NMF Entrevistas NFL

NEW YORK GIANTS - S ANTREL ROLLE - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

(on what gave the team confidence that they could stop Tom Brady for four quarters) “We had to go out there and just get back to our basics and be relentless and understand this game wasn’t going to be easy. We knew that Tom Brady is an outstanding quarterback. We just had to go out there and just play ball and just rally it and do the best that we could.”

(on if the Giants defense made any adjustments to stop the short passing game) “We just put in a couple of different calls, and we played a little bit more man to man. We didn’t want to let him dink and dunk the ball off as he was doing pretty much the entire game. Like I said, our defensive coordinator has been outstanding for us and we knew he would put us in a position to make plays. We just had to go out there and just run them effectively.”

(on his injury) “I got kneed in the ribs, which hurts like hell right now, but I don’t think anything could take down my high at this point. I’m sure it’s going to hurt a lot more later on tonight.”

(on what happened with the Wes Welker play) “We were getting different signals, different calls. The communication started with one thing and when they went to a different formation, we were supposed to check to something else. Not everyone quite got it. We were just on a little different page, but it happens. You know, one mistake all game, we’ll take that.”

(on the team’s feeling toward the end of the game) “It was calm. Eli Manning had the ball and we all know what he can do with the ball in his hands. We just went out there and just had faith in him and knew that the game was going to come down to us. The game had to be won by the defensive side of the ball and made sure we stayed relentless in what we were doing.”

(on what he was thinking on the ‘hail mary’ play) “I actually was pretty close to the ball. My assignment was to jam the receiver and not let him get up the field. Front that point on, most of the ‘hail mary’ is in the air. At that point in time, it could be anyone’s ball. It could be anybody’s ball at that point. We just had to go out there and just do what we’ve been taught to do, go out there and make sure you bat the ball out and I was just making sure no one caught it afterwards.”

(on if the ball falling to Gronkowski is indicative of the team’s struggles the last six weeks and on a lot of things going their way in the end) “You can’t draw on that play. At that point in time with a ‘hail mary,’ it can be anyone’s ball. You just have to go out there and do what you’ve been taught to do and work your technique and let that speak for itself. Thank God we won the upper hand on that side.”

(on Chase Blackburn’s interception) “It was huge. It was definitely the play of the game. I think Chase went out there and he played exceptional ball for us today. He was all over the place and he made a lot of big plays. He’s been doing that ever since he stepped foot into Giants’ gear. We couldn’t have done this without Chase and that speaks volumes for what kind of guy he is, his character, and most of all who he is as a teammate.”

(on if he could envision this after he rallied the players after the loss to Washington) “I can’t say I imagined this, but I did know that we weren’t playing our best ball. All I asked was for us to go out there and give 100 percent in practice and just see where we go. If we were 8-8 with us giving 100 percent, I would be satisfied with that. But, I knew that we were a better team. I knew that we had more character. We were better. We were many times the team that had been playing for the previous weeks. Once we put it together and once we started practicing like our lives depended on it, this is the outcome we got. We won game after game after game while taking it one game at a time.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - DE JASON PIERRE-PAUL - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

(on how special the team is) “The team’s very special. We knew what we had to do coming into this football game. We had one mindset and one goal – to win a world championship and that’s what we did tonight.”

(on what this means to him) “It means a lot to me and more to the team. It’s just a blessing for me to be on the team and show my talent on the defensive line. Most of all, it’s a team effort. After we came out, that’s what we did.”

(on the comeback) “We knew what we were destined to do. We came in, and we knew it was going to be tough. Tom Brady is a great quarterback; he’s one of the elite quarterbacks. You have got to respect that. So is Eli (Manning). We were down, but we just kept on fighting. The locker room was quiet, but we talked to each other and Coach Tom Coughlin gave the whole defensive line and the whole team wisdom and knowledge and told them, ‘Let’s keep on fighting and finish this job. We are here to win a championship and that’s what we came to do.’ That’s what we did.”

(on if Giants changed his role in the second half) “It wasn’t anything different. That was our gameplan going in. (Defensive Coordinator) Coach Perry (Fewell) called good defensive plays and we executed them. As far as me dropping in coverage, that was just me doing my job.”

(On Coach Tom Coughlin’s halftime speech) “All he told us, ‘Listen, this is what we’re here for. It’s not like we’re losing. It’s only one point.’ He was like, ‘Just go out there and finish the job. We’re here to win a Super Bowl championship’ and that’s what we did. It was tough. Tom Brady is a great quarterback. We knew had to get to him and knew it started with the front four. We got to him, and Eli (Manning) just did a great job throwing the ball. He’s an awesome quarterback.”

(on the start of the game) “To be honest, I felt like it was alright. We could’ve done better. That’s what we did the second half. I feel like we were a little slow.”

(on the safety caused by Giants defensive end Justin Tuck) “Justin Tuck did a great job. I didn’t know where he was throwing to. It was a safety and I was told what happened. He was like, ‘He just threw the ball in the end zone. It’s a safety.’ Tuck did a great job on that call, on that penalty. Then they came back and scored. The game was going up and down. We were behind, but we came through and won the game.”

(on the last two minutes of the game) “I was just thinking, we got to rush him and the offense is going to score, which they did. After they score, we got to come out and support. That’s what we did. We were just rushing. It came down to the last couple of seconds and when Tom Brady threw that pass in the air, I just went down to my knees and closed my eyes and layed on my stomach. I didn’t know if he caught the ball. All I heard is the crowd going crazy. I didn’t know if one of the Patriots’ receivers caught the ball or we knocked it down. When they called it incomplete, I closed my eyes and it’s just a blessing. It’s my second year. There are guys in this league who have been playing football for 15 years and they haven’t even got to a playoff game. It’s just a blessing. I give all the thanks to New York. It’s my second year. I’m thankful.”

(on the Patriots last drive) “We knew our defense was going to do a great job stopping Tom Brady and getting to him. We got to him several times. Like I said, he’s an elite quarterback. He was just throwing the ball and getting it out quick. We can’t get frustrated because we know what kind of quarterback he is. We kept calm. We didn’t let anything phase us and we just played football.”

(on the secret to batting down balls) “I guess when you see it, just jump up. I had a lot of batted balls this year. I always tell my defensive line, I’m going to catch one but I never do. It comes too fast. But the thing is, a batted ball is a loss of down. It gives the secondary room to breathe. It’s a great job. That’s what I did. I had like two batted passes today. It was a great job. Through it all, we played hard.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - DE JUSTIN TUCK - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:55:00.001-08:00

(on the Giants’ defense dominating) “Another team effort. That’s how we’ve been built all year, and we don’t really care where the credit goes. It’s just another great team effort, through and through.”

(on winning a Super Bowl championship in the state he went to college) “It’s great to win it back in Indiana, but it wouldn’t have mattered where we played – it still would have felt great. I, obviously, had a great four years at Notre Dame. Indiana and Notre Dame have been great to me. It’s definitely special.”

(on if this win was a fitting finish) “I don’t know. I don’t think I could have wrote a better script than this one. Like you said, we’ve talked about it all year, and it’s just fitting that it came down to a final drive by Eli (Manning) and a closing out by our defense.”

(on the pass rush getting to Tom Brady on the last drive) “I think our coverage made him hold the ball a little bit longer, and we feel very confident up front that if we get a little extra time, we are going to be able to get to anybody. So, it was just an inside move where I was able to beat the guard, and I got to him.”

(on the mood at halftime) “A little disappointing because we understood that we kind of gave them one right there. They had a great long drive. But, we were a little disappointed. We had played a pretty good first half, keeping them to three points at that point. But, they’re talented. We didn’t finish that first half. I’m just glad we finished that second half.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - LB CHASE BLACKBURN - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:53:00.001-08:00

(on changing playing style late in the game) “We switched up coverage a little bit. Obviously, we played some where Jacquian (Williams) came in as the nickel person in the package he went deep, went to the middle post. We moved him around a little bit and tried to give some different looks.”

(on game-changing interception) “They got us into a check. I’d had him three vertical the whole way. I had to carry Rob Gronkowski and I heard the crowd go wild a little bit and I thought we had a sack. I continued to see “Gronk” go up the field and just tried to stay with him. I saw him look back so I looked back for the ball. When I spotted it, I tried to block out and go up for a rebound like in basketball – tried to eye-point it.”

(on Rob Gronkowski’s play) “He played pretty well. He played a lot of plays, a lot of snaps. He continued to work. That’s what a fighter is going to do – he’s not going to sit there on the sidelines.”

(on feeling redemption after Aaron Hernandez’s touchdown) “Definitely. I was beat on it. I played bad technique. He ran a good route and I let our team down on that play. Obviously, I was happy to make it up a little bit with the interception, but it wouldn’t mean anything if we didn’t win the game. Thank you, Lord, we won the game.”

(on Eli Manning’s play in the final possession) “Obviously we always have confidence in Eli (Manning) to do the job. We trust him. Obviously, the offensive line has to block for him, receivers have to catch the ball and we ran the ball well down at the end of the game when we need to run the clock out. Obviously, we let them score there at the end. Do you kneel it, or, do you kick the field goal? What do you do? Fortunately, it worked out either way, and we won the game.”

(on his interception) “I knew it was a long way. He stopped and then ran a little stick nod route on me. He stopped for a second and that’s when I’m guessing Brady was wrapped up a little bit and got out of it. I figured once he took off it was going to come deep. Brady likes to throw it down the field.”

(on reading the coverage prior to his interception) “Exactly. I stopped with him. I was thinking it was a sack for a second – as soon as he started going, I saw him go vertical. I knew I had to run and catch up with him.”

(on his overall play) “I can’t say I’m the fastest linebacker in the league. I just thank my teammates for doing their job.”

(on feelings when Brady has time in the pocket) “It happens sometimes. Most of the time, our defensive line does a great job of pressuring without bringing the blitz. At times, they’re going to match protected and they’re going to get guys blocked and he’s going to have a little bit of time to throw the ball. We just had to cover. We covered at points and then we let some things go, but we worked in harmony enough to win the game.”

(on defensive approach to their tight ends) “Just to switch-up.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - DC PERRY FEWELL - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:49:00.001-08:00

(On winning the Super Bowl) “It’s unreal. I’m speechless. I thought our guys really played hard. They were into the football game. We wanted to have a four-man rush and get after Tom (Brady), and I just thought we did a nice job today.”

(On calling a game against Patriots QB Tom Brady) “I’ve called against Tom Brady many times and it is extra sweet to win against him in a game of this magnitude. He’s going to go down as one of the great quarterbacks of all-time, and this was just our moment.”

(On his defensive play call on the Hail Mary play) “We have a special design for it but we were praying a lot over there too. We thought some of the guys got their hands on it. We wanted to knock the ball down, but the thing I was looking for was that there wasn’t a foul on the play to give them another play at the end of the game. It was clean from that standpoint.”

(On the Giants’ pass rush) “I though they got after it pretty good today. We knew there were going to be some times that we weren’t going to be able to sack (QB Tom Brady). We had to be patient. I thought our guys were patient with that, but the main thing we had to do was try to stop the run in order to rush the passer.”

(On how the win feels) “It’s indescribable. It’s the best feeling in the world. We’ve worked extremely hard to get to this point and I give God all the highest praise for this opportunity.”

(On LB Michael Boley) “Mike Boley is an extension of me to a large degree because he communicates the call to the front and to the coverage and tries to get everybody lined up. He puts us in the right defenses and I can’t say enough about his football intelligence as well as his athletic ability.”

(On Patriots QB Tom Brady’s stretch of 16-consecutive completions) “We just had to get tighter in coverage. We respected them and Tom is one of the best in the league. We talked about getting tighter in coverage and challenging the receivers more. We wanted to get more jams and more bangs on the receivers. They did a good job of deploying them and spreading them all over the place and so they caused some mismatches for us.”

(On what he said to his defense before the Patriots’ final drive) “We didn’t have to say anything because (Head Coach) Tom (Coughlin) talked to us at the beginning of training camp about finishing. Everybody knew that we had to finish it. We just wanted to get ourselves together and make sure we could finish the game.”

(On how many hours of film he watched on Patriots QB Tom Brady the last two weeks) “Our defensive staff did a tremendous job with our game plan. We couldn’t measure the hours and hours of film that we watched in preparation for this. We had two tremendous weeks of preparation and practice. It was a total team effort.”

(On where Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s place in history) “Tom Coughlin is at the top of his game at the young age of 62. I wish I had as much energy as he has and I wish I was as knowledgeable as he is because he is one of the great football coaches of this modern era.”

(On his satisfaction in beating Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick) “I’m going to think about that later because I have so much respect for Coach Belichick and what he does and how he does it. There are always lessons to be learned and we can learn from everybody. I’ve definitely learned from him along the way.”

(On limiting big plays) “That’s something that we constantly work on throughout the year. We probably gave up the most big plays or second-to-the-most big plays over the course of the season. We just chipped away saying, ‘Hey, if we can eliminate the big play we can get to this point. I think our guys were focused and they did the job of not giving up the big play.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - OC KEVIN GILBRIDE - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

(on Victor Cruz’s touchdown catch) “It was good. It was a hell of a play. It was ‘blitz zero’ but they pulled the linebacker out and they almost stole it and knocked it away. At least it obscured his vision. For him to concentrate and make the catch even though he bobbled it was tremendous.”

(on Mario Manningham’s long catch in the fourth quarter) “It was great concentration because it was over his shoulder and to be able to know that he had to keep his feet in, because it was right along the sidelines and because it was two-deep, he knew the safety, even though he was inside, had widened and was going to hit him. So not only did he have to catch the ball, keep his feet in bounds, he was going to have to hold onto the ball when he got hit. So it was a tremendous play by him.”

(on the play of New York’s offense) “I think we as an offense have been very, very successful. Certainly the triggerman’s got to do his job. I think collectively the receivers have really stepped up, made some tremendous plays. Mario did it tonight, but it’s been either Victor or Hakeem (Nicks). Somebody has made some big plays, so as a group, they expect to do well. They expect to put it in the end zone and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention, when it’s probably the most difficult to pass pro, they rise up and pass protect better than they protected the whole game.”

(on if he anticipated that New England would let the Giants score at the end of the game) “I did not expect that. We were counting on just running the ball, milking it out and then it kind of caught us off guard. As it happened, we said, ‘Get down!’ and he thought he did. He thought he tapped down. We said, ‘We’ll be conservative, but if you can score a touchdown instead of a field goal running it in, let’s do it.’ So that’s what we figured. We’d use all three downs, milk all their timeouts. Milk as much of the clock as we can. If we get a touchdown, great. If we didn’t, then by the time we kicked a field goal it would be under 20 seconds and they’d have to go a long way to get that.”

(on being patient in the first half) “To me they played conservative the entire day. They were starting to lean, not every down, but they were leaning to Victor and Hakeem’s side. So even though they were two high, what we call ‘33 cloud,’ they were starting to slide that direction. We thought we would have a chance down the sideline. We thought we would have it with the formation we were just in a second ago when we had the three wides and the two backs. They dropped the safety down and made it look like single high and they tried to run it to two deep. That’s when we hit Mario down the right sideline where he just stepped out of bounds. We were hopeful we’d get a big play. We needed to get a big play because we had been moving it but not putting it in the end zone. So it was very important that somebody come up big and that was a huge catch he made.”

(on Eli Manning) “He’s been in that circle or cycle of success. He’s had confidence. He’s got a lot of confidence because he’s had so much success, but early on, the thing that always has distinguished him, been his hallmark, is he’s always going to come to work. He’s always going to put himself in position that he’s prepared. He’s going to put the players in the right position. He’s going to be able to make the protection adjustments that we ask him to make. We put a lot on his plate. He thrives on that. He looks forward to that challenge. He enjoys the intellectual part of it. I think the combination of just good genes, he’s been raised right, he has great poise and confidence, and the fact that we’ve had success as a team and I think the fact that he works as hard as he does, when that situation happens, he’s as prepared as can be.”

(on New England’s defense ) “I tip my hat to them. They had a sound approach: don’t let us get one-on-one matchups to see if we could get the big play. We’ve been very affective at that. See if we could prove that we could be disciplined enough to take these long, methodical drives and get in the end zone. Sure enough, we kept shooting ourselves in the foot, so their strategy was working. I looked up, we had 20 minutes time of possession but we didn’t have a lot of points.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - K LAWRENCE TYNES - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:45:00.001-08:00

(on how it feels to win the Super Bowl) “It’s still so fresh and new but it’s kind of just a numbing sensation to have done this being at 7-7 six weeks ago it says a lot about our team, Coach Coughlin and the guys in the locker room.”

(on which Super Bowl win he enjoyed more) “I like this one better for some reason, I think it’s because it’s the newest one. I just think the way we played after being 7-7 and getting back, I thought we were an underachieving team at 7-7 and we just finally, for the last six weeks played like we thought we could play. To be World Champions is obviously a great thing to say, next to the birth of your children and getting married it’s the best professional experience you will have.”

(on fans wearing his jersey) “It’s probably all my parents. We have some divorced family members so my kids have like six grandparents, six grandmothers, so there’s a lot.”

(on what he was thinking when it looked like he would have to kick a game winning field goal) “I’m just thinking, like I said all week, of my routine and it was at the end of the game. I was approaching just like I was the two kicks in the third quarter. We got it so close, I thought Ahmad was going to take the knee, that would have been pretty sweet.”

(on Ahmad not taking a knee) “It was like he wanted to and then he just bulled forward. I’ll be honest with you, that was the right play. You give Tom Brady the ball, all they needed was a field goal had we kicked a field goal. I think we scored right there, touchdown. Giving him (Brady) a minute is nail biting as you saw so it was the right play for him to score.”

I’m just happy we won, I don’t care how we did it. Whether I kick or whether I don’t score, it’s just really cool to celebrate with 52 other men that laid it on the line for 20 weeks and to have it culminate in a World Championship and Ticker Tape parade on Tuesday. I’ve got to experience that and for me that has been my favorite part of winning championships, the ticker tape parade and celebrating with the people of New York.

(on how this game was similar to the 2008 Super Bowl) “There was a little bit more time left and all we needed was a field goal; last time we needed a touchdown. There were so many similarities with the safety and, this is going back to the 1991 Championship, but I was talking to Harry Carson just now with the trophy and he said something about how they went into halftime losing 10-9. It was eerily similar, a lot of guys didn’t want to talk about it, but we almost replicated history a little bit as far as how we got here and the game itself tonight. History does repeat itself.”

(on if the penalties that took them out of field-goal range early in the game bothered him)“I love kicking field goals, I really do, but I don’t let little fouls bother me. I just try to stay in the game, stay in my routine. I’m ready at all times. At any time, someone can score on our team, so I’m always ready. I always have my shoes tied, I’m kicking balls into the net. I’m not frustrated. I know what the guys do out there is difficult and for me to get upset over them would be very selfish. We moved the ball enough tonight. Seventeen was our goal in our meeting last night to hold them to and we held them to that.”

(on what a great play the throw to Manningham was in the fourth quarter) “Mario (Manningham) owes me for that because he is a little superstitious. During practices, I throw the ball to him when scout team offense is there, so I throw him those routes, oddly enough. We probably get about 50 throws in a day, me and him. It’s just because you aren’t going to get every ball in practice so Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. I keep him pretty lose and we throw the ball around a lot so I’m taking all the credit for that.”

(on how tough of a play that was) “Its 9.9. It was a tough throw, a tough catch, a tough read of coverage to slip it in there. Eli has done that a lot this year. I’ve always thought he’s been a great passer. To say he did something abnormal, he didn’t.”

(on what read Manning had to make to complete the throw to Manningham) “Oh God, I’m not an offensive player, I don’t know. I couldn’t tell you. I have no idea.”

(on this year’s team and the future) I think our average age is 27 years old. I think I saw something this past week so that’s not old and you look at the positions. Now we have 53 world champions. We had 17 from the previous team. There’s going to be a lot of guys from this current team. No one says enough about our rookie class that we have. I call them the Fab Five, the undrafted special teams guys. Some of them were drafted but, Greg Jones, Spencer Paysinger, Mark Herzlich, Jacquain Williams, and Tyler Sash. We had such a great, unbelievable rookie class, it’s very similar to the one in 2007 when we won it with Steve Smith and Kevin Boss. It just worked out we had a good group of young guys. You need the bottom of your team to be great. Tyler Sash and those guys on special teams really gave us a boost this year on our coverage teams and our kickoff return. We never got it going to where we wanted but we were covering kicks and punts very well this year.”

(on how the field goal team was perfect tonight) “We expect that out of Zach (DeOssie) and Steve (Weatherford), especially when we are indoors. Two weeks ago in San Francisco that was tough but we expect to be perfect. Thankfully, we were able to help the team out tonight.”

(on if he watched the final play of the game) “I did watch it, I can’t turn away because I want to see it. I want to see what happens. I want the instant reaction, so I saw it. Those plays are tricky, they can happen, we’ve all seen them in college, we’ve seen them in the NFL with us and Green Bay, so you just hold your breath.”

(on what he did immediately after they won) “I hugged Tom (Coughlin). I got a full bucket of Gatorade on me because someone got him. Look how blue I am; I stink like Gatorade. Then I went looking for my wife, my kids, my dad, my brother, my best friend and my brother-in-laws are all here. It’s special to share it with people who helped you get here because all those people did. I think, to me, I want them to enjoy it as much as I do.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - WR MARIO MANNINGHAM - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:40:00.001-08:00

(on his catch) “On the sideline they were going like this (gesturing a successful catch), so I knew I was in. It was a perfect throw. They rolled into cover-two at the last minute and I saw the corner was acting like he was going to backpeddle, but he came up to play cover-two and I extended to the side a little bit and worked him outside. Eli (Manning) just put the ball on the money. Great pass protection, great ball. I knew where I was on the sideline. I knew I didn’t have that much room. Good thing I wear (shoe size) 11s, because if I wore 11.5s, I don’t think I’d have been in.”

(on whether the previous long pass that he couldn’t stay in bounds for was in his head) “Eli said my bad, ‘I should have kept the ball in.’ We’re a team though, it’s both of us. I could have stayed in and he could have thrown a better ball.”

(on comparing his catch to former Giants WR David Tyree’s Super Bowl catch) “I’m not going to compare catches. We won the game. You can’t really compare the catches. He caught the ball with his helmet, I had good footwork.”

(on his catches on the game-winning drive) “I just go out and do my job. I know that plays are going to come. You have to have a short-term memory playing wide receiver. Just take advantage of every ball that comes your way.”
(on keeping his feet inbounds on the sideline catch on the game-winning drive) “I knew I had to freeze my feet when the ball touched my fingertips. Wherever I was at when the ball hit my fingertips, I just froze my feet and fell. I knew I was either going to get hit or hit the ground. I knew something was going to happen, but I knew that I couldn’t let that ball go.”

(on making plays down the stretch) “We knew that one of us was going to have to make a big play. We didn’t know when though. Just bite your tongue, be patient and the ball is going to come to you.”

(on the run game setting up the pass game) “They played a two-deep zone. We knew we had to run the ball and the run game was going to open the pass game for us. That’s how football is. You just have to be patient and wait your turn.”

(on whether he felt extra pressure on the last drive of the game) “There’s no pressure. It’s football, except you have a little bit more people watching.”

(on what Eli Manning said in the huddle) “He didn’t say anything. He just said the play. We knew what it was going to come down to. We’ve been in this situation all year. We’ve been in that situation, it’s just the Super Bowl. You have to dig deep and go out there and make a play.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - S PATRICK CHUNG - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:38:00.001-08:00

(on Giants WR Mario Manningham’s catch down the sideline on the Giants’ final drive) “He had both feet down. Good throw, good catch, man.”

(on if he feels like it had to take a championship play like Manningham’s to win the game) “Yeah, I mean we fought down to the end. It was hard fought but didn’t work out in our favor so hats off to them.”

(on how it feels after the loss) “How do you think it feels? It feels badly. We fought hard. We know the taste and we don’t like the taste so we’re going to keep working offseason to try to get back here next year.”

(on what he will remember most about the season) “Close doesn’t get it, man. Almost doesn’t get it either. They played a good game. They finished the game; we didn’t. It is what it is, man.”

(on what the Giants did to be able to run the ball so well and control the clock) “I have no clue. They did run hard. We had a couple missed tackles. We’re going to watch film and see what really happened. I don’t think we can answer all those questions right now. I mean, they played a good game. I can’t take it from them. They played a good game and got the win, so hats off to them.”

(on if they felt as if they had the opportunities to put the game away) “We had plenty of opportunities. Those were the two best teams in the NFL. They’re going to make plays. We’re going to make plays. It’s all about who makes the most plays. They ended up making the most plays.”

(on how tough it is to handle the loss after winning 10 straight games) “It’s very tough to handle. It’s a big game and you lose that game that close, you can almost be proud that you fought all the way to the end, but it sucks, man. We know how it feels and we’ve just got to keep working.”

(on if they were feeling pretty good after they came back from the nine-point deficit to then take the lead at the half) “Never feel good until the game’s over. Regardless of whether we’re on a roll or we’re not on a roll, all that matters is the score at the end. They ended up having more points than us and they won. They got the victory.”

(on if he thought Giants WR Mario Manningham had his feet in on the catch on the sideline in the fourth quarter) “We’re always going to think it’s not a complete pass. It’s a good throw, a good catch. He got his feet inbounds, so it was a good play.”

(on if he was shocked that Manningham held onto the ball on that catch after they hit him) “I mean, all we can try to do is knock the ball out. They’re good, too. They’re in the NFL too, man. They’re going to make good catches. He has good hands and it is what it is.”

(on what the defense was thinking when the Giants got the ball with three minutes) “We’re thinking we’ve got to make a play. We’re thinking the game is on us and we’ve got to stop them. They’re good, too, so they just finished the game. They finished the game and we didn’t. But we fought hard, man. I’m proud of everybody. I’m proud of the whole team. We fought hard.”

(on the closeness of the locker room and what it feels like to go through the loss with his teammates) “It just sucks, man. Plain and simple, point blank, it sucks. We know what it feels like now. Now we have to make sure that we don’t have that feeling again.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - LB BRANDON SPIKES - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:35:00.000-08:00

(on how he feels following a close loss) “Right now, words can’t even really express how I feel right now. It’s a letdown, and we’ve got to go to work next year and try to get better.”

(on what his head coach said in the locker room) “Just how it goes. The better team won today, and they made their plays and we didn’t. We had opportunities to make big plays when it counted, but we just couldn’t come up with it, so the better team won today.”

(on the late catch by Giants WR Mario Manningham) “It was a terrific catch. It was a good game, a championship game. He made a play and that’s what it’s about, making plays when it counts. My hat goes off to him. He’s a great receiver.”

(on whether the defense could have proved something by holding on to the lead) “Absolutely. I still feel like defense wins championships. We had our chances. We were right where we wanted to be as a defensive unit. I just feel like I let the guys down myself. There were a few plays I could have made myself and I was just a step late. It just hurts right now. Like I said, I can’t really sum it all up with words.”

(on the plays that he could have made) “I can just remember plays that I recognize and I was just a half-step late. That kills me, and obviously it will motivate me this offseason to get better and be ready to make those plays when I get the opportunity.”

(on the feeling walking off of the field) “Like I said before, I never dreamed this part of the game. A good team has to lose and that’s just how the game goes. Like I said, they played well and they beat us.”

