NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - PUNTER STEVE WEATHERFORD - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Media Day - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on his plans to donate playoff gear) “I go through about three pairs of cleats a year but when I do finish with
a pair, I’ll sign them and send them to United Way auctions or stuff like that. I try to be as generous as possible, but at the same time, I’m not going to give away a pair of cleats that I need.”

(on always being in great shape) “I’m a bad dude, man. I’m a bad dude.” Fitness has always been important to me because it helps me execute my sport, but at the same time, it has always been something that has fascinated me. Ever since I was a kid, I used to love the sections of movies where people used to work really hard like in Rocky or The Karate Kid. My mom would never let me watch those movies past 6:00 pm because I would want to go run or do pushups or sit-ups. I was blessed with good genetics, but I also work very hard.

(on high school athletic career) “I played four sports in High School and played safety on the football team. Then I ran track in college so I stayed busy.”

(on getting thank you notes from fans who he sends cleats to) “There not so much thank you notes as they are crayon drawings but it’s cool. My fridge at home is covered with Go Giants pictures. Some of those kids aren’t big enough to wear the cleats but the fact that they have a pair of Justin Tuck cleats, they just keep them as trophies so they love it.”

(on how he ended up playing at The University of Illinois) “Being from Terre Haute Indiana, it was a smaller rural town in comparison to a lot of other college football towns. Illinois just had a home feel. It was a comfortable fit for me. The years that I played there we won about six games so we punted quite a bit. It was good for me. I loved every minute of being an Illini, it made me who I am today. It has given me an edge”

(on being a part of Media Day for Super Bowl) “It’s a dream come true. It’s a good time. It’s every little boys dream to play in the NFL and to play in the Super Bowl is just the cherry on top.”

(on advice to high school and college athletes ) “For me it’s preparation because I think getting into college nowadays is so (publicized) televised with twitter and Facebook so it’s just preparation because when preparation meets opportunity good things are going to happen.”

(on what advice he has received on how to manage Super Bowl week) “Just enjoy it because this may never happen again. The percentage of this happening period is very low. So the fact that I’m standing here right now is unbelievable. What a blessing. I’m enjoying it. 10 years from now I don’t think anyone is going to care about me, so I’m just enjoying it.”

(on Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff missing crucial kick against the Patriots in AFC Championship ) “My heart goes out to him because, obviously everyone right now thinks I’m the best holder, but I have been on the other side of that where you screwed up a hold and everyone hates you. I feel terrible for him because he prepared really hard for that season coming off a Pro Bowl season, and to miss a kick like that is disappointing for him, disappointing for his team and disappointing for the fans.”

(on being from Terre Haute Indiana) “It’s great, what an opportunity. I’m playing in a Super Bowl 46 miles from my hometown, so I’m excited. It’s really special for me to be at media day and then drive 45 minutes and be at my parent’s house.”

(on having the Terre Haute community behind him) “I’ve tried to do my best to give back to that whole community because they’ve been so good for me throughout middle school and high school and college. Everybody’s been so supportive. To be in a situation like I’m in right now, to be able to give back, is such a blessing.”

(on his mom working multiple jobs) “She’s a special lady, but I’m not surprised. If she wins the lottery tomorrow she’ll still be doing those jobs because she loves those kids and she just loves making people wedding dresses and making their day. She’s a great woman and my dad has been so influential in my upbringing. It’s just amazing that I’m so close to home to share this with them.”

(on if his dad was ever upset he went with football instead of soccer) “No, not at all. My dad just wants me to be happy. To be honest with you, when he started coaching my soccer team when I was four years old, he had to go to the library to get books, he didn’t know what he was doing. So, it’s just athletics in general, was important in my family. It was something that he thought was good for developing character. Obviously, there’s the fitness standpoint. But you develop your character, your discipline, your integrity, your accountability--it’s just all things. It doesn’t matter what sport you’re playing. If it’s a team sport, you’re going to develop those traits.”

(on if being a four-sport athlete reigned in his energy) “Being hyperactive, having ADD--maybe just a touch of it-my dad thought that would be a great way to have an energy outlet and one sport just wouldn’t cut it for me. So he kind of threw me into as much stuff as he could because if I was sitting around at home and I didn’t have a sport or practice to go to, I was driving my mom nuts. And she had three other kids to take care of. It’s kind of worked hand-in-hand for me because I never get tired. I could get three hours of sleep and I’ll still be bouncing off the walls. It’s a genetic thing for me. But hey, I like it. I don’t need coffee or Red Bull. I’m not quite as mischievous as I used to be. My energy is a little more controlled. But I think having a wife and almost three kids will settle you down a little bit. But I’m still off the walls all the time.”

(on holding kicks) “Because my brain is working at such a higher rate, I don’t really think I really realize how important some of the stuff I do really is. Holding that field goal last game, people say, ‘Man, you must have been so nervous.’ I was like, ‘Man, I was so jacked up, I was so excited, I don’t remember half of it because all the adrenaline was pumping through my body.’ But I think it’s a good relationship with (kicker) Lawrence (Tynes) because Lawrence is so calm, he has such a collected demeanor. I might seem like I’m on drugs half the time because I’m bouncing off the walls so much. It’s a good relationship because I relax him with my energy and he relaxes me with how relaxed he is.”

(on if he remembers his reaction to Tynes’ game-winning field goal last game) “I remember bits and pieces of it. But then once I saw it replayed a million times and my mom’s like, ‘So, what did you say?’ I said, ‘Mom, I’m going to the 46th Super Bowl.’”

(on if his mom believed that) “Not for a minute. But she laughed. I’m going back to Terre Haute after this to do a rally, see my parents, hang out a little bit. I’m sure they saw that. I’m a little bit embarrassed about that but that’s just emotion.”

(on if he realized what he said when he said it) “I do apologize for my language because I know I have a lot of young fans and I’m a role model in the community. But at the same time, that’s my energy. I forgot to control it at that particular time.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - KICKER LAWRENCE TYNES - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on if he is enjoying being at the Super Bowl for a second time) “I am. I really am trying to because the last time, I told my wife, the last one was a blur. Let’s really enjoy this one. I am 33 now and hope to play a lot longer, you never know when you are going to get back here. I am taking in everything. I have taken a lot more pictures since I have been here and kind of got the feel for the street last night. I walked around and felt the pulse of the city. It is exciting. Last time I didn’t really get to do any of that.”

(on what he sees different in Eli Manning from Super Bowl XLII to this Super Bowl) “I think it is more of the passing game as a whole in NFL has changed. We were more of a run team, kind of a balanced attack in ’07-08. I just think the league has evolved and therefore Eli has evolved and all the quarterbacks. The numbers guys are putting up this year are staggering. So to say that he is better, obviously he is, and you would hope so after four years so I think we are all better players. I am happy for him, but Eli is Eli, he is always going to be solid. He is going to play well and he is going to play well in the big game.”

(on what winning a second Super Bowl would do for Eli Manning’s legacy) “It would mean he is a two-time Super Bowl champ. Sure it would mean a lot to him, especially in the city we play in. they are going to put you on a pedestal if you have two. They put you on a pedestal if you have one. He would go down as one of the best I’d assume with having two rings that would put him in the top five or 10 guys.”

(on what winning a second Super Bowl would do for Tom Coughlin’s legacy) “He could be (headed to the Hall of Fame). I don’t know the numbers so I would probably be speaking out of turn. I feel like he is (a Hall of Famer). He has had winning teams. He has produced in a tough market and everyone that puts that NY logo on, on Sundays, is on the hot seat, every week, no matter what we do. We know that and that is kind of the approach. He has handled it well and he is the best guy for the job.”

(on Tom Coughlin’s evolution over the years to today’s players) “I came in after he made the adjustment so I don’t know the other Tom, but the guy is a winner. He is hard. He is black and white. He is pass/fail, but you have to buy into what he is teaching because for some guys it rubs them the wrong way, for some guys it doesn’t. He wins and he gets the most out of his players and he got us to this point again, here we are. So I respect the heck out of him.”

(on blazing a trail for the NFL back in Scotland/Britain with having been born in Scotland) “It is an honor to kind of represent an entire country. I know they are all watching and supporting, so that is fun. When you get to this game, you obviously know that people are going to follow and look at you a little bit more closely. I love it. I am really excited to represent Scotland on Sunday.”

(on how he ended up in the United States having been born in Scotland) “Lot of travels. My father was obviously a military man. My mother is Scottish. I moved to Milton, Fla. when I was 11. I didn’t like this game that I am playing on Sunday because it was tackling and physical, and finally my senior year I realized I could kick a ball and they had a position that required kicking a ball, and that was something I was pretty good at it and here I am. It has been pretty fun.”

(on the big kicks he has made over his career) “You have to feel blessed and honored. It is a privilege to play in this league. It is not a right. No one has to play in this. I work my butt off every day to try and stay in this league and my mindset every week is to keep your job and that is how you have to think about it. I have just been blessed to be around good teams, good coaches, good players. That is the reason we are in this game again, it is not just because of me, but because of the guys that are in that locker room.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA DAY - PUNTER ZOLTAN MESKO - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday January 31, 2012

(on trying to be more versatile and improve his craft as a holder) “The more things you can do the better. As long as I can help the team win, I will do whatever.”

