NYG Postgame (vs. Jets) Transcripts: S/ILB Isaiah Simmons
August 26, 2023
Q: How incredible is this? Only a couple of days after you find out you have been traded to the Giants, you wind up playing tonight and starting.
A: It was exciting. Just to be able to get out there in new threads, it felt really good. It felt amazing out in the new environment with Giants fans, it was just amazing. As I’ve seen playing here, previously. It felt really good. When they came to me and said to me, ‘How do you feel about playing?’ I said, ‘Let’s go. I’m ready to go.’ I just appreciate them for giving me the opportunity.
Q: When Giants fans hear that Isaiah Simmons has been traded to their team and they go bonkers, what can they expect from you at this stage coming in so late into Training Camp to try and contribute to this ball club?
A: I would say somebody who is here to make plays for the team and help the defense take whatever the next step it is that we need to take. Honestly, really that’s it. Just plays to be made, and they are going to be made. I would say that’s what they should expect the most, big plays.
Q: You talked to Wink Martindale, the defensive coordinator, and Head Coach Brian Daboll, what were those conversations like? What did they give you in terms of expectations?
A: The only rule they gave me was run to the ball, and I said, ‘Well, that’s an easy rule.’ I have no issue with that. As of right now, they’re still getting me familiar with the system, learning everything, but just what Wink said, there are going to be different things that I’ll be doing. I’m just excited to dive deep into those tasks and learn all of the fine details within them so I can execute them to the highest ability.
Q: How long do you think it will take to get you to be acclimated to have a bigger role? Right now, it’s only going to be small bites.
A: Personally, I feel like I should be ready to go by Week One.
Q: What have these last few days been like for you and how excited were you for this change of scenery?
A: Extremely excited; how could I not be? This is a great organization, great coaching staff, and just from being around the guys for a little bit of time, everybody here is great. Personally, it’s been a bit hectic. I came straight from Minnesota, so it’s been a little hectic. I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to wash my clothes tomorrow (laughs). It’s been good though; it’s been hectic in a good way. I’m glad that these are things that I’m dealing with right now. Everything has been hectic, but good.
Q: Were you surprised of what happened with Arizona that you were traded?
A: Yeah, I was a little surprised. I definitely was surprised.
Q: You said you really wanted the opportunity to play safety, you really didn’t want to play linebacker. It looks here like you were lined up at linebacker, how do you feel about that?
A: Like I just told you, I’m here to help the team in any way I can. I don’t have a problem with linebacker; that’s what I played in college. That’s what I played my first two years in the league, so I have no issues with it. Like I said, I’m ready to dive into that and get into all of the details so I can perform to my best ability.
Q: Do you get the sense that linebacker in Wink’s system is not necessarily in the traditional inside-linebacker system that most teams play?
A: For sure, yes. That’s why I have no concerns. With what Wink’s vision is, I have full trust in him. He is a great coordinator, and he knows how to utilize his players to their best ability. I have no worries of what his plan is for me.
Q: What do you think your best strengths are as a football player and where do you think you’d like to take it up to another level?
A: I’d say really just my ability to generate big plays, whether if it’s me making a sack, or an interception, or a PBU, or whatever it could be, a TFL. I just feel like my playmaking ability, it can come about at any point in the game. I feel like that’s really one of my strongest suits is that I’m able to affect the game on multiple different levels.
Q: What was it like training with Saquon Barkley this offseason, and is it crazy that you’re now on the same team?
A: He talks a lot of (trash) if nobody knows. He’s probably the most competitive person I’ve ever met in my whole life – with everything. He’s been telling me Week Two, Week Two, Week Two, like ah, but now we’re going to be together Week Two and actually, every single game we’re going to be together. He got a little lucky (laughs).
Q: How much does being traded put a chip on your shoulder about proving something extra?
A: I don’t have anything to prove. I play for an audience of one and that’s the man upstairs. So, I don’t really have much to prove to anybody.
Q: They said on the broadcast that you told Daboll that you’re most comfortable rushing the quarterback. Assuming that is true, out of Arizona they said you asked to play safety, which is it? Because, if you wanted to play safety you wouldn’t rush the quarterback.