(on whether it was hard to let the Giants score the final touchdown) “It killed me. When the call came in to let them score I kind of was like, ‘What?’ I’m here to do a job and it’s my job to play the defense and let them score. It was tough, though. It definitely was tough.”

(on whether they could have stopped the Giants without letting them score) “Yeah, you never know, but in that situation, that’s what we’re taught to do and what we had to do.”

(on what his offseason will be like) “Just work, just trying to get better. I’m going to make sure I let my teammates know to be grinding and getting better every day. I never want to feel like this again. This feels terrible. It’s a nightmare right now for me. I’m just at a loss of words right now.”

(on what this offseason will consist of) “Just grinding. There’s no easy way around it, just head first, jump right in. I’ll take a few weeks off and jump right in and just remember this moment, remember how it felt and just be motivated by it. You can’t look back. It is what it is, and I feel like me personally, everything happens for a reason. We got a few balls out; they recovered them. That’s just how it goes.”

(on whether he was surprised they weren’t able to recover three fumbles) “That’s the thing I’m talking about. We planned to put pressure on the ball and that was our whole gameplan. Like I said, it was just a step for us. They made plays and they were in the right spot. Like I said, my hat goes off to their team. They fought to the end and they deserved this one.”

(on whether there was confusion with 12 men on the field early in the game) “I don’t think so. We were just trying to get it from up top and see what personnel they were in. We fixed it after that. We were good. We had opportunities defensively to do what we wanted to do; we just couldn’t get it done.”

(on what the conversations in the locker room were like) “Most guys just felt like we let each other down. My thing is we fought until the end. I know that defensively we tried everything we could do. Like I said, they had some great players that made great plays when they needed it. That’s just how it goes. Like I said, they came to play today and they beat us.”

(on whether they can return to the Super Bowl next year) “Absolutely. We won’t have the same defensive unit; we know that. I’m pretty sure there are going to be some changes. There’s always changes in this business. We’re just going to go to work with what we have. Me personally, I think we have a young defense with a lot of talent, a lot of good guys, a lot of great friends and as long as we can just keep together and get better as a whole unit, I think the sky is the limit for us. I’m really looking forward to this offseason and getting with the teammates and trying to get all the little details that we missed and trying to correct them.”

(on what he is most proud of and most disappointed by) “I’m proud that my team fought until the end. We never game up and we played 60 minutes. That’s all I can ask for from my guys. As far as the disappointment, it’s the ‘L.’ Nobody wants to lose, but that’s just how it is in this game. Two good teams played today and a good team lost. I can’t take nothing away from those guys. Like I said, they made their plays. It was a good game.”

(on whether he has spoken to Robert Kraft and what was said) “I haven’t spoken with him yet. I just want to let him know that we’re going to be better. I feel like we’re going to be better, and I’m going to make sure to work my butt off in the offseason. I’m looking forward to it right now. I’m going to soak this all in, but with my family and my teammates, I’m pretty sure they are going to be there for support. I’m looking forward to this offseason.”

(on his first full offseason coming up) “I just feel like no matter what the situation is, I’m going to put my ten toes in head-first. I’m going to grind my butt off. It was a great experience to get here, and the way we lost, it just hurts. But like I said, I’m going to use this as motivation and try to keep developing as a professional player.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - WR WES WELKER - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:31:00.001-08:00

(on dropped pass) “It’s one of those plays I’ve made a thousand times. Just didn’t make it.”

(on the locker room after the game) “Same.”

(on if he felt disappointment after tonight) “Yeah, of course. We had an opportunity.”

(on if he was expecting the pass to be on the other shoulder) “I mean, no. The ball is right there. I’ve just got to make the play. It’s a play I’ve made a thousand times in practice and everything else. It comes to the biggest moment of my life and don’t come up with it. It’s discouraging.”

(on if the play is designed to go in the inside or outside) “You’re supposed to get at the numbers. It’s usually inside edge of the numbers. Just trying to make an adjustment on the ball and it’s a play I’ve got to bring in.”

(on what it is about this Giants team that plays them so close) “It’s the NFL. A lot of great teams and everything else. A lot of games come down to the wire.”

(on if he holds himself solely responsible for the dropped pass) “Yeah, it hit me right in the hands. I mean, it’s a play I never drop, I always make. Most critical situation and I let the team down.”

(on if they left opportunities on the field) “No, I think that goes into every game. I think there’s a lot of opportunities to miss out on. We definitely had ours and didn’t take advantage. I’m right there at the top of the list.”

(on if they felt after that drive if they still felt they had a chance) “Yeah, sure. We always got a chance when Tom (Brady) is back there. Deion (Branch) made a great play on fourth down and kept us alive. It should work out in the end.”

(on if it’s a perfect play does he score) “I mean, I don’t know. It doesn’t really matter now.”

(on the coverage on the play) “I think they got a little mixed up. I think man over me was playing high look and then safety went to one high. That’s why it opened up for me when it did.

(on if he got turned around on the pass) “No, I saw it develop and saw the ball in the air. I went to make the play and on it and didn’t make the ball.”

(on if Tom Brady saw the play develop) “Yeah, I mean he saw it and threw me the ball. I think he was a little worried about the safety so he threw it a little wider or whatever. But I mean, its right there. It hits me right in the hands. It’s one I’ll have to live with.”

(on if he’s felt this way after a loss) “Nope.”

(on the job the Patriot’s defense did) “They did a great job. They kept us in it. They got the ball out. A lot of great things out there. In the end it just wasn’t enough.”

(on the team this season) “We got a lot of tough players who do a lot of great things and keep fighting till the end. We just came up a little short.”

(on how uncharacteristic it was for receivers to drop passes in critical times) “I don’t know. I really don’t know how to answer that question. We work on it all the time and try to make plays. It’s one that will take a while to shake off, that’s for sure.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - WR MATTHEW SLATER - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

(On if there was a specific reason on the loss)
“I don’t think there is a specific reason. The Giants are a good football team and we’re a good football team. They just out executed us when it counted most and that’s just football. They played great and hats off to them.”

(On the play of the defense)
“They took a lot of heat all season and I think that they fought really hard today. None of those guys should be hanging their heads regardless of what they think they did. They held a hell of a good football team to just 21 points. Those guys fought and did everything they could. It’s no one’s [fault]. You can’t put it on anyone; we just didn’t get it done.”

(On what the Giants did to win the game)
“Obviously, they made more plays then we did and that’s what matters in who wins the game.”

(On if the Patriots had mental mistakes)
“We had some penalties that cost us, but we still had a chance to win and obviously if you don’t play your best, football penalties are going to happen and the game’s going to go back-and-forth. But they just made more plays than us.”

(On seeing the confetti fall for the other team)
“I couldn’t even look at it to be honest with you.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - WR DEION BRANCH - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

(on the loss being a tough one to swallow) “I mean, it’s tough man. Especially when we didn’t play good ball but still had the chance to win the game. Tip our hats off to those guys that won, the Giants. Congratulations to those guys.”

(on a turning point in the game) “I look at everything as a whole, from the start to the finish. The start of that we only had the ball a couple plays in the first quarter. Second quarter we had the ball and made some amazing plays. We got ahead then came out second half, went down and scored. From that, we just didn’t do anything else to effect the game and really push us over the top.”

(on Tom Brady’s missed pass to Wes Welker at the end of the game) “That one play wasn’t the end of the game. There was so much stuff that went down throughout the third and fourth quarters. All of the plays were big, every play is very important. Had I made the catch that was behind me, that could have been a key third down but we didn’t connect on it.”

(on whether the Patriots left a lot of plays on the field) “We did. We made more mistakes and regardless of the plays we made, we didn’t capitalize on the opportunities that they gave us. We caused a fumble, we had 12 guys on the field, we put balls on the ground two more times and they recovered the ball which would have been on their end of the field. Those plays like that don’t happen too often in a game and we didn’t capitalize on the opportunities.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - RB DANNY WOODHEAD - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

(on if he was confident the Patriots would score on their last possession) “Any time that we get a chance to get our offense on the field, we think we have a chance to score. It didn’t work out like that. They ended up getting more points than us, and they ended up winning the game.”

(on having a chance to score on the last play of the game) “Any time there’s time on the clock, we think we have a chance. It didn’t turn out how we wanted it to.”

(on how painful the loss is) “It’s as tough of a loss as I think I’ve ever had. You get so close, and it doesn’t end up the way you like it. It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

(on the confidence level of the team at the start of the second half) “We always have confidence as a team, as an offense, defensively and on special teams. They just ended up scoring more points than us. That’s what happened.”

(on how the Patriots seem to play close games against the Giants but come up short) “They’re a great football team, and I think that’s what it comes down to—two great football teams playing and going neck and neck towards the end of the game. One team ends up winning.”

(on if he sensed his role was going to increase this week) “I approach every week the same, and that is to be ready for whatever can be thrown at me. No matter how many carries or receptions I may get, I just feel like I need to stay ready all the time.”

(on his touchdown reception) “I was able to get open, and Tom (Brady) did a great job of putting the ball right on me. I had to do the easy part, and that was just to catch it.”

(on putting the loss into words) “It’s tough. We were that close to being world champions, and it didn’t happen. It’s a tough situation, but you’ve got to wake up tomorrow. The sun’s going to shine.”

(on head coach Bill Belichick’s postgame address to the team) “We went out there and played as hard as we could. We’re a tight-knit group. There isn’t any other 53—or 61 including practice squad—guys that I’d want to spend this with.”

(on Tom Brady’s ability to give them a chance on the final drive) “We think that no matter what happens, if there’s time on the clock, we think that we have a shot at still scoring or getting the first down. We were able to, but like I said, the tough part is that we didn’t score as many points as they did.”

(on how special it is to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl) “That’s something I haven’t thought about. The individual statistic of scoring a touchdown isn’t going to make me that happy. It’s the score at the end of the game. This is a team game. It’s not an individual game. I really haven’t thought about it.”

(on if the plan was to get him more involved or if they took what the Giants gave them) “I think every team is going to take what the defense gives them. Every week I approach it the same. I try to be ready for my opportunities, and that’s really what it boils down to. If I get an opportunity to go out there, go out and make the best of it.”

(on not being the first option on his touchdown reception) “The O-line did a great job of giving Tom [Brady] time, and I was just trying to break free any way I could. It happened to work out on that play.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - TE ROB GRONKOWSKI - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

(on the loss) “They’re a good team; hats off to them. They’ve got a good defense, a good offense, and they deserve it. They’re a good team.”

(more on the loss) “Well, the Giants are a great team. They played a great game. They’ve got a great defense, and we’ve just got to execute better. We’ve got to execute well, and unfortunately we didn’t. We’ve got to be playing like we did in the second quarter all four quarters.”

(more on the loss) It definitely hurts. Just losing the game hurts so much (with) how much we dedicated ourselves, how much our teammates all went through, just grinding every single day and every single off-day all together. We’ve just got to keep going and hope we can get to this position again.”

(on finding an offensive rhythm late in the second quarter) “We were just rolling there. We were executing well late in the second quarter, and (TE) Aaron (Hernandez) made a great play and got a touchdown. We’ve got to be rolling like that all four quarters.”

(on how confident the offense was on the final drive) “We’re always confident with Tom as our quarterback—an unbelievable quarterback. We’ve got so many great players around our whole offense starting with our O-linemen. They’re all great players, and we’re confident every time we go out there.”

(on comparing the loss to New England’s Super Bowl loss in 2007) “I wasn’t here four years ago, so I don’t know those feelings. I wasn’t on the team. I just got here last year, so I know the feeling of losing the big game, and it’s not a great feeling at all, and we’ve just got to keep on grinding.”

(on his health) “I was good. I was 100 percent out there doing everything they asked me to do.”

(on being held to two receptions) Just how they defended. They’ve got a good defense. They played well, and

(QB) Tom (Brady) hits open men. He finds open men, and, unfortunately, he was just hitting the guys who were open, and that’s just how it goes.”

(on the final drive) “When we have the ball in our hands with 0:57 left, basically a minute left, we’re confident that we can drive down the field and get some points. We were doing well. We got a couple of first downs, but unfortunately, the time flies pretty quick when you don’t get out of bounds and you don’t have three timeouts left. We’re always confident that we’re going to drive down. We’ve done it many times before, but, unfortunately, we didn’t do it this time.”

(on his ankle injury) “The trainers did a good job for two weeks, so when it got to the game time, I was ready to go.”

(on if it was frustrating to have to good drives but to struggle offensively at other times) “We’ve got to execute all game long. Those two drives in the second quarter were huge. We were moving the ball well. Unfortunately, we didn’t keep it up in the third and fourth quarter, and that’s how you win games, just executing in all four quarters and playing hard all four quarters.”

(on if the Patriots can make it back to the Super Bowl next season) “We’re looking forward to next year already. We’ve just got to have a good offseason. We’ve got to keep on grinding and stick together as a team and have everyone dedicate themselves.”

(on how he plans to rehab his ankle) “Just keep doing treatments. I’m recovering now. It’ll be good to go, so I’m not worried about it at all.”

(on New York LB Chase Blackburn’s interception) “Tom (Brady) just threw the ball up in the air, the linebacker did a great job. He boxed me out kind of, had good position on the jump ball and made a great catch. It was just a good play by him.”

(on TE Aaron Hernandez)
“He’s a heck of a player, Hernandez. I love playing with him. You saw how good he is, how he can ball, how he’s good with the ball in his hands. He’s an excellent player, and he’s just going to get better.”

(on if he was close to catching the Hail Mary at the end of regulation) “I was close, but close doesn’t matter. Close isn’t enough. Close doesn’t get it done. It’s either you catch it or you don’t, and that didn’t happen.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - QUARTERBACK TOM BRADY - Ingles

2012-02-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

(on the game) “First, I’d like to give the Giants a lot of credit. They certainly made the plays when they needed to. That is a very good football team. They put a lot of pressure on us. We just came up a little bit short. I think we had a couple of missed opportunities out there. Every guy in the locker room wishes he could have done a little bit more and maybe the outcome would have been a little bit different. It was a very hard fought game and we fought until the end. I’m very proud of that. I’d say we just came up a little short.”

(on if he thought there was a enough time left at the end of the game to win) “We got to the 50 (yard line) and just ran out of time. We threw a hail-mary at the end. I’m not sure how close we were to getting it. Obviously I wish we could have done a little bit more.”

(on the play intended for Wes Welker in the fourth quarter) “Wes (Welker) was running down the field and it looked like they messed the coverage up a little bit and I threw it to him. (Welker) went up to try and make it, as he always does, and we just couldn’t connect. He’s a hell of a player. I’ll keep throwing the ball to him for as long as I possibly can. He’s a phenomenal player and teammate and I love that guy.”

(on if this loss feels similar at all to the Super Bowl loss four years ago) “We just didn’t make enough plays. In the first quarter, we didn’t have the ball a ton. The second quarter, we played a little bit better. Third quarter, we started well and it came down to the fourth quarter. (The Giants) made some plays there at the end. We went out there to win the game. We just didn’t make enough plays.”

(on the safety) “It is a referee’s judgment call. I was looking down the middle of the field and (Justin) Tuck was looking to come get me and I tried to get rid of it. The referee made the call.”

(on what Wes Welker was like in the locker room) “I think everybody was just disappointed. You win as a team and you lose as a team. One play certainly wasn’t the reason we lost today. Everybody feels like we could have done more. I said after the game, ‘I’ll keep coming to this game and keep trying. I’d rather keep coming to this game and lose than not get here.’ Hopefully we’ll be back at some point. We had a great year; we just didn’t make enough plays today.”

(on what he was thinking when the Giants got the ball back with three minutes to go) “The first play that they made on our sideline was a phenomenal throw and catch. That got them going. They’ve got a very good offense. Certainly, Eli (Manning) has had a very good season. He made some great throws there in the fourth quarter and they deserved to win. They did a better job than we did.”

(on if they made adjustments after the first half) “We scored and got the ball a second time and didn’t do much with it. Then the next drive we had was (in) the fourth quarter. We had a few opportunities in the fourth quarter and didn’t really take advantage of them.”

(on the adjustments the Giants made in the fourth quarter) “They made a few more plays than we did. They’ve done a good job of that all season. Like I said, we all wish we could have done a little bit more. Our team fought really hard. Our defense really held at certain points today. They knocked some balls out. I wish we’d have gotten one of those. The ball didn’t really bounce our way either. They played a good game.”

(on not making the key fourth quarter play) “Yeah, that is what it comes down to in football. That’s one play. You look at our game four years ago, it was a miracle play that they made. Today, we had the chance to make one of those and we couldn’t come up with it. It always comes down to one or two plays in this game and if you make it, you’re celebrating. If you don’t, then you don’t sleep for a week.”

(on what this means for his legacy and if that matters to him) “I hope we do get back here again. I’ve been lucky enough to play in this game five times in 10 years. I’d love to keep coming back to this game and taking a shot. It’s better than sitting home and not playing in this game, so I hope another opportunity comes.”

(on how much confidence the team had going into the game) “We felt good. We made two critical drives. We did a good job. That’s what it takes to score. We didn’t really make any big plays. You need those methodical drives and we put together a few of them. We just didn’t put together enough.”

(on if an injury to his non-throwing shoulder from when he was sacked affected him the rest of the game) “No, it didn’t.”

(on if Rob Gronkowski’s injurt affected their game plan) “He played his butt off. He fought. He came out to our practice on Thursday and it’s hard to believe he could play the game with the way he was feeling. He really toughed it out. He’s a tough guy. He had a great season for us. You get bumps and bruises in this game and you have to fight through them and he did a great job of fighting and being very dependable for us all day.”

(on how he deals with losses) “As a competitor, we all hate to lose. We fight as hard as we can and sometimes you get beat. I’m proud of our team for the way that we hung in there all season. We just kept fighting until the end and it came down to one play at the end of the game. If we make it, we’re world champs, and if we’re not, then we’re wishing we were. I give (the Giants) a lot of credit for the plays they made. They deserved to win and hopefully we’ll be back at some point.”

(on not getting the final win for Myra Kraft) “It’s tough. It’s tough for all of us. Certainly, I wish we would have gotten it for (Mr. Kraft). I saw him after the game. I love him and respect him. We gave everything we could. Coach Belichick coaches us hard every day; puts a lot of pressure on us. The guys really responded and it just wasn’t our day.”

(on the Patriots’ decision to let the Giants score with a minute to go) “I liked it. It was better than not having a chance at all. Their inside the 10 (yard line) and could run the clock out and score, but we made the good decision to try and leave ourselves a little bit of time. We had a chance to win it there at the end and we just couldn’t do it.”

(on if he was worried about Eli Manning getting the ball back with three minutes to go to win the game) “Yeah, that first play that they hit on our sidelines was a big play. They got a big chunk of yards. After that, they were a little bit methodical after that. They made the plays when it counted and that’s why they won the game.”

(on Manning winning his second Super Bowl) “He’s a great quarterback. I’ve always really respected him. Obviously, he is a great leader. He’s a great quarterback.”

(on if the media gives too much credit to the quarterback for the outcome of the game) “We always get too much credit. Certainly, the quarterbacks do. It’s a team game and we win as a team and lose as a team. I don’t think that certainly one player – there are certain positions that obviously have more influence on the game than others – but you win as a team and lose as a team.”

(on if there is one throw he would like to take back) “Well, obviously, you hate to throw those (interceptions). I wish I would have gotten a little more on it. (I always want to give Rob Gronkowski) a chance to make the play. I just came up a little bit short.”

(on what he will focus on when he looks back at this game) “You always wish you could have done a little bit more. When you win, it’s great. When you lose, you rehash the game and certainly think about the things that we could have done better. I wish we could have made a few more plays.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - G DAVID DIEHL - Ingles

2012-02-05T20:05:00.001-08:00

(on how it feels to be Super bowl champion) “Unbelievable. I mean, you look at this season and the way that we fought and stuck together. We accomplished something that nobody on the outside looking in thought we could do. But the people in our room, the players on this team, our coaches, our organization - nobody said this could be done except for us and we believed in one another. Let everybody say what they want to say. The Giants are World Champs, baby.”

(on persevering all 60 minutes and coming up big in the fourth quarter) “We knew it was going to be this type of game. New England is a great team. The last time we played them, there were five lead changes in the fourth quarter, so we knew we’d just have to keep fighting, keep scratching, and when the big opportunity came, we capitalized on it. Here we are, World Champs.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - WR VICTOR CRUZ - Ingles

2012-02-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

“God is my Savior.”

(on how he feels) “Here it is. Everything plus more, man. I can’t ask for anything more. All the way to the very end. And you never know with Tom Brady at the helm, but we saw it through.”

(on Patriots QB Tom Brady’s throw at the end) “I was just holding my breath. Defense just holding it down.”

(on what it feels like) “Amazing. I dreamed of this moment. I dreamed of this time. I dreamed of being here. That’s my grammar school gym teacher! I couldn’t ask for anything more, man. This is the best feeling of my life. I want to catch some confetti; I want to bring it home.”

(on the Lombardi Trophy going to the Meadowlands) “It’s at home. It’s where it’s supposed to be. We came here, we won it as a team. It took every single person on this field to win this game and we did it. Everybody in Patterson, [NJ], we did it. We did it. We did it, and I’m glad I was a part of it.”

(on how he feels) “It feels amazing, man—just to be here, to have won it, to see the confetti coming down, it’s awesome. It’s absolutely awesome.”

(on the first touchdown) “I had to bottle it a little bit, but once I got it, I snagged it, and then it was salsa time after that, baby.”

(on if he ever had a doubt) “I just knew we had a shot. I just knew we had to keep plugging away man, and we did it.”

(on scoring in the Super Bowl) “It’s just a dream come true. You grow up, you watch this game and you hope you could just get yourself in a position to play in this league. To come in and not only play, but to score… I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

(on the play of his teammates) “(Quarterback Eli Manning) was great. He took advantage of the defense and every look he saw. Hakeem (Nicks), too. Hakeem had a crazy game. I’m just happy for them. I’m happy for all my guys.”

(on wide receiver Mario Manningham’s catch) “That was just a great grab. I understood that he wanted to make a play all game long. You could see it in his face. Once he got the opportunity, he really took advantage of it and he really just held on to the moment. He made the catch that basically propelled us to the next level.”

(on the last play of the game) “You kind of hold your breath a little bit when the ball is in the air. Then you see it come down and you just know that – you just hope that your defense comes up with a great play. And they did. It was perfect. It was tough, understanding that it was Tom Brady and you don’t know what could happen (because) he’s capable of anything when he has the football in his hands, but, it’s a credit to our defense. They really clamped down, really savored the moment and came up with the big play.”

(on quarterback Eli Manning) “I think it solidifies him a little bit. He had that question mark of whether he was elite, but he came out all season and proved it. And now he’s a Super Bowl champ, Super Bowl MVP again. There’s really nothing people can say about the guy now.”

(on the Patriots defense) “They kind of came out, forced us to run the ball a little bit. We saw that and we took advantage of it. We ran the ball very well today, I feel like. We gashed them in moments where we knew we could end the game and if we kept it up. We had our opportunities. Specifically on third down, though, they would kind of bracket me and keep two guys in my vicinity, keeping one guy underneath and one guy up top. So a lot of credit to those guys defensively. They did a good job, (but) at the end of the day, I was able to get in the end zone and dance a little salsa.”

(on how it felt to score) “It felt amazing. You always dream of scoring. You always dream of just getting to the Super Bowl, but to be able to score in it and do the salsa was just… I can’t even put words to it. It was just amazing. And to win the game on top of that, you couldn’t ask for anything more.”

(on the experience of the season) “It’s just been an incredible journey, an incredible ride. I wouldn’t want to spend it with anybody else – no other teammates, no other team, no other city. I’m just happy to be here.”

(on the huddle during the final drive of the game) “It was like any other huddle. We knew we had to go in and win the game. It was on us, which is the way we wanted it to be. We drove the field, Hakeem (Nicks) and Mario (Manningham) made some great plays, and it was just amazing.”

(on what it felt like to be on the sidelines during the game) “Throughout the whole thing, I was just pacing back and forth. I couldn’t really watch (the game). I just wanted the clock to go as fast as possible. Our defense played great. They held (the Patriots) back, four downs, got some time off the clock. We had a couple penalties, but managed to clamp down and really hold them down.”

(on the 12-men in the huddle penalty) “That’s a chance where we should have taken advantage, but we got an unfortunate penalty. We understood we just had to keep plugging away. Things like that are going to happen, but we just have to remain focused and keep on plugging away.”

(on his touchdown reception) “It was an inside slant route that was called by Eli (Manning). I jus tmade a great move on the safety, because he bit on the fake. I went inside and the linebacker tipped it a little bit, so it bobbled, but I went out, got two hands on the ball and was able to reel it in.”

(on wide receiver Mario Manningham’s 38-yard reception on the game’s final drive) “That was just a great catch. He’s been making that catch all year, and this was just one of those moments where we needed him to make that catch and he did. He kept his feet in bounds. It was huge for us.”

(on the close ending to the game) “It was good for us. We knew they were going to come out and play agressively coming out (in the second half), especially scoring right before the (end) of the (first) half, and they got the ball back (to begin the second half). So we knew we were up for a challenge, but we stayed together, we stayed a family, we stayed a team, and we came out victorious.”

(on the nature of Patriots-Giants games) “We understand each other. We play each other a lot – preseason, regular season, Super Bowls. We both know each other. Both coaches know what it takes to win. It takes a physical, hard-nosed game and it takes everyone playing on the same accord. There’s just something about both these teams that brings out the best in each other.”

(on wide receiver Mario Manningham) “You can’t forget about him. All these playoffs, he’s been making great catches and great moments. It’s just a credit to his professionalism and the way he’s carried himself. He’s somebody I look up to. He has some years in this league. I’m just happy for the guy. He’s made some clutch catches and has great moves. He comes up big when we need him most.”

(on whether being bracketed on defense helped open up plays for his teammates) “A little bit. Every time you see double coverage your way, you know there has to be one-on-one coverage somewhere. Any time you see that, any time you see a double coverage your way, it shows the amount of respect they have for your talent. But you know that other guys on your team have the ability to win on one-on-one coverage, and we did that today.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - WR HAKEEM NICKS - Ingles

2012-02-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

(on his feelings of winning) “It feels great, I just feel great. World champs, baby.”

(on what play pushed the Giants on top) “It was on (Mario) Manningham’s play. For real, that put us over the top. It was clutch and we made it at the right time.”

(on the last play) “I hope they don’t catch it. I was hoping they don’t catch the ball. Defense did a great job all game, controlling them against a good quarterback, Tom Brady. We deserved it.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - RB BRANDON JACOBS - Ingles

2012-02-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

(on winning the game) “I am in awe right now. We are a great football team and we were a great football team since day one. We persevered through all the stress and adversities that we had and we finished strong.”

(on how he is feeling) “I have two Super Bowl rings; got a great family, great football team, part of a great organization. What more could I ask for?”

(on being 7-7 regular season) “After going 7-7 we knew we still had an opportunity to win our division and make the playoffs and we stayed in it and kept fighting.”

(on the team) “This is the best team I have ever played on. I played on a good football team in ’08 but we didn’t deal with adversity as much as we did this year.”

(on coach Tom Coughlin) “Tom Coughlin is one hell of a football coach. I would rather go to war with Coach Coughlin than anybody in the National Football League. He has done great for us. He is a coach for this organization and he is a coach for his players.”