(on what the mood of the team is) “It’s a business trip, but it’s a business trip that we may never get to relive again. So you have to soak it in to a certain extent, and at the same time get ready for the game.”

(on if Coach Belichick is loose before the game) “He is, because you have to. You can’t be too tight in this game. You want to feel some butterflies, because the adrenaline is going to help you a little bit. But you don’t want to overwhelm yourself, and by that happening throughout the whole week, you prepare for your job that is at hand and the rest will take care of itself.”

(on how Belichick has shown that he’s relaxed) “You can just tell in his demeanor, and basically, the team is that way. We are very thankful to be here, but at the same time, you sense the sense of urgency in everyone that there is a job to be done.”

(on how his time at the University of Michigan prepared him for a game like this) “For this? There are more people in the stands at Michigan, which is quite an experience. The five years I was there, it was something that, the things I learned like time management and hard work and what it takes to be successful on such a stage are lessons that you can’t pay for. You just have to live through them.”

(on if there is more pressure in his job at the Super Bowl or at the Big House at Michigan) “It’s kind of the same, because there are teammates depending on you, and that’s what it boils down to. It’s you not wanting to let your teammates down and you putting in the work to succeed for your teammates and hopefully celebrate together.

(on the experience of having other Michigan Wolverines on the Patriots’ roster) “It’s great to kind of reminisce at times, places we liked to go and eat and classes we took and teams we played, funny things that happened.”

(on if he thinks he’s found an edge in the kicking game this week) “If I would tell you, we wouldn’t have an edge anymore. But we’ve been preparing hard and we try to keep the fundamentals going across the board. Even with what we’ve accomplished so far, we can’t lose that. We need to maintain it and keep working hard.”

(on if more starters play special teams with the Patriots than with other teams) “I can’t specifically comment on that, but in the NFL, the numbers on the roster are limited, so you try to involve the people who can help you the most without jeopardizing their primary positions.”

(on if he is the only NFL player known in his homeland of Romania) “I don’t know how that came about, but there’s no way people don’t know Tom Brady more than me.”

(on if any of his friends from home will be watching) “I don’t know. It’s going to be a midnight kickoff, or a 1:00 (a.m.) kickoff there. Hopefully people will get their afternoon naps in and support me because I’ll be supporting them.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA DAY - KICKER STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on Patriots popularity worldwide) “It’s great to be on such a recognizable team. I think the Krafts and the Patriots organization has done a good job of winning games and being a classy organization.”

(on a Patriots kicker possibly deciding a Super Bowl again) “I’m excited to be at the Super Bowl. My goal is to play well. If I get put in situations where it’s a big kick, I’ll do my best to come through for the team.”

(on his feelings when Baltimore’s Billy Cundiff missed the field goal in the AFC title game) “I felt bad for him personally. It’s more fun to beat a team than to see something like that happen. At the same time, I was ecstatic. We were in the Super Bowl.”

(on what he told Cundiff) “I told him to keep his head up.”

(on thinking about the rematch with the Giants in the Super Bowl) “We are in the Super Bowl. We are excited to be here. We don’t care who we play, we just want to win.”

(on how different 2011 Giants are from the 2007 team) “It’s completely different. Both teams are completely different. The only similarity is that we are both playing good football and we are both trying to win a championship. Each team will give its best effort.”

(on enjoyment of Media Day) “It’s fun, but it’s nice to get it out of the way. We are here to play a game and we are here to win. But it’s awesome how excited everyone gets about this game.”

(on going back to the Super Bowl) “It’s special. You see all the Super Bowl logos and you see the patch on your jersey. It’s definitely special. You want to take advantage of the opportunity and not look back at it with any regrets.”

(on playing in a dome) “In New England we get awful weather and it’s cold. You definitely appreciate the times where you aren’t freezing your butt off, because we are always outside practicing and playing. It’s nice to not have to bundle up to play.”

(on Belichick’s message before coming down here) “He just said to enjoy it. We just have to come down here and get the job done. We just need to be focused on the game.”

(on his memories from Super Bowl XLII) “Well, obviously we didn’t come out on the winning end, so it was very disappointing. But I will always remember the opening kickoff.”

(on being ready since all the Patriots’ Super Bowl wins have been by three points) “You are ready every game. We won last week by three points. We have won other games by three points. I just don’t worry about any moment. I just worry about kicking well. I try to treat every kick the same and I want to make every kick, let alone the kick at the end of the game.”

(on his range with game on the line in a dome) “Let’s just go 100 yards.”

(on his thoughts that the game could come down to a kick) “I would be excited for the opportunity.”

(on advice he got from friends with the NHL Champion Boston Bruins) “It definitely drives you to see how excited people get about a championship. Those guys obviously handled everything with class. They handled themselves well in games and were ready to play. We can definitely learn something from that.”

(on if he has any superstitions) “Not really. I just try to stay in my routine. I don’t have anything that crazy that I can tell you about.”

(on growing up a San Francisco 49ers fan) “I was a big fan of Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Steve Young.”

(on Brady surpassing Montana if the Patriots win) “That’s for the people on the NFL Network and ESPN to decide. I just know how good we know Tom is and how competitive he is. It’s good to have a guy like that on your team.”

(on his non-politically correct answer to previous question) “It’s a no-win answer. I would take either one of them. They are both two of the best quarterbacks of all time.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - WIDE RECEIVER VICTOR CRUZ - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on what he and fellow receivers Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham bring to the table) “I think that we do a lot of things well. Obviously, we are very similar in a lot of ways, but we do a lot of different things. Hakeem stretches the field, I’m more of the slot guy inside doing good things, and Mario is just a quick guy on the outside. Us as receievers have done some pretty good things to kind of change the image of the New York Giants a little bit (into) more of a balanced team (with) more passing, a little running and that balance has helped us get to where we are today.”

(on if he ever thought that he would be in this position) “Honestly, no. When you’re sitting up in Bridgeton Academy in Maine, you’re just thinking about what you can do to get yourself into college. At that moment, I had no thoughts of the Super Bowl, nothing like that.”

(on how he made it to this point in his career) “Just a lot of hard work. A lot of determination. Understanding that whatever options and opportunities come my way, I got to break through and make sure that I do what I can to go through those doors that weren’t open for me before.”

(on if the Giants receiving corps has talked about the possibility that one of the receivers could win MVP) “Not yet. We just want to go out and win this game. We understand that this is the Super Bowl and as hard as it is to get here, we just want to focus on that and make sure that we’re all prepared to win the game. We all subconsciously understand that one of us could possibly get the MVP, and, whoever it is, we’ll all be happy for each other and we’ll be able to hoist up that Lombardi Trophy at the end of the game.”

(on how the New England defense has changed) “They’ve had a little bit of a carousel defensively in the defensive back position, and it’s something that we’re really looking at, just to understand how they play and how comfortable they may be back there. We just have to come in when the game starts and see how they play us and adjust accordingly.”

(on the team’s confidence level) “It’s pretty high. Coming in, you understand all the good things that you do well, and you understand that you came off a good game in the NFC Championship. You just want to continue that. My confidence has been high pretty much through the latter part of the season, and I just want to continue that.”

(on what it is like to represent the University of Massachusetts) “It’s wild, man. Just to come from where I come from, and being from Massachusetts, it’s just amazing.”

(on whether he feels that the New England pass defense is an area of vulnerability) “A little bit. Mainly because of the whirlwind that (New England) has had at that position, and just having guys in and out of there. We understand that that’s a position and spot that we can capitalize on, but we just have to take it play by play, game by game. Hopefully that’s a spot we can exploit a little bit and take advantage of, but we just have to see how the game goes. We’ll feel it out as it goes on.”

(on his relationship with Manningham and Nicks) “We’re great friends, we talk all the time. We were together last night for dinner and we were just talking, soaking in this entire experience and feeling how special it is to ge there. Us three guys, we come from similar backgrounds. Once I got to talking with them this whole year, it’s really amazing how much we have in common and how much of our upbringings we had that were so similar to each other. I wouldn’t want to do (this) with any other guys but those two.”

(on Manningham as a third option) “It’s amazing. That guy, he’s a starter if he goes anywhere else in this league. For him to humble himself and allow me to come up, and to not really have any (problems) with that, I really thank him all the time. It’s one of those things that could have easily gone sour, and could have easily went the other direction. For him to accept that role, and he’s been doing phenomenally for us in that third receiver position. It’s just great, and a true testament to his professionalism and how much of a great person he is.”

(on the end-of-week meeting with quarterback Eli Manning) “We just go in there and talk about things that (Manning) sees and things that we could potentially take advantage of in the defense. He has a set of about 15 or 20 plays that we look at and we go through different scenarios, different play-calls that we could possibly have on that specific down and distance or coverage. We just see where we can exploit it. It’s just one of those things that we can make sure as an offense and as a receiving corps that we understand what we want to do. It’s a good way to close out the week, refresh everybody and keep everybody on the same page.”

(on the type of resource that Eli Manning is for a young receiver) “It’s huge to have a guy that has been to the Super Bowl, won it, and has done some really good things (as) our leader. For him to be there, for him to talk to us and let us know what to expect and how he felt in certain situations has just been an amazing experience.”

(on what he sees when he looks at New England wide receiver Julian Edelman playing at cornerback) “I see he’s very raw at that position, obviously, because it’s not his dominant position, but he’s quick, he’s fast, and he carries over a lot of the receiver stuff over to (cornerback), so we’ll see how it goes. Obviously, it’s going to be a position and an area that we’ll test out really early and see how it goes and how the game flows.”

