OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
Q. What did you take out of that game the other day?
A: It was a great game – I mean a preseason game. It's still preseason, though. It's still a lot to come from it. We were very resilient; it was great to see everybody play. I felt good making plays and going out there, so yeah, it was good.
Q. You went against (Panthers' tackle Ikem) Ekwonu, a guy that was drafted in your draft class. What do you think of that matchup?
A: He's a good player. I think – it's still early. For me, I'm going to always understand that you grow as the season goes on so he's definitely a great player and I know he'll continue to grow as the season goes on.
Q. Limited I know, how much of a test is this defense limited to a guy like Jets QB Aaron Rodgers?
A: He's obviously seen defenses for years on end, so I think it won't really be a challenge for him. I think they're going to go out – speaking for just the preseason itself, but he'll probably be out, get some reps, and they'll probably sit him down early. But I can see it being a good game.
Q. This time last year you had just gotten hurt. With that, how much different to you feel going into year two?
A: Confident. It's funny, I was just thinking about that today. Just being able to do the whole training camp and all the preseason games and now coming into the first game of the year in a couple weeks, it's exciting, man. I'm ready.
Q. The ways that (Defensive Coordinator Don Martindale) Wink changes things up so that you guys can't get stale on the practice field? You've been going at it a few weeks now.
A: No, I think practice is practice, just changing the emphasis. Continuing to – amongst ourselves as players, continuing to set a new standard and continuing to sharpen the details.
Q. How different is this this time around for you? You've been here and established.
A: It's not really different. I mean, it's another training camp. I assume as long as I stay with the Giants, I'm staying with the same coaching staff. Training camps will probably somewhat similar for the next however many years, so it's been good, it's been hard work, it's been hot. But yeah, I'm ready for the season.
Q. What's it like have (outside linebacker Azeez) Ojulari and yourself push each other?
A: It's just consistent test. We're both competitive players so just trying to be the best we can and then push each other, right? We're both trying to get the sack and if we're meeting back there, whether it's getting a punch out on the ball or running to the ball down the field, we're always trying to make each other better.
Q. What do you think about the fact that the Jets are getting so much preseason attention and a lot going their way as far as media spotlight?
A: I'm happy for them. I hope they get everything that they work for.
Q. Do you have any personal goals this season?
A: To win. To win and to stay healthy. Availability is the best ability, so just being there and being a force for my team and limiting mistakes. Taking advantage of all my opportunities.
Q. So you don't have a sack number you hope to get to?
A: No. I just want to really be affective. I do multiple things in the defense. I'm trying to be a jack of all trades. Sacks isn't just the only focus, but it is a big focus.
Q. I know you guys did it last year, but would you like to have a chance to go out there against Aaron Rodgers this week?
A: Playing football is playing football, so no matter where you line us up, I'd love to go play. But definitely, whether it's against Aaron Rodgers or the next however many games we have, I'm going to be excited to play. It's another preseason game, I try not to get too high or too low. Just understand that it's about getting better and competing.