(on Eli Manning) “I don’t need to say anything about Eli. I shouldn’t say anything about Eli. Two-hundred and twenty-eight countries just saw Eli. I don’t have to say anything.”

(on the team’s confidence) “We’re a great football team. We deserve this. Always be confident. We persevered through all of the adversity and kept working. We ended up here and we finished. We went through the tough times; no question about it. We knew all week that they weren’t going to be able to stop us. It was just a matter of whether or not we gave them dumb plays, penalties and stuff like that. We had a few moments that detoured us a little bit. We kept believing and this is the reward. This football team is an example of what a man’s character should be like.”

(on how this Super Bowl victory compared to the last) “We believed the whole time since Week 1. When we got hot, we believed even more. The first time we won the Super Bowl, we were just playing off of instincts. After what we’ve been through, it just gave us a better chance. We kept working, we lost four in a row and we still had a chance to win our division and go to the playoffs. This is the best team I have ever played on. We were a good football team in 2008, but we didn’t have the same adversity we did this year.”

(on the team’s running game opening up the passing game) “No question Ahmad ran the ball hard. I did the best I could do when I got my opportunity, too. We just kept fighting and fighting until the end and we got another Super Bowl ring.”

(on the go-ahead drive) “We knew we could move the ball with ease on this football team. We shot ourselves in the foot with a couple holding calls. The last drive, we knew we had to score. (Ahmad) did the best he could and tried to be a team player and go down to run some time off the clock. But we’re not that kind of (running) backs, we score touchdowns. That’s what we do and that’s what we did.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - RUNNING BACK AHMAND BRADSHAW - Ingles

2012-02-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

(on how it feels to win the Super Bowl) “It’s the greatest thing in the world, man. “I’m just hoping we can win another one. It’s the greatest feeling in my life.”

(on scoring the winning touchdown) “Oh man, it was the best feeling in my life. I’m just so happy to be here with my team and my family.”

(on what the difference in today’s game was) “You know what? It’s two of the greatest teams in the NFL, and we won it.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - QB ELI MANNING - Ingles

2012-02-05T19:55:00.000-08:00

(on the win) “It just feels great. It was a great game with two great teams. We played to the very end. It was just a great effort on both sides. There were some big plays being made.”

(on his second Super Bowl victory) “I’m just happy for the guys. I’m happy for everyone in this organization, Coach Coughlin, all of my coaches, all of the players getting a chance to win the Super Bowl. Some of these guys are getting their first one. I feel great for them. I feel great for everybody.

(on the game) “It’s just tough. It’s tough out there on both sides. Offensively, we did well, but it was tough getting in the endzone, tough to score touchdowns. It’s great toughness and great faith by our guys just believing; and some big-time plays by a number of guys. We spread the ball around, taking what they gave us. (We) got the ball out quickly and a number of guys played big-time today.”

(on 38-yard reception by Mario Manningham) “They were in cover-2. Usually that is not your match-up. They had us covered pretty well to the right. I looked that way. I saw I had the safety cheated in a little bit and threw it down the sideline. Great catch by him (Mario Manningham), keeping both feet in. That’s a huge play in the game right there; when you’re backed up, to get a 40-yard gain and get to the middle of the field. That way we can pace ourselves a little bit, run the ball a little bit. It was a big, big, big-time play right there.”

(on his second Super Bowl win) “I’m excited to win a championship. I’m excited for my teammates. There are a number of guys, this is their first one. There are some other ones who are getting their second and more, but I’m just excited for them. I’m excited for Coach (Tom) Coughlin, all of the coaches and the Giants organization. This isn’t about one person. This is about a team coming together, getting this win. I’m just proud of our guys, proud of the team and how we fought all year. (We) never got discouraged, kept their faith and kept their confidence and just fought to the very end.”

(on winning the Super Bowl on a fourth-quarter drive) “We’ve had a bunch of them this year. We’ve had some 4th quarter comebacks. The whole second half – right before halftime, New England drives down and gets a touchdown, first possession of the second half, they drive and get a touchdown. That could’ve sucked the momentum right out of us, but we responded, we went back. We drove down there, got a field goal, again, got another field goal, got a turnover by our guys. We were very close. We obviously had some penalties that cost us – some very close third-downs. They did a good job of knocking the ball out, but offensively, I thought we played very well. We played smart; there at the end when we had an opportunity in the fourth quarter, we’d been in those situations and we knew that we had no more time left. We had to go down and score and guys stepped up and made great plays.”

(On New England’s drive at the end of the fourth quarter) “It’s tough. It is tough. I knew there wasn’t that much time. With New England, they’re never out of it. Tom Brady is a tremendous quarterback. He did a great job of converting on a fourth-and-16. All of a sudden they throw one in the endzone; it’s up there. That’s nerve racking. We’ve completed a hail mary this year. I was hoping another one wouldn’t be completed tonight for them. Great job by our defense, stepping up, getting a sack and doing some great things.”

(on the fan support) “All the New York Giants fans, thank you. Thank you for your support all year long. Thank you to the people that came to Indianapolis, we appreciate that. We had a great crowd tonight. They were loud. The majority were Giants fans, it seemed like tonight. We have the greatest fans in the world. They will be celebrating for us back in New York and we’ll be celebrating on Tuesday with them.”

(on what was going on inside him while waiting to get the ball back) “You know, you try to have it where nothing changes. You know the circumstances. You say, ‘Hey we’ve got to score a touchdown right here.’ We knew a field goal would work also. Obviously, we had a great first play, hitting Mario (Manningham) for 40 yards almost. That changes the field position. All of a sudden now, you are getting close to scoring range. A couple of other big plays: Mario on a curl route; Hakeem (Nicks) on a slant, and some other nice plays by those guys getting us into a scoring situation.”

(on the importance of staying even-keeled in that situation) “I think you have to try to be. That’s important.”

(on the story being him having two Super Bowl MVPs; both against Tom Brady) “I don’t think that’s the story. I think the story is the New York Giants are World Champions. That’s what I’m proud of. That’s all that matters. The only important thing is for this organization – the Giants, these guys that are on this team, the coaches – (to have) an opportunity to say ‘We are the World Champions.’ That’s the story.”

(on losing his two top tight ends) “Well, Bear (Pascoe) obviously did a great job. We were doing a lot of two tight end stuff. That took that away, but we kind of went to three receivers some, and a fullback and a tailback to throw it and run the ball. They were giving us some different looks, but we can adjust. I think that’s the great thing about this offense. We are flexible. Some of those formations we haven’t practiced all week, but we get right to it and guys know what they are doing. That’s the advantage of having a veteran group of guys who have been here, and they understand this offense and they can play well.”

NEW YORK GIANTS - HEAD COACH TOM COUGHLIN - Ingles

2012-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

(on winning the Super Bowl) “The greatest feeling in professional sports is to win the Super Bowl.”

(on the Giants’ final drive for the game-winning touchdown) “We moved the ball down the field, and Eli [Manning] made some great plays. [Mario] Manningham made a huge play to get us down there. We tried to take a little more time off the clock, but it didn’t work that way. Thank God it worked out.”

(on how he felt when the Patriots had the ball in the final seconds) “What I was thankful for was that we had a lead of four points. That was the whole deal, to have at least a four-point lead. When we had that, I felt a little bit better. He [Tom Brady] is so dangerous with the ball, you don’t know what to expect.”

(on Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning) “His performance, coming down the stretch, was outstanding. He is the guy who has done it for us all year. He is the guy who put us in position.”

(on the defense) “Our defense has played so well. Coming from the Jets game on, it’s given everybody confidence.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - HEAD COACH BILL BELICHICK - Ingles

2012-02-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

(opening statement) “First of all, congratulations (New York) Giants. Won a championship, they’re a good football team and they’re well coached. They obviously played well tonight. Very competitive football game, they just made a couple more plays then we did. By the way our guys played, fought, fought all year, fought tonight, and we had our chances. We just couldn’t quite make enough plays. Giants made a few more than we did. Really isn’t too much more to say about. Can’t fault the effort of any of our players. They played as hard as they could, we could have just played a tiny bit better. It was obviously a very competitive football game.”

(on his thoughts about the safety) “It’s not my call.”

(on what plays they could have played a little better on) “There was 100 plays you could be talking about and I would take a lot of them.”

(on if he allowed them to score that touchdown at the end) “Right.”

(on if he can take them through his thought process on letting them score the touchdown) “No. Ball was inside the 10-yard line, a 90 percent field goal conversion (in that territory).”

(on if he’s second guessing anything he did at all tonight) “Sure, could have done a better job in a lot of things.”

(on specifically what he could have done better as a coach) “There’s a lot of plays out there.”

(on how he thinks his offensive line played tonight) “I thought they played well. They competed well. I thought they did a good job. Everything we did could have been a little bit better, but it was very competitive. We just came up a little bit short tonight. That’s about all there is to say.”

(on challenging the catch made by wide receiver Mario Manningham) “It was close. It was close, but it was a good catch.”

(on how the defensive secondary performed) “We made a few plays, we had our moments, and they made a few more plays than we did.”

(on what he tells his players now) “My conversation with the team is between me and the team.”

(on Tom Brady’s 16 straight completions and how he assessed his play) “I felt we played competitively. We had our moments where we moved the ball, where we stopped them. We were in the lead for a good part of the game. I thought all of our players played competitively. We just came up a couple plays short.”

(on if he let the Giants score on purpose) “Yes. Yes we did.”

(on if this hurts more than the last time they faced the Giants in the Super Bowl) “No, I can’t compare it.”

(on what he said to Tom Coughlin when they shook hands) “Obviously, that’s between me and coach Coughlin, if that’s alright. Thank you.”

(on if he feels good about the way they played in the game) “C’mon, you don’t feel good after you lose this game.”

(on having some trick plays that worked) “It was wild out there. Hey, it’s the Super Bowl.”

(on having 12 men on the field) “I believe that was early in the game, in the first quarter. That was definitely a mistake, no question.”

(on if the three receiver, one tight end package worked well for them in getting some momentum) “We mixed up personnel groups. We felt confident. We felt comfortable in several of the different groups that we used. It was three receivers, two tight end. Three receivers, one tight end. Two tight ends, two receivers. We used multiple.”

(on what he said to his team after they got off the field) “That’s between me and the team.”

(on what his team did well) “I thought we competed well. I thought we played hard. We fought right until the end, and we just came up a couple plays short.”

(on the job cornerback Kyle Arrington did on wide receiver Victor Cruz) “They’re players. They played well, they played hard, they competed well. We just came up a couple plays short.”

(on how Danny Woodhead played tonight) “Again, I think our whole football team, I’ll pretty much say the same thing about everybody they competed hard, played well, and came up a couple plays short. That’s a good football team. They made a couple more plays than we did. I don’t think there was any area of our team that didn’t compete well, that wasn’t competitive with them. We ended up a couple plays short.”

(on if he felt Wes Welker should have made that catch) “I don’t know. I didn’t get a real good look on it. I’m sure he did his best. He’s caught a lot of passes for us.”

(on how much this one hurts) “It’s not a good feeling to lose this game.”

(on the Giants pass rush) “They have a good pass rush. I felt we pass blocked them pretty well, but they have a good pass rushers. They put some pressure on us.”

(on if he was surprised that running back Ahmad Bradshaw tried to stop himself before crossing the goal line) “He got past the line. I don’t know.”

(on how much respect he has for this team and the way they prepared) “I have a lot of respect for this team. I’m proud of this team. I’m proud to be the coach of this team. (I’m) proud of the way they fought and performed all year. They gave their best tonight. It’s just, we were short by not very much. We were short.”

(on if Rob Gronkowski not being 100 percent affected Tom Brady early on) “I don’t know. I wouldn’t say so.”

(on scoring on the opening drive of the second half and what the Giants did to not let them score again) “I wouldn’t say anything that they haven’t done previously, new plays or anything like that.”

(on if he had won, would retirement have entered his mind) “I’m just here to talk about the game.”

(on whose responsibility does it fall for the 12-men-on-the-field infraction) “It’s obviously a mistake. It’s a coach’s substitution and we just, obviously, made a mistake there, just like they (Giants) did on the last play of the game there. They made a mistake.”

(on the pass Eli Manning threw to Mario Manningham) “He made a great play on the sideline. The coverage was tight, but it was a good throw and a good catch. Still wasn’t much space there, but the ball was in there and he made a great catch. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes you play good defense and they make a great throw and a great catch.”

(on how they played against Eli Manning) “I thought we played very competitively all night. (We were) a couple plays short.”

(on why Eli Manning is so successful in fourth quarters) “He’s a good player, we all know that. They have a good offense, they’re well coached, they have a good offensive football team. They have a good quarterback, running backs, tight ends, good receivers, good offensive line and they’re a good football team.”

NEW YORK GIANTS HEAD COACH - TOM COUGHLIN - Ingles

2012-02-04T05:24:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI News Conference
Indianapolis, Indiana – February 3, 2012

(Opening statement) “Good morning. We have had an outstanding week here in Indianapolis. The hospitality has been very, very good. Our practice facility has been outstanding. Our players have been excited about getting from the meeting rooms to the practice field. We’re looking forward to today – going through our normal Friday practice and going through our Saturday routine on into game day. The excitement has built up through the course of the week. We certainly are looking forward to Super Bowl XLVI. It was great to see Coach (Don) Shula here this morning. I made reference, yesterday, when I talked with Peter King. I was like, ‘How in the world did Coach Shula win 328 games?’ It’s incredible to even think about that. It was great to see him here. I talked to Mary Ann (Shula) and had the opportunity to say hello to (Don Shula), as we prepare for the Super Bowl.”

(on whether RB Ahmad Bradshaw will be available on Sunday) “Ahmad has practiced two days in a row, which is very unusual. Everyone wants to be a part of it at this point and time. No one wants to be someone who is not able to participate or to be a part of this wonderful experience. We’ve had everyone practice two days in a row, and hopefully, thank God, it will be that way on Sunday.”

(on coaching five consecutive must-win games this season) “As you know, the Washington game, back in the regular season, we did not play well. Washington came in and played very well. Following that game, I simply walked into our team and said, ‘Look, we have two games to go. We have to win two games. If we do that we get into the playoffs and we can be the champions of the NFC East.’ From there, it has been one elimination game after another. The players have been responding very, very well. They come together as a group. There’s been no question that our confidence building is boosted by the players on defense. We all of a sudden were able to get our entire defensive team together. We’ve made some progress along those lines that’s given us the boost. We’ve played in harmony with all three units in those five games. Of course, special teams came through for us out in San Francisco against a very, very good San Francisco team. We were able to turn the ball over at the end of the game and win it. It’s been that way. We’ve had our backs to the wall. The players have performed very well under that circumstance. Our leader, our quarterback, has been a very cool customer and has done very well late in the fourth quarter, (in) many games this year, and put us in a position where we’re going to win.”

(on what it takes to be a winner) “Surround yourself with great people, people who have an outstanding work ethic, people who are business-like, who are focused and concentrated. Get everybody on the same page and have the same inspiration, same kind of drive, same kind of desire. Do the very, very best you can. Work to the best of your ability. Be efficient. Don’t waste time. You have to be organized and you need to be in a position where you are mentally prepared for all circumstances that might happen in the course of a season. Football is a cumulative game. You must continue to work on the situational things and the things that might happen to you in various situations, but you have to be prepared. You try to put your players in that situation. You boil it down to blue-collar work ethic. You go to work every day and work as hard as you possibly can and surround yourself with great people. Keep your eye on the prize, which is very, very important to us and was a big factor in our ability to eventually win the division this year, knowing full well we were in contention all the way through. It was good to end it there.”

(on whether he worries about his team being too cocky) “I’m not sure what you’re referencing. I know that there are one or two quotes out there, but, to be honest with you, I don’t know that either one of them is any different than Tom Brady’s quotes. I think it’s just a matter of our team has played good football against a great football team. We always focus our team on confidence enough to get there and confident enough to get back. That’s the way we look at it.”

(on how he will coach his team for the Super Bowl) “I coach them right up through the kickoff. I’ve never been a believer in, I don’t like the phrase, ‘The hay in the barn’ business. That’s not the case at all. I’ve always felt you have to – you coach them, you talk to them, you look with them. There is always something that can be discussed or talked about. You’re literally doing it, right up until the kickoff. You’re talking during the course of the warm-up. You’re making little comments that they can grab a hold of. I think you continuously, decide what it is, the two or three key things that you’re really interested in as you go forward as you spend your Saturday and Saturday night with your team. You try to bring the entire week or two weeks into context with them, so that they understand exactly where they are and what they have to do in order to win. I don’t think it ever stops.”

(on how he will handle his emotions the next few days) “Get a goodnight’s sleep. Get up in the morning early and get a workout in, get to the office real quick, hopefully before anyone else, and have a few minutes to reflect, think about the day – what you’d like to accomplish that day. That’s pretty much the way it is every day here in Indianapolis and really at home as well.”

(on how much he has changed) “You’re asking the wrong guy. I don’t know how to answer that. I think the one thing that has happened, and I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it again, is that once the season is over, you have to take a hard look at yourself and do a valid self-analysis. That’s very important if you’re going to improve. Decide what it is you can change. Look at your team and decide what it is you can change and what is needed in terms of inspiration and motivation or how you get those messages across to those people. Do your research on the outside, whatever it is you believe in. I’m a great reader of autobiographies and historical autobiographies, whatever you get your hands on, and reference things that I think are important in order to win or be the very best that we can be. Probably the one thing over the years that may have happened over the years is I may have gotten a little more patient.”

(on whether there is a fine line between winning and losing) “It’s an incredible experience to grasp it once again. We were in the Super Bowl four years ago and we thought we had a heck of a team in ’08, and got knocked out of the playoffs right away. We spent a couple years out of the playoffs, and our hunger for being back was great. There were times this year when it looked like it wasn’t going to happen for us this year and it did again. You have to have a great appreciation for this. Anyone who goes through this experience and doesn’t grab a hold of it or grasp the significance of it doesn’t understand that there are great, outstanding coaches and players who haven’t been to a Super Bowl game, and get to this point. You thank God for the opportunity and you never, ever tire or even possibly think this happens on a normal basis. It doesn’t. It’s tough to be in this position and get to this point. You have to constantly be aware of that. The way I look at it, there are many outstanding players and coaches who never get to this point.”

(on whether QB Eli Manning is dealing with unfair outside pressure) “I don’t think so. He handles things very, very well, and always has. He keeps things in perspective and he’s an example of what I tell my team all the time. Five weeks ago, there wasn’t even a bus, and now there’s no seats on anything. It’s just one of those deals you have to understand. He’s dealt with this thing, really, throughout his career. I really do listen to what he says, and he’s very respectful. He gives great credit to Peyton for his development, particularly as a young player because of the age difference that they have, but he quickly moves and gets to the point that this is really our Super Bowl.”

(on whether Coughlin is concerned with staying in a downtown hotel with a lot of activity close by) “It is, but nevertheless, I don’t know why there’s a lot of concern about us being where we are. We’re isolated and the second floor is completely secured for our players and our personnel. Our floors are off limits to everybody and they’re well-secured. Our players have enjoyed great rest and no one has complained of a bad night’s sleep, and if they have, it hasn’t been because of noise and other issues. There is a great build up to this game and there are more people in the street than I can ever remember, which reminds you of what an exciting time this is for this great city and people who are coming to the game. I think it’s just a part of it, I don’t have any problems or fears with that.”

(on why finishing has become his mantra) “Again, I’ve researched the things that have transpired a year before or two weeks before. I didn’t think we finished very well. I took a grasp of that and wanted that to be the number one thing. It was the first thing we hit them with, and it’ll be the last thing they hear from us before they take the field.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - WIDE RECEIVER JULIAN EDELMAN - Ingles

2012-02-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on downtime activities) “In our down time, we’re really just kind of resting this week. This is the biggest game. We know how much is on the table in this one.”

(on his favorite video games) “I don’t even play “Madden” that much. I’m a huge “Call of Duty” guy, “Modern Warfare”, go play with friends and talk to friends. I’m a huge fan of Xbox. I enjoy playing it on the occasion.”

(on the importance for an active lifestyle for kids) “It’s definitely great for kids to go out there and exercise and get outdoors. With the way the world is evolving with technology, everyone is getting away from stuff like that. Not only to burn calories but just to stay in shape and enjoy childhood outside. That’s something I did a lot growing up, climbing trees, making forts but it’s definitely very important for those guys.”

(on TE Aaron Hernandez) “Aaron is a huge part of our offense, first off. He’s a little different by the fact he’s very confident – in a good way. Something a lot of people don’t realize is how hard he prepares, how hard he works, how hard he prepares off the field mentally unlike a lot of other guys.”

(on TE Aaron Hernandez “make it rain” dance) “It’s his signature. I guess it’s his swag. He’s got his own little dance, he’s made it a little famous.”

(on pregame plans) “I haven’t thought about it. Literally, just thinking about today’s work, the assignments, the tasks, plays in every situation is really what is on my mind and trying to keep this week as normal as possibly just like any other week. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

(on the adrenaline rush before the game) “I’d lie if I said no. This is the biggest game on earth and you’re definitely going to be excited. I’m going to try to keep those emotions under control.”

(on his Jewish background) “It’s on my Father’s side so I’m not really a practicing Jew but I’m definitely keeping that in mind that it’s in my background.”

(on Kicker Stephen Gostkowski) “I don’t think he needs to be worried. Steve is a great kicker and I definitely couldn’t kick the ball like he could.”

(on the challenges of playing on the defensive side of the ball) “It’s ultimately a foreign thing for me, you’re doing everything backwards, from covering a guy to terminology on the defensive side of the ball. You have different terms. It’s like a different language from seeing things backwards on the track so it’s definitely been a good experience for the coaches and the players surrounding me as helped me out a bunch.”

(on the challenges from switching from quarterback) “It helps in a certain manner. It’s definitely a learning process and I’m still trying to learn.”

(on thoughts of the Giants’ wide receiving core) “They have a good wide receiving core. They have a quarterback who’s playing very well, a defense who is playing great and special teams that are making plays that are deciding games. This team is playing very well and we definitely have a challenge ahead of us.”

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

2012-02-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on if this game is an opportunity for him to raise his profile as a player) “I don’t think I am really worried about that too much. I just try to go out there and do my job to the best of my ability. I really just focus on whatever I have to do to help the team win the game. I think that is the key thing.”

(on what makes Bill Belichick so special in a week like this) “He pays a lot of attention to detail. He does a great job of really going through all of the games and making sure that we are on top of everything that we need to do, and preparing us how we need to.”

(on if Bill Belichick is different with the players than toward the media) “It’s pretty much the same with us. He is kind of like our boss in a way, so we listen to him, follow his lead and do the best we can out there.”

(on if a lot of teams worked him out when he was coming out of college) “There were some that came to my pro day. The Bears, I ended up going to visit them before the draft. I talked with them and stuff, but there wasn’t a lot of hype or interest going into it, not a lot anyways. There was some, but not too much.”

(on where he forecasted his career coming out of college) “At that time, I just wanted a job. I didn’t really have any big expectations. I really just wanted a job. I wanted to go out there and do the best I can to try to get that job.”

(on why the NFL Play 60 program is important to him) “I think it’s very important for kids to have a place to go and play, and do what they need to do to be physical and active and all of those things. It’s always a big thing for the NFL to get involved in those types of deals. ”

(on how he has developed such good chemistry with QB Tom Brady) “It just takes a lot of time and preparation, us working together and doing whatever we need to do to try and improve and get better. We are constantly working on that stuff on a daily basis.”

(on how long it took for him and QB Tom Brady to get on the same page) “Those things always take time. I feel like we are still working on it today, there is always room for improvement on different things we can do like that.”

(on what he attributes his increase in production this year to) “Just being older, wiser, working harder, understanding the offense better, being on the same page as Tom (Brady) more and just going out there and doing the best I can to get open and make plays for us.”

(on the patch for Myra Kraft) “Mrs. Kraft is obviously a big part of this organization. She was kind of the heart and soul of it. She was always the first one to hug and kiss you after games and tell you what a great job you did whether a win or a loss. What she stood for as far as volunteering and everything else, she really set a great example for us. It’s an honor for us to wear that patch out there.”

(on how his experience has helped him) “It’s reading plays better, taking care of your body better, understanding what it takes to get ready for games and mentally preparing yourself for that. It’s watching film, and understanding every little bit helps and all of the preparation that goes into that.”

(on one of the main things he has learned) “I think one of the main things is reading the safeties and knowing where they are. The safeties never lie in coverages. It’s being able to see them, and understanding what they are trying to do to you as far as where they are.”

(on QB Tom Brady being critical of his own play in the AFC Championship game) “I think we all have our games where we wish we had played better or whatever. He is very hard on himself and he continues to be. That is why he is so great.”

(on his ability to disguise his intentions in route running) “I don’t know if you can really disguise it. I think you go off and react to what they do. However they decide to play you, you attack it. A lot of it is reaction and being quick and in and out of breaks and doing different things to get open. ”

(on how you can make a defender not know where you are going) “You’ve got to make all of your routes almost look the same. Whenever you make them all look the same to a certain point, they aren’t sure which one you are running. You could be going in, out, straight up the field, faking a certain way or whatever. They really don’t know.”

(on if he ever reflects on how far he has come in his career) “Not really. I just try to focus on the here and now, and what I have to do now to get ready for a game. I don’t think you can really sit back and look back too much. You have just got to continue to get better, continue to try to learn and do what you can to try to help the team win.”

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

2012-02-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on what the Super Bowl experience has been like so far) “It’s been a tremendous experience. I think everything I would have expected and more. I think my favorite part about this has been the time I’ve been able to spend with my teammates. Just look back on the season we’ve had and enjoy it, but also just looking forward to Sunday and preparing for Sunday.”

(on what it’s been like having a veteran wide receiver like Deion Branch on the team) “Deion, it’s been so great having Deion back here. He’s the ultimate professional. He really does the little things to prepare himself to have the best success he can on Sundays as far as on the field. Off the field, he’s just a great guy to have in the locker room. He’s a leader; he just knows how to motivate guys, how to keep guys positive and how to keep guys focused on the task at hand. You couldn’t ask for a better guy to play with than Deion.”

(on if he thinks his religion and faith has an impact on the outcome of the games) “I don’t think of it in that perspective because there are believers on both sides, there are Christians on both sides. At the end of the day, as Christians, it’s not about us as players, it’s about us giving our glory back to our Lord and savior. We’re just blessed to play this game. I really don’t think that he’s up there saying this team or that team; obviously he has a will and a plan for us all, but there are believers on both sides of the ball and the Lord says he doesn’t favor one of us over the other.”

(on if he gets frustrated by the backlash directed at Broncos QB Tim Tebow regarding his public displays of his faith) “It’s unfortunate, but it’s to be expected. We are aware as believers that we can take some criticism for standing up for our beliefs. As far as Tim is concerned, I couldn’t be prouder of a young man, I couldn’t appreciate what he’s doing more. I really am thankful that we have a brother like that taking a stand for our faith. He’s putting himself out there, and I think we need more people like that. Obviously, everybody’s not going to love you regardless of what you’re saying and doing and we understand that, but I have a lot of respect for that kid.”

(on if he envisioned playing in the Super Bowl as a little kid) “It was always Super Bowl – you wanted to make the big play in the big game, the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. It was always the Super Bowl, the big game, and to actually have a chance to play in it is going to be unbelievable.”