(on whether he might retire his salsa-dancing celebration following this season) “No. I’m going to keep that going for as long as I’m playing in the NFL catching footballs, that salsa’s with me.”

(on Eli Manning’s high level of play in the fourth quarter) “It’s kind of hard to explain, because there is nothing that changes through the course of the game. He just understands that in the fourth (quarter), he needs to be even more accurate than he’s been the entire game prior to that. It’s a real testament to his hard work and work ethic, because he’s just been dominant in the fourth quarter and really doing some good things.”

(on how excited he is about the possibility of winning the Super Bowl) “It’s huge. I think about it all the time. It’s just a surreal moment for me. Once, God willing, we win it, it’s just going to be a moment that I’ll treasure forever.”

(on whether he’s seen the rings from the Giants’ 2008 Super Bowl XLII Championship) “A few trainers and a few guys had their rings on. I’m jealous. I want one to have on my own finger and hopefully I’ll get one this Sunday.”

(on what it means to him to look back at how far he has come) “It means a lot. Coming from Paterson, New Jersey, a small town, and being able to climb through all the adversity and climb through everything that I had to face this year has been an amazing journey for me. I wouldn’t trade it in for anything in the world.”

(on how he thinks his nerves will react on game day) “I think I’ll be all right. Prior to the game, I always get butterflies. Every game I get a little anxiety because I just want to get out there and play. But I think once that ball is kicked off and once we have that ball in our hands and we’re calling plays (that) it will be just like any other game. I think I’ll be all right. I think I’ll be calm and cool.”

(on his advice to college athletes) “Never let anyone tell you no. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t make it or that you can’t do something. Always strive for greatness and do your best. There were times a lot of people told me I couldn’t do something or I couldn’t make it, or that I would never make the grades. My thing is just to maintain focus and do everything you can to make it here. If you really have the drive and determination, you’ll make it.”

(on what he thinks of the Super Bowl atmosphere in Indianapolis) “This is my first Super Bowl that I’ve ever been to, but it’s good. There’s a lot of good people around here, it’s a good environment. A lot of people love football around here and it’s a good crowd to be around.”

(on how difficult New England is to plan for) “Offensively, it’s not that difficult. You prepare for it the same as any other defense. Obviously, seeing a receiver playing defensive back is definitely a matchup you want to test out early in the game just to see how it’s going to go and how it fares.”

(on whether he looks forward to being lined up against Julian Edelman) “I’m just looking forward to being lined up across from anybody. Whoever it is, just being a receiver and being a competitor, you want to go out there and prove yourself on the biggest stage in the world.”

(on his reaction to being undrafted) “I wasn’t really shocked. I understood the process and understood that I wasn’t a guy that had blazing statistics, or was 6-6, 230 (pounds), or anything like that. I understood that I probably wasn’t going to get drafted and would just have to make the best of my opportunities and make the best of coming in as a practice squad guy and as a free agent, and just do the best I could to break through on the team.”

(on his offseason workouts with Eli Manning) “It was good for me to just come in and really build a rapport with Eli and a relationship with him on the field, and to catch his footballs the way he throws them. Just to really get an early bead on how he likes to throw the ball and get some of the terminology down and start hearing him call some of the plays. It was just good for me, coming off a year where I didn’t play after Game 3 (of the season), I just wanted to get some of the rust off.”

(on his big-play ability) “I don’t know. I ask myself that all the time. When the ball is in my hands, my overall will and desire to just score and break tackles just overwhelms me and I just try to do the best I can with the ball in my hands. Sometimes that results in some long touchdown catches.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - WIDE RECEIVER MARIO MANNINGHAM - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on who has been the driving force in the locker room throughout the season) “Eli (Manning). The couple games we lost, we should have played better, obviously. But that’s our leader on offense and as a team, too. He just keeps getting better. You can’t lose faith, you can’t lose faith. You’ve got to keep your eye on the prize.”

(on embracing the underdog mentality) “We knew we played hard the first time we played (against New England). We knew what we did wrong that game and we know that we have to minimize mistakes. They’re really not a high-penalized team. They’re a very focused team. We just have to come out and play hard and get a hat on them.”

(on his feelings the evening before Sunday’s game) “Can’t wait. Probably not going to be able to sleep. But it will be alright. Hopefully I’ll get some good sleep that night.”

(on his rise from playing collegiately at Michigan to playing in the Super Bowl) “Everybody who puts on the uniform, your goal is to be here. Words can’t explain how I feel right now. It’s crazy. I still can’t believe I’m playing in the Super Bowl.”

(on his fantasy ending for Sunday’s game) “I really don’t have one. Just come out and play hard and do the little things and pay attention to detail. I’m going to try to get in the endzone and try to get this win. If I don’t get into the endzone and we get the win, it will be alright.”

(on being QB Eli Manning’s go-to target when the game is on the line) “Run your route to get open. For the receiving corps, that’s our mentality. After you catch the ball, go make the play.”

(on the prospect of facing New England WR/CB Julian Edelman) “It’s not like that. I respect him as a player. I understand that he’s a good player. He plays wide receiver and defensive back. I don’t take anything from him but he plays offense. So I know he’s a competitive player, but I’m going to try to win. No matter who lines up in front of me, I’m going to try to win.”

(on exposing Edelman as a defensive back) “It’s not just me, but us as a receiving corps. We know he’s a great player, but we want to go out and do what we have to do to win. No matter what it takes. He plays wide receiver. He’s not a real defensive back. Did he get drafted as a defensive back? We have a little bond going on knowing that we can beat somebody. We’re confident. I hope he’s out there.”

(on being a difference maker throughout the game) “I just play my role. That’s all. I play my role and show up when I need to show up. That’s all.”

(on bonding with fellow WRs Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks) “They’re my closest friends on the team. We joke around with each other to see who is going to make the first big play. ‘What are you going to do on this drive?’”

(on preparing mentally to share snaps with Cruz and Nicks) “I’ll make plays when I’m in the game. We’re all going to play. We’re all going to play and we’re all going to make plays and we’re all one.”

(on meeting with Josh McDaniels’ father, Thom McDaniels, who coached Manningham in high school) “I haven’t seen him yet but I can’t wait to see him. We probably won’t even talk about the Super Bowl. I know how Coach McDaniels is. He’s probably just going to say ‘Good luck’ and we’ll talk about how I’ve been and how the family has been and how everybody else has been. We probably won’t even talk about football.”

(on his touchdown celebration dance) “I can’t show you all right now. I’ve got to wait until I get in there into the game. Then I’ll show you all. I’ve got a little something for you all. I can’t salsa. I’ve been begging (Victor Cruz) to show me how to salsa but he tells me ‘You just have to know how.’”

(on continuing his streak of games with a touchdown reception) “That’d be a blessing. I hope we get this win and just keep rolling.”

(on the New York Giants’ statistically subpar pass defense) “That doesn’t mean anything. That isn’t going to mean anything on Sunday. We’re going to go out there and make plays. When they call on us, we’re going to make plays.”

(on Edelman’s ability to cover a slot receiver) “We’ll see on Sunday. I don’t really want to say anything more about him. We’ll see on Sunday. Do you think he can?”

(on the success of his alma mater, Michigan, this past season) “I was happy for them. I was pulling for them. I didn’t care if they went to a bowl game as long as they won the last game of the season.”

(on being in the final year of his contract and possibly playing his last game as a New York Giant) “I’ll worry about that on Monday. I want to enjoy our team and enjoy this. If we go out and win, I want to enjoy this with our team.”

(on the weekly meetings with Manning each Friday) “First, we grab something to eat. Then we hurry up and run into the receiver’s room. And we just sit there and everybody is quiet while Eli talks. You have a question, you ask him. He basically breaks everything down.”

(on the differences between this season’s team compared to the 2008 squad) “I feel like we’re closer than when I first got here. I feel like no one cares who has the ball. No one cares if the ball comes to them or not. You’re still going to run your route to get open. If the scheme, or the ball, is not coming to you, you still want to get open. There’s more meeting time. There’s more talking in the meeting room than there was. There is more coaching each other, than there was. I feel like we’re a little bit more focused than how it was back then.”

(on his close relationship with the team’s wide receiver corps) “It’s very rare. You’ve got to understand your role and you’ve got to be a man about it. You can’t complain when you’re not getting the ball. Just keep working.”

(on the emergence of the wide receiver corps as one of the strengths of the team) “We like not being mentioned out there with the best receiving corps. We just go out there and do our job and get open. We keep doing what we’ve got to do. I feel like we’re underrated, but we don’t care what people think now. People can think whatever they want to. We showed what we can do. We know what we can do. We’re a blessed and talented group of wide receivers.”

(on looking to his teammates for motivation) “We’re going to stick together. Everybody in those white jerseys, we’re going to stick together. We don’t care what anyone else thinks. We’re just out for each other.”

(on playing with New England CB Antwaun Molden while growing up) “It’s crazy. He’s two years older than me. He’s a fast, fast kid. Nice kid. I’ve known him forever. Ever since he was in sixth grade and I was in the fourth grade. I can’t wait to go out there and give him a five and congratulate him for being here. But we’re trying to win. I never would have thought that someone I played with as a young kid and in high school … that I’d be playing against him in the Super Bowl.”

