T Andrew Thomas
November 5, 2020
Q: The is your first time going up against an opponent for a second time. What are the dynamics of that? How do you approach that? Do you have to change your game, or do you just know more about your opponent?
A: I think it’s the same approach. You go back in like you don’t know anything about the team. Looking at all their different pressures, looking at their fronts. You go back and watch the games they played since they played us and see if there’s any adjustments. See if there is anything they would do differently than the first time.
Q: How do you feel about your play right now? Do you feel like you took a step forward on Monday? What do you feel about where you are right now?
A: Still a lot of work to do. I think I’m making progressions every week. Small steps every day, but I’m continuing to work on getting better.
Q: What specifically is there that you feel like you need to do better that you are making progress with?
A: It’s just focusing on my technique. Trying to make it muscle memory, so I don’t have to think about it. There will be some plays where I might slip up with my hand placement or my footwork in my set. Just trying to nail all those things in so I do it every time.
Q: Coach Judge says a lot of times rookies come into the league and they think they’re prepared, they think they know what they’re in for. They think they are ready, but they have no idea. Halfway through your first season, can you see what he’s talking about after playing eight games?
A: Definitely, it’s tough being a rookie. Playing against guys every week that are very talented, very good at what they do, been doing this for a long time. It’s part of it, I knew it was going to be tough. I’m just going to continue to work and get better.
Q: This is your first experience in New York. How is the first half year, three months, four months? How has it turned out to be? Is your dealings with the media different than in Georgia?
A: Not necessarily, I did media at Georgia. Obviously, the only difference this year is obviously the COVID protocols. Not being in person is the only thing that’s different. The same type of questions and things like that, it’s the same.
Q: Is there as much criticism?
A: I would definitely say there is more because it’s a bigger stage playing for the New York Giants. There are a lot of fans, a lot of people that watch. For me personally, I just have to stay in tune to what I’m doing and what’s going on inside this building. That’s what I’ve been doing so far.
Q: What did you think of playing against Chase Young last time? Do you understand that you guys are kind of, being in the same draft and where both teams landed at the end of last season, are going to be linked at least for the near future?
A: Yeah, he’s a great player. That whole front is very talented. They have some really good pass rushers. Chase, in particular, is very athletic. Very good lateral quickness, he can move side to side pretty well. It’s going to be a good matchup for all of us.
Q: What about being linked because of the draft? Is that something that you’re aware of?
A: You hear about it, but I don’t focus too much on it. Montez Sweat, (Ryan) Kerrigan, all those guys are really good. I can’t get too focused on one guy because I’m going to see multiple in a game.