(on if the team has rallied around Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft after the passing of his wife Myra Kraft) “Definitely. I can’t imagine being in his shoes and losing the love of your life after all of those years, and the pain that he feels. They were extremely close; they spent most of their lives together. He has been around more, he has been building a relationship with the players more, and we really appreciate that. He’s a great man – he’s always been a great man – just to see that side of him and to get to know him a little bit better this year has been special. Your heart goes out to him though, like I said, I can’t imagine how he feels and having to deal with that, but I think he’s done just about as good of job with it as anybody could have.”

(on what the players talk about with Robert Kraft when he comes in the locker room) “It can be different things. He and I can talk about spirituality, we can talk about the game, we can talk about Myra (Kraft), just different things to try and get his mind off of it and ask him how he’s doing. Like I said, I know it’s tough for him but he’s doing a great job.”

(on if it’s easier to play special teams in the Super Bowl because of the stakes) “You shouldn’t be playing (if you can’t get up for the Super Bowl). We’ll definitely have the juice and they’ll have the juice too, it’s the Super Bowl. I think in the end, it is going to come down to us playing our technique, even though it doesn’t look like there is much technique on special teams, and us playing disciplined as far as the scheme is concerned. Like I said, these guys are playing real well this time of year. The last game they had, special teams won the game. We realize that we’re in for a huge challenge, but we’re trying to do the things to prepare ourselves to meet that challenge come Sunday.”

(on the recent struggles the kick return team has had) “I think we’ve emphasized that all year. Obviously, the production isn’t up to the standard that we have set for ourselves through the course of the season. We’ve just been telling the guys to keep believing, stick to our schemes, stick to our technique, go back to the basics and we started to see some results last week. Danny (Woodhead) and Julian (Edelman) have done a good job all year long. They’re really comfortable back there. They’re really comfortable with what they’re seeing, with their reads and hopefully, we can make a play or two this game to help our offense out and help the field position game.”

(on if he’s thought about what it will feel like to run onto the field for the Super Bowl for the first time) “I’ve thought about it about 1000 times, and there is really no telling until it actually happens. I am sure there will be a lot of nerves and excitement, but I’m looking forward to that time.”

(on if his father, NFL Hall of Fame OL Jackie Slater has told him about his experience playing in the Super Bowl) “He played in Super Bowl XIV I believe it was – against the Steelers, they were leading with 11 minutes left to go in the game, I’ve heard it 1000 times. It was a great experience for him, and hopefully it will be a great experience for me.”

(on if he knows how many father-son combinations have played in the Super Bowl) “I think somebody said 14 the other day, but I’m not sure.”

(on what his father, NFL Hall of Fame OL Jackie Slater has told him about his experience playing in the Super Bowl) “He’s told me a lot about it. We’ve obviously talked about his experience over the years. I’ve had to sit down and watch the tapes of the game with him several times. He just told me to do everything I can to make sure at the end of the day I have no regrets. So as far as preparing myself to play the best football game of my career come Sunday, and leave nothing back, hold nothing back – just so I can live with no regrets.”

(on what is the greatest moment he has visualized about being in the Super Bowl) “I think as a youngster you always visualize making the big play in the big game. Making a game-winning play of some sort, leading your team to victory some way, and to actually have a chance to be a part of this team and take the field with this team on Sunday is going to be a dream come true. Win, lose or draw – obviously there won’t be a draw, but win or lose this experience is something I will take with me the rest of my life.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - WR DEION BRANCH - Ingles

2012-02-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on the team’s approach from this point on) “Everything is still the same. We take it one day at a time. Coach (Bill) Belichick has our schedule and we just follow his lead. We’ve got a couple meetings after this and then we’ve got practice and then we’ll see what happens from there.”

(on the feeling of being 5-3 after losing to the Giants) “It wasn’t good. We felt like that was one of our worst games we played, going into Pittsburgh knowing that in order to beat that team we had to put our best foot forward, and we didn’t do it. Not only that, just coming back from…after we lost to Pittsburgh, losing to the Giants right after that. It just wasn’t good at the time, but also at the same time, we realized that we weren’t playing our best football.”

(on being back in the Super Bowl) “It’s an honor. It’s an honor just to be a part of it. To have the opportunity to come here, to come back, and also to play with these guys and play with my quarterback who I came into the league with, it’s an honor.”

(on watching the Patriots play when he was in Seattle) “To be honest, you don’t have that much time to really watch other teams, unless it’s a later game, which they played a lot of primetime games. Me just personally pulling for my guys…when I was in Seattle I was all in Seattle. I was all in with those guys, but I was also pulling for these guys to win some games in the times when I did get to see them play.”

(on coming back to the team and playing in the Super Bowl) “It’s a blessing. The opportunities for guys to return to the team they started with are very slim, and the option that Coach Belichick chose to bring me back and I accepted. Trust me, I was going to accept it regardless. It was a blessing the day it happened. I think the opportunity presented itself once Mr. (GM John) Snyder and Coach (Pete) Carroll sat down and said, ‘We’re probably going in a different direction,’ which is understandable. I respect those guys to the utmost. I was thankful that coach also wanted to bring me back.”

(on being one of the few remaining members of the team from the Patriots’ last Super Bowl) “What is it, seven or eight guys from the last Super Bowl? We all share a major bond. We want to also do that with this group of guys. I think once you be a part of something like this, be a part of a Super Bowl, you have this friendship forever. There’s a lot of football. We were just talking yesterday about how long we’ve been playing ball. We’ve been running around in meetings since July. Had we not had a lockout, it would be probably since last March. That’s a long time, but I don’t accept that each and every year to be a part of this, be one of the last two guys playing in this game.”

(on what QB Tom Brady has said to him about bouncing back from the AFC Championship Game) “There wasn’t a lot said. Me and Tom are locker mates, so the conversation we have on the regular is beyond football, but to see my guy feeling down after a game that he felt like he didn’t play his best is understood. We respect him, but we also want to let him know that we’re here for him regardless of what he did. Nobody had a perfect game. I would say the defense did a great job, but anybody on the offensive side of the ball, I wouldn’t say we had a perfect game at all. So he shouldn’t put everything on his back, but he’s a leader and that’s what leaders do. They accept that and they bounce back from it.”

(on Brady seeming lighter this week) “He’s a lot lighter because our practices are going great. Guys are responding to his demands on the football field, and we’re looking forward to the same thing in the game Sunday.”

(on the amount of time the offense needs to score from 80 yards out at the end of a game) “It’s all about the situation of the game. I can’t sit here and say we need a minute or two minutes. It’s just all about what we need, how much time we have. I can’t give you that time though.”

(on if the team would have won in 2007 if they’d had 30 more seconds) “We played them in the regular season and I think we left too much time on the clock. You can look at it that way as well. I can’t say. I wasn’t here in ’07. How much time did they have on the clock? Thirty seconds? They had the ball on the, what, the 30-something-yard line. It’s all about getting that first play going. You get the first play going, then you can kind of go from there. They didn’t make a first down or anything, right? The odds are stacked up against you if you don’t get a positive play, and then he took a sack. I do remember that. You can’t get a sack in that situation.”

(on if the odds are in their favor to score if they have at least a minute left) “I’m very confident that we could get it done, but we don’t want to be in that situation.”

(on if he’s been the tour guide at all for his teammates) “Just a little bit. It’s kind of hard with the schedule that we have. I had some guys over to the house last night. My wife made a little dish for a couple of the guys that came over. It’s kind of hard, and then plus guys are so tired. Coach Belichick is getting a lot of us, and that’s what we’re here for. We’re here to work, but the free time we do have I do want to open my house up to my teammates.”

(on if it’s odd in the offseason to deal with Colts’ fans that see him) “No. Some of them are cool, some of them are not. I went to the (Indiana Pacers) game the other night. I took a couple of the guys to the game. A couple of the fans, they had about five that cheered for me and then another 14,000 that booed me, so it’s fun. I also understand, because I’m pretty sure that the Patriots fans would do the same thing to a Colts player that comes to New England.”

(on what his feeling was prior to his last Super Bowl when he was named MVP) “I have the same feeling now that I had in the past. Me personally, I just want to go out and do anything I can to help my team. I want to make each and every play. When Tom needs somebody to throw the ball to, I want to be that guy if he can’t find his first read or whatever. I’m just embracing this. To be an MVP, it’s hard to say because nobody really goes into the game saying I want to be the MVP of the game.”

(on if that game felt different in any way) “No, it didn’t. It felt like one of the regular season games, but we knew that this was it. This was the last game, so I pretty much laid it on the line. I gave it my all the entire game. I was beat after the game. I couldn’t spend too much time with my family. I was so tired and my body was worn. I had to wake up the next morning at eight and I think I got up at about 9:30 or 10.”

(on if he ever dreamt as a kid about having an MVP performance in a game) “No. I was a soccer kid growing up, so it was a little different for me. I know people look at me all crazy, but I felt like I was a better soccer player growing up. But I think I chose the right sport. I think I did. Who knows?”

(on not having tight end Rob Gronkowski in practice and how it’s affected him) “It doesn’t affect anybody right now. That’s being honest. My job is to go in and I have a role on this team and I’ve got to go and do my job regardless of who’s on the field or not. Do we need Rob? Yeah, but if he’s not there, the ball will be kicked off at 6:30 and we’ve got to move forward.”

(on if Gronkowski’s absence is affecting preparation) “Not the way we prepare. Maybe the way the coaches formulate the game plan. There’s nothing that will change with me. My game is my game. That’s the coaches’ job to figure out the kind of game plan we’re going to have.”

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

2012-02-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on what he does before the game and if he has any superstitions) “No, I don’t have anything like that. I don’t have any superstitions, no lucky charm, no lucky socks, or anything like that. I just say a prayer and I just go out and have fun.”

(on how he will celebrate if he scores a touchdown or if they win the Super Bowl) “Normally, everybody knows I have crazy celebrations that I do all the time. I’ve been kind of quiet on the celebrations and the production this year, so if I score this Sunday I might do something. It’s the biggest stage.”

(on what his take is on the city of Indianapolis and this Super Bowl) “This city’s always been awesome. I wasn’t too far from here. I was only an hour away for 10-years straight (Cincinnati). I don’t frequent Indy a lot, but when I did it was always enjoyable for me.”

(on what his mindset is in preparing for the biggest game of his career) “My mindset is to be the same as it’s always been all year - I’ve been focused. I’ve just been waiting on those opportunities to come, and when they come I’m trying to make the most of them, and I’m taking that same approach this Sunday. When my number is called, I’m going to do everything I can to get open, make catches, make plays, and we’ll see what happens by the end of the game.”

(on being a part of the media the last couple of years and what’s it like being a player in the Super Bowl) “It’s been good. It’s been enjoyable, and it’s been a dream of mine for years. To actually be on that stage is awesome. I didn’t get here the way I wanted to, but what more can I ask for.”

(on if there’s any disappointment he didn’t play a larger role in the offense this season) “No. I’m not disappointed at all. Yesterday, I compared it to a year of marriage. The first year of marriage is always rough, and you have to feel each other out and that’s what we did this year. Going into next year I think it’ll be a lot better.”

(on if he could have a dream ending to this game what would it be) “I’d rather not do that. I don’t want to have a dream. I did all the dreaming already and I’m here. We’ll see what happens Sunday.”

(on media week ending and switching gears to get ready for the game) “I’m not really switching gears. I’ve always been in that mode already, regardless of talking to the media. I’ve had my blinders on.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - TIGHT END ROB GRONKOWSKI - Ingles

2012-02-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI –Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on if he is surprised by the amount of attention his ankle is receiving) “Yes, definitely. It’s a lot. You just have to be able to focus on preparation, practice and training for the Giants.”

(on if he came close to practicing yesterday) “It was whatever the trainers had me do. Obviously, it wasn’t practice. I wasn’t out there yesterday. It’s just improving every day and it did so a little more yesterday. It’s moving in a positive stride and getting to where I need to get to.”

(on if he will play on Sunday) “We’re just day-by-day right now. I want to be out there. I’m anxious to be out there. My goal is to be out there and do everything I can. I want to put myself in the best situation, so when it comes to Sunday I will be in the best situation to play.”

(on how anxious he is) “Every day is an inch closer to game day. This is wild. This is a dream come true that we’re going to play in the Super Bowl. We all got here together, we worked hard. It’s going to be a lot of fun when it comes to it.”

(on his preparation while not practicing) “You have to do everything you possibly can if you’re not practicing. You have to take mental reps, visualize, film work, learning the plays. You have to do everything possible if you’re not practicing.”

(on his meetings with the trainer and how he will wrap his ankle) “We have a couple of options to explore. I’m not even sure I’m going to wear anything. I’m taping it and testing things out every day to see how I feel. We just talk about it. We’re going to figure it out.”

(on how badly he wants to get on the field) “It’s the Super Bowl. I’m doing everything I can possibly do to be out there. I want to be out there no matter what. I want to help out the team. I am doing everything possible to be out there, and we’ll just see on Sunday. I will try to go as much as possible.”

(on how frustrating it is dealing with his ankle) “There is definitely frustration. It is what it is right now. You just have to put that in the back of your mind and just focus on what you need to focus on. I’m not really worried about it. I’m just worried about the things I can control. I’ve been getting healthier every day. I’m just listening to the coaches, doing the mental reps and studying up film on the Giants. It’s just things that I can control. You have to keep on doing what you can do to improve every day.”

(on the amount of time he spends treating his ankle) “Basically - besides media, film and bed - I’m trying to get better every day. I’m working to get stronger and where I need to get to. It’s basically all day. I’m just trying to get better every day.”

(on if him playing will come down to how much pain he can tolerate) “No. That is my decision. I know how much pain I can tolerate.”

(on if he or the trainer makes the final call) “I will make the final call. I listen to the trainer’s advice, but it’s how I feel. I’m just trying to get better. The trainer has helped me get to a place where I need to be.”

(on if it hurts his team if he tries to play through the pain) “It’s hard. Right now, I’m just going into it day-by-day to get healthy. When it comes to game time, it will be a whole lot different. It’s the Super Bowl. The adrenaline rush will be going wild. It will be crazy. It’s going to be a huge atmosphere and you aren’t sure how it will feel on that day. That’s why we are just day-by-day. You never know. I can wake up tomorrow 100 percent and be good - that happens. You can wake up one day and feel great. You just never know. When it comes to Sunday, I hope I’m feeling great.”

(on if the coaching staff told him that if he doesn’t practice by a certain day, he won’t play) “No. They just tell me to take it day-by-day. I’m not worried about tomorrow when we have a big obstacle ahead of us today. We have to get better and get stronger. That’s why we aren’t worried about our practice tomorrow because we have a whole day today to get better.”

(on his progression) “It’s going good. I’m getting better every day. I’m feeling good today, better than I did yesterday. That’s what you have to do. So far, we have had no setbacks and we are just moving forward every day.”

(on if he has been able to enjoy the whole process) “Yes, I’ve definitely been able to enjoy it. It’s coming here with your teammates, hanging out with them this week, being able to go out with my brother – he lives out here. I can see him and catch up with my family. I’ve been spending time with coaches for possibly the last time as well. It’s just cool to come out here and have a blast with everyone. I’m having a good time.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - TIGHT END AARON HERNANDEZ - Ingles

2012-02-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on how much of a loss it would be to the offense if TE Rob Gronkowski can’t play) “Obviously, our team would take a toll on him not playing, but we have a lot of great players on this team. That’s the reason we’re here today. Yeah, it would take away a huge weapon and a big part of this game, but I feel like we have so many players on this team that everyone is smart enough and knows that it would be time to step up and carry that rifle on their shoulder. I think he’ll be fine and I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that.”

(on if he wonders every day if Gronkowski will practice) “I’m not even asking if he’s practicing. I’m wondering if he’s playing on Sunday.”

(on the relationship he and Gronkowski have with tight ends coach Brian Ferentz) “He’s a great guy. One thing he really knows how to do is he knows how to coach certain players. A lot of players are different. They all can’t be coached the same. A lot of people learn differently. He recognizes how people learn and how they like to be coached. He knows how to do that. He keeps us both focused and he also brings that excitement in the room, so we can have fun. It’s not always just serious and that’s why our room is so close.”

(on if someone needs to play tight end to coach tight ends) “Not necessarily because most of the coaches in this League probably didn’t play any of the positions that they coached. Like Bill Belichick, he’s the head coach of a team and he probably didn’t play too many positions.”

(on why he does the touchdown dance that he does) “Honestly, I don’t know. I like to have fun. I did it once and then people started to like it, so I just kept doing it. I like it and I’ll probably keep doing it.”

(on if he’s going to come up with a new dance for the Super Bowl) “I might have a little something to do before I make it rain.”

(on representing the Hispanic community by playing in the Super Bowl) “My family’s huge on that and they make it known. They’re Puerto Rican and they’re the type of family that has that Puerto Rican flag in the car. I’m proud to be Hispanic and I’m proud to be Puerto Rican.”

(on if there’s more pressure on him with Gronkowski not at full health) “I’d say it puts pressure on everybody. If you come to a Super Bowl and you’re not thinking you got to step up your game in the first place, then you’re probably not ready to play. I feel like everyone is ready to step up and we’ll be prepared with or without Rob. Obviously, it will be a tougher game without him.”

(on what he remembers of the Hispanic culture growing up) “The music has all got the same beat. I used to get sick of it because my father and them used to play it so much. All the Spanish parties, they would play the congas and everything. Also, we had the big ol’ pot of rice and beans on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. I love my family. I love Puerto Rico, the way I was raised and I love the food.”

(on him and WR Victor Cruz being two Puerto Rican offensive players going against each other in the Super Bowl) “I feel blessed, first of all, just to be in the game and knowing that there’s not that many Hispanics in the game that are successful. It feels good to know I’m doing something for Hispanics and hopefully some Hispanics look up to me.”

(on what he can tell kids that want to emulate him) “I’d say you just got to work hard in life. You got to set your goals high and you got to have something to work for and look forward to. If you just have your normal base goals, then what are you really striving for? If you have goals and you have people you look up to, you can work hard, strive and something to work for instead of just going through every day as a normal day.”

(on possibly being the first Puerto Rican to be named Super Bowl MVP) “That would be great, but I want that ring.”

(on Head Coach Bill Belichick saying things need to be tightened up in practice) “Yeah, going into every game, until the day before the game, you’re going to be making little corrections here and there, little twists and turns. I felt like practice went well. We’ve been practicing pretty well and we’ll be alright on Sunday.”

(on if the team has made changes to adjust to the Giants’ defense) “Yeah, you make changes every game. You make changes in the middle of the game. We’ve got great coaches who know how to adjust and I’m sure they’ll have us prepared and ready to go.”

(on if the team has a game plan for if Rob Gronkowski is not ready to play) “Everybody else will just have to step up, but I’m sure he’ll be fine to play.”

(on what he thinks about all the nicknames he’s been called) “Gronk likes the Boston Tea Party, but I don’t care. As long as we keep doing work on the field and keep performing and keep getting to these championship games, that’s really all I care about. The nicknames are kind of cool. It brings a little, I don’t know, swagger to it.”

(on competing with Gronkowski before the NFL) “In high school, we just knew about each other because we used to be rivals. We both wanted to be the number one tight end in the nation. We were always competing for that, it was always him, me, him, me. Then going into college, we were competing for that Freshman All-American and he ended up getting that. Then, obviously we came to the same team here.”

(on what it was like when he first met Gronkowski) “I didn’t know if I was supposed to be his friend because I’m competing against him. Should I talk to him? Should I not talk to him? Once I realized we both have outgoing personalities and we both have a good sense of humor, we actually bonded pretty well. Now we’re working together and we love each other.”

(on how he met Gronkowski at the Combine) “I think we just kind of bumped into each other.”

(on if he anticipates nerves on Sunday) “Yeah, if you don’t get butterflies and a little anxiety for this game, then you probably shouldn’t be playing in this game.”

(on how he will handle the nerves on Sunday) “This is what we do. All of us have been playing football our whole life. It’s not like it’s something new to us. It’s another game. Everything looks way more crazy on TV, but really when you’re out there on the field, there’s just two teams, you against the opponent and it’s a regular game.”

(on if Gronkowski’s injury has affected his week of preparation) “I don’t think so. We’ll still have the same game plan and if Rob isn’t okay to play, then obviously everyone else will have to step up. I feel like I said all day, I think he’ll be ready to play.”

(on if he’s getting all the balls in practice) “No, it’s getting spread around.”

(on if he’s tired of hearing about Gronkowski’s injury) “I don’t think so. I’m sure he’ll be fine. I was expecting these questions because when probably the top player on your team besides Tom Brady is injured, it is a big thing.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - RUNNING BACK KEVIN FAULK - ingles

2012-02-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on how quarterback Tom Brady compares now to when he entered the NFL) “There’s only one thing that doesn’t compare: he was smaller, a lot scrawnier. He didn’t talk as much, and now he’s the leader of our football team. He’s a very mature guy, and you can just see how very confident he is in what he’s doing. I’m not saying he didn’t have confidence earlier, but he’s very confident (now) in what he’s doing.”

(on how competitive Brady is) “It doesn’t matter what the game is, he’s very competitive. You can be shooting a piece of paper in a trash can, and he’s competitive with you. That’s just him. It’s how he is.”

(on how much he remembers about the first Super Bowl the Patriots won) “You remember it, but it’s kind of back in your mind because you’re still doing it. Right now, we’re focused on this game. Ten years ago was 10 years ago. We’re focused on this game right now. This game is very important. Ten years ago was important 10 years ago.”

(on how he wants people to view his career when it’s over) “Just how much I put into it. How much I loved the game, how much the game meant to me.”

(on if last year’s lockout prepared him at all for what it will be like to retire) “A little because we had a lot more time. Not just to think about it, but a lot more time to do stuff, to actually get into doing other things. Without the lockout, you’d have been doing what you normally do, and that’s going to the offseason program, being able to take care of certain things about football that need to be done.”

(on his reaction to Chris Canty’s claim that they would have a victory parade) “Congratulations—that’s his mindset. That’s his opinion. The game still has to be played.”

(on the inspiration the team took from the passing of Myra Kraft) “Togetherness. Going out there and doing everything together. Knowing that each person’s job is important.”

(on if Myra Kraft’s passing has been a strong rallying point for the team) “Of course. It’s been strong for the family. Right now, she’s in a better place. She’s in a better place than any one of us right now. But right now, we’re for the family that’s down here. You can see how much the team has come together and rallied for her, for her memory, and what she stood for for the team.”

(on his confidence in kicker Stephen Gostkowski) “He’s been doing it for a long time. That’s his job. I’m very confident in him.”

(on what makes running backs coach Ivan Fears tick) “If you’re not doing your job. He wants everything to be successful. He wants you to understand why he wants you to be successful. He’s just very intense about what he does.”

(on if Fears is the type of coach he likes to have) “Of course. You want a guy that’s well-prepared, ready to go, understands his guys, understands which guy he has, understands guys are different that he coaches. That’s him.”

(on what tight end Aaron Hernandez means to the offense) “He means a whole lot to this offense, just like every other guy on this offense means a whole lot. Every guy has a job. He has to be ready to do it, and he does his job well.”

(on if they have something to prove in the rematch after losing to the Giants in the regular season) “Both teams lost games during the course of the season. This right now does not even compare to a rematch game. This is the NFL Championship. This is what we’re playing for. Forget a rematch. It doesn’t compare to a rematch right now.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - RUNNING BACK BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS - Ingles

2012-02-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on this week leading up to the game) “I think everyone is doing well. We’re pretty upbeat with what’s going on. We know we are blessed with the opportunity to still have a game to play. We also know there’s 30 teams at home not getting the opportunity right now. We are blessed and fortunate we still have a chance to be out and still put on the uniform.”

(on the running game playing well as of late) “We’re just doing whatever we can to try and go out and win a football game. Whatever it takes for us to win is what we’re going to do. We’ve got to pass it, run it, throw it, kick it, punt, whatever it takes.”

(on the biggest concern playing the Giants) “It’s just being assignment sound and making sure we take care of things on every play. Whether it’s taking care of their front four or their blitzing linebackers or making sure we run good routes on safeties and their secondary. We just have to make sure we don’t let the little things slide through the cracks and make sure we nail and boot everything down.”

(on which guest speaker throughout the season was most impactful) “Actually, it really wasn’t this year but, last year Doc Rivers came and talked to us. What he said was really good. Also, this year they had the most winningest coach come talk to us. It was a sport like racquetball. I forgot what it is. I think he’s the most winningest coach in college history.”

(on why he was the best speaker that talked to him) “Because he talked about what it really takes to win. All those guys had a pretty good team. He has guys come from different parts of the world. He brought all those guys together for one common goal and that was just winning.”

(on the team’s roster turnover this season) “We have a bunch of different running backs, a bunch of wide receivers, a bunch of different defensive backs, a bunch of different linebackers. The whole team changed. There’s more turnover in this league than anything. I just think the consistency level from the coach and what he brings to the table is nothing else. He does a good job of choosing his players and picking them and getting the best out of them. And everybody does a good job of doing what they do well. We all try to come together for one common goal.”

(on if there are certain qualities a running back in Bill Belichick’s system needs to have) “I think that all running backs have those same qualities on any team. They need to be reliable, dependable. Here, whenever you’re called up, you need to be ready. Whether it’s the first quarter, third quarter, fourth quarter, you need to make sure you’re always ready because you never know when he’s going to decide to run the ball or decide to put us in the game. We could be in a five wide package and switch and put a running back in. You have to be ready at all time.”

(on if Bill Belichick has talked to him about shifting positions) “Everybody is making a big deal out of Aaron (Hernandez) playing running back because that’s uncommon. But as running backs we go out and play wide receiver all the time and no one says anything. To me, it’s like, not knocking anything Aaron (Hernandez) does because he can play a lot of places, but this is what we always do. Wes (Welker) lines up in the backfield. Aaron lines up in the backfield, Julian (Edelman). We might go out and play wide and they might be in the backfield. You have to do a lot of things to keep the defense off balance.”

(on what the team has to do so the Giants aren’t focusing just on Tom Brady) “It’s going to be important for us to go out and play well on offense, defense, special teams, for us to run the ball, throw the ball, everything we can do to put points on the board. That’s our No. 1 goal when coach puts us out there on the field is to score points.”

(on any specific challenge the Giants’ defense presents) “They present all types of challenges because they’re not only good on offense like I was saying but good on defense. They’ve been playing well on special teams as you can see from their San Francisco game. We have to come out and make sure we’re kicking on all cylinders because if not, things can go wrong for us in a hurry.”

(on this team being different defensively than other Patriot teams that played in the Super Bowl in the past) “I have total faith and confidence in our defense. They’ve been playing well and we just have to go out and make sure we do the things we can control. Right now as an offense and special teams make sure we handle the things that we can handle and the defense is going to do their job.”

(on if it gets old playing in the Super Bowl) “No sir. This is my first one but I don’t think this will ever get old. This is only Super Bowl XLVI and there’s only been that number of teams here so I think they’re too blessed and fortunate.”

(on his special chin strap he wears) “I’ll be wearing it this Sunday. It measures the amount of impacted registered when I hit my head. When I hit and get an impact level that comes back like a concussion and that amount of impact my chin strap is blinking or something. People on the sideline have to take me through the tests. It’s just something that can assist coaches and trainers.”

(on what Myra Kraft’s memorial patch means) “It means a whole lot to our team and our organization and actually the whole New England community because everyone knew what Mrs. Kraft meant to the community. We’re just happy that she was here with us for the time that she was.”