(on the atmosphere in Indianapolis) “This is our second day here and we’re just trying to come out and win and finish the season with a good ending and bring the championship back to New York.”

(on how he and Cruz complement each other within the offensive system) “We just go out there and make plays and do what we’ve got to do. (Victor) makes plays. He’s been making plays all year. He bailed us out of some games. We back each other up on plays. If he doesn’t make a play, I’m going to make a play. If we don’t make the play, Hakim will make the play. That’s just how it is. We’ve got each other’s back.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - WIDE RECEIVER HAKEEM NICKS - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on what he thinks so far of Super Bowl week) “It’s been a good experience so far. I’m excited to be here.”

(on how his shoulder injury is at this point) “It feels a lot better this week. I’m just trying to go out there and play and have a good week of practice. There should be no setbacks. It’s not sore or anything. The rest helped out a lot with just my shoulder and just my body in general. I just took a couple of practices off and then would come out this week and be ready to go.”

(on if the hype of the Super Bowl will dull his shoulder pain at all) “I think that plays a factor in it. This is a big game on the big stage. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

(on if he dreamt about playing in the Super Bowl as a young kid and how excited he is to be a part of this experience) “This is definitely a dream. I’m excited about it. It’s a dream come true but we’ve got to take the W first.”

(on how faith plays a role in his life) “Faith plays a big role in my life. I think it’s gotten me to where I am today. I have faith in Christ and believe in the things to get me to where I’m at. Having faith comes from believing and if you believe you can do it then all you have to do is believe you can do it.”

(on how ready he is to get through this week and just play the game) “I’m ready to play the game. If we had to play tomorrow I’d be excited. We’ve got to get through this week, got to take it one day at a time. I look forward to it.”

(on how important it is for the receiving core to go from a struggling group in the beginning of the season to one of the strong points of this team) “It means a lot. That’s something we’ve put emphasis on. I feel like as a group we like to make plays, we like to get the job done. It comes from us working hard; getting in that time with Eli (Manning). We put in a lot of time off the field and on the field to get the job done.”

(on how it’s been being such a young receiving core and how they are going to deal with it for this game) “Playing the game the way we’ve been playing it all season, coming out with confidence. Jitters are going to be there. This is the first time for all of us. We have to seize the moment and take advantage of the situation we’re in. We came up here with a purpose and that’s to leave with a win.”

(on if he’s gotten any good advice from anyone about this week) “Definitely from the guys on my team. They are just telling us to focus on the task and take advantage of the opportunity because it doesn’t come often. As far as off the field; the family has just been proud of me for reaching my goals and just wants me and the team to succeed.”

(on what he’s seen from Julian Edelman playing both offense and defense) “He’s an athlete. Obviously he’s playing both ways for a reason. Whatever they’ve been doing this far in the season it’s been working because they are where they are today. You can’t overlook him. They’ve been getting the job done doing what they’re doing.

(on if it’s natural to exploit Edelman since he’s not a natural corner back) “We’ll see. We’ll see how they play it. We’ll see if they line him up in the slot or on the outside. It all depends. We’re going to run our offense the way we run it. We’ll obviously be making plays.”

(on the effect of the meetings he had with Eli Manning at the end of the week and what it’s like in the room with him) “It helps out a lot. We’ve been doing it all last year, all last season as well. It puts us on the same page, letting us know what he’s thinking. Making sure we’re getting the game plan down and doing the right things.

(on the offense having such a breakout season, what can people not see that’s working so well) “I think it’s just our offensive scheme. We don’t have one guy that we focus on for our offense. We’ve got guys that are capable of making plays all over the field. That’s what we focus on.”

(on what he has to do this week to get the job done) “Just do what we’ve been doing all season. We know what we’re capable of doing, believe in ourselves and just be play makers out on the field.”

(on if he’s had a second to reflect on his career so far) “I’ve been seizing the moment, but we came down here for a purpose and we want to take advantage of that. We’re just going to seize the moment and give it everything we’ve got on the field.”

(on if there was ever a moment where he thought he wasn’t going to be a professional athlete) “I never really think about that. I just focus on day by day as the day comes. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to anybody.”

(on overcoming a lot of odds to get to the NFL) “I have. It’s a blessing. That’s where my faith kicks in.”

(on if he watched the first game against the Patriots) “I was actually at home watching it. It definitely had me up on my toes at home watching it. I feel like some things we can still take advantage of. It’s pretty much a new season now. That was like in week 9 when we played them. They’re a different team, we’re a different team. It’s going to be played hard. It’s going to come down to who wants it.”

(on how many Patriots games he’s watched on film and what he looked for) “You study to prepare yourself for what you’re going to face on certain down-and-distances, on certain coverages. To see what things might set you up and see what things they might have done and see if they’re going to switch it up a bit. We looked at their most recent games. I think the last four games we broke down, their playoffs game, and we looked at our game against them as well.”

(on how bad his shoulder is) “It’s not bad. It’s just a little sore. I took some time off to get it right. A few days helped me. I look forward to having a good week of practice this week.”

(on if he anticipates catching a lot of balls on Sunday) “I think I’m anticipating catching every ball that comes my way.”

(on how the team feels about being the underdog) “We’ve been in this position before. We don’t feel like we’re the underdogs, but obviously that’s what the media thinks. It is what it is. We know what we’re capable of doing. We won’t really feed into that. We’re going to stand strong as a team. We always do.”

(on what specific problems the Patriots secondary create) “I think we’re going to be confident in how we approach them. We’re capable of doing it as an offense. They’re going to give us different looks, and we’re going to run our offense accordingly.”

(on if he had anyone inspire him as a kid) “As a kid, athletes in the NFL inspired me. I looked up to a lot of athletes whether it was basketball, Michael Jordan; football, I liked Randy Moss a lot.”

(on how he’s approaching Super Bowl week) “It means a lot to be here. I’ve got a lot of support from back home, a lot of people pulling for me. It’s just exciting to be here. I just want to take advantage of this moment because there isn’t any telling for when you’ll be back here. I’m blessed to be in this situation so I want to take advantage of it.”

(on what it would be like for the Giants to beat the Patriots for the second time in the Super Bowl) “I think it’s just a matter of us focusing on what’s at task. We’re going to look at it like we’re approaching this game like any other game. We came down here to play well and to play hard and that’s what we’re going to do.”

(on who he thinks practices the hardest on his team) “I think we all are good at different things. I think we’re all capable of making plays. We all bring something to the game and something to the table. We all practice hard.”

(on his thoughts on Super Bowl Media Day) “It’s a lot, but it’s definite a memory I’ll always keep. I want to take advantage of it.”

(on if he can recall the Hail Mary pass he caught against Green Bay and how the play unfolded) “It was actually my first Hail Mary catch of my career. It was just six seconds left on the clock, (Ahmad Bradsahw) made a good run to get us in a position to do it. He got out of bounds and we had six seconds left. We always practice on Saturday’s but we never actually throw it, we just work on landmarks. Once I was running down the field I saw how open it was. Then I saw the ball in the air. It was nothing but me, the ball and my head, so I just jumped up to go get it.”

(on how he paces himself mentally throughout this week) “Just taking it one day at a time, knowing what’s at task, taking advantage of everything. It’s going to be a long week but you have to treat it as any other week that you approach a game. Don’t change anything up. Just know that that day is going to come when you’ve got to step on the field and play and when it does be ready.”

(on if he’s gotten any advice from teammates that played in Super Bowl XLII against the Patriots) “Just to take advantage of the opportunity, take advantage of the situation, know what we’re capable of doing. We definitely want to bring it home.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA DAY - TE AARON HERNANDEZ - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on if he has an impersonation of TE Rob Gronkowski) “No, but he is funny. He’ll always make somebody laugh. He’ll have everyone having a great time.”

(on how it feels to have he and Giants WR Victor Cruz representing Puerto Rico in the Super Bowl) “I think it’s great for obviously the Puerto Rican community. Obviously there aren’t that many Puerto Ricans in the NFL, but having some in the Super Bowl is also a great deal.”

(on what he thinks about being part of Super Bowl week) “It’s a dream come true. It’s crazy. It’s obviously an honor to be here. I’m just trying to take it in right now, but when I’m sitting home by myself that’s when it’s really going to hit me. This is crazy.”

(on how dangerous it is when Gronkowski goes to spike the ball) “I’d say move out of the way, definitely. Let him spike that thing.”

(on being an immediate contributor as a young player) “Obviously the people around us, we have so many people around us that are great players and know the game and have been in the league for a long time, so they’ve got us acquainted with the offense and told us basically how to catch on. Obviously, me and ‘Gronk’ study our plays and want to be great players. That’s another reason why we succeed in this league.”

(on the challenges of learning the offense and how they picked it up) “Basically, focus and attention. Me and Rob, we practice hard, we study our plays, and like I said we want to be great players. When you want to be a great player, you put attention to detail and you put the effort in to succeed.”

(on how it feels to represent the Hispanic community in the Super Bowl) “It feels good, because obviously not many Puerto Ricans or Hispanic people are in the NFL, but knowing that the Hispanic population keeps growing, it means a lot.”

(on the part the Gronkowski plays in the offense) “Obviously that’s a huge part. He’s one of, basically the main reason why we succeed so well in this offense. He’s such a huge weapon and causes so many mismatches it makes it hard for defenses to focus on one player. Obviously if he’s a hundred percent, that’s what we need.”

