Transcript: Linebacker Bobby Okereke

Linebacker Bobby Okereke

Q. You look at this game, is this a crucial game? Is this a must-win game? Even though it's only the fourth game of the year?

A: It's a really important game because it's the next game. But it's an opportunity for us to finish the first quarter of the season strong. We're 1-2 right now, an opportunity to go 2-2 but it's another great opponent. Another dynamic offense and we're excited about the challenge.

Q. They have a lot of weapons, and they can run the football, too. What kind of pressure does that put on you, who likes to cover the whole field?

A: Big time. They've got big guys in space. Their wide receivers. Number nine (running back Kenneth Walker III), their running backs a bigger running back. (Quarterback) Geno Smith's running that offense really well so it's a great challenge and an opportunity for me to be all over the field.

Q. Do you appreciate bright lights and the prime-time game in your home stadium this week?

A: 100 percent. When you're playing for the New York Giants, you couldn't ask for anything better.

Q. How do you expect overall your defense to respond in terms of tackling? Do you think you guys need to do a better job in that regard?

A: 100 percent. We put an emphasis on it today at practice. I had a coach always tell me that tackling is all about technique and desire. We all have a great desire to tackle, now it's just cleaning up the technique and we'll get it right.

Q. Do you feel like we're almost judging too early? The seasons a long season and 1-2 doesn't mean much because there's so much in front of you.

A: I mean, I think you can look right now. A majority of the teams are 2-1. It's a long 17-week season. The most important thing for us is to show resilience and just get better every week and we'll be where we want to be towards the end of the season.

Q. What have you seen from Geno Smith when you watch him on tape and how he operates that offense?

A: A lot of poise. He's pretty athletic back there. He's getting the ball out quick, he's sitting in the pocket, making deep throws. I think he's showing great maturity in that offense.

Q. He's not afraid to put it in the small spots down the field either.

A: No, he's not. Yeah, we're excited for the challenge, for sure.

Q. I'm sorry if somebody asked this but Kenneth Walker, what have you seen in him?

A: I think you have a very physical runner. He's got great vision, he's able to cut back all over the field. He'll be a great challenge for us.

Q. Even when he doesn't get a lot, he gets something. He's kind of a fall-forward kind of guy. How do you stop him from falling forward?

A: He's a physical guy so we're going to be ready for a physical game and get ready for that challenge.

Q. Does a team that missed some tackles last game – today's your day in pads. How do you practice tackling better?

A: We had a tackling circuit today, for sure. Like I said, I had a coach tell me that tackling is technique and desire. We all have a great desire to tackle out there, now it's all about cleaning up the technique. Whether it's chopping down the stiff arm, running our feet, whatever. We're all professionals, we'll get that done.

Q. You said attacking what?

A: A tackling circuit.

Q. A tackling circuit?

A: Yeah.

Q. What exactly is that?

A: It's a couple of different stations. Working on different tackling scenarios, and opportunities on the field.

Q. NFL players ultimately miss some tackles because they get paid to break tackles, but should it not be at that level it is with an NFL defense?

A: I think if you want to win games and you want to go far in the season, postseason, obviously you've got to tackle. And that's the name of the game right now in the league. Getting athletes in space and making guys miss. So that's going to be a big emphasis for us, and we know it's going to be a big part of our success.

Q. As somebody who makes a living getting a lot of them, do you think consider yourself a good tackler?

A: Yeah.

Q. Why is that?

A: I just think I've got great desire and great technique.

Q. Tackling and going for a strip. Same technique or is it different?

A: A little bit different. We always say the first man in, secure the tackle. The second man comes and strips the ball. If you've got that opportunity, obviously and you see the ball, go punch it. First and foremost, get the guy down, and stop the bleeding. Then the second guy's going to come strip the ball and (inaudible) and whatever.

Q. Wild guess here and I know this is going to sound crazy, but do you guys feel like you're trying to get it before as opposed to tackling because you feel like you've got to make something happen?

A: There could be a little bit of that. I think the biggest thing for us is don't press. Turnovers will come so we've got to play good fundamentally sound defense and the rest will take care of itself.