(on if the patch is a motivating factor) “At the beginning of the season Mr. Kraft and Jonathon (Kraft) told us the season was going to be dedicated to Mrs. Myra (Kraft) and we just embraced that at the very beginning before the season started. We’ve been going every game since then.”

(on if it contributes to the sense of family on this team) “Yes sir. (Kevin Faulk) said it all right there. We all know we’re in it together and we are a family and no one is bigger than the team. We’re going to have to play together to receive the common goal that we all want.”

(on the running game being key is this game) “We just want to come out and play well. Whatever happens on Sunday, whichever way the game turns whether it’s running the ball, throwing the ball, we just want to win. Whether we kick it, pass it. If we get 10 safeties and they score 18 points and we win I’m happy.”

(on having fun this season) “I enjoy playing the game of football. That’s one thing I pride myself on. I love to play the game of football. Whether we’re playing in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl or we was playing in the backyard, I’ll still be excited.”

(on the Patriots’ offensive linemen) “They always do a good job of doing what they have to do and move people out of the way and opening up some room for us to run through. We are thankful for that.”

(on if the magnitude of this week is overwhelming) “Really, that’s all it really is to us. The game is still going to be the game. It’s still going to be 60 minutes. You just have media from all around the country covering this one game. It just gets a lot of exposure.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - QUARTERBACK TOM BRADY - Ingles

2012-02-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on the week of preparations and media obligations) “For me, it’s been a very fun week. After not having been here for four years, I’m really enjoying the experience, and some of the fun aspects of the week. It’s much more tolerable when you become a veteran player. I had a great time at media day, that was fun. Sunday night was cool when we got in, I got to see Rodney (Harrison) over the stadium. I’ve spent a lot of time together with my teammates. Unlike the other playoff games where you’re not really sure how it’s going to go the following week, now we know how it’s going to go. We’re not going to see each other after Monday. You just enjoy the experience with those guys, and hopefully we have a lot of reasons to celebrate on Sunday night.”

(on whether the Super Bowl loss to the Giants still eats at him) “Every loss hurts. When we lost to the Colts in the AFC Championship Game, that hurt pretty bad. Last year losing to the Jets, you see other teams advance and you’re staying at home, they all suck. You have to move on, and use those as opportunities to learn. I think this team has done that. We’re a very mentally tough team. That’s probably one of the strengths of this team.”

(on the qualities that make Bill Belichick such a successful head coach) “He’s extremely prepared. Nobody works harder than he does. I don’t think there’s ever been a time that I’ve shown up at the stadium and he’s not there. He sees everything. He evaluates everything. He watches every bit of film that he can get. Over the course of the season, our teams have always seemed to improve. I think that’s through our preparation. He prepares us day in and day out. Every day that we walk in he has a game plan for us. I think that he finds players who are able to tolerate that coaching. He always says that it’s not an easy program to play for and that’s the truth. If you do, you stay committed and you stay selfless and committed to the team and it pays off. I think all of these guys enjoy this experience a lot more than staying at home right now.”

(on whether he’s watched any tape from their Super Bowl loss against the Giants in preparation for this game) “Yeah, I’ve seen plenty of clips from the game. It’s a different scheme, it’s a different defense. Some of the players and the matchups are the same, but I can see those from when we played in Week Nine. There’s not a lot of things that you can take from that game in 2007.”

(on common denominators in previous Giants games and the high number of pressures and turnovers) “I was holding the ball too long. They have some blitz schemes that are challenging to handle. As a quarterback, you can’t sit back there and think that you’re going to have all day to throw the ball. You have to be able to find guys quickly and get the ball to them. You have to throw the ball with accuracy. You throw a quick pass and it’s half a foot behind the receiver, it slows him up and he’s tackled for a five-yard gain. Whereas if you throw it one foot in front of his numbers, he catches it and he gains 12. That’s how you need to play this game. The more accurately you can throw the ball on the shorter passes, you know you have to throw the ball quickly against these guys. You have to be able to throw the ball down the field and get it in the hands of Wes (Welker) and Deion (Branch) and Aaron (Hernandez) and Gronk (Rob Gronkowski), the running backs, we’ve been stressing that a lot the last couple of weeks.”

(on whether he’s surprised by the level of talk coming from some of the Giants players) “No, they’re a confident team. They’ve always been a confident team. They should be confident. They’re a damn good football team that has won some pretty tough games down the stretch. We’re pretty confident, too. I think that’s why we’re going to show up on Sunday night and give it our best.”

(on Giants QB Eli Manning) “He’s a great quarterback. He’s obviously a great leader. You hear the comments coming from their players, and obviously they respect him. He loves the game and he’s played it at a high level for a long time. He’s survived in that environment in New York, it’s a tough place to play. He answers the critics. He never makes excuses. He goes out there and he plays very well. He has his team back here for the second time in five years.”

(on his comfort level with the game plan having an extra week to prepare) “I always feel as the week goes, I feel more comfortable because I have a better understanding of our plan and what we’re trying to do when things are really settled – third-down, red area, two-minute, how we’re going to start the game – I feel like I can really just hone in on those plays. Earlier in the week it’s a little tougher, you’re thinking about the red area and third-down but you haven’t put those plays in, so you’re not quite sure what you’re going to do. I’ve been a pain in Billy’s (O’Brien’s) you-know-what trying to get all of the stuff in that we want to use. On a normal week, we wouldn’t have even put in third down, the red area, both of those are already installed. Everything has already pretty much been installed. We’re ahead of where we’d be on a normal week. We’ve had two weeks to prepare. You can always get more film work in. You can always get more understanding of what they’re doing.”

(on whether he’ll offer any special words of encouragement to his lesser-publicized teammates on Saturday night) “If you look at the history of this game, there are a lot of players who made plays who no one was really talking about. That’s how this game goes. You never know who is going to be the difference. It could be a kick returner, it could be a punt returner. It could be a receiver down the depth chart, it could be a running back down the depth chart who gets an opportunity and they have a career day. If you’re active for the game, you’re going to have an important role in the game and hopefully they can go out and have a career day. I have confidence in all of these guys. We all need to go out there and do our job.”

(on whether he has spent any additional time watching film with TE Rob Gronkowski given his limited practice availability) “Yeah, he’s really been keeping up mentally with what he needs to do. He’s been a part of every meeting and walk-through. He’s preparing himself as if he’s going to play even though he hasn’t been able to practice. We’ll see how it goes. No one can really predict the future. Hopefully he continues to feel better. We’re always communicating back and forth about his routes and the schemes that we have that are a little bit different for this game. He’s a fast learner. He’s played every game, he’s practiced every single day this year. He has a pretty good understanding of what we’re doing. It’s not like he has to figure out how to play football again. Probably the break is good for him in a sense that he hasn’t been beat all week in practice. Hopefully he can go out there and play.”

(on what ways WR Wes Welker makes him a better quarterback) “Wes Welker would make any quarterback better with his ability to get open and catch the ball. He’s a very smart player who has a great feel for the game, who has a great feel for how to get open in man-to-man (coverage), where to find the spots in zone, great body language. He’s a very decisive player. Route-running ability, when you watch him run routes, he makes very swift decisions. That gives me a lot of confidence. He knows what he sees and I can trust him to make the throw.”

(on the warm reception the Patriots have received from Colts fans in Indianapolis since the two teams aren’t playing) “It’s actually been a very fun week here. It’s a bit surreal to be playing in Indy’s home stadium and to be practicing at their facility. I think all of us have enjoyed the experience. It’s been a fun place to be this week. We’re certainly very appreciative of all the fans here. There have been a lot of Colts jerseys out there. We’ve had a great welcome here.”

(on his comments from Wednesday regarding hotel accommodations in Buffalo and the Patriots loss at Buffalo) “I apologize for saying that. Buffalo was tough on us this year in Buffalo. I should have picked a non-NFL city for that (comment). Any time you throw four picks, it’s going to be tough. I did that once before in a loss up there. Any time you throw four picks, you’re going to feel pretty miserable the next week. You’re never going to win a game if you throw four picks. They (Buffalo) had a great team and they got off to a great start this year. Coach Gailey has done a great job with that team getting those guys prepared. Even the game we won, we were down 21-0. They gave us everything we could handle both times we played them.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - RUNNING BACK DANNY WOODHEAD - Ingles

2012-02-02T09:03:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on practice this week) “It’s been going good. We’re just trying to get more acclimated with the game plan, get it down and make sure that we’re ready for the game Sunday night.”

(on what’s different about practice this week) “Really, there hasn’t been a big difference. Coach has kept it the same or as normal as it can be. We’re trying to do what we do every week and that’s be prepared and be ready to execute once the game comes around.”

(on if Rob Gronkowski will be ready to play) “That’s a question you ask Coach. That’s not a question you ask Danny. I’m not the one that makes the call on anything. That’s what Coach does.”

(on what has been the most fun thing he’s done this week) “I think it’s just the whole Super Bowl experience and being a part of it. It’s something as a kid you dream of. It’s really exciting, but we do need to keep things normal a little bit because it is a business trip and we got to be ready on Sunday.”

(on if everything has sunk in for him yet) “I don’t know if it will sit in until we’re out on the field, but it’s exciting. We’re keeping it normal. Coach has done a great job of keeping it like a normal week and just preparing like it’s a normal week and that’s what we have to continue to do.”

(on if it will be hard to keep things normal with the game only 72 hours away) “It’s 72 hours until the game, so just like any other game, we’re going to approach it the same way. I’m going to approach it how I approach all the regular season, preseason, playoff games. I’m going to try not to change anything.”

(on if he gets to spend time with his family when they arrive) “There will be some time to hang out with family and that’ll be nice. I’m glad that my family is going to be able to be here to experience it and experience it with me, my wife and daughter. It’s a fun time.”

(on if he gets to stay at the same hotel with his family) “No, it’s a business trip. We got to try to limit most of the distractions and that’s one of the ways you do.”

(on if there have been any distractions this week) “Not really. To me, it’s been a pretty normal week. We’ve had media every day, but that’s not something that really changes the way the week is really approached. We just go out and practice. We have our meetings, so things have been relatively the same.”

(on if he’s seen any celebrities this week) “No, maybe a few I guess, Media Day. Other than that, no. We’re approaching this like any other week and that’s where we’re working. I don’t really have a lot of time to pay attention to stuff like that.”

(on what he thought of Media Day) “It was different. It’s not every day however many thousand media-credentialed people talking to you. It’s not that big of a deal. It didn’t change the day too much. We did media for an hour and then we’re back to our normal schedule.”

(on the children’s book that was written about him) “I thought it was something cool and something cool to be able to have books for my children someday that’s about their daddy. It was a neat thing to do.”

(on what it’s like to have his life in a children’s book) “I don’t know if it’s really set in. It’s not like I really see books everywhere. I think it’s cool. It’s something that probably I never expected to have happen, but it happened and it’s pretty neat.”

(on his children’s book benefitting charity) “Yeah, I think that’s something that is even more important is doing it for a good cause. That’s the number one thing.”

(on what the Super Bowl experience has been like) “It’s been like a normal week. We have media every day, but other than that, we have practice, we have our meetings. It’s a pretty normal schedule. It’s been like a normal week besides the whole media part.”

(on if he’s dreamed of what it will be like to step on the field on Sunday) “You think about it, but I try not to think about it too much. I don’t want it to consume my thoughts. I want to be able to approach this week like any other week and that’s just going to work every day. When it comes, it’ll happen and I’m sure it will be exciting.”

(on how much more comfortable he’s gotten on kickoff returns) “I think the more you do anything, you’re going to be more comfortable. I just go out there and try to execute the play that is given and I’m going to do my best with it.”

(on if he feels like he’s getting closer to breaking a big kickoff return) “I don’t know. I think we got 11 guys on the field, 10 others and there’s me. We all try to do our job to the best of our abilities and we’re going to do that every play.”

(on the kicking game possibly being a deciding factor on Sunday) “Any play could help us out, whether it be offense, defense or special teams. It’s a team game and whatever’s going to happen, it’s going to be all of us as a team together.”

(on what he’s learned after getting more reps as a returner) “It’s still football. I don’t know if there’s one thing I really learned. It’s still football. Special teams, when you’re returning, you’re still following blocks. It’s still football.”

(on if he’s thought about the possibility of him being the first one to touch the ball in the Super Bowl) “I don’t know if I’ve thought about it all that much. Like I said, I stay so in the present right now. I’m just trying to get ready for the game. That would be cool, but we just got to go out and approach it like any other game. It’s obviously the Super Bowl, so it’s a little different, but we got to approach it like it’s any other game.”

(on if he keeps up with the Jets anymore) “Not really, I keep tabs on the New England Patriots and that’s it. Once we play them, yeah, I’m going to find out what’s going on. I think anyone else in the League, you might see scores come across the TV or something later on after your game, but you don’t really have time to think about the other teams. You’re more worried about what you do with your job. Honestly, there’s not a real reason for me to do that because I don’t play for New York. I play for the New England Patriots. That’s the number one thing.”

(on how he looks at his past experiences of getting released and signed) “I look at every experience in my life as something that it’s part of my life and it’s something that I can use whether it be something good, something bad, can use it to help me out with the rest of my life. It’s not something I think about a lot, but I feel like my journey was planned out by God and that’s how things worked out.”

(on how tough of a challenge the Giants’ defense will be) “I think it’s going to be a huge challenge. I don’t think it’s just the last couple weeks. I think they had a great defense the whole year. We just got to be ready to go Sunday night.”

(on if he’s had a special connection with DB Ross Ventrone) “He’s a great guy and he’s a great player. This year has probably been a little crazy for him. That’s something you have to ask him, but as far as a guy, he’s a great guy.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - CHAIRMAN AND CEO ROBERT KRAFT - Ingles

2012-02-02T08:54:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Thursday, February 2, 2012

(on how it feels to be back at the Super Bowl) “It’s the greatest feeling in the world. I always appreciate it. We might never be back at this point again, so this is very special.”

(on playing the New York Giants again) “I don’t look at it that way. Whoever we play, we play. All of the teams in the AFC Championship Games have been worthy opponents. We’re just fortunate that we’re here.”

(on how proud he is of the coaching job Bill Belichick did this year) “I remember when I hired Bill the first year we went 5-11. The second year we were 1-3. So we were 6-14, and people where calling me an idiot and that I didn’t know how to hire people and that I should fire him. We were 6-14, and then the team in ’01 went on to go to the Super Bowl and win. You have to pick people you believe in, you have to support them, encourage them to be bold and take risks and then be patient.”

(on sticking with Coach Belichick during that time) “I just try to focus on what is right for me. I don’t sit in judgment on other people. I’m just really privileged, especially this year, in a season in which we almost didn’t have football, and we came very close to missing games, and here we are, in the biggest game of the year. I don’t know what I’m going to do after Sunday. That will be my withdrawal period.”

(on the irony of having John Mara’s team in the game as well after all the work they did to make sure there was football this season) “That’s kind. A lot of people have said that. If there’s special karma out there, then maybe that has something to do with it. I’ll tell you, John was terrific. What he did, he spent more time at it than I did. He was there every day. That family for 90 years has represented New York so beautifully in the NFL. They always put the NFL first. He’s a special man. And Steve Tisch is a great guy. You know, being in the game with owners you like a lot is also special.”

(on how he views the New York Jets) “I try not to sit in judgment. I think rivalries are what makes the NFL great. I think the New York Jets are great rivals of the Patriots. They have a really great group of players, they have a great coach and a great owner and rivalries are why people tune in. This game has the potential to be the most watched program in the history of television because of our game three or four years ago. I think the Jets-Patriots rivalry is something very healthy and what makes the NFL so special. I know that (Jet’s owner) Woody Johnson is passionate about winning and is trying to do everything he can to make it happen. And Rex, in his first two years of coaching got his team to the AFC Championship Game, so if I were a New York Jets fan, I’d like Rex. But I’m not a New York Jet fan.”

(on how his late wife liked Tom Brady) “Actually that’s a great question. She had a great relationship with Tom Brady. She knew how I felt about him, like he was a fifth son. She liked him a lot, but she liked all the players on our team. She was a woman who had never been to a football game until I bought the team. She used to do the Sunday Times crossword puzzles and I don’t know if it is politically correct, but she would go to the ‘chick flicks’ on Sundays. That was her day of peace. Remember, our games were blacked out, so I would take my four sons, we’d go down every Sunday. She always had an image of football players as behemoths. She only started learning about the game when we bought the team. She figured she should pay attention. She understood how strategic it is, whether it’s philanthropy, business, or an NFL team, how you develop and build an organization where you put team first and people aren’t looking for accolades but are just trying to do good deeds. She liked Tommy a lot. We actually took him to the Holy Land. We took him, I’ll never forget, to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and taking him to Bethlehem, and seeing his reaction. We did the same thing with Ben Watson and Richard Seymour. I remember being at the Sea of Galilee and there was a minister there that could be their witness at the baptism and they chose me to be the witness. So I was really flattered. That’s the fun and the privilege of owning an NFL team. You have a chance to relate to young men. We try to take some every year. I’m a great believer in spirituality.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - DEFENSIVE TACKLE CHRIS CANTY - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:35:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on the high expectations on the Giants defense) “Obviously we’re expecting to perform at a high level. Our teammates expect excellence from us and that’s just what it is. As far as from our group, the front four, the guys that we have in there, it’s really eight guys that we have in there. It’s eight guys that have an opportunity. They have very different skill sets, very different talents. They are all complimentary to one another. When we go out there we have to understand our given responsibilities and try to execute at the highest level.”

(on how it’s been having Justin Tuck step up in his captain role) “He was a captain before I got here. You have to lead by example and obviously this has been a frustrating year for him with the injuries but as he’s gotten healthier you can see the intensity pick-up. You can see him coming to the full front with his leadership qualities, especially with some of the young guys pulling them along. Guys that follow suit have followed his example. They see his work ethic from the practice field and in the film room. Guys follow suit and that kind of effort becomes infectious in our locker room. That kind of focus becomes infectious and guys put more intensity into their preparation for games.

(on what the keys to the game are for the Patriots to win) “I’m not going to say that. I’m going to go out and say this. This football game is going to come down to who’s able to execute at the highest level, who’s able to create turnovers, and who’s able to play most physical. That’s what it’s going to come down to. That’s what it’s going to be about on Sunday. There are two good football teams. It’s going to be a 60 minute ball game. It might take a little longer that 60 minutes. That’s what the football game is going to come down to.”

(on if he was surprised that the Giants signed him with their history of drafting pass rushers) “They’re known for drafting pass rushers and here they are signing a run stopper. It’s like what am I doing here? It’s a tremendous opportunity and come and be part of a great organization, a great defensive line, and a great football team. When I had the opportunity to come from Dallas I had to take advantage of it.”

(on how many teams he heard from before signing with the Giants) “I heard from three or four teams before the Giants. Obviously New York was the best opportunity and I’m glad I’m here.”

(on if he feels like the forgotten guy on the defensive line) “I like it like that. I’d rather fly under the radar. It’s like a warm blanket. It’s been good. Obviously those guys get a lot of attention. That frees me up to have an opportunity to make football plays. By all means pay attention to the defensive ends and those guys. Just forget about the tackles.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - DEFENSIVE TACKLE CHRIS CANTY - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - DEFENSIVE END MATHIAS KIWANUKA - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:34:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on getting to Tom Brady) “That is the game plan. That is the easiest way to stop the play before it even gets off the ground, so we trust our coverage, we trust the guys that are behind us, but we want to get to him first.”

(on defending the Patriots running game) “I think they set it up well with their pass game and different formations that they can run the ball out of. They use some unconventional tactics as far as putting other people that normally run the ball in the backfield to do that. Gap integrity is key for us, and just making sure that everybody on our defense is in the right spot when they’re supposed to be there.”

(on playing in his hometown for the Super Bowl) “It’s hard to imagine this when I was younger growing up. I’ve always pictured myself playing in the Super Bowl and I’ve always pictured myself doing great things, but to be to do it at home is awesome.”

(on opportunity to play in the Super Bowl after missing first due to injury) “Just getting back out there was a big goal of mine, to stand out there on the field with the confetti coming down. I wanted to get back to the Super Bowl with this team, and we put in a lot of work and showed a lot of perseverance to get back here, and I want to be a part of this team.”

(on Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski’s impact) “He brings a lot of different things to their offense so we’ll plan for both scenarios and I know the coaching staff is hard working at that and we’ll let them do their job.”

(on the importance of getting to Brady) “I always say the keys to football are the same – stop the run and get to the quarterback. Maybe they don’t have as strong a run game as other teams do, but they are very effective passing the ball and that ball comes out quick. We rely on our DBs and we know they’ve been giving great coverage, but if we do our job up front and get to him it will make everybody’s job easier.”

(on how to get to Brady) “You beat the man across from you. The sack part of it is the easy part, but getting through those offensive linemen is what our job is and they are very effective as a group. Maybe individually (the Patriots offensive line) might not be the greatest athletes or have the greatest stars, but as a group they get the job done and that’s what we have to do, we have to beat them as a group.”

(on preparing for the Patriots offense) “You have to study as hard as you can before the game comes because they use a lot of formation shifts and changes that can throw you out of whack. Then after that it’s just play hard and play fast. This is the biggest game of the year. We know they are going to come out firing, but as long as we do those things leading up to the game everything will take care of itself.”

(on if the Giants can rattle Brady) “The fact of the matter is if you get to the quarterback enough, if you hit him hard enough it’s going to make him less effective. That is our job up front and that’s what we have to do… Really (pressure) effects every phase of the game because now you’ve got receivers that might not be sure about their routes because they are not sure if the ball is going to have to come out quicker, and it just throws the whole timing off.”

(on the Giants aggressive mentality up front) “Our defense has a great secondary and I think they get overlooked a lot. They give (the defensive line) a lot of time to get to the quarterback, and within that D-line room we all expect to get there first. That’s what we all strive to do.”

NEW YORK GIANTS PRESS CONFERENCE - DEFENSIVE END JUSTIN TUCK - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:32:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s advice about elevating his game) “I think it was, more or less, him seeing that I wasn’t mentally where I needed to be as a football player. He knew what I’d been going through the whole year as far as the injuries, family issues off the field and things like that. It was more of one of those father-figure things where he called me in his office and just had the conversation like a man-to-man type thing. It wasn’t necessarily about football, but just about how he wanted me to be perceived in the locker room and throughout our players. I just took that to heart as far as going out there and not necessarily worrying about the things that had happened off the field, and just trying my best to put that in the past.”

(on the bond among the 15 Giants players who were members of the Super Bowl XLII Championship team) “We consider that probably one of the best games ever played. We were very fortunate to be a part of it. To win a Super Bowl in that fashion – a lot of us were young in our careers (at that point). The last couple of years, we have just continued to grow and I think this year is evidence of that, considering some of the roller coasters we’ve been on this year. We just always believed in each other. That is the core of this team, those guys who have been around the last four years. We just know how this feels, how this is supposed to turn out. It’s fun to be around those guys, because we’ve played in a lot of meaningful football games, and it’s like we never worry about it. We never get too high with the highs or get too low with the lows, and that has a lot to do with the experience in that core group of guys.”

(on the practice schedule beginning) “We are excited about getting on the football field. It’s been a couple days now, and guys are starting to chomp at the bit. We’re ready to get back to preparing to win a game on Sunday. A lot of us wish we could play it today, but we’ve got to wait until Sunday. Today will be the next step toward getting ready for the game.”

(on what it means to the defense to have a reliable quarterback) “Eli (Manning) has had a great year for us. The Giants have always been built on defense first, it seems like, and this year, the offense has been the part of the football team that has been most consistent. It starts with Eli and his play. You just feel so confident in the fact that, in the end of the game, regardless of the fact of how things have been going, he is always going to find a way to get us in that position to get a game-winning score or whatever we need at that point. As a defensive player, getting the opportunity to watch him as he drives us down, it’s exciting. You definitely want that. It’s hard to get a quarterback player like that. There are only a handful of guys that can do it like that, and he’s definitely one of them.”

(on what it takes to get to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady) “Just consistency. They’re going to do some things early in the game to try to throw off our rhythm. I expect to see screen passes, I expect to see draws, I expect to see him just getting the ball out of his hands quickly. It’s going to be a team effort. I think a lot of times people think the pass rush comes just only from the front four, but it is intertwined between our corners (and) our D-backs rerouting their wide receivers, with us giving them different looks so Brady doesn’t know where to go with the ball right at the snap. At the end of the day, somebody up front has to be somebody. You can watch as much film as you want to, but if you are able to do those things, you are going to be successful against a guy like Tom.”

(on whether he brought his ring from Super Bowl XLII along on the trip to show the younger players) “It’s funny. A lot of us don’t wear our rings. I don’t wear mine. I always say that I have nine other fingers that I’m trying to fill up. So, I don’t know. I know I didn’t bring mine. I haven’t seen a lot of guys wearing theirs around. The younger guys have seen the ring. Some of our training staff guys brought theirs. But we’re hungry for another one. That ’07 ring can stay in its secret place for now.”

(on if his success against Patriots guard Logan Mankins in Super Bowl XLII makes a difference for him psychologically) “It was four years ago. I’m a better player than I was four years ago and he’s definitely a better player than he was four years ago. I really don’t think anything we did in ’07 is going to help us win this game on Sunday. It’s two completely different teams, two different schemes. We have to play our best game on Sunday and not rely on what we did four years ago.”

(on what it takes to be successful against quarterbacks) “You got to hit them. You can’t let them stand up and look downfield all game, especially when you have one as good as Tom (Brady). It always starts with making sure he’s uncomfortable in the pocket. That being said, even when we hit Tom, it just seems like he (isn’t) rattled. You just keep pounding away. It’s kind of like pounding away at a rock: sooner or later, it’s going to break. We haven’t gotten to Brady’s breaking point yet, but hopefully (on) Sunday, we can.”

(on the influence of former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan and how it plays into tutoring teammate Jason Pierre-Paul) “Getting an opportunity to work with (Strahan) for four years, I see why he’s going to be a first-ballot hall of famer. A lot of people don’t understand his work ethic, they just (think) he’s a talented individual. That guy came to work every day. His knowledge of the game – it just seemed like every time we needed a play, he was going to be the guy to make that play. I learned so much from him as far as how to play the position. I had a lot of talent coming in, but I didn’t know how to play the position. He taught me the things to look at, things to watch on film, how to look at offensive linemen and their stance before the snap, look at the personnel, look at the formation. You can kind of tell, after watching film, what an offense is going to do to you. All those things, I learned from him. A lot of credit is due to him for my success in this league. And, (Pierre-Paul), I just want to do the same thing for him, because I know that if I didn’t have a mentor like Strahan when I came in, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. When you see a guy with that much talent, you just want to do your part to help him along.

(on whether playing the Super Bowl in Indianapolis is more meaningful having had played collegiately at Notre Dame) “Definitely. Even though South Bend is about two hours north of here, I still had a lot of people calling me and a lot of friends from my college years calling me to wish me a lot of luck. I know I’m going to have a lot of Fighting Irish fans in the crowd on Sunday, and that’s comforting to know. You’re kind of back home, a little bit. I had a lot of great years at Notre Dame and hopefully it will be a little déjà vu on Sunday.”