(on how the game would change if Gronkowski were unable to play) “I think he’ll be fine, but it would obviously change the game a lot. It would basically be like playing without our main player.”

(on when the team’s two-tight end sets became a focal point of the offense) “I’d say maybe training camp this year when they started to work us together. We started to get comfortable with playing with each other, and coaches started understanding how they could use us to make mismatches versus the opposing defense.”

(on the chemistry between he and Gronkowski and the impact they have on the offense) “It’s been a long time since we got here already, and I’ll say that every practice and every week we develop more and more as players. We have great coaches and great players around us. A lot of people put it on just us making plays, but really it’s the people that we have around us that take attention off us, or when the attention is on us when it opens up a lot of other people on our offense. We have a great team effort and everything works together.”

(on how he and Gronkowski differ on and off the field) “On the field he’s more of a physical monster and is huge and hard to bring down and a blocker and I’m more agile and I try to use my quickness instead of just being physical with people. Off the field, we’re a lot alike. He’s a little more into the media, but we’re both outgoing. We both love to laugh, have fun, and we’re great friends.”

(on Gronkowski being a ‘beast’) “He’s definitely a beast, six-foot-six, 260 (lbs.), chiseled. I’d say that describes it.”

(on if Gronkowski shows off in the locker room) “I’d say not only in the locker room, probably everywhere. If I was like that, I probably would too.”

(on how tight end has become a featured position in the NFL) “When you have tight ends on your team or a tight end on your team, it’s tough for defenses to match up, especially if they’re athletic like Rob (Gronkowski), me, (Saints TE) Jimmy Graham, (49ers TE) Vernon Davis and stuff like that. Who do you really put on them? It’s tough if you put a linebacker on them then they’re a little too fast for a linebacker, or when you put a cornerback on them they’re a little too small. So you’ve got to have that one person who is like a tight end on defense, like a safety but more athletic than a safety and more physical than a corner, so it’s tough to guard a tight end.”

(on if there will eventually be that type of player brought in to guard tight ends in the future) “It’s hard to find, but they’ll definitely be trying to pick that up the way tight ends are developing.”

(on if guys like he and Gronkowski are changing the way the tight end position is played) “I’d say that people have been saying that, but there have been great tight ends for a long time now. The thing that’s happening is not many people use two tight ends as much as we use our tight ends. (We’re) maybe changing it in that way, but I don’t think changing the tight end position because there have been great tight ends for a long time. Shannon Sharpe, a lot of them.”

(on how it feels to reach the Super Bowl so early in his career) “It’s obviously an honor. You dream of stuff like this since you’re a little kid. You never really actually see yourself in this position because obviously it’s always a dream, but to be here seems surreal. It doesn’t really hit you when you’re sitting right now, but when you’re by yourself at home and you’re thinking, ‘Wow, I’m really playing for the Super Bowl,’ that’s when it really hits you.”

(on how this compares to the big games he played in college) “I remember doing the media day in college. I actually wasn’t on the podium, but I was walking around. I was looking around then just thinking how crazy that was, and now I’m in the Super Bowl and thinking how crazy this is. It’s crazy.”

(on if he’s nervous for the game) “Not right now, because this obviously is what we do. We play football. On game day when you wake up and it’s starting to hit you that, ‘Whoa, I’ve got the Super Bowl today,’ I’ll start getting some butterflies and maybe a little anxious to play. Besides that, nothing really.”

(on the versatility he brings to his position) “We have great coaches and they know how to put players where they can make plays. Different players need to be used differently, and they do a great job on this team on defense and offense. Look at Julian Edelman playing defense. Any player that can help any position, coaches put you in that position. If you can help the team, then that’s what they do with you.”

(on his thoughts when he was inserted at running back) “I was excited. I love having the ball in my hands. I played running back back in the day and I love running back, so I hope they give it to me some more.”

(on the Patriots coaching staff being more non-traditional in using players) “They just like to put people in positions where they can try to make plays. They try to give our athletes the ball, and they do a great job doing that.”

(on Head Coach Bill Belichick joking with the media) “He has some jokes in him. He definitely jokes. Not very often, but he jokes every once in a while. He’s a good dude, and you just have to catch him on the right day. It’s probably the right day today.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA DAY - WIDE RECEIVER/DEFENSIVE BACK JULIAN EDELMAN - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on aspiring to be the next Wes Welker) “That is, obviously, a huge compliment from people that say that. But Wes (Welker) is too good to have me in the same sentence with him. He is an accomplished player, the guy is consistent and it is an honor to even be in the same sentence with him.”

(on playing offense and defense for the first time in his life) “It is exciting. After a game, when you feel like you’ve contributed to a team win, there is nothing better than that. Anyway that you can help the team, is always awesome.”

(on what it means to be playing in the Super Bowl) “This is the ultimate dream for a kid that grew up playing football. This is why you play the game, and we have a great opportunity ahead of us.”

(on preparing for the Super Bowl as an offensive and defensive player) “Depending on the week and stuff, depending on my role in the situation of each game, sometimes I have to be in the offensive meetings, and sometimes I have to be in the defensive (meetings). If I wasn’t in the offense, or if I wasn’t in the defense, then I will meet with the coach after practice when everyone is gone and kind of get the tips there and prepare myself best for the game.”

(on being informed that he would be playing defense) “It kind of just came up and (they) said, ‘you are going to be in a defensive meeting today.’ You are not going to say ‘no’ to an opportunity, so I went with it.”

(on whether being a defensive back has helped him as a wide receiver) “Yeah, you are learning football in general. Learning how (defensive backs) are taught, what their techniques are and everything definitely helps you out a little bit on the other side of the ball. It is complimenting me and it is making me a better football player.”

(on New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham’s comments about being covered by Edelman) “I am not really worried about what Mario Manningham is saying right now. I am more focused on doing my job, and that is preparing right now. We will see if that opportunity comes ahead of us in the game.”

(on preparing for the Super Bowl with all of the distractions surrounding the team) “We are kind of used to it. It is not to this magnitude, but after (media day) we will just try to get the day nice and regular like it always is.”

(on whether he has relied upon learning the defensive fundamentals or playing with instincts while transitioning to defensive back) “A little bit of both. I am not going to go out there and try to flood my mind with all of the techniques and everything, because that will just slow you down and not let you react. I just kind of go out there. Of course I watch the film of my practices and everything, and I will go out there and watch some film on Ronde Barber, Charles Woodson and some of the better inside corners. You just watch what they do, and more importantly, I just watch what the other team does. I try to prepare for any kind of recognition of them.”

(on what he would have said if someone would have told him that he would be playing defensive back against the Ravens in the AFC Championship) “I would have said, ‘I haven’t played that position.’ It has definitely been a crazy road this year. As a team, we have had to overcome injuries. As an individual, I have had to overcome a bunch of stuff. It is definitely very exciting to be in this situation, and to have this opportunity to play in the Super Bowl on the biggest stage in the world.”

(on being targeted by opposing offenses) “You would think, but I don’t think I’ve had that many balls caught on me. Not to say that I’ve been doing such a great job, but the coaches have done a great job of helping me out with the scheme and preparing me each week on what I have to focus on, instead of focusing on the big picture of the defense. (They) are just giving me my little things to focus on when I have my opportunity to get in there and have a chance to play.”

(on whether his preparation has gotten easier over time on the defensive side of the football) “The only thing that has gotten easier is just the terminology, knowing what the defensive side’s terminology is instead of offense, because it is completely different. The same thing can have two meanings, the same word or concept. I have gradually gotten better at getting that down, so now I can talk defense with the defensive guys instead of having one of the coaches translate my offensive terms into the defensive terms. It has definitely been getting better.”

(on how much his experience as a quarterback at Kent State translates to his play as a wide receiver and defensive back) “It definitely helps that I was a quarterback. Not to say that I have it all down, but the fact that I could breakdown coverage when I first got in the NFL, I knew coverage recognition and all of that stuff. I may not have been able to run a route when I first got in the NFL and all of that, but I could go in mid-route and see what the defense was giving us. That is the only part that has helped. Not to say that I am an All-Pro at it, but it has definitely helped.”

(on his reaction to the perception that the offense was carrying the defense) “My reaction is that our team plays complimentary football. Our defense gets turnovers, and they make plays when they have to. Anytime that you win a ballgame it is because of both sides, that’s for sure.”

(on what New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning’s one weakness is) “I haven’t really seen many. The guy is tough, he can throw, he stays in the pocket, he makes big-time throws, he converts on third downs and he’s good in the red area. Eli Manning is really good.”

(on being concerned about facing the Giants’ wide receivers) “I am not really thinking about that, but we will see on Sunday. I am thinking more about just preparing.”

(on whether opposing wide receivers are impressed by his transition to defensive back) “You talk a little bit with the receivers, and some of them respect your game and some of them don’t. You are going to get that anywhere, but you’ve had your conversations with guys like, ‘I respect your game for doing that.’”

(on the standard of success that quarterback Tom Brady has established for the team) “Playing with Tom Brady makes you better. He is such a perfectionist. The way he prepares and the way that he’s a professional, it is great for younger guys like me to learn (from). I am fortunate enough to sit next to him in the locker room and try to do everything that he does, because he is a guy that is going to go down as one of the greatest of all time. So he definitely has a standard, and it is not always easy to play for a guy like that, because he demands perfection. But you love playing for a guy like that, because he does (demand perfection).”

