way it’s supposed to be done.
Q: What’s the biggest difference being coached by him personality wise? Obviously, you have a new system. He’s obviously a different personality than Pat (Shurmur), who was coaching you last year. What does he bring to the table in that regard?
A: It’s a new system and a lot of new things to learn that way. I’ve been focused on and just trying to pick up the plays and the system and how he wants things to be run. I’ve enjoyed working with him. I think the detail to what he wants and how he wants it to be done is something I’m continuing to focus on and try to learn from.
Q: In a normal year, after a week in camp, you would probably think let’s go out and grab a pizza, watch a movie, have a few root beers. How is it different now on your day off?
A: It’s certainly different, I would be lying if I told you it wasn’t. It’s different for everybody across the league, but also for you and for everybody. We’re all adjusting to these times. The sacrifice of not being able to do some of those things is worth it to us. I think we’re all doing the best we can to make sure we’re observing the precautions and guidelines laid out by the league and the Giants. That’s part of it, it is different. I think as a team, as an organization, we are certainly willing to do what we need to do to make sure we can play.
Q: You just stay home and rest your body?
A: Yeah, I think that’s the biggest thing. Making sure you are ready for the next week and take advantage of the time off.