NEW YORK GIANTS PRESS CONFERENCE - DEFENSIVE END JASON PIERRE-PAUL - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:30:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 01, 2012

(on the experience that he has received from this season) “I think this year has been a great year for me. Like I said, I am still learning a lot of things, and I feel like I can come back next year and do better than I did this year. I am still learning the game, and it is fun to me that I can just go out there and do things and execute the plays. Just going out there and executing plays and seeing the way my coach looks at me when I walk off the field, knowing that I am doing a great job is a great thing. I’ve got to learn and we’ve got a Super Bowl up. Hopefully we get a win and next year come back and do it again.”

(on whether the team having its backs against the wall has helped in the playoffs) “We started our playoff run early. We had to win two games in order to be in the playoffs, which we did. It was hard, but we did it, we fought through it and we all came together as one. When we were playing individually you could see that we had nicks and bruises in our defense, our defense and in special teams. But when we all came in as one in harmony, (it was) like nothing could stop us. We knew what we had to do to get the job done, and we trusted each other and look where we ended up at. We are in Super Bowl XLVI.”

(on the benefit of playing alongside Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora) “If you look at other teams, you don’t really have pass rushers like us. We are talented guys, and when you look at us you could put any one of us anywhere on our D-line. You could put Linval (Joseph) at end, you could put Rocky (Bernard) at end, you could put Chris (Canty) at end, you can put me at inside tackle and you can put Osi (Umenyiora) at tackle. We can just switch up the whole defensive line, and if you put us anywhere we’re going to get the job done, no matter where we’re at.”

(on the pressure that the talent of the Giants’ defensive line can apply to opponents offensive lines) “It puts a lot of pressure, because when we line-up differently they don’t truly understand, ‘what are they doing?’ and what we are going to do at the time. So it is a great deal for us, and it gives us the advantage.”

(on whether it will be more difficult to have crisp, strong practices, because the team is not on a normal routine) “That is something that I’ve been thinking about. How I feel going into it is (that) we had a couple of practices last week, and if the Super Bowl was on Sunday we would have been playing in it. But we had a great Sunday, and now we’ve had Media Day, and we got here on Monday, we had media yesterday and media today. Today we actually get our first practice, so we’ll see how things go from there. We know that everybody is anxious to practice, and we’ve got to pick-up the pace right away. We’ve got to go in running full-speed. I know that I am going to go in and run full-speed, because I need it. I feel like I’ve been off for like two weeks now without practice, and that’s just not me. I feel like I’m home just relaxing. I know that I’m going to pick it up full-speed, and when it is time to play then I’m going to play.”

(on whether he is worried about what the team may face against the New England Patriots that the team will not be ready for on Sunday) “I’m not worried about (anything). I know what is at stake, my defensive line knows what is at stake and we’ve just got to play. No matter what the outcome is we know that it is going to be a tough game, and it is going to be a physical game. They are going to throw stuff at us that we might have never seen before, but we are going to get the job done.”

(on a consensus along the defensive line that they must get pressure on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady) “Yeah, we know we have to get to Tom Brady, there are no ifs or buts about it. We’ve got to get there and we’ve got to get there fast, because Tom Brady is a good quarterback.”

(on whether he has additional nerves or emotions preparing for his first Super Bowl) “I feel the same way. It really hasn’t hit me that I am in the Super Bowl. I guess we might go out there in the first practice today, it is intense, we’ve got to hit the ground running and it might hit me. But right now we are going into another game and we need to win.”

(on whether he felt that the lack of competition on the collegiate level would hurt his draft stock) “To be honest with you, going into the draft I really didn’t care what team I got picked to. I was a hard-working man at the time too, so I was going in to help my parents out, just to make a little bit of money and I would work my way up (to) the top. But I had no clue where I was going to get picked at. My agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was like, ‘you will probably go first round,’ and I didn’t really know too much about all of that stuff. I wasn’t really a football guy that was focused in on the draft and all that type of stuff. But when I got picked where I got picked, I wasn’t too excited because I didn’t understand it. Now, going back and thinking about it, that was a big deal.”

(on not being overwhelmed as a football player) “I’m a humble guy, the big stuff doesn’t excite me. Me just playing football and going out there to help my team win is a lot to me. Just to see the smile on their faces like, ‘oh my gosh, we just won the game.’ That is what excites me. But all of the other attention, and all of the getting named this and named that, doesn’t really excite me. Just going out there and playing great football, and showing the fans how much we can do, the fans make me go crazy too. When I hear the fans screaming and stuff it makes me want to do even better.”

(on whether he gets caught up in the moment or in the hype) “Not at all. I do this day-by-day, and I am the same way every day. After the football season, I go home and relax with my family, and when it is time to roll back, then it is time to come back.”

(on how to rattle New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady) “Anybody can be rattled. Tom Brady is a great quarterback, but at the end of the day he is just a quarterback. It is not like he is God, he can’t be untouched. We’ve just got to get to him, and going into this game we know what’s at stake and we’ve got to get there fast enough. I know our secondary is going to do a great job covering the wide receivers and the tight ends, and we’ve just got to get to him. We know it all starts up front no matter what.”

(on how much the of the New York Giants’ success depends upon the team’s ability to apply pressure) “I would say that it is all on us really. It is all on the front line, the front four of the D-line, and also on the offensive line too. It is going to be all on the line in this game, and we know it. We’ve just got to get the job done. If guys are hurt, and they get hurt during the game, this is the last game. You’ve just got to tighten-up, you can’t feel sorry for yourself, and get the job done.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - DEFENSIVE TACKLE VINCE WILFORK - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:26:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ comments about the Pro Bowl not being competitive) “That’s a privilege to play in a game like that. Everybody’s going to have their opinions about playing in that game, but guys play a whole season, and it’s a tough, physical, brutal season, but you get rewarded. So, the last thing you want to do is go out in a game and hurt yourself. That’s not good for the individual or the organization. I really haven’t paid too much attention to it.”

(on the Patriots having a number of unheralded players playing key roles) “I think some people use it as a motivational tool, not being drafted or slipping in the draft because there was something negative that was put out, but I think you can always find a diamond in the rough no matter where you go. I think some guys get overlooked because the bigger the school is—the higher name or the stars on that team. But if you look deeper, you find guys like that. Our organization does do that. They look past the big names and the stars, and they look for that diamond in the rough, and we’ve been pretty successful by doing that.”

(on if having unheralded players makes for a better team) I think this team, we fight towards one goal, no matter where you were drafted, no matter how you got here in the league. Everybody has the same mindset of wanting to win ball games, wanting to be a team player, and I think that’s one thing that we have, a lot of guys that aren’t selfish. They care less about themselves, and it’s more about the team, and it shows. We don’t have one guy that’s playing good football. We have a bunch of guys that kind of step up and play some good football for you.”

(on what linebacker Jerod Mayo has brought to the team) “When Jerod came in, it wasn’t about, ‘Can he play?’ or, ‘Can he lead?’ The first day he came in, you could see right then and there that this guy was a leader. He had what it takes to run our defense. He had what it takes to be a younger leader for us. We had guys around for a long time that were there—like (former linebacker) Tedy Bruschi and more guys—but he got a chance to come in and learn the ropes from those guys. You see right away his mindset, his hard work, the passion he has for the game, and I always say he didn’t look like a rookie. When he came in, he didn’t act like a rookie, didn’t play like a rookie; it’s like he was always at this level, so that was better for us. It was definitely better for us, but I’ve seen Jerod grow from a player to a friend to a father, so he’s been growing. But like I said, it seems like when he first got here, he had all of those things already in order, like someone taught him the right way.”

(on his rookie season and how early trials shaped his career) “My rookie year, I had a bunch of guys around me, leaders and veteran guys. It was more of a veteran team, so new blood coming in—it wasn’t the easiest thing to come in on a team that had just won a Super Bowl against Carolina. Then all of a sudden, you’re drafted there, and the expectations are high. Just being able to see these guys work, what it takes to be a professional, just seeing the difference between college and pros—how they approach the game, and how they approach the week, time management, things like that—I got a chance to learn a lot early. But, I was always like that, my whole life. I always was a leader on the football (team) or a leader on the basketball (team) because of the passion I had for sports. It doesn’t change now. I still have love for the game. I still have a passion for the game. I think a good leader leads by example. I don’t think you need leaders all the time that talk. I think if you work hard and put everything you have into it, your younger guys will flock to you.”

(on the most athletic thing he does that surprises people) “Probably dunk a basketball. People look at me and are like, ‘He’s a butterball, he can’t.’”

(on if his excitement for the Super Bowl in increasing) “As an individual, for me, it’s slowing down for me with the media coming to town, getting ready to play, getting ready to practice—doing this, doing that— now all of that stuff is going to slow down a lot, and you get a chance to really focus in on your target, and that’s playing football. For me, that’s where I’m at. It’s a long week until gameday, and guys get anxious, but at the same time, we have to be able to take it one day at a time because you don’t want to get too amped. You don’t want to get too over the top, because we’re still a ways out. But for me, it’s slowing down now. It’s starting to slow down, and everything’s starting to get back to a normal week for us.

(on keeping a routine and if it helps maintain focus) “I think the more you can stay on a routine, the better it is. If you go outside and do something that you’re not used to doing, throw something in the schedule that you’re not used to doing, I think it will screw people up. This is a little different. We always have media, but we never have it before meetings, so this is not a big deal for us. I think going on to meetings, once we get into that meeting, we know exactly how it runs. We know the times. You’re not running around saying, ‘What do I have to do? Man I missed this.’ It’s not like that.”

(on his main concern about the Giants offense) “The running game. I think that’s probably one of the biggest threats. When you have three backs who can run the ball, you get 10 carries apiece from those guys. That’s 30 carries. That’s 30 carries, and (Brandon) Jacobs and (D.J.) Ware and (Ahmad) Bradshaw, those are some tough runners. I’ve faced all of them, and every last one them is a tough runner. I think defensively for us to be successful, we’re going to have to slow it down. If they come out and run the ball and we can’t stop them, we’re going to have a problem.”

(on Bill Belichick’s biggest strength as a coach) “I think Bill focuses a lot on the little things. He’ll sit in his office for hours and hours and hours and come out with one thing, and you’ll look at him like, ‘Are you serious? This is what we’re doing?’ But he always comes back to it. I don’t know what he does; it always comes down to that little thing that he gives us. I learned that as a rookie, just listen because this guy’s been around for a long, long time. Just listen and trust what he does. I’ve been doing it for eight years, so he hasn’t failed me yet. So, I’m going to continue to listen, and whatever he brings to the table, I’m sure he put a lot of thought into it, and I think it’s going to carry us a long way if we keep trusting in him because he keeps delivering.”

(on the drastic changes to the roster since they played in Super Bowl XLII) “I don’t really think about that. I think the biggest satisfaction I got this year was winning the AFC Championship. From the organization to the fans, to my teammates, coaches, we put a lot into it. We put a lot into it, and these guys deserve it. They worked their tails off all year. It wasn’t perfect, but nothing’s perfect.”

(on having success with so much roster turnover) “It just goes to show you, the coaches that we have, the guys that we bring in, understand their roles. We’ve probably got the best coaches out there. We believe that. We definitely believe that. We believe in what Bill (Belichick) teaches us. We believe in the coaching staff and what they teach us. That’s everything. When you can have a team that believes in what we’re doing and in what the coach is trying to get through to you… Sometimes it may be a no brainer, but if the team believes—because that’s one thing special about this team. They believe. They have a passion for it, the love it, and they believe.”

(on what he tells newcomers to the Patriots) “The first thing I tell them is you can’t think about yourself. In this organization, it’s all about the team, so if you can understand that, you’re okay. Guys that didn’t understand that, they had a problem, and they’re probably not here. But for the most part, these guys understand that and they come to work every day ready to work, ready to get better. That’s all we’re asking for.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - DEFENSIVE TACKLE KYLE LOVE - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:24:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on what this experience has been like so far) “It’s been exciting. (Coach Bill) Belichick is always telling us just to keep everything calm and cool, so that is what I have been doing. But this definitely will be a moment I will never forget.”

(on his attitude on and off the field) “I’d say that (I’m a pretty even-keeled person off the field). I turn into a whole other person on the field. I have been like this since middle school. Some people tell me to calm down a little bit, but I just love the game. I am excited making plays and watching other guys making plays.”

(on the multiple different personalities on the defensive line) “We all just try to work together. Our whole thing as a defense is just to try and gel, play together and play well, and feed off of each other. No matter what the mix is on the defensive line – whoever is in – we all have to trust each other and know what (one another) is going to do before we do it and just play hard.”

(on if veterans Vince Wilfork, Shaun Ellis or Mark Anderson have given him any hints for his play) “I would like to tell you, but I would like to keep those a secret. (Wilfork) will tell me just to play with heart. When you’re out there, play with heart. That’s all I want to do. That’s another thing about the defensive line – we don’t want to let each other down, so that’s why we play so hard for each other.”

(on his journey from being undrafted to playing in the Super Bowl) “Sometimes it seems that this isn’t real (having been) in the predicament that I was in. At the end of the day, God brought me this far and I continue to praise him for playing this game of football.”

(on what he personally took away from the Patriots/Giants game earlier in the season) “We just have to finish the game. Personally, I just have to play harder the entire game, because I started off kind of slow. I tell myself that I can’t allow that this game. I have to start from the beginning until the end. I have to play hard the whole game. When it comes down to the fourth quarter, Eli (Manning) is going to make plays, so we as a defense have to finish it. We didn’t do that last game, so we have to do that this game.”

(on when the fact he was playing in the Super Bowl sunk in) “It didn’t really sink in until we landed. The whole time we were back home I was like, ‘Man, we are going to the Super Bowl. This is wild,’ but I would like to say that now it (really) has sunk in, especially with (all) the media. This is crazy.”

(on if he ever could have imagined being here) “I never would have imagined this – playing football in the NFL – (having) not been drafted. It has just all come full circle. It is crazy to me. But to be here is a blessing. I enjoy playing for this team and playing my role as a player. Whatever Belichick asks me, (I’ll do). I have so much respect for him and I love this team.”

(on if getting after Manning is the most important element of their job this Sunday) “I would like to say that that is part one. Part two would be stopping the run. They have two good backs also. People aren’t really putting them in the mix. They are just talking about the pass attack and whatever, but they have two good running backs that can do some damage on the ground as well. So, stopping them and stopping (Manning) is key.”

(on if practicing in pads on Monday set a good tone for the week) “Definitely, definitely. That was a big move right there. We needed that. It got a lot of guys loose. We needed that. It was perfect timing.”

(on what their goals are throughout this week) “Treat nothing different – keep our bodies well, stay focused and keep practicing hard.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - DEFENSIVE END SHAUN ELLIS - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on if he is still disappointed with the way things ended with the Jets) “No, I’m over it. When things first started happening and they weren’t going to bring me back and how that went, it was disappointing. With an organization that you spent so long with and you put all your heart into it to get to this point that I am at now. For them to basically close the door, it was tough, but I forgave them. I have put it behind me. I understand that it is a business. I had to go out and find the best situation for me and I found it here as a New England Patriot, and I’m at the Super Bowl.”

(on how they fight colds that may come with this type of travel and with meeting so many people) “You just try to keep your hygiene up – keep your hands washed, use hand sanitizer, take your vitamins. You just try to stay on top of that so if you do get something, you have something in your system that is kind of working already.”

(on if they tell the younger players about keeping their hygiene up) “Definitely. It was something that was mentioned before we got here. Anytime you are in a group or a crowd of people, germs can fly. For us, guys have been doing a great job of staying on top of those types of things. For us, it’s a matter of taking care of yourself, taking care of your body. It’s going to be a physical weekend for us, so we have to make sure we are on all cylinders going out. Health is a huge reason in that.”

(on the joy of being a new father) “It’s a feeling you can’t explain - to have all of your kids look at you like you are their king. Just seeing them grow, run around and see the transformation that they make. It’s great. It’s something that I always wanted to have and I am fortunate enough to have kids. God is extremely blessing.”

(on how big it would be to win and avenge the loss in Super Bowl XLII) “It would be great. I wasn’t on that team, but just to go out and get a win, period. For us at the end to have one more point then they have, and to put a ring on our finger would definitely be a great ending to the story.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - SAFETY KENNY PHILLIPS - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:15:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on if he’s played in a three safety defense before) “No. First time ever, and it’s been working out so far.”

(on Giants head coach Tom Coughlin) “One thing with Coach Coughlin is he’s a disciplinary coach. He’s very consistent. You’re know what you’re going to get with him. You don’t have to worry about him switching up on you, so you know what to expect. You have to follow the rules, and that’s why I think a lot of guys respect him because he’s not all over the place. You’re going to get what you’re going to get, and a lot of guys adapt to it.”

(on another Miami alum, New England NT Vince Wilfork, being in the Super Bowl) “I was thinking the same thing. I’m wishing him the best of luck over there. It’s always good to see one of your Miami brothers doing well, and he’s doing a great job over there.”

(on covering the Patriots tight ends) “They’re big tight ends. They’re good tight ends. They do cause a lot of matchup problems for a lot of teams, but I think we’ve played a lot of great tight ends this season – Vernon Davis, Jimmy Graham – so we are kind of used to seeing these guys. It doesn’t matter if a safety or a cornerback or a linebacker covers them, it’s something that you’re doing. It will be a challenge, but I think we match up pretty good against them.”

(on New England TE Rob Gronkowski) “I think Gronkowski is really the true tight end. Hernandez, he’s really more like a receiver, so that’s pretty much how to treat him. As far as trying to cover those guys, you just have to be as physical as possible with them, especially Gronkowski. He’s coming off an ankle injury. You’re not going to intentionally try to hurt him, but the more physical you can be, I think it will help out a lot.”

(on covering the tight ends) “They spread them out. They use them like they’re receivers, line them up wide. They line them up at the No. 1 spot. They line them up in the slot. They try to make mismatch problems, but, like I said, I think we match up pretty well against them.”

(on what makes Gronkowski a challenge to cover) “He’s huge. He’s a big body, and he can run. He’s a physical guy and he can catch the ball really well. He’s definitely a match up problem for most, but I think we’re up for the challenge.”

(on if putting three safeties on the field provides assistance to covering the tight ends) “I think so because you get a bigger body on a tight end other than having to put a linebacker or maybe a corner on a guy like Gronkowski. You have a safety who can also play in the running game, play in the pass game. I think that’s the reason we’ve been kind of successful this year.”

(on if teams will go to a two tight end personnel group) “If you have the personnel, I think so. If you find two guys like they have, then I think you’ll give it a shot.”

(on the season’s turning point) “Our backs were up against the wall. The mistakes that we were making were minor. It was an easy fix, so once we all got it our head that we’re doing it ourselves, it’s not what the other teams were doing, it’s what we’re doing. We tightened up on defense, minded to the scheme, and we just started playing really good football.”

(on making big plays throughout the season) “Guys on this team, we have to continue to step up and make the play. It doesn’t matter who it is. It’s someone coming up big for us. Against the 49ers it was Jacquian (Williams). You never know what you’re going to get. Guys are playing hard. Whatever it be—special teams, defense—guys are trying to make a play.”

(on LB Chase Blackburn) “We had a lot of guys get hurt early in the season, so we had to move some guys around. Chase (Blackburn) came in. He knows the game, he knows the defense, and he just gave us the presence in the middle of the field. He’s been spectacular for us.”

(on the Super Bowl week) “It’s been truly a blessing. I’m just taking it all in and trying to enjoy it, enjoy the moments. Enjoy these moments because like the veterans have been saying, it’s hard to get here. Just take advantage of it, and just take it one day at a time.”

(on the Patriots offense) “It’s very different if you haven’t played against them before. We played against them earlier this season, so we kind of know what we’re looking forward to. They’re definitely a different team. With the personnel that they have, they can do a lot of different things. I think we’re up for the challenge.”

(on playing the Patriots during the regular season) “They didn’t run around crazy on us. I think the only time tight ends do anything special on us is when we play a lot of zone coverage. When we play zone coverage or man-to-man, whether it be linebacker, safety or corner, I think we do a good job on those guys. So, basically we’re just going to mix up the cover to give guys a different look.”

(on why they matchup well with the Patriots tight ends) “Because we have athletes on our team. They’re good players, but we’re not bad at all. If we were, we wouldn’t be in this position that we are now.”

(on if the Patriots tight ends get too much credit) “I wouldn’t say they’re getting too much credit because they deserve it. They’re both good players. They’re both great talents, but at the same time, we’re not too shabby over there. We’re good also.”

(on if he looks forward to the challenge of facing the Patriots tight ends) “Yes, I’m looking forward to Sunday.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - SAFETY DEON GRANT - ingles

2012-02-02T05:13:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on if he feels pressure covering the Patriots tight ends) “It’s hard for me to feel pressure about something that we did a good job with last time we played them. We know it’s going to be different, but it’s the same tight ends we faced the first time we played them when we had to play man-to-man on them. Did they get some yards? Did they get some catches? Of course they got some because they’re great tight ends. But at the same time, did we swarm down? Did we do things to them that a lot of other teams couldn’t do to them? Yes. So, nervous? Not at all. I don’t get nervous. I don’t care how good they are. Even if, God bless the dead, one of my favorites of all time, if they bring Walter Payton back and I have to face him or Barry Sanders – I think two of the greatest running backs in the game – I’m not going to be nervous. It’s just part of being competitive. But I do think they are great tight ends though.”

(on the injuries the Giants have sustained this season) “I think that might be the biggest highlight of the season – with the injuries, with the despair of us starting 6-2 and then losing four straight – is that we knew we had a lot of injuries; we knew we didn’t have a lot of key guys playing, a lot of young guys had to step up in a major role, and we never pointed a finger. We never pointed the finger saying it’s the coach’s fault. No, he didn’t do it. I never pointed a finger saying it was Antrel’s (Rolle) fault, saying that it was Corey’s (Webster) fault, the D-line’s fault. We stuck together and I think that brought us even closer together than we expected.”

(on the worst injury the team suffered) “There wasn’t one because we really didn’t think about it. If you look back, I was in the locker room, even when we were losing, we still came and did interviews and it was the same like, ‘Okay, this thing is going to turn around.’ That was one thing I always said and I kept confident. As long as we had an opportunity to still get into the postseason, we have a chance to turn this thing around and get back to doing what we were doing. We never really looked at one injury that was bigger than the other injury because we started off the season with probably the two biggest injuries you could have losing Terrell Thomas and Osi (Umenyiora) not starting out the season. That’s probably the two biggest keys to this particular defense. And then our first rounder (Prince Amukamara) missing the first 10 games. We never trumped one injury over the other one.”

(on if he ever got tired of losing players to injury) “No it didn’t. Even when we went and got Will Blackmon off the streets or whatever the case, and got Chase (Blackburn) – because they really weren’t playing with anybody so that’s why we call it off the streets – when we got Chase, it’s like, ‘Okay, at least we got somebody who knows the defense who can fill in.’ Once that he got in, we have to make sure that we embraced them in the right way that it doesn’t skip a beat. We’re here now.”

(on if they have a battle-tested mindset) “Oh yeah. It has to be. We never broke down and pointed fingers. There never was selfishness in the locker rooms or media rooms. It was more of if there’s a time we need to pull together as a group and be brothers, this is definitely the time. It happened before we played Green Bay. Even though we lost that game, we felt confident leaving that game like we were supposed to won. Even after we lost to Washington, we still had confidence like we could make things happen.”

(on where his friendship started with Patriots Defensive End Shaun Ellis) “It was before high school, back in the days of AAU basketball.”

(on how far apart they grew up) “Hours. He grew up in Anderson, South Carolina. I grew up in the Augusta, Atlanta area. It was hours away. But they used to come to Georgia and play AAU basketball and we used to go there and play AAU basketball.”

(on having a similar career path to college teammate Shaun Ellis) “It’s been similar as far as he’s still playing, I’m still playing and I think us two and Chad Clifton are the only three that are still playing from that same group as far as when we left the University of Tennessee. And that part was similar. And Shaun finally won a divisional championship. I think this was his first year in winning that. He didn’t have injuries, I didn’t have injuries. So I have to say yeah, we do have similar paths.”

(on where he came up with the expression ‘Where’s ‘Trel?’ in regard to Antrel Rolle) “It’s a lot of things mixed up. Like when I come in there, they call me the Godfather or Grandfather because when I come in the training room, I’m the only one saying, ‘Good morning everybody,’ and waking them up, I have the music going. So when I’m coming in, a lot of people here are talking about how ‘Trel is in the media, how ‘Trel is in the locker room. I know ‘Trel off the field also. ‘Trel is the type of guy who can get ready in two minutes. If it’s 10:30 and we’re supposed to be on the football field, he starts getting dressed at 10:27. He’s probably in his own zone, so when I walk in there, he’s nowhere to be found, I’m like ‘Where’s ‘Trel at?’ Everybody liked the way I started saying it, and I kept going, ‘Hey, we can’t go anywhere unless we have ‘Trel. Where’s ‘Trel at? Is ‘Trel in the building?’ So they ran with it. Everybody started saying it and they ran with it.”

(on if he remembers the first time Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell told him they were going to play three safeties) “Yeah. He came up to me before I signed and said that. Before I signed again last year, he told me that on the phone. He told me that the situation was, he was looking for Kenny (Phillips) to return and if not, it’s like he’ll have me so it’s a win-win situation. When Kenny returned, they were looking at ‘Trel (Antrel Rolle) to move around and play this or play that because he had played the corner. He liked a more physical nickel. He said, ‘So we can mix it up, have you and Kenny back there. Both of you are parallel to one another, so you all can play strong and free safety and we can rock ‘Trel down sometime and play sometime. You had been playing in the slot, playing the top tight ends throughout your career, so we can put you down sometime and leave ‘Trel in the back.’”

(on how crazy the idea of playing three safeties was) “I didn’t know it was going to be to this extent. But, I’ve been loving it because I love to be on the football field. There’s not a better feeling than being on the football field with the guys I’m on the field with. So I’ve been loving it, and it’s been working.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - SAFETY ANTREL ROLLE - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on having an impact with his speeches to teammates) “I think it definitely resonates with my teammates. It resonates with myself first and foremost. If it did put a spark to make people realize that this game is more throughout practice then so be it. My job has not been done, and my job is further yet from being done. I have to go out here and make sure that I take care of everything that I need to do and be the best player that I can come Super Bowl Sunday.”

(on if he ever doubted how good the team could be this season) “Absolutely not. That was a reason for my frustrations and my anger. Eli (Manning) is our guy. He is our leader, he is our quarterback. For another team to go out there and do what they did and us not retaliate, I think there was only one person who retaliated, which was Chris Snee. It lit a fire under my butt because he is a guy who we definitely have to protect. We go out there and we protect all of our brothers and that is the way I look at it. I don’t look at them as teammates, I look at them as brothers. If someone was going to go out there and cheap shot my brother, I know I would go out there and try to rip their head off. That was my frustration behind that.”

(on if he has tried to become more of a leader because Justin Tuck was injured) “I don’t know what Justin’s thoughts have been. I know he has been struggling with injuries and so forth, but I think he has done an exceptional job of doing the best he could and doing what he could while he could do it. As far as still being a leader, Justin will always be a leader in our locker room. Nothing is going to change whether he is healthy, whether he is hurt, his opinion will always be taken and we will always value his opinion as a team. I just say what I feel like needs to be said. None of my thoughts are premeditated and I never speak out of anger or frustration. I just say what it is on my mind if I think it will better help myself and my teammates, then I will say it.”