(on some of the challenges that players from smaller collegiate conferences face when entering the NFL) “Usually the MAC guys have a chip on their shoulder because they feel like they were snubbed their opportunity to play big-time ball in college. I think that is what helps small school guys get into the NFL. We are hungry.”

(on having a chip on his shoulder when he entered the NFL) “Yeah, because you go in and see guys talking about Alabama and they just won a National Championship or this bowl game. Well, I never went to a bowl game, and I really don’t care. I am here to play football in the NFL now, so that is kind of what you have to be.”

(on whether he has been able to enjoy his first couple of days in Indianapolis) “We had a full practice yesterday, and we are trying to keep it pretty normal, but obviously you are a little overwhelmed with the whole Media Day and everything. It is definitely a cool experience and a very memorable one. I don’t think I’ve soaked it in as much as I should, because I am trying to stay on that plan. Football players, we are all creatures of habit, and trying to stay in the same routine is crucial to the week.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA DAY - WIDE RECEIVER WES WELKER - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on the Super Bowl atmosphere and the set up in Indianapolis) “Yeah, it’s definitely set in. It’s a pretty incredible place and four years ago, I believe, I was in the stands doing interviews and everything. It’s kind of nice to have a seat.”

(on becoming more of a marquee player since his last Super Bowl Media Day) “It’s kind of surreal in a way. You just strive to be the best you can, and do what you can out there on the field. It’s great to see your career develop and into what it is today.”

(on how it feels to be where he is after all of the hard work he’s put into his development) “I don’t know if you can really describe it. It’s a lot of hard work. A lot of late nights and early mornings, and everything else to get to this point—it’s never easy, you don’t really take it for granted. You just go out there and play the best you can and do what you can to be here. Now we’re here and it’s a great deal.”

(on if he’s noticed a change in Bill Belichick’s demeanor this year, he’s been more light hearted publicly) “I don’t know, I think he’s enjoying himself. I think he’s got a lady in his life, so that could definitely be the case; I don’t know. We’re just coming here to try and win a ballgame. However we do that or whatever demeanor we have to take, that’s what it’s going to be.”

(on how he plays the game out in his head going into the Super Bowl) “Hopefully good, we’ve put a lot into this and this is what you play for. This is why you run those extra sprints in the offseason, why you lift all those weights, this is why you play the game—to be in the position that we’re in, it’s the best and we have to take advantage of it.”

(on if this is a rematch of Super Bowl XLII) “It’s just the same organizations are going at each other. It’s different players, really, different teams playing the game. I don’t think there are too many guys who are here from ’07.”

(on who had the better offensive weapons, Tom Brady or Eli Manning) “I think both teams have really good offensive weapons, so we’ll find out on Sunday night who does.”

(on if Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback in NFL history) “I’m a little bias, but yeah I think so. Just watching him in person, the way he works, what he does out there, it’s pretty incredible.”

(on his concern level for Rob Gronkowski’s health) “Rob’s a big boy. He’s tough and everything else, so I’m not too worried about him. I know he’s going to give his best out there and do whatever he can do to help us win the game. I think everyone, collectively, is going to do that.”

(on how much of an impact Rob Gronkowki’s injury will be if he isn’t fully healthy for the Super Bowl) “I think everybody has to step up and make plays—across the board. It’s not all on Rob, and it hasn’t been all year. We have to come together and make the plays necessary to win the game, and that’s what it’s all about and guys stepping up to do that.”

(on how he can relate, as a kick returner, to San Francisco 49ers return man Kyle Williams) “I don’t think you really worry about that. The plays happen out there, they happen, and you can’t really worry about it. You just have to go out there and do the best you can and make the plays necessary to win the game.”

(on if sympathizes with San Francisco 49ers returner Kyle Williams being a kick returner himself) “Sure, sure—it’s tough. That’s a tough position to play in critical situations. It’s never easy to go out there and make those plays, but you have to do the best you can and hopefully have a better outcome.”

(on if he thinks the Giants’ defensive backs can cover him) “I think they can, but hopefully not on Sunday.”

(on if his confidence level is high right now) “I think you always have to keep a high confidence level—at all times. That’s the only way to play this game and how you have success out there.”

(on if he has taken notice of what Giants WR Victor Cruz has done from the slot position) “Yeah, absolutely, he’s done a really good job. He has good quickness; he does a good job of setting up his routes. Watching him, he and Eli (Manning) seem to be on the same page, as far as doing that 10-yard downhill out in the slot. He sets that up with faking that route and bending it into the middle. It’s something I try to tell our defensive backs to be ready for, because either he’s going to do that or he’s going to try and wrap it in there and get open faking that 10-yard out. I think those two routes really set up each other well in what he does, and he does a good job with them.”

(on if he watched Patriots teammate Chad Ochocinco on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and if he’d ever be a contestant on the show) “I may have caught like one episode or something like that. I think he did terrible, didn’t he? He didn’t last too long, did he? For being an athlete, you would think he’d be in the top two or three, right? I mean, come on. To answer your question, I really don’t see myself being on Dancing with the Stars; it’s not really my deal.”

(on if there is a revenge factor going into the Super Bowl after the Giants beat them in Super Bowl XLII and ended their perfect season) “I don’t think you really worry about that. I think you go out there and play your game and do whatever you have to do to try and win the game. You don’t get caught up in the past, you just understand that you have a great opportunity here and you just try to make the most of it.”

(on how he would describe his journey from high school to sitting on a podium on Media Day before playing in his second Super Bowl) “Long. It’s been kind of crazy. I feel like it’s been long, but I’ve just been taking it day-by-day, and every day trying to get better and trying to improve myself to get to this point. I continue to do that, and that’s what you have to do. It’s put me in the Super Bowl now, and even now, every day just trying to get better, and I think that’s what you continually have to do.”

(on some of the plays that TE Rob Gronkowski has made this season that have made him say ‘wow’) “Some of the catches he makes, down by his shoelaces, being as big as he is, and being limber enough to be able to reach down and make some of those catches. We see some in practice that you just kind of shake your head. You can’t really describe it. The guy has a lot of talent, and he’s a really good player for us. Not only receiving, but blocking—he’s a hell of a player.”

(on if he’d like to say anything to the United States troops overseas) “I just want to say, ‘Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to our country! Thank you for allowing us to come out here and play this game. Without you all protecting us, who knows where we would be right now, so thank you.’”

(on how difficult it was to come back from a major knee injury, and how long it took before he felt comfortable on the field) “I think just continuing to work, and continuing to do what you need to do to get better. It’s a long, hard process, and on days that you’re sore and you don’t feel like pushing it, you have to. That’s when you really have to put yourself in a position to get better. No matter how bad it hurts or how you’re feeling, it’s always those days when you want to take a day off and rest that you have to push it even more.”

(on his biggest fears when he first injured his knee) “Being the same player—being able to come back from it. Being able to cut and doing all of those different things, it was definitely a fear of mine. You know, ‘What is going to happen to my career now?’”

(on how he feels going from an undrafted free agent to now sitting on a podium, getting ready to play in his second Super Bowl) “I’m so excited. To get to this point, you know how hard it is. It’s never easy. We’re definitely blessed and excited to be here, and hopefully we can take advantage of the opportunity.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA DAY - WIDE RECEIVER MATTHEW SLATER - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on the Patriots’ success with developing low-round draft picks and moving players from offense to defense) “Coach Belichick brings guys in here that really buy into what we’re trying to do; guys that are going to put pride and personal statistics aside and go out and try to do what’s best for the team to have success. When you get the right group in place and who believe in that and start to buy into it, then you have guys like the Julian Edelmans and the Troy Browns that end up playing all over the place, just doing whatever it takes for the success of the team. I think it’s a matter of him knowing what he’s looking for, bringing in good athletes, guys who are unselfish, and then go out and do whatever it takes for this team to have success.”

(on his initial reaction to seeing former Patriots receiver Troy Brown playing defensive back) “It’s unbelievable, because at such a high level where everybody’s a master at their craft, for a guy to be able to that, he has to be very talented. When Troy was doing that back in his day, and the success in which he was doing it, it was very impressive. Getting to know Troy a little bit since I’ve been here, it’s no surprise. He’s a great guy, a man of character, and that showed through his play on the field.”

(on his description of Patriots receiver Julian Edelman as a cornerback) “Julian, he’s a competitor. No matter what he’s doing on the football field he’s going to compete for you, he’s going to give you everything he’s got out there. He’s not afraid to play aggressive and try to make plays, play physical. The thing about Julian is that he’s a great teammate. He loves being a part of this team. He really loves doing whatever he’s asked to do to help this team win.”

(on the advice he receives from the Patriots defensive backs when he is practicing on defense) “The first thing was making sure they got me lined up correctly; trying to learn going from the offensive side to the defensive side, getting aligned and straightened out with my signs. There are little things they’ll tell me to look at, little keys that you start to pick up on the longer you play the position. So those guys – Patrick Chung, James Ihedigbo and Sergio Brown – all those guys were helpful during that stretch in the season when I was playing safety. They gave me a lot of little pointers.”

