Quarterback Daniel Jones
How did you feel the game plan figured to go against an aggressive defense?
"I thought we had a good game plan going in. It's a good defense– aggressive, fast, pass rush is certainly something we had planned for and you need to prepare for. A lot of respect to this defense. I thought we had a good plan and for the most part I thought we executed it well."
How much was part of that plan to use that aggression against the defense?
"I think there were certainly pieces of the game plan where you're trying misdirection or fakes, or moving the pocket–d certain different things that you try to play on that aggressive style. Like I said, they're a good defense."
Can you talk about the start that Giants WR Malik Nabers is off to?
"He's played really well to start and it hasn't surprised us with watching him in training camp and all the plays he's made. He's made a lot of big plays for us and I have a lot of trust in him going up and getting the ball. We need to continue to take advantage of his ability to make plays."
How much confidence do you get in your guys when you see you're going to get a steady diet of man coverage across the board?
"I think in situations where we get a lot of man, we really like our matchups across the board. I think we've got- we talked about Malik– but all the guys we put out there, I think we're confident in those matchups and in our guys. They've got some good cover guys over there and some good defense, but in man coverage we like our matchups."
It seemed like Giants HC Brian Daboll went deep in the playbook in the first half and had them off balance- is that how you saw it?
"Like I said, I thought the game plan was really good and taking advantage of some of the things they did, and mixing it up. I think changing the pace, keeping them off balance with a lot of those calls– I thought Dab did a really good job with that. Some misdirection stuff, some screens, some downhill runs, drop back, all that kind of stuff I think keeps them on their heels."
How jarring is it when it's 11 seconds into the game and you're down 7-0?
"Obviously not the way we wanted to start. But huge credit to our defense and the way they played. Obviously you know the fumble on the kick return and then they score on the first play. Then after that, the defense buckled down and played an unbelievable game. Hats off to them. They were big time."
How nice is it for you as a quarterback to have some of these quick hitter passes that turn into big gains?
"For sure. I think that's helpful for a quarterback for sure. We have lots of guys who are dangerous with the ball in their hands and making guys miss catch and run. I just try to get it to them and let them go."
Brian Daboll referenced one of the balls that Malik Nabers didn't catch that was kind of knocked down. What can you say about the wherewithal to make that play?
"He's an incredibly smart player. He's aware and he has great instincts. I'll go back and look at that. I didn't really see what happened. Yeah I'm sure he made a good play."
How much does it help you dissect the picture when you throw out of heavier offensive formations and it maybe forces them to put more big bodies on the field?
"Yeah, I think that's part of the game plan of Dab and the whole offensive staff does a really good job of that kind of stuff mixing up personnel, getting different looks, defense plays differently. I guess it's just another way to keep them on their heels."
What kept you guys off the board in the second half?
"I think we just struggled to really get started. In the first half, we did a good job driving the ball, converting third downs, a couple big plays here and there. We just couldn't find that rhythm and get started. I think it just comes down to execution and doing what we do."
There's always pressure but is there a sense of relief when you get that first win under your belt? "Yeah, I mean I think it always feels good to get a win, however it comes. First one is important, so we have to look at what wedid well and build on it, and clean up the things we didn't do well."
Was today ideal for the team with not just the win but the way it happened?
"I think we had a lot going in the first half and had a good rhythm. We executed well and converted on some third downs. We felt like we had a lot of momentum. Then in the second half, just couldn't really find that rhythm and couldn't get that start we needed on some of those drives. But we fought and played resilient football. Hats off to the defense, they did a great job the whole game really, especially that second half."
When the defense picks you up, doesn't that turn into an even better win?
"No doubt. Everyone's involved. A win's a win and we're happy with it. We'll certainly look to build off what we did well and clean up what we didn't do well."
Where is your confidence level in Malik and his ability to make a play?
'"I have a ton of confidence in him. He's done it all training camp, all summer, and had a good start to the season. I'll continue to trust him to go out there and get the ball and win his matchups. He's done a really good job."