(on if he thinks he will speak to his teammates sometime before the game) “There is nothing that needs to be said at this point. We are here and this is our final resting ground, and our team is going to go out here and be the best team possible this Sunday. Everything that has been said that needs to be said is over and done with. Nothing needs to be said at this point.”

(on representing the University of Miami) “I think we all definitely represent the University of Miami and its tradition. We provide the league with a lot of intelligent and outstanding football players over the years. Hopefully, we are going to continue and pick that drive back up. We always represent the U. No matter where we are, whether it is in the streets, whether it is in church, whether it is on the football field – we always represent the University of Miami because that is where home is for all of us, even those who are not from there. It is a family-type atmosphere, and I think that is where we have shared the most blood.”

(on Head Coach Tom Coughlin being an old-school coach) “My first season I questioned a lot of things that Coach Coughlin was doing. After taking a step back and reflecting on all of it, I understand exactly why he is the way he is. I used to always wonder, I felt like he was always trying to turn us into men. Does he not know that we are men before we ever step on the football field here as a Giant? I used to ask myself questions like that. Once I matured enough and I took a step back, he is not trying to turn us into men, he is trying to help us become better men. That is something that I realize and that is something that I have taken on my shoulders and I am man enough to admit. I understand everything behind his discipline and his structure, it comes with a reason. Things are tough in New York and he has to be that way. He has prepared us for a bigger and brighter stage, which is the stage we are on right now. For us to come here and be able to handle all the press, all the media, all the festivities and things around us and our team has done an exceptional job doing that. I see it, I see it in our eyes that our focus is the game and the game only. I think that this is what he has been trying to prepare us for all year I long. He has just going about it in different ways.”

(on Head Coach Tom Coughlin creating a disciplined environment) “It wasn’t about discipline. I think it was more so about the little things. You know, socks and this and that. Like I said, I would just let all the little things get to me. I understand. It might not be about the socks to him. It might not be about getting there five minutes on time. It’s about a bigger and a brighter stage. I think that’s his purpose. I think us as a team, you know all men, definitely understands that purpose, and we are riding with him, no matter what.

(on adapting to living in New York) “This is a New York thing. I am in the New York swing of things right now. Honestly, it has taken me a little bit of time to get used to the living arrangements in New York, as far as space. Everything has to do with New York being so broad and so broadcasted. I can actually say that New York is my second home. Sometimes I find myself, every chance that I used to get to get to Miami, I would always take it. ‘I am going to Miami. I am going to Miami.’ Now I find myself [saying], I am going to hang out in New York for a little bit because New York is my home.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - SAFETIES COACH MATT PATRICIA - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:09:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on his goal for the game) “Obviously the Giants have a great offense right now. (Giants OC) Kevin Gilbride does an excellent job coordinating with them. Eli Manning is doing a phenomenal job at quarterback along with their offensive line whether it’s in the running game or protecting him. They are a really solid group, and have been working together for a long time. Obviously, it’s a tremendous challenge for us to get ready for a team like this with the skill players they have, the balance in the offense and the way they attack defenses. That’s kind of our main focus.”

(on how much he learns from the first meeting against the Giants this season) “I think you always try to look at all the games that you played against an opponent no matter who it is and try to analyze closely as well as the games throughout the season. It’s certainly part of your study.”

(on if he has watched every Giants game this season) “We try to make sure we watch all the snaps. Definitely.”

(on if he has watched a Giants game more than once) “I think we’ve probably seen a few snaps a couple times. Sometimes you do.”

(on how much the Giants have changed from the beginning of the season to now) “I think teams no matter who it is, or who you’re playing evolve throughout the year. That’s what you’re trying to figure out is where they’ve evolved to.”

(on the Giants running game statistically) “They’ve got a great running game. I’m not really hung up on stats or anything. I think we got to focus on doing a good job of just making sure we can defend what they do.”

(on the importance of statistics) “I think stats are for everybody else to get excited about and take a look at. We’re just trying to do a good job defending whatever our opponent is going to do that week.”

(on the defense evolving) “I think no matter what your coaching position defense, offense, special teams I think you’re trying to improve with that unit every week. I think that’s what we’re looking for is trying to get that steady improvement as we work through the season and now the postseason trying to get better every day, every week.”

(on the challenges of the Giants’ offense) “They obviously present a lot of challenges from the quarterback position to the run game to the pass game. I think all of it presents a big problem for us to try to stop it. They’re a great offense. They are really clicking right now and have had success so it’s a big challenge for us.”

(on the Giants style of play) “I think they do a good job understanding the balance of the game. If they can run the ball they’re going to run. If they need to throw, they are going throw. They do a good job of moving back and forth in between both aspects of the game. I think they really understand which is their strong point when they need to go to it depending on the game situation.”

(on what he notices from his defense over the last three or four games) “I think just in general what we are trying to do every game, every week is just try to improve. We have guys that work extremely hard. We are very fortunate to have guys that love the game, work hard at the game and will come in everyday and try to make themselves better. That’s what’s really been going on and hopefully we continue to do that.”

(on Vince Wilfork’s performance this year) “Vince has obviously had a great year for us, and is an extremely strong leader for us and someone we can count on a great deal. We are very fortunate to have a guy like that, lead our defense and guys can follow him and take his example up and try to emulate it.”

(on Brandon Spikes) “Brandon is another guy that’s trying to work hard every day, improve and get himself up to a high standard of play. Someone who is trying to come in and learn the defense to the best of his ability and just try to get better. He’s a big part in what we do and just try to get him better every day.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - SAFETY PATRICK CHUNG - Ingles

2012-02-02T05:07:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on the chemistry in the secondary) “Whoever is out there is going to play. Coach (Bill Belichick) has full confidence in whoever he puts out there. The (Giants) have a very good receiving corps. They have three different kinds of receivers that can make big plays. I think we have a good secondary. We matchup well. It’s going to be a battle. We have to try and contain them. We can’t stop all three, because they’re that good. We’re going to try and contain them and do the best we can.”

(on the defense growing from the beginning of the season) “We’ll be the underdogs and that’s fine. We’re just going to keep playing. You play with those guys for a number of games, you’re going to develop camaraderie and family. You are going to play by just making eye contact. People can say what they want to say. I think we’re good.”

(on the excitement of the week setting in) “Yes, it’s starting to set in, but you have to contain yourself. You have to save your energy and your excitement for after the game. We’re on a business trip. The first couple of days you have fun, go out and do what you need to do. When business time comes around it’s time to go. Right after (this press conference) is over, it’s back to business.”

(on getting the travel to Indianapolis out of the way) “Thankfully, we didn’t have to travel too far. It’s all out of our system and now it’s time to work. We have a couple of days to get ready for the Giants.”

(on the message from his veteran teammates) “Prepare like it’s a regular game. You can’t be too hyped. Some guys can be hyped the whole way through and some guys can relax. Composing yourself and preparing the same exact way you would for 20-some games. Take it as another football game. This one is called the Super Bowl.”

(on taking the lead from the veterans on the team) “You listen and watch the veterans. You see how they are walking and what their aura is. You feed off them. When you pay attention and learn from other guys who have been there, it’s going to make that transition so much easier for you.”

(on the difficulty of mixing and matching personnel in the secondary) “Not hard at all actually. (Matthew) Slater and (Julian) Edelman are good. Julian has the mentality that he can play any position. Slater played defensive back before he came back over. It hasn’t been that hard at all. They are in the same room learning the same things. They are on the same page. It hasn’t been that hard of a transition.”

(on Devin McCourty playing safety) “Devin is a baller. Wherever you put him, he is going to play. Coach (Belichick) has full confidence in him. “

(on the secondary feeling settled from the beginning of the season) “I feel we’re perfectly fine. People have their comments or whatever they think, but we’re fine. We’re a very good defense, a good secondary and we’re going to play hard.”

(on the area where Belichick is strongest in coaching) “It’s overall game planning and getting his players to play better. It’s getting guys to know concepts and defenses. He tries to teach his players how to play the game in his mind. It’s more than just the players on the field. It’s the coaches on the field as well who can call out plays and know what’s coming before an opponent lines up. As far as everything, he makes us play better and he can do it fast and easy.”

(on Belichick being as good as advertised) “I figured that before I got here. You hear stories about coach and he has that straight face and he wants to win. When I got here, it was the same exact thing. He’s cool and very laid back. He’s kind of funny on the low. He just wants to win. He could care less about who you are or what you did. He just wants to win.”

(on what makes Bill Belichick funny) “He’s low key and undercover. It’s those low-blow, funny jokes. You could say he has humor like Popeye.”

(on parody in the NFL) “Anything can happen in the NFL. You have to come ready to play a Super Bowl team every game. Even if they are not the Super Bowl type, you have to pretend that they are a Super Bowl team.”

(on focusing on the rest of the week) “It’s go-time. We have four days to get ready for a very good team. (The Giants) are getting ready for a very good team. It’s grind time and it’s time to go hard.”

(on what the Patriots need to specifically focus on when preparing for the Giants) “Everything. I can honestly say everything. They have a good receiving core, good tight ends, running backs who can break tackles and a quarterback who is on fire. When you add all of those up, you have a dangerous team.”

(on what will be going through his head prior to the start of the Super Bowl) “I can’t call it right now, but in my mind it’s just a regular game. You have to play like it’s a regular game. It’s just the Super Bowl. We’re going to attack it like it’s the Super Bowl, but it’s a football game when it comes down to it.”

(on having a Super Bowl dream) “Everybody has a dream. They want to have that game-changing play that makes a difference. I play the game in my head a thousand times. On the plane and here at media day. I play the game in my head because you have to visualize what you do.”

(on the result of the game when he plays it in his head) “Usually I’m back-peddling, reading the quarterback and then I intercept (the pass). Usually I think about the calls and the formations they’ll be in. You make your calls and see how the play (results). You sit down in a pitch black room with no TV and play the game in your head.”

(on what a Super Bowl victory would do for the legacy of the Patriots) “It would feel awesome. That will be tagged on your name for the rest of your life. It’s just a blessing to be here, but to win it would be crazy. I’m getting chills talking about it. But, we have to play hard, we can’t just talk about winning. We have to play a very good team.”

(on being a part of the Patriots and building on the legacy) “You have to keep playing and try to keep the legacy. That’s as much as I can say. The legacy has been going on for a while and I just got here. The guys coming in have to keep that going and keep working. We have to keep the New England area proud.”

(on the reality of winning the Super Bowl) “We’re playing a very good team so we won’t know until the end of the game when the clock hits zero. They are coming here to win too and I will never take that from them. It’s going to be a hard fought game. This is the big show and we’re both here to dance.”

(on what it would mean to him to be a Super Bowl champion) “It’s not just Patrick Chung, but it will feel good to all of us. All of the young guys coming in who get to experience the wins like some of the veterans did would be amazing.”

(on Belichick’s message to the team this week) “Business. We’re here to play a game. Enjoy the festivities, have fun, soak it up, but when business time comes around, it’s time to work.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - LINEBACKER MICHAEL BOLEY - Ingles

2012-02-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on a turning point this season) “Not one thing in general, but it was a group of things, guys taking time out to make sure that the little things we were messing up on are corrected, guys taking the attitude of not having a letdown again.”

(on if better execution contributed to the turnaround) “There’s no doubt. That all goes back to attention to detail throughout the course of the year. We had our gameplan. We were buying into what (Head) Coach (Tom Coughlin) was giving us, but at times, we were not executing. That kind of led to a lot of the big plays that we gave up throughout the season.”

(on things coming together during the Jets game) “I think things started with the big play by (WR Victor) Cruz during that game. We were kind of up and down, up and down, and I think that big play by Cruz kind of gave us that spark that kind ignited the fire for us.”

(on if his athleticism made him an attractive prospect out of college) “There’s no doubt. Coming out, I believe that I had some good success in college being that I only played three years. I felt that I did pretty good. My athleticism kind of helped me get to the point that I was.”

(on New England’s tight ends) “What do you want to know about them? They’re all top-notch tight ends, and, obviously, the first one we played in the playoffs, he’s been doing it for a long time. That’s (Atlanta’s) Tony Gonzalez, and we were able to come out and do a good job against him, not just myself. We threw a lot of different combinations at him and were able to be successful in the same thing—kind of one-one—with (Green Bay’s Jermichael) Finley and Vernon Davis and (Delanie) Walker up in San Fran(cisco). We kind of, along with myself—(LB)Jacquian (Williams), (S) Deon (Grant), (S) Antrel (Rolle), (S) Kenny (Phillips)—all five of us pretty much step up and get involved with those guys.”

(on how New England’s tight ends compare to the ones they faced previously in the playoffs) “I’m not going to say much different. Each one of them kind of possessed some of the same qualities of each of the tight ends that we faced throughout the course of the playoffs.”

(on what playing in the Super Bowl means to him) “This one means a lot just because it’s my first one. For a lot of guys, you never know, it could be your only one. This is the one game that a lot of guys live their whole life for. This is the dream you play your life for, so to finally make it, it means a lot.”

(on sacking New England quarterback Tom Brady) “For us, we just want to get pressure on him. If we get sacks, we get sacks, but for the most part, we just want to make sure that we keep guys in his face and make sure that he doesn’t have clean looks down the field.”

(on what he has learned from this postseason experience) “I’ve learned a lot about our team, just about the fight and the will that we have as a unit. We’ve had some bend-but-don’t- break moments throughout these playoffs, and it says a lot about our team.”

(on what New York’s four defensive end scheme does for him as a linebacker) “I think it benefits us as a whole defense. The things that our front does kind of complement what we do in the back end.”

(on if the four defensive end scheme changes what the linebackers do) “Not at all. The things that I do, or the things that the linebacking corps, the things that we do, it’s not going to change based on what they do up front.”

(on Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell) “He brings a lot. He brings a lot of fire and intensity to our room, to our whole group. Throughout the course of the year, he’s put together some great gameplans. We came out and executed those, especially throughout these playoffs against some very good teams.”

(on New England’s offensive line) “They do a good job with the things they do, especially protecting their passer. They’ve got some good guys at the tackle position to kind of keep guys from coming off that edge unabated, but they’re a good, solid O-line.”

(on who stands out as the vocal leader of the defense) “It’s not just one guy. We do a good job. We’ve got a lot of veteran leaders on our defense, so for us to be able to actually have that, just so that everyone’s not looking around (for) just that one person saying, ‘This is our leader. We need something from him.’ We’ve got a whole group of guys that can step up and assume that role.”

(on if there is any added motivation when facing an elite quarterback) “Not really. For us, it’s about getting to the quarterback, period, regardless of who it is. At times during the year, we had a stretch where we weren’t really getting much pressure on guys. For us, that really showed that we need this pressure in order for us to achieve what we want to do.”

(on if it is difficult to have strong practices this week because of the different routine) “No, it’s not difficult. For us, this is business as usual, so we’re going to make sure we come out here and keep grinding as usual.”

(on the team’s chemistry) “Very tight. We’ve come a long way from game one this year. I think at the beginning of the year, we were still trying to find our identity—who we are as a team. Obviously, it took us a while, but we found it.”

(on how the team’s chemistry became so strong) “Just everybody making that conscious effort to make sure that we’re all on the same page. Even early on in the season, we showed flashes of what we can be as a team. At times, we didn’t, so toward the end of the year, everything kind of came together, and here we are.”

(on what his focus will be two minutes before the game) “Two minutes before the game, in my head I’m just going through our gameplan, making sure everything is right.”

(on whether he has Super Bowl nerves) “No. It’s the next game. It’s the one we dream about, so there’s no time to be nervous.”

(on DE Chase Blackburn’s return to the line up late in the season) “It was great having a veteran guy who has been in the league for a while being able to come back and basically pick up where he left off. He’s been a guy that even throughout my short time here has—whenever we needed someone—he’s been that guy to hop in there and fill in. He’s done a great job for us, and I’m glad we got him back.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - LINEBACKER MARK HERZLICH - Ingles

2012-02-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on a conversation he had with his father when he was diagnosed with cancer) “I looked at my dad and said, ‘Dad, we are going to beat this and I’m going to play again.’ He looked at me and he believed me. He was probably the only one that believed me at the time, but we did it together.”

(on his role of ‘playing for the enemy’ because he went to Boston College and grew up a Philadelphia Eagles fan) “It’s kind of interesting because I have had so many different split loyalties from fans and people telling me all the time that, ‘I hate the Giants, but I hope you do well.’ It’s cool because it extends farther than just a football base. In terms of me, I have a loyalty with the Giants. I love Boston and I love Philadelphia because they became my second homes. On Sunday and when we prepare for the football game, it’s all about the Giants.”

(on his current medical schedule after beating cancer) “I go every four months right now. I will be at my three year mark since my diagnosis in May, then it will start going to every six months. After five years it will go to every year. I will get check-ups the rest of my life just to make sure nothing has come back.”

(on if he ever thinks about the possibility of his cancer coming back) “When I’m driving to the doctor’s office because I have to go and get MRI’s and CT scans. I get the tests done and then we sit in the doctor’s office to wait for the results. I don’t think anything is coming back, but when you are waiting there for the results you never know what could happen. It gets a little stressful.”

(on fighting injuries this season) “Yeah, this has definitely gotten me down a little bit. If you are a competitor, if you are a fighter, if you are a football player you want to play in every game and you want to play every snap. I think that fire hasn’t left my bones just because of what I have been through. I still want to be out there making plays all the time. When I was injured and had to watch the guys out there and couldn’t play, I was so happy for them and happy that we were winning and so happy about our success, but I wanted to be more of a part of it.”

(on how he would differentiate the football pain versus a recurrence in cancer pain) “I remember what the pain felt like from the cancer and it was a very distinct, sharp, random pain. I haven’t had that feeling since and I hope I don’t again. If that type of pain comes about I think I will be more cautious and more ready to get it checked out than I would have before. The pain you get during football is muscle fatigue and soreness. You can tell when you break a bone or get a muscle pull and it was kind of a deeper kind of pain the way the cancer felt.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - LB JEROD MAYO - Ingles

2012-02-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on preparing for the game) “I’ve been watching film for a long time now. They’re playing good football right now, running the ball, passing the ball, so you’ve just got to try to take away some of the weapons. You’ve got to try to contain them. I don’t know if you can really just stop them all together because (Giants QB) Eli (Manning) is hot right now. The running backs are running the ball well, the offensive line is blocking well, so we’ve just got to do a good job trying to contain them.”

(on trying to contain the offensive weapons the Giants have) “They’re clicking on all cylinders. It’s like, ‘What do you do? Who do you take away?’ Do you try to take the run game away and then you open up passing lanes and you try to take the pass game away and then you have (RB Ahmad) Bradshaw and (RB Brandon) Jacobs and (RB D.J.) Ware running the ball, so it’s like what do you do?”

(on the team’s mood) “I think this team is ready to go. Everyone is working hard. Yesterday after media day I saw guys in there watching film and they’re still studying to prepare for this game. I think the sense of urgency is there and we’ve just got to keep it going.”

(on if he’s enjoying the atmosphere) “Definitely, but we’re not out here to go to all the festivities and concerts and things like that. We’re out here to win a football game. That’s our mindset. Even though we have a young team, we have a focused team, a hungry team ready to go.”

(on some Giants players predicting victory) “To be honest with you, they’re a great team. They wouldn’t be in this game if they didn’t have a good team. It’s good to have that type of confidence. That’s their opinion and we’ll play the game on Sunday.”

(on the mindset today after an off day yesterday) “It’s go back to work and pick up where we left off. Guys were still studying yesterday, so it wasn’t a true off day. I think guys really know that this is a big game. The sense of urgency is there, and everyone is ready to go.”

(on keeping the routine similar to the routine all season) “Obviously this isn’t normal right here, but at the same time we’re pretty much isolated from everyone. They set it up so it’s just like our complex pretty much. We feel comfortable in the hotel and comfortable watching film here and practicing.”

(on if the team is excited to play) “It’s like counting down days before Christmas. Guys are very excited and anxious to get on the field.”

(on if keeping the routine the same plays a big part in preparation) “Definitely. I think the coaches have done an excellent job making it feel like home and making everything the same except for things like this, obviously. We’re ready to go, we’re ready to rock, and doing the same things we would be doing if we were back in Foxborough.”

(on how Head Coach Bill Belichick has organized the week) “Meeting rooms are the same. Meeting times are the same. He’s still getting on us about little things, and that’s the way we like it.”

(on other linebackers he looks up to) “I’ve always been a big fan of (former Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB) Derrick Brooks my entire career. He was a great linebacker who could do it all; cover, he could tackle, play the run, do it all. Also (Baltimore Ravens LB) Ray Lewis. Obviously the career that he’s had is a great career and he’s a great player.”

(on if his body feels better after a bye week) “Definitely the body feels better. We’re getting guys back healthy and it’s huge. This will be our third bye week, right? We had the first round bye, we had the regular bye week, and now this one. So guys are getting back healthy and it’s always good to have that extra week of preparation.”

(on learning from the group of linebackers before him) “I didn’t feel pressure at all. I was fortunate enough, like you said, to come in with (Tedy) Bruschi, Junior (Seau) was here, Rosevelt Colvin. All those guys really took me under their wing. I really didn’t have to do too much. I just had to be a sponge and learn as much as I could from those guys, and they taught me a lot.”

(on how he was able to adjust to the level of play in the NFL so quickly) “I think it came from my upbringing. My grandfather always taught us about work ethic, and then coach John Chavis at Tennessee taught me how to study film and break down film and be a professional. He’s a great coach.”

(on his expectations prior to being drafted and if they’ve been met) “To be honest with you, the year before I got here they won 18 games and lost in the Super Bowl. It’s like, you go first round to a team that won 18 games, it’s no pressure. If they need me to come in and play on special teams and that’s it, I was willing to do that. This is everything I expected. Great owner, great coaches, great teammates, and no selfish players on this team and I like it like that.”

(on the Patriots finding key contributors that went undrafted) “I think that’s just a testament to the scouting department and Coach Belichick just finding guys that no one else wants. He brings us all here for a reason and that’s to win football games.”

(on getting motivated for the game) “Any time you’re playing with an extra chip on your shoulder, it’s huge. That extra motivation can go a long way, and then it’s the Super Bowl on top of all that. I think guys are ready to go and guys are focused on the game.”

(on the role that former teammate Tedy Bruschi played in his development) “A huge role. I learned a lot from Bruschi not only on the field, but off the field as well. He’s a huge figure in the Boston area, in the New England area, in the community and he’s a great player. I learned a lot about studying film from him. All the things that he’s done, it’s hard to even think about matching what he’s done for the community.”

(on if he’s glad to really be getting down to the game plan) “Definitely. I’m ready to start tightening down all the loose nuts and bolts and get this game plan in cement and see what we can do on Sunday.”

(on if he’s worried about Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning helping his brother Eli prepare for the game) “To be honest with you, I’m not worried at all. We’re going to go out here and prepare like any other game. Peyton is a (University of Tennessee) Vol, so hopefully he’ll take it a little easy on me. I know they’re probably breaking down film together, but they’re great quarterbacks. Eli is playing as good as anyone is right now, and he’ll be a tough challenge for us.”

(on the evolution of the tight end position) “I’m not sure, to be honest with you. I think sometimes tight end is a forgotten position, but now everyone is kind of looking towards them and they’re making a lot of plays deep down the middle of the field and spreading them out, moving them to different positions, and I think it’s been huge for the game.”

(on if it’s difficult to cover tight ends) “Well, in the deep part of the field, sometimes it is when you have a tight end streaming down the middle and have two good wide receivers on the outside. It’s like, ‘Who do you take away?’”

(on being a team leader) “To be honest with you, I didn’t come in here trying to be a leader or anything like that. I just try to lead by example and go to work every day, bring my hard hat. I’m a blue collar kind of guy, so I just like to put in the hours and put in the work and hopefully guys follow.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - LINEBACKER BRANDON SPIKES - Ingles

2012-02-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on his style of play) “I haven’t changed my game one bit. I approach the game every time like, ‘Just play hard,’ like every snap is my last.”

(on if his experience in national championship games helps in this atmosphere) “Yeah, I think so. Every year in my career I always want to show in the big dance and the big game. I think as far as me and all the stuff the Super Bowl offers is you got to try to soak it in and make sure you don’t get your emotions too riled up and make sure guys know at the end of the day we’re here on a business trip. We came here to win this ballgame.”

(on playing with a lot of emotion in the Super Bowl) “I just feel like I’m caged up right now, pacing back and forth waiting. I’m ready. It’s hard to explain. Like I said, I’m enjoying all this, you guys. It’s fun; it’s a great experience. It’s something I can tell my kids a long time from now.”

(on what challenges the Giants running backs present) “I think personally they can anytime take it the distance. We’re just got to contain and make sure we got guys at each position that can do it all. It can pop, anytime so we’ve got to do a great job of just containing and being fundamentally sound and everyone just hitting their assignments, being in the right place.”

(on what he can do as a linebacker to help contain the Giants receivers) “I think as far as disguise and making sure Eli (Manning) can’t really tell what we’re in if we’re blitzing or in base defense.”

(on if it’s challenging to enjoy the moment here) “Me personally, I don’t think so. Throughout my career I’ve had a lot of schedules being in the big show. High school, college, I always played in a big game. With those experiences, they helped me out a lot.”

(on the Giants’ offensive weapons) “I think we want to get after Eli (Manning) first of all, because he runs the show. They don’t give him enough credit. He’s a big, physical guy; he’s tough. He gets up after you knock him down. He just runs a tight ship. He does a great job so he’s the guy we have to try to get off track.”

(on if he is undefeated with the pink suit) “Undefeated with the pink suit. I had it in high school. The time I didn’t wear it was against Alabama. The cleaners closed early.”

(on the rules protecting offensive players) “I just do business. You’re playing football. This is a violent sport. I think the fans and everybody should understand that. You know what you’re getting out here. It’s like gladiators out here. Now it’s changing but like I said, I do business. It is what it is.”

(on if he ever thinks about his body physically after his career) “To be honest with you, I’m going to play the game as long as I can play. I don’t know no other way.”

(on his first sit down before being drafted with Bill Belichick) “We had a pretty deep conversation. He called me and was like ‘We drafted you in the second round.’ He said, ‘Don’t worry about it. I know you’re a hell of a player. I know you’re probably upset because you slipped but whatever.’ That was good for me just to hear him tell me that I was going to be a great player as long as I work every day and get better and better. I just feel like everything worked out perfect. Everything happens for a reason. Look at me today.”

(on if it bothered him that he slipped in the NFL Draft) “Of course. You go to college, you get up every morning, five o’clock, you’re grinding, you want be the best of the best. I just felt like I played so hard. I put my whole heart into this game and I felt like it was overlooked. Bill (Belichick) gave me a chance and I play hard every day.”

(on his reputation before being drafted) “I think it was all about the 40 yards in a straight line. It is what it is. I’m not regretting anything that happened.”

(on if Bill Belichick asked about his eye gauging incident in college) “He hasn’t, but a lot of coaches are like ‘yeah, we want that.’ I’m not going to say no names. We’re on the defense. I’m going to try to do all means to try and hurt you. That’s how I play. I play violent, physical and I feel like if I don’t play like that they’re going to do it to me.”

(on the praise he gets from the coaches) “I’m honored to hear that. I’ve been playing this way since I can remember. Parents at games were saying he’s too old, he’s hitting too hard, we want to see his versatility. I thought it was funny, but I was watching just the older games on the NFL channels back in the day. Guys that played my position, that’s how they played. They tried to rip your head off. I just try to move my game after that. That’s all I know.”