(on the Giants receiving corps’ confidence facing Julian Edelman) “They should feel confident in what they can do; they’ve proven they can do a lot. But Julian should also be confident because he’s done a great job for us.”

(on the qualities Belichick looks for in a receiver, such as Edelman, that allows him to play defensive back) “I think the thing with Julian; he’s a very aggressive, very physical player. He’s very competitive. I think that gives him a chance to have success on both sides of the ball. He’s a never-say-never type of guy. I think that’s been evident through his play on the field.”

(on if he’s imagined the end of the game and winning the Super Bowl) “I have. You think about the game and the outcome and the possibility of what it means to win this game. It would be a true blessing to be able to win this game. We all know what’s at stake, and hopefully that imagination can become reality come Sunday, so we’ll see how it goes.”

(on his assessment of the Giants as a Super Bowl opponent) “They’re a very good team. They’re playing extremely well right now. They have a quarterback that’s red hot, and they’re just playing well as a team. So they’re going to be a tough challenge for us, we know that. We have to continue to have a good week of preparation and put our best foot forward on Sunday.”

(on how football teaches him lessons he can apply in everyday life) “With football, you have to deal with adversity a lot. Football is a game of injuries and good plays, bad plays. Different things happen over the course of one’s career. And that’s similar to life. Life deals you different cards and it’s going to be tough at times. There are going to be ups and downs. So I think that football, you can kind of relate to life and how you deal with life.”

(on how his Christian faith helps him to get through ups and downs) “I realize at the end of the day, God’s in control. Romans 28 says that God is going to work everything together for those who love God and call according to His purpose. You have to, at the end of the day, just trust the plan. And trust that we don’t always know what the plan is, but it’s not up to us to know the plan; it’s God’s plan. With that in mind, along with keeping eternal perspective, this is temporary, for all of us this is temporary. The real joy and the real fun is going to start when we leave this world. So I think keeping those things in mind and in perspective will help you deal with anything, not only on the field, but off the field.”

(on his comparison of playing in the Super Bowl vs. his relationship with Christ) “It pales in comparison. This is temporary. This is a time where man will give you honor or praise, but at the end of the day I’m playing for an audience of one. I’m trying to live for an audience of one. I don’t live for anybody else but Him and I don’t play for anybody else but Him. I wouldn’t be the man that I am; I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him. This is great. I’m not saying not to enjoy this, because it’s a fantastic experience and we’re truly blessed to a part of this, (but) at the end of the day, the glory that we’ll see when we get to the kingdom will be infinitely better than this.”

(on sharing the experience of playing in a Super Bowl, as well as his faith, with his dad) “He can relate to me in a lot of ways that some fathers wouldn’t be able to. The experiences he’s been able to share, the advice that he’s passed along – both spiritually and from a football point of view – has been unbelievable. It’s a very special bond that him and I have. I can’t really put into words the relationship that we have. I’m just so grateful for him being the father that he has been in my life and everything that he’s passed along to me.”

(on the irony of missing his first Pro Bowl because his team is playing in the Super Bowl) “It was one of those things where, ‘Man, I’d really love to go to the Pro Bowl, but there’s only one way I’d miss it and that’s to be here.’ So I’m very grateful and humbled by the honor to be selected my peers, the coaches and the fans. But you’d rather be here competing for the ultimate prize with your teammates; this is why we play the game. You play for a chance to play for a championship. Maybe I can order a (Pro Bowl) jersey or something to have some memorabilia from the game, but I’m happy to be here.”

(on what it means that his dad is a previous winner of the Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award) “My dad is someone I look up to very much. He’s really taught me how to be a man and that starts by the faith that he has and the faith that he passed along to me. I know how much that award meant to him when he won it. He tried to play and live life a certain way by Christ’s standards, not by man’s standards and he’s passed that along to me. I know it meant a lot to him to receive that award. I’m very proud of my father and the type of dad that he’s been and hopefully I can by half the man that he is.”

(on how much of his dad’s career he was able to experience as a child) “I was 10 years old in fifth grade when he retired, so towards the latter years I was aware of what was going on, and aware of what he was accomplishing as a player. I got to enjoy that and, obviously, when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, I was in high school and we got to enjoy that experience together.”

(on why special teams continuously gets overlooked as an important part of the game) “That’s a good question. I guess it’s because the plays that we have are limited. We can be out there 10 or 15 plays a game and, many games, those 10 or 15 plays can have no impact, really. But then you get into close games or crunch-time games and those plays start to have an impact, you always say, ‘Special teams are going win or lose you two or three games a year.’ I think as players, we buy into that because we’ve seen it. But it may not be as evident to the fans or the media from your guys’ perspective because it’s easier to look at Tom (Brady) throwing for 5,000 yards. I’d rather look at that, myself. Those plays are very important and at critical times of the game and can have an impact.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA DAY - WIDE RECEIVER DEION BRANCH - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on Super Bowl XLVI) “Our job is to come out and execute our plays and that is what we are going to try and do.”

(on whether it takes the pressure off of him coming into this game after having been named the most valuable player of Super Bowl XXXIX) “No not really. I think there is a lot of pressure on all the guys. It’s all about going out and doing our jobs and doing what we have been doing all year long. I think that is the reason we are here. We didn’t get here by mistake. We put a lot of hard work in this season and hopefully we can come in and finish the job.”

(on whether this is a revenge game for the Patriots since the Giants beat them in Super Bowl XLII) “No I don’t think so. This is a different year and a different team. It’s really all about the game on Sunday.”

(on how excited he is about playing the Rams next season in London) “We’re going to play over there next year? Who are we going to play? I’ve been to London and Great Britain two years ago with the kids and my wife.”

(on the best thing about his visit to London) “I really liked everything. What I remember most was the freshness of the air.”

(on what type of game he expects to have on Sunday) “My confidence is very high. I’m never lacking in that part. It’s all about opportunities and what the defense gives us and taking advantage of it. Whether it’s me or any of the other guys, I’m going to go out and play my game.”

(on what he thinks of the Giants’ defense) “I think what gives us problems, and also gives teams problems across the league, is the Giants’ front seven. Their front line is really good. All those guys bring a lot of pressure.”

(on how the Patriots are going to attack the Giants’ defensive secondary) “It’s just part of our game plan. They are going to do what they do and we are going to do what we do best.”

(on how he feels about playing in another Super Bowl) “It’s going to be great. It’s an honor just to be a part of this. I’m truly thankful to be a part of playing in another Super Bowl. I think all the guys truly will go and play their hearts out on Sunday. Everyone has put in a lot of hard work all season. Everybody was ready to go when we reported for training camp and excited about the season.”

(on what part faith plays in his life) “Faith plays a big part in my life. I was raised a Christian and I believe in God. He’s the reason I am here. I’m very thankful for everything in my life. Every day that I wake up I thank God. The things I do outside of football are really important to me. I’m more than just a football player. I feel like we are put here to serve a purpose whether you are a football player or not.”

(on what he thinks about Super Bowl Media Day) “I think all the stuff that leads up to the game for these two weeks is fun but I’m obviously getting prepared to play the game on Sunday. It’s different this year because they have a lot of fans in the stands. These people in Indianapolis have been waiting for this game for a long time although I don’t see many Patriots fans in the stands. There are mostly Colts fans in the stands but this is what it’s all about giving back to the fans. That’s why the NFL is the greatest sport. We are the best of the best. We are the crème de la crème.”

(on how much football he played growing up) “I played Pop Warner football as a kid, to middle school which I didn’t get to play football because my high school coach didn’t allow me to play in middle school, and then to high school and then to college. All these times are a big part of my life and my upbringing.”

(on why he has a video camera with him recording the Media Day festivities) “We get recorded all the time, and so I thought I would put you all on the spot today. Don’t be surprised to see yourself one day.”

(on what he expects his role to be on Sunday) “Exactly what it has been all year to get to this point. Whenever the coach calls my number I am going to respond. I’m going to be there and answer. Each and every one of us has a role. Our jobs are to go out there on Sunday and do what the coaches ask us to do. I try and do that each and every week. If the coaches give me the opportunity I am going to take advantage of that. I never go into a game thinking that the coaches are never going to throw me the ball. They would never do that.”

(on what the Super Bowl means to Indianapolis) “It’s really good for the city of Indianapolis. This is what the city has been waiting for. I think they have set all kinds of records already with the opening of the Super Bowl (festivities downtown). I think the fans were ready to go even before we got to town on Sunday. Maybe they will get a chance to have the Super Bowl back here again.”

(on how Patriots coach Billl Belichick been able to find so many talented free agents like Rob Ninkovich) “First off, coach Belichick has an eye for talent, and given the opportunity, most of his players take advantage of it. He gives each and every guy the opportunity to play football and what each player does with that is their choice, and I think Rob has done a great job with that. Coach is going to allow guys to get on the football field.”

(on what it has been like playing with Chad Ochocinco) “He’s a great guy on and off the football field. He’s a great friend. He was one of my friends before he got here, and since he’s been here, our friendship has strengthened. I truly love playing with this guy.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA DAY - WIDE RECEIVER CHAD OCHOCINCO - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on if his experience this past year was solid, and if it has excited him in coming back next season) “The winning experience is always great. Whether you have a big role, small role or no role at all, that’s awesome. Everything this year is something that I’ve never been used to, and what I’ve had this year is something I can grow accustomed to.”