A: I mean, you can, but I don’t really have too many discomforts on the field, just because I’ve spent so much time in various different places. I’m comfortable rushing the passer just like I’m comfortable playing half field or (inaudible) safety. At the end of the day, it’s all just a position and a responsibility.
Q: Just whatever they ask you?
A: Yes.
Q: Did it annoy you that Aaron Rogers made a slip away from you tonight?
A: Oh, I wanted that. I wanted that sack. I definitely did, but it’s okay we’ll see him again.
Q: Did you think you had it when you got close?
A: I didn’t really think I had it until the play was over. I feel like I should have, just for myself, but it happens.
Q: That logic going against a quarterback like that, even though it’s in the preseason, what can that do for you as a player coming in here on short notice like this?
A: I don’t really care if it’s a preseason game or if this is Week 16, I treat everything the same. I’m not really too worried about the fact that this is a preseason game, because I’m not going to go out there and give like 80 percent. That kind of stuff doesn’t really go in as a factor for me.
Q: How have you been meshing with your new defensive teammates?
A: Everybody’s welcomed me in with open arms just like I’ve been here from the jump. I appreciate all of them for that. That says a lot about the culture here and just what type of team this is. I appreciate all the guys just bringing me in, welcoming me in.
Q: What do you make, if anything, being traded for a seventh-round pick when you were a top pick in the draft, and how much does that play into you using it as motivation?
A: I just think the Giants got a good deal. We’ll see if it was worth the seventh pick or not.
Q: What advice has (defensive linemane) Dex (Lawrence II) given you about coming here and being a part of this team?
A: Really, not so much advice just a lot of love. Saying that I’m going to love it. I’m going to love the defense here, love the staff, love all the guys. Once again, that’s another person I really trust. One of my good friends from way back when. I’m just really looking forward to just really getting going.
Q: Did you do a lot of playbook cramming in the last 24-hours or were you just kind of going out there and relying on--?
A: Nothing out of the ordinary, but I definitely dove into the playbook already just because I want to be ready Week One, that’s all.
https://www.giants.com/video/isaiah-simmons-everyone-has-welcomed-me-with-open-arms - ( New Window )
It's a question I had and I'm sure a lot of others had it too. A reporter's job isn't to be a cheerleader.
he played with jj watt, budda baker, chandler jones, jordan hicks, plenty of good leaders. they were a very good defense and solid team for his first 2 years. they werent even that bad last year until kyler got hurt.
so much of this is just typical stuff that happens during a regime change (which is always after a bad year).
The sky is the limit for a very talented (and sounds intelligent) player like Simmons.
Q: How much does being traded put a chip on your shoulder about proving something extra?
A: I don’t have anything to prove. I play for an audience of one and that’s the man upstairs. So, I don’t really have much to prove to anybody.
Should be very interesting to see how he is utilized. The Ravens invest a lot into the ILB position.
Nice pressure last night off the edge but I also wonder if we see him shoot the inside gaps (Giants have outstanding IDL).
Could be a nice tool to counter a QB's adjustments with his flexibility either rushing from different spots or even with coverage.
He might need to learn.....that hard work and constant improvement is a must in the NFL.
Love that Big Dex has his ear.
He will add value to a Nascar package, right away.....but he is not replacing Ojulari nor Thibs.....
sweet, sweet music
I think … his comment on playing for only 1 guy, says a lot about character.
I think … he can be the missing piece to take this amoeba defense to the next level.
Does Martindale call the game from the Press Box? I thought he was down on the field. Is one of the other defensive coaches upstairs with Kafka?
I want a prayer. A GM and coach prayer. Yes, let's see if you can't get God working with us on this management thing. I assure you, because of my relations with the Almighty, if you write a good prayer, we'll have good team. And I expect that prayer within an hour.
Answered
It could've been worse. At least He didn't make us wait 40 years before we emerged from the wilderness. Clearly, He took pity on us.
Answered
Bastogne at MetLife
Now, can he do it on the field on Sundays, we'll see.
Quote:
Based on the Gettleman years, I can safely say God isn't a Giants fan.
It could've been worse. At least He didn't make us wait 40 years before we emerged from the wilderness. Clearly, He took pity on us.
Maybe cause he switched teams? I think the man upstairs prizes loyalty.