Wide Receiver Darius Slayton
Q: It just seems like right from the get-go, you and (Quarterback) Daniel (Jones) developed chemistry almost instantly. Can you just think back for a moment as to what it was that just helped you guys connect so quickly as rookies? You guys built on that throughout the years, and even when things changed with different systems and whatnot, you still seemed to have it. What is it about working with Daniel that just makes you guys click?
A: I think just the familiarity. Literally our first day as New York Giants was together. (We) took a lot of reps together our rookie year; we were kind of on the second and third team, both worked our way up to the first team and obviously have played three going on four seasons now together. I think that familiarity helps us be able to make it work despite whatever is changing around us.
Q: Do you think there's more meat on the bone there for the passing game? Do you think at some point, if other teams take away the run or a game is just different or if you guys fall behind in a game, that you guys will be able to throw your way to a victory instead of running it to a victory?
A: I'd definitely say there's more meat on the bone. Obviously, we had some pass plays in the game that we could've been a little better on in a couple of spots or got some more completions here or a big play there. At the end of the day, the objective is to win the game. Whether we have to throw it 50 times or run it 50 times, I think we're all on the same page. We're all just trying to win the football game.
Q: Is this team built to throw it 40 or 50 times, if need be, do you think?
A: We'll find out when it comes to that, won't we?
Q: As far as the mindset of a receiver, you got a lot of playing time yesterday. You got four targets. When you're running it 47 times, there's not going to be a lot of targets. Does it make each target more meaningful, more important kind of thing? And what is the patience required to block, then run a route, then block more. It's different than some of the other receivers you see in the league here.
A: Yeah, but kind of the reality of a receiver is, that's kind of what it is. You're always running to not get the ball more than you are to get it. Even the top receivers in the league, even if they catch eight to 10 balls in a game, there are 60 plus plays in a game. Even if they're not blocking, they're running – and they're not running and getting the ball. So, it's just kind of the reality of the position and kind of a mindset you always have to have. Whether you throw it 40 times or you run it 40 times, it's not coming to you 40 times. You've got to always be patient and just capitalize on opportunities when they come.
Q: Now that you're back, kind of heavily featured, what was it like those first two weeks? You're a healthy scratch, and you barely played in Week 2. What was that like for you?
A: It was obviously a little different. I hadn't really experienced that yet in my career so far. I kind of just approached it like everything else – made sure I was on my plays, made sure I was keeping my body right, things like that. Making sure I was going to be ready when my opportunity came.
Q: Is that sort of easier said than done though when, again, you're a guy that's used to playing a lot and getting the ball and then to not be in that position?
A: Yeah. Like I said, it was different – something I hadn't really experienced. But I was able to work through it and make it work.
