NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA DAY - OFFENSIVE TACKLE KEVIN BOOTHE - Ingles

Super Bowl XLVI –Tuesday, January 31, 2012

(on how the offensive line reacted to their game against the 49ers) “We know there were things that we could have done better, not to take anything away from San Francisco. They’re a tremendous group, extremely talented and athletic, but we know that we have to play better than that in order to succeed. I think on the offense we felt that we left a lot of things out there, and we’ve just got to take advantage of the opportunities the defense gives us and play better overall.”

(on why the offensive line didn’t play their best against the 49ers) “I think it was a bad day at the office. It was just a tough game, and with everything on the line, I think you’re going to get the best out of your opponents. They definitely made us work for it and Eli (Manning) hung in there and made the plays when we had to and he’s as tough as they come and I think his will and desire helped us a great deal.”

(on comparing New England’s defense to San Francisco) “It’s different. It’s different personnel, but another team that’s playing really well defensively. I know statistically people want to say that they haven’t really had a great year, but you look at them over the last half of the season and the first couple playoff games, and they’re playing just as well as anybody. Their big guys out front are tremendous athletes for that size, their linebackers are phenomenal. So, we’re going to have to play our best game to win the championship and that’s what you want.”

(on how his team is preparing for Sunday) “We try to work on things in practice, but there’s only so much you can do prior to the game instead of actually seeing those guys in person. You don’t go around and push vehicles around or anything like that, but we’ve played them before so we’re familiar with them personnel-wise.In terms of
scheme- wise, you don’t know what you’re going to get. I think they’re an evolving defense, and as long as coach is comfortable with him, he can add more things to their defense to prevent problems. So we’re going to have to be on our best game.”

(on the importance of the offensive line Sunday) “I think that that’s the case for the most part in football games, so that’s the way you like it as an offensive lineman. You want to be able to play your best when your best is needed.”