(on if he came to the Patriots with the goal of winning a Super Bowl) “Of course. You come in with expectations to be successful, and the goal in the back of your mind, as always, is to get to the Super Bowl.”

(on if there were ever thoughts like, ‘It’s never going to happen,’ on making it to the Super Bowl while in Cincinnati) “I never thought of it like that. But, what I always do is always work, always work. You guys know how I am. A workaholic, and that’s the way I’ve always approached it. Maybe in a little different way I’m a little buoyant, a little flashy at times, but that’s what drove me.”

(on how the Bill O’Brien and Josh McDaniels combination been) “It’s been good. It’s been really good. We’ve got two geniuses, two offensive masterminds at the same time. It’s very dynamic.”

(on how he looks back at his career in Cincinnati) “Really good, really good. Mike Brown, who said he liked me and gave me a whole new life drafting me. Marvin Lewis was my coach over a long period of time. That’s the person I confide in over a long period of time. Everything about that organization, that city, it was made me what I am today. The fans were awesome. Coach Lewis (was) like a dad.”

(on the possibility of facing the Bengals in the divisional round) “It was a possibility. I didn’t really think too much about it. I watched it, good game, and if it would have happened, it would’ve been cool.”

(on if he thinks he may play a bigger role on Sunday if Rob Gronkowski is hurt) “I don’t know. I haven’t seen the script.”

(on what it’s like being surrounded by players doing the hard work) “Well, we worked hard in Cincinnati also, so that’s really not a good assessment. But, sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. My work always produced results in the past. That same work goes so well, but I still just kept working. Sometimes it goes good and sometimes it doesn’t.”

(on if he’s ready to win the Super Bowl for Mexico) “I’m ready to win the Super Bowl for the Patriots. To go out there and have fun, it’s been a dream of mine for years and that’s it, that’s all I want to do.”

(on if Tom Brady is the best quarterback ever in the NFL) “You’d have to look up the stats and decide for yourself. Without me seeing, I would think so.”

(on if this season has been tough on him) “No, not really. If it was emotionally draining I think I would have spoke out like I did in the past. I took this as a challenge, as a lesson. I think it was a test from you-know-who upstairs, God. Will he be able to handle himself in different circumstances when he’s not that guy, if he’s not that main focal point? Will he be able to handle it? And I think I did extremely well.”

(on if he would rather have 100 catches or be in the situation he is right now) “I’d rather be right here. I’ve already put up all the numbers. I’ve already done that. One of the things I that I was really happy about was that this is one of the few times, or really the only time, that I won’t be home at the Martin Luther King parade because I’m always home the first week of January. It’s so much bigger than what everybody else is thinking about. They’re thinking about the individuals. If I would have been thinking like that, I would have got cut Week 3, complaining about the ball. It’s been a joy.”

(on his maturation process and if he felt tested) “He (God) did it for a reason. Let me tell you what happens. I’m in New England, and when you’re in New England, you think of the elite of the elite when it comes to NFL teams. Now, if God put me in this situation and he puts me through this test and I act up on the biggest stage of them all with the elite of the elite, what comes after that? Where am I going after that? He already put me here, so there isn’t any sense in going back. So I’m seeing it in a whole different light than anyone else is.”

(on if this experience is humbling) “You know how I got here? I came from Dade County. This place called Liberty City, where the odds were against me all through life growing up. You think I’m going to complain after all I’ve been through to get to this point?”

(on Deion Sanders asking Tom Brady to get him a ball) “I’m going to do my job; that’s the easy part.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - RUNNING BACK BRANDON JACOBS - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI – Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on what sparked the Giants’ turnaround after going through a losing stretch late in the season) “After being at that point, you still have a shot to even win our division. Even after that, we got it together. There are not many teams that have a chance to do something special after going through such turmoil like we went through. We woke up and just took it in stride.”

(on being in position to win the Super Bowl for the second time in five years and if it brings back memories) “It brings back some memories, but it is two totally different football teams. It’s still a great opportunity, a really good opportunity for us to come out here and do something not many people have done.”

(on how great of a season Eli Manning has had and the confidence the team has in him) “Eli has been tremendous for us. He has had a ferocious-like, assassin-like mentality as well during his run to where he is. I’ve been with Eli, this is my seventh year with ‘E’ (Manning). He came in the year before me, and to watch him grow was something special. The man is doing some things that not a lot of people have done. I’m honored to have him as my quarterback and ready to go to war with him any day.”

(on his uncertain future with the team and possibly leaving the team with another Super Bowl ring) “It’s great. Like I said, it’s a tremendous opportunity for me to come out and do something that not many people have done. I am honored to be on this football team, a great organization, and I don’t think there is anything like this organization.”

(on his up-and-down relationship with Giants’ fans) “In that situation, you’ve just got a guy that is out there trying to work hard and win football games. I am upset, they’re upset. It’s just kind of big brother, little brother type things. Our fans have been great for us the last two months basically, even with the last couple games of our losing streak. They’ve been with us and supported us. We had a lot of people out in San Francisco. A lot of people came out to cold Green Bay. They have just as much a part of this as us as players.”

(on if this could be his last game as a Giant) “I’ve never really thought about that, and it doesn’t really bother me. I’m sure something is going to get worked out and things will be fine. You just have to let it take care of itself. I am playing in the Super Bowl for the New York Giants, and if that is the way it is, there is nothing I can do. I am trying to do as best I can to help this team win.”

(on going out with a bang if this is his last game with the Giants) “No question about it. It definitely motivates me to go out with a bang. If it is, I’ll leave with a Super Bowl ring.”

(on if the Giants’ offense has matchup advantages with the Patriots’ defense) “The Patriots’ defense, they’ve been playing great throughout the playoffs. (Against) Baltimore, they did a great job against a great running attack in Baltimore. The numbers that come up on their defense, you have to be out with them to really realize. You’re like, ‘Really?’ It doesn’t seem like that. I think they are a good defense. They have a lot of heavy guys in there. It’s tough to move them. They have good linebackers that play downhill. It’s going to be a dogfight.”

(on if there is a moment during Super Bowl week where the team realizes there is still a game to play) “After this. After the media day, things kind of die down a little bit. A lot of people kind of disappear. We kind of stayed on our regular schedule (during Super Bowl XLII) and did what we can do – concentrate, focus and got it done.”

(on the emotions right now and if it has hit the team that they are in the Super Bowl) “It does. It’s definitely hit. You come in and see the outline of the building and how they dressed it up. We know that this is where we are going to be going to war.”

(on if his fourth-and-one rush for a first down on the Giants’ final drive in Super Bowl XLII is a forgotten play) “Absolutely. If I am a spectator looking on, I wouldn’t remember a fourth-and-one play. That’s just fourth-and-one. It’s no big deal as a spectator, and I could understand why.”

(on the intensity of Super Bowl XLII) “It was very intense. The whole two weeks out (there) was intense leading up too. The game itself, you had a lot of stuff going on in the game, a lot of smack talk going back and forth during the week. It may be the same thing this time. That’s it. They are a great football team. Their intensity is going to be high, and we have to match them or have more.”

(on what he tells guys who haven’t played in a Super Bowl) “You have to go in and play every play like something is on the line, which something is on the line. If you don’t play much, the times that you are out there, you go out there and deliver your statement to the opponent. You do the best you can do whenever you get a chance to do it.”

(on if there is a lot of talk between the two teams) “Yeah, there is a lot of stuff going back and forth, but that’s just football. We are all competitive guys that just want to win. We all think we are better than one another. That’s just what it leads to.”

(on if he is expecting a physical game on Sunday) “No question about it. It better be a real physical game because we are going to be physical. I don’t expect it to be anything less than physical. It was physical the first time we played them. Like I said, they have a lot of stoutness and power on the inside. It’s going to be a physical game.”

(on if he thinks that revenge will be a factor for New England) “No. I do buy that (it won’t be a factor). That was 2007. They had a couple other Super Bowl winners as well in between that. That’s gone. This is a new year. You have to come out and play this one like you want it. I know we want it. I know these guys on our football team, they want this win. We have to work hard during the week, prepare hard and prepare like we want it.”

(on the journey the team has taken to get to this point and how much he appreciates it) “No question. This is a game that is well appreciated by me. There are 32 football teams with a whole hell of a lot of talent on all of those teams. Every team, every guy is getting paid an astronomical amount of dollars. At the end of the year, there are only two teams that stands tall, and to be among those two teams is a great feeling.”

(on the confidence of QB Eli Manning) “It’s very high. Eli’s confidence level is unbelievable.”

(on the team’s confidence in Manning) “There is a lot of confidence in Eli. We definitely believe in Eli. No one is perfect, and we do know that. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, but Eli makes as little as he possibly can. He doesn’t put the ball in harm’s way, he get us into plays that we need to be in and we play as hard as we can for him.”

(on the most upset he has ever seen Manning) “It was a kind of emotion he did like, ‘Damn!’ He missed Vic (Victor Cruz) one time or something across the middle, it was a little bit too low or something and he was open. He said a few things that I am not going to say right here on camera.”

(on if it is rare to see that emotion out of Manning) “You know, Eli has his moments when he is not happy with a certain play or a certain throw that he had. No one is perfect. He lets it out.”

(on if he feels like the team should run the ball a little more) “I feel like we can run the ball on anybody, which we haven’t been doing that well this season. I think if we can come out and get that going, that definitely will better our chances.”