(on his involvement in the Patriots’ defense) “Anytime my number is called I just want to come in and get the job done. I want my teammates to know that. No matter what they can depend on me. When #55 is in the game they know he’s going to do whatever he’s got to do to get it done. They know I’m trying to make plays, trying to be a difference maker.”

(on being injured) “Mentally it just drained me. Every day you got to be up early getting treatment. It ain’t like you’re getting treatment getting ready to practice. It’s just a slow process watching film with your teammates. You’re seeing them on film every day. You don’t get to see yourself. It just kind of became depressing after a couple weeks went by. Like I said, with those guys supporting and pushing me like they did…get better, do whatever you got to do. That kind of helped me with that whole process.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - KICKER LAWRENCE TYNES - Ingles

2012-02-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on making a game-winning kick in the Super Bowl) “In this game, it would be huge. It would mean that we’re world champs. You just have to prepare yourself that it’s going to come down to you and really focus in on just your routine and stick to it. Hopefully, everything goes well.”

(on what his transition to the United States from Scotland was like) “It was pretty easy. I always loved playing soccer as a kid. All my buddies were obviously growing up here and loved American football. By the time I was a senior, they had convinced me to play football. I am glad I did, because the only reason I did it was to hang out with my buddies in practice.”

(on overcoming adversity in the regular season and reaching the Super Bowl) “We all know it’s about the team that gets hot. Our last two weeks, we were hot, and we got in and made a little bit of a run. The Packers did it last year. We did it in ’07-’08. Listen, when you get to the postseason, everyone is 0-0. We feel like we’ve kind of come together more as a team. It’s a testament to the locker room, the coaches. It’s a great group of guys, just like I’m sure New England’s is. You don’t get this far without chemistry. It’s two great teams, two great organizations.”

(on what he is telling the guys who have never played in a Super Bowl) “To take it all in, because you never know when you are going to get back. But at the same time, it does require a little bit more focus with, obviously, the distractions like this (media session). Some of your schedule is a little bit different this week, obviously with practice going later and this (media session). You really just have to dial it in and get your mind right. After yesterday, all the fun should be over.”

(on being the underdog) “I am fine with that. Listen, we thrive in that position. The guys in this locker room have great character. If we’re the underdogs, we’re fine with that.”

(on making two game-winning field goals in NFC Conference Championship games) “It’s very rare. To have one and to even have two, it’s a little bit of déjà vu. To get the chance to do it twice is pretty cool.”

(on the nerves that a kicker goes through) “I am only human. I get nervous. I am not a robot, but I certainly know how to deal with them. That’s what kind of separates guys. It’s if you can deal with the pressure and the nerves. Everyone gets nervous, and if they say they don’t, they are telling a lie. You just have to handle it. You learn through preparation, my practice. I have great confidence in what I am doing. I don’t feel like when I go out there I should think anything other than making the kick.”

(on the importance of preparation) “What I do in practice this week is going to be the exact same thing I do on Sunday. I am the only player that can do that. Me, Zak (DeOssie) and Steve (Weatherford), we are going to snap, we’re going to kick, we’re going to hold, we’re going to punt. These other guys, they don’t know what formation they are going to get, what players. We know what we are going to do, and we should be really good at it.”

(on knowing that the game could come down to him) “You have to prepare for it, but, obviously, I am ready for it. I feel like I have been around long enough. I have played in some big games, especially with this team. You have to mentally prepare yourself every week to play or to make a kick. I feel like this week will be no different.”

(on if he likes being known as a clutch kicker) “Sure. Anything positive is always good. It’s better than the alternative. Certainly, I do appreciate that. I respect my teammates. That’s the thing you want to do is have the respect of your teammates. So, that’s really all I am concerned about.”

(on the team’s confidence) “We’ve won five single-elimination games in a row, and that’s going to breed confidence. We feel like we have a great locker room. We have great players. Our chemistry is really good right now, and we care about one another. You know what, we will go out there and put it all on the line on Sunday and see how it works out.”

(on if the group of specialists – DeOssie, Weatherford and himself – are as good a group as he has been with) “Probably the best-looking three we have ever had. (laughing) It’s a good group. I really enjoy working with them, but I don’t want to undermine anyone else that has played with me. But I feel like we are a group that can be great now and even better down the road because we still have a lot of football left.”

(on if he thinks continuity amongst the specialists is important) “I think it simplifies a lot of stuff. We are playing in the Super Bowl, and I don’t want guys to think they have to go out and play better than they have played, because then you start making errors. If we just continue to do what we did to get here, we are going to be alright.”

(on how he first got into football) “My very first experience was when I was in P.E. (physical education) class my 11th grade year of high school. My P.E. teacher was our defensive coordinator. They needed a kicker, and he said, ‘Lawrence, can you come out here and kick?’ I said, ‘Certainly.’ He knew I was a good soccer player, so I went out to the baseball field, he throws his keys down in front of where I was going to kick, and he said, ‘Kick the ball and pick my keys up.’ Just to keep my head down. Ironically enough, I went to spring football going into my senior year. I went to spring training, and I haven’t stopped since. It’s pretty weird how it worked out.”

(on if the kickers have become more valued as leaders recently) “A little bit. Me and Zak (DeOssie) are on the eight-man leadership committee of this team. I feel like just the way we handle our business, we take care of what we need to do on the field, and we work hard. You say little as a specialist, (but) a lot of young guys like to talk to us because we are older players. But I understand what these guys go through, and for me to bitch and complain about a sore (quadriceps) or something would be ridiculous because these guys are putting it on the line every week. I think you are seeing more captains, obviously, and more leadership from this position because guys respect what we do. It’s not an easy job, and there are only 32 of us in the world that do it.”

(on how the curfews compare to the last Super Bowl the team was in) “They were supposed to be later, but we nixed it. As a group, (we) decided we don’t need to be out. This is a little bit different than where we were last time because we were so far out in Glendale. We just thought – and everyone agreed as a team – that this is a business trip, and we’re just going to go to sleep, wake up, go to work and do the same thing.”

NEW YORK GIANTS PRESS CONFERENCE - OFFENSIVE TACKLE DAVID DIEHL - Ingles

2012-02-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on facing the Patriots once again in the Super Bowl) “You’re talking about a completely different football team that has less than 15 guys on the roster from the last game. You can compare more to the game that we played this season more than you can Super Bowl XLII. At this point in the year I think the New England Patriots are a better football team than we played this season, but I also think we’re a better football team than we were at that point in the year. We’re excited to be here and get back to work today because this is a business trip for us. All this stuff is great, but none of it is worth it if you don’t go out and play your best football.”

(on the turning point in the season) “I think we always believed in one another and knew that we had the talent in the room. The real turning point for our football team was sitting there at 7-7 with two games left in the season and controlling your own destiny. When your back is up against the wall, when people on the outside looking in say there is no opportunity, that there is no chance, we really rallied together as a football team.”

(on the Patriots defensive front) “I think No. 1, people get so wrapped up in numbers, people get so caught up in those things but I think their front is playing the best that they’ve played all year. Vince (Wilfork) is a guy who doesn’t leave the field right now, and he’s playing his best football I think I’ve seen him play in his whole career. People look at these guys and they think they’re so big and heavy that they’re just slugs and they’re not moving but they apply pressure to the quarterback, they can penetrate gaps, and they can control two offensive linemen and the linebackers run free to make plays. I think that they’ve become a better unit, they create turnovers and I think the way they play their best is with those big guys in the middle, they’ve got (Rob) Ninkovich and (Mark) Anderson on the outside that want to get upfield and get Eli (Manning) to step up and that’s where those big guys press the pocket. So going into this one, I know we’ve got our work cut out for us. They are a very, very good group but we believe in one another, we believe in our game plan going into this one and I think we’re up to the challenge.”

(on offensive lineman Chris Snee) “It starts with Chris when you’re talking about a true professional. The way that he approaches the game breaking down film, and being an offensive lineman it’s about being tough and gritty and he’s a guy that will play through injuries and do what he has to do. He’s a guy that you are going to have to drag off the football field, and I think that’s the blue collar mentality that we have as an offensive line. We know that in order for us to have a good offense we have to be the strength, and I think as the season has progressed we’ve continued to fight and fight and fight and we’re playing our best football.”

(on playing in Indianapolis) “It’s nice to be back in the Midwest, growing up in Chicago, playing at (the University of) Illinois, it does mean a lot. It means my family can all come to the game; they can come support me like they have since I was a little kid running around Chicago playing sports. Those were the people that loved me and supported me long before I was an NFL football player, or a left tackle in the Super Bowl.”

(on why the Giants are better now than they were early in the season) “We’re a battle-tested group. When our backs were against the wall, and the only thing we could do was come out swinging and go back to work I think we did that as a team. You’ve seen the progress that we’ve made, but most importantly I think you’ve seen a team come together even stronger. It’s not just offense or defense winning games, its special teams contributing, and I think you’ve seen the excitement of all of us on the sidelines. That’s how we’ve been winning football games.”

(on the keys to finishing the season strong) “Getting guys back, getting guys healthy at the right time is always a huge thing in the NFL, but this game is so much about attitude and your mental belief in one another. Most importantly, it is the business like attitude that we’ve been taking.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - GUARD CHRIS SNEE - Ingles

2012-02-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on Eli Manning’s evolution as a quarterback) “I think, just like any player, you learn from mistakes each year. You break down yourself: What did I do wrong? What can I get better at? I’m sure that’s what he does in depth. He watches a lot of film and he is extremely competitive, so I’m sure he’s harder on himself than anyone else. I’m sure at the end of this year he’ll go back and take notes on what he needs to fix.”

(on expecting Eli to be “elite” from the beginning of his career) “Well I think when you’re a quarterback that’s the role that most assume you should be. He has been that leader from the moment he started. I never questioned his leadership. I think he has been an outstanding leader since day one.”

(on the first time he met Eli) “We got drafted the same year so it was our rookie minicamp. It was a brief introduction and meeting. I was very quiet back then and we were both rookies trying to learn our way around. It was brief.”

(on Bill Belichick saying Snee played well in Super Bowl XLII ) “I approach it as another game. I don’t really feel like I played an exceptional game. Then again, I’m very hard on myself, but it is a compliment to take from him.”

(on the Patriots blitzing a lot in Super Bowl XLII and what they will do this game) “That’s the thing, we don’t know. You never know what’s going on up there. I’m sure they will take notice as to what’s working against us these past two weeks, and what has gotten pressure on Eli. I’m sure it will surface again in this game.”

(on how the Patriots compare to teams the Giants played in the playoffs) “I think right now they are playing as well as any team. They have won 10 games in a row coming into this game so they are playing well. Their defense has taken a lot of hits but they are playing some really good football right now. It will be a tough challenge for us to put points on the board but we are going to have to because we know how explosive they are on offense. “

(on the comparison of the Giants regular season and playoff defense and which)will show up) “The playoff one. They have done a good job with not giving up points throughout the year. They were kind of middle of the pack in that. They know how to stop you when you get down there. You have to go off the playoff intensity and atmosphere. So you go off the most recent (performance).”

(on what winning the Super Bowl would mean) “We all have our role as a team so it would be special to get this win. Period. To share it with guys that have put a lot of hard work in would be amazing.”

(on if he liked the Patriots while at Boston College) “The Patriots? No. I was a Bears fan growing up. I liked (Mike) Singletary for a while. Neil Anderson, who was a running back, and then towards the end of my high school career I liked (Brian) Urlacher. I saw him in the preseason. I have seen him quite a few times throughout my career.”

(on how he approaches being a guard in the NFL) “You rely on your instincts when you get to the game. That’s why you watch all the film. That’s why you practice. When it comes to game time you just let your instincts take over.

(on what position he wanted to play in college) “I wanted to play offense. A lot of the colleges wanted me for defense. Even when I got to BC, there were discussions going on about where I would play.

(on where he got his drive to play) “My father didn’t play football but my parents work extremely hard and my dad puts in a lot for (work) hours. My mom has a full time job and she would come home and take care of four kids and that was not easy. I get my work ethic from them. I’ve always been a competitive person. I’m from an area where everyone would kind of laugh and think it was not possible to get here (to the Super Bowl).”

(on his hometown rooting for the giants) “I have felt (support) throughout my career. In college I got more and more people supporting me and when I got drafted the whole town became Giants fans. It has been fun. I love going home. I love telling them all the stories.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - TACKLE NATE SOLDER - ingles

2012-02-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on if he knows if he’ll start on Sunday) “We just all prepare as if we’re going to start, so we’re all ready.”

(on the differences between playing LT and RT) “The nice thing is that it’s been kind of that way all year, so I’ve had plenty of reps on either side, which is nice. It’s an easy thing to do, but when you’ve had plenty of practice it’s definitely doable. It’s something you get used to.”

(on whether he’ll play multiple positions Sunday) “All season they’ve kind of asked me to be at different spots and be prepared in several different areas, and that’s kind of the role I’ve taken on. I embrace it.”

(on having periods of dominance and also periods of inconsistency) “Like I said before, it’s a learning process. It’s my rookie year and everyone kind of gets humbled in this league from what I understand. I’m just learning and trying to get better every week.”

(on always being ready for any role) “That’s kind of the Patriot way that I’ve learned. You always need to be ready and prepared for any situation that may arise.”

(on whether he went up against Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul earlier this year) “I can’t say that I did. I don’t remember exactly, but I’ve been watching all those guys on film. I saw him for a week preparing for that game and I’ve seen him for two weeks now preparing for this game.”

(on what he sees in Pierre-Paul) “He’s a long-armed guy, quick. He’s a great competitor, a great athlete. He knows what he’s doing, so it’s going to be tough competition.”

(on how to stop Pierre-Paul) “Well, it’s a battle. It’s in our preparation, it’s in our technique, it’s in our schemes. My strategy going into this is to listen to everything our coaches say and try to execute that at a high level.”

(on where Pierre-Paul lines up in different alignments) “You’re going to see him at ‘D-End’, you’re going to see him at (defensive) tackle. You’re going to see him where they move him around to try to create matchup problems.”

(on preparing for each of the Giants pass rushers) “Yeah, we’re overly prepared for who we’re going to face, the personnel we’re going to match up against.”

(on the Super Bowl experience so far) “It’s been awesome. I kind of stepped into something here with a great team. I just feel so fortunate to be a part of it.”

(on the Patriots running game) “I think the run game is of crucial importance. You have to be able to move the ball and run it on the ground or else everything gets shut down. That’s something we focus on. That’s something that’s important to us, is to be a balanced offense.”

(on the Patriots running backs) “Yeah, we’ve got great running backs. It’s great to have that as an ‘O-Lineman’, where they’re reading your blocks, following your blocks and creating yards off that.”

(on whether the huddle is ever chaotic) “No, he’s (QB Tom Brady) the only voice. Everyone else is quiet, and that’s kind of the way it’s run. I think that’s one of the ways that makes him so good.”

(on the biggest adjustment he faced last year at the Senior Bowl) “It was great competition. It was a long time ago. There was a lot of pressure on us to perform at a high level because we were getting looked at by all those scouts.”

(on the biggest adjustment going from tight end his first two years at Colorado to offensive line and how he relates to the Patriots tight ends) “The reason I moved from tight end to tackle was because I was kind of a jack of all trades, master of none and it takes a real special guy to be a good blocker and a good receiver like Gronk (TE Rob Gronkowski), so that’s where I kind of wanted to focus more on blocking. That’s an adjustment for me, but it’s nice having a little experience at college coming here where I’ve been playing both roles.”

(on his development process in New England) “Well, I have great coaches with (Dante) Scarnecchia and coach (Bill) Belichick and that’s been a huge part of it. Another huge part of it is having great teammates that have helped me along this process, both on the offense and the defense, who’s been giving me practice reps against them.”

(on the help of T Matt Light and G Logan Mankins) “Those guys know what they’re doing. They’ve both been Pro Bowlers. They’re both great teammates, both good leaders and it’s of the utmost importance to have guys like that to really help me be a part of that group.”

(on whether they’ve ever used him in a three-tight end set) “Well, there’s been some of that. My role has kind of expanded here and there. Whatever it takes to win games and have a successful offense, I’m just going to fill a role.”

(on when he knew he could play at the NFL level) “I’ve felt that every week, where I’ve had those kind of moments where it’s like ‘Oh, wow, I really can do this.’ I just have to keep working to get better and this is a doable process.”

(on working with QB Tom Brady) “Well, he’s fantastic. All of my teammates are fantastic. To be a part of this group, to step into this group and contribute where I can has been a blessing.”

(on the first things he worked on with offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia) “Well, there weren’t one or two things. It’s been a whole renovation, a whole process. He’s a great coach. He’s put in tons of work for me watching film, watching my technique and improving my technique. It’s been a whole process.”

(on who has been his biggest challenge to face in the NFL) “Well, there’s been so many. I think that was the biggest shock from college to the pros, is how every week there’s such a good pass rusher.”

(on the challenges of facing a number of different defensive alignments) “I think that’s all part of our preparation. It’s why we work so hard during the week to get prepared for who we’re going to face, how we’re going to face them, those sorts of things.”

(on the importance of keeping QB Tom Brady protected on Sunday) “I think that’s always important. It’s going to be an all three phases of the game type of deal, because they’re so good in all ways. It’s going to take a team effort to beat these guys, definitely.”

(on the challenges of the Giants’ four defensive ends package) “It’s going to come down to our preparation, how well we know them, how well we can adjust to what they’re doing and be prepared, execute and perform at a high level.”

(on the anonymity of the Patriots’ offensive line) “I don’t think anyone’s worried about that. It’s all about winning the game. No one worries about who’s in there. It’s just a matter of doing your job.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - OFFENSIVE TACKLE MATT LIGHT - Ingles

2012-02-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on his health) “I’m doing well. It’s a good morning.”

(on missing media day) “I tell you what, I feel horrible about that. I do. And I love spending time with you guys. Not having the opportunity to be around so many of you in such a wonderful setting was very disheartening, but I’m pulling through.”

(on practicing today) “I’m excited about practicing today. We have a good game plan here. We are ready to go.”

(on if he watched media day on television) “I didn’t. I heard there was a lot going on. (Rob) Gronkowski said he got the same question over and over. And he gave the same answer. He is a well-trained animal. That’s what he is. He is a good man.”

(on if his status is day-to-day) “No. I’m just today, just today. That’s all I care about.”

(on the season) “It’s been an awesome ride. I think any guy that plays this game wants to go out and play with guys that are passionate, they love what they do and they are professionals. I have been fortunate to be around a group of guys that have always shown up each and every week.”

(on being at the Super Bowl with the Patriots) “There is a reason for everything, without getting too far into it. I think back to the offseason and all of the things that came along with it. It seems like it’s been a longer season than any of those in my past as far as all of the things that we dealt with and we worked through. It has been an awesome ride. It’s one that I would like to see all the way through. There were a lot of memories. It’s been awesome. It’s hard to believe.”

(on if there is a rivalry with him and Giants DE Osi Umenyiora) “Can you have an individual rivalry? I thought rivalries were between teams in general. But, I’m ready to go out there and play whatever game I have to play. We’ll have fun doing it. I’m not sure that comes at a personal level.”

(on his on-field relationship with Umenyiora) “I mean we play football against each other. I’m not sure how you categorize that. I wouldn’t say it’s something more than anyone else I have ever faced.”

(on Umenyiora wishing him well) “He said that? Wow. I’m feeling better.”

(on if he feels like Tom Brady’s guardian angel) “I’m not sure how he categorizes me, but I’m pretty sure guardian angel is a far cry from that.”

(on if the Giants defense is doing anything really complex) “They are going to switch some things up and I’m sure they will have a few new wrinkles for us. It’s not easy to have so many good pass rushers on one defensive line. They have amassed a number of them. Even the guys that rotate in there are good at what they do. They bought into that system, obviously. They work hard at everything.”

(on the shifts on the Giants defensive line) “It really doesn’t change what we do, but the recognition as to who it is and what they are good at is big. The things that they can do off of that personnel group or particular look, you have to study it. You have to know what they do.”

(on if he ever thinks this may be his last go-around at the Super Bowl) “Every game could be your last go-around, that’s why you embrace it all. This is an awesome week for everybody. You want to play this one like it is your last.”

(on being one of the three remaining from the 2007 Super Bowl) “It’s hard to believe that in one career you can go to this thing five times. It never gets old and is always a lot of fun. To have guys that have been with you the whole time is something you never forget.”

(on protecting Brady) “We are going to do what we have done all season. We are going to have a great week of preparation. We are going to go out there and be technically sound at what we do and we’re going to go all out.”

(on if he still has a stomach bug) “No, I’m feeling better. I was a little under the weather. We are ready to rock-and-roll for Sunday.”

(on if tackle Sebastian Vollmer caught the bug too) “I’m not sure that I can speak for him but I think he is doing alright too.”

(on his responsibility of blocking for Brady) “Every guy upfront has a job to do. We just go out there and play the game that we learned. Keeping [Brady] upright is a big part of that.”

(on his memory from Super Bowl XLII in 2007) “Right afterwards, it was horrible. By the time offseason conditioning started, we were back in action doing what we always do.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - GUARD LOGAN MANKINS - Ingles

2012-02-01T14:58:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on if he is having nightmares about the Giants defensive front) “Not yet, but you never know. They’re very good. We’ve been working on them the last two weeks, trying to get the best plan that we can for them.”

(on the Giants saying Tom Brady can be rattled) “Our job is to block them, and if we do that, we have a good chance to win. We know it’s going to be tough to block them, so we need to have our best game out there.”

(on what the Giants do to rattle other teams) “They’re good, to start with. They have multiple guys that are good; it’s just not one guy. At any time they can have four guys out there that are very good football players. They’ve got a lot of speed. They play hard, good scheme, well-coached. You add all that up, and you’ll get good players.”

(on Brady criticizing himself after the AFC Championship Game) “It’s a little different. Usually you don’t get to hear that, but Tom, that’s how he felt he played that day. He’s not afraid to say if he’s had a bad day or not.”

(on if the team expects perfection) “Yeah. It starts with our head coach and falls down through the team that everyone expects perfection around there. We’ve had games where we won, and we came in the next day and everyone has the attitude that we lost because we didn’t play as well as we wanted to. We strive for perfection.”

(on the burden on Brady being expected to be perfect) “I don’t know. I think a lot of guys throughout the league go through that, where every little mistake gets blown out of proportion. I know for an offensive lineman, you can make the block the whole game, and then you miss one block and you’ve had a horrible game. It’s making the right plays in key situations.”

(on how many questions he has had about Super Bowl XLII) “Too many. A lot of people want to keep talking about that. A lot of us have moved on.”

(on how much emphasis they’re putting on preparation for New York’s ‘NASCAR’ defensive package) “A lot. I think their front four is the strength of their defense. If you’re not concentrating on that, you might be looking at the wrong thing, especially for the offensive line. That’s who we’re dealing with 99 percent of the time. We have to focus on them a great deal.”

(on how much he appreciates being at the Super Bowl) “Definitely, it’s great to be back. It’s our goal every year to get here. When it doesn’t happen, you’re pretty disappointed. When you do get here, you hope to take advantage of it.”

(on the cleanliness of Brady’s jersey being the deciding factor in the game) “It usually does. The better job you do protecting him, the better chance you have to win. Hopefully, he doesn’t need much laundry work on his jersey.”

(on what he thought of assistant head coach/offensive line Dante Scarnecchia when he first arrived) “You never know what to expect when you first meet up with a coach, but Dante is a fiery guy. He’s a hard worker. He demands a lot, but on the other side of that, he’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. He cares about his players. He would go to bat for us any time we needed him to, and I don’t think you’re going to find a better coach anywhere.”

(on if they have thought about the historical significance for Tom Brady if they win this game) “We’ve thought about it, I guess. It’s hard not to when people keep bringing it up all the time, but that’s not our main concern right now. Our main concern is to win the game, and then that stuff will fall into place.”

(on Brady’s status as one of the game’s all-time greatest quarterbacks) “He’s got to be right there at the top. I think there’s only a couple quarterbacks that have won more Super Bowls than he has. He’s still playing, and they’re not. I think he’s got a shot to go all the way to the top.”

(on how the team has evolved and how that has contributed to its success) “Yeah, we’ve been able to change up our schemes throughout the year. I think a lot of that goes to the personnel that we have. We have a lot of versatile guys that can do many different things—that helps a lot.”

(on instilling the ‘Patriot Way’ to the younger players) “The main way is to lead by example. Let them see how you handle yourself, how you go to work, what time you get there in the morning, the way you lift and train, and the way you study. I think that’s the best way to rub off on people. You just can’t tell them and then you do it a different way. You have to set that example.”

(on using the running game as a way to protect Brady) “That’s kind of a forgotten thing right now, the running game. We go into every game wanting to run the ball. Some days it goes good, and some days it doesn’t. It’s all in what the coaches call. If they call a run, we’re going to try to block it the best way we can and the running backs are going to run as hard as they can.”

(on Matt Light’s sickness) “Well, the good part is he was sick a week before the game. He’s got all week to recover and feel the best that he can. He had those two days off to rest. We’ll give him all the time he needs so that he’s at full strength on Sunday.”

(on the challenges of facing the Giants defensive line) “They’re probably the No. 1 defensive line in the NFL. They ranked third in the league in sacks, and that was with most of their guys injured. They’ve got them all healthy now, and they’re playing good football. They’ll present challenges to anyone.”

(on what makes the Giants defensive linemen so good) “They have good pass rushers who know how to pass rush. They’re good athletes, and they play hard. They’ve got a good scheme and good coaches. They do a lot of different things very well.”

(on the mental aspects of facing the Giants defensive line in addition to the physical aspects) “It’s a little of both. The key with these guys is knowing who’s lined up against you and reading your keys to what pressures they can bring from that. You’ve got to know each one of these guys’ strengths because they all have a different one. Whether their ‘NASCAR’ package is in there, where I’m going against a defensive end, or their normal packages, where I’m going against one of their tackles, I have to know that guy’s strengths and weaknesses.”

(on Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul) “The main thing is, you watch him and his speed, and then you watch him bull rush someone and just knock him back five yards. You’re just like, ‘Man, what do you set for, the speed or the power?’ He does all of it. He’s got great quickness, and he’s got those long arms. He just sticks them in people’s chest, and they can’t reach him with their arms. He’s got the total package. If you don’t do everything right, you’re in trouble.”

(on comparisons to Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck in 2007) “I think he’s a different kind of athlete than Justin. The main thing with both of those guys is they play hard. They give a lot of effort, and every play you’ve got to be ready for their best.”

(on if he has been trying to stay away from his sick teammates, Light and Sebastian Vollmer) “Definitely. I stay away from those guys as much as possible anyway. It’s made it even easier. I’m just joking.”

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

2012-02-01T14:51:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 01, 2012

(on what it is about wide receivers that allows them to come from nowhere and be productive) “I don’t know. I think there are a lot of us. There are a lot of receivers around the country that have talent and don’t get the opportunity and don’t get the chance to show their skill level on a national stage. A lot of guys go to the UMass’s, and the Delaware’s, and the James Madison’s, and schools like that and really make a difference. They kind of fly under the radar and then they put up some big numbers, and get a chance in the NFL, and get a free agent deal and things of that nature to make the best of their opportunity. I just think sometimes they get overlooked, naturally.”

(on how fine of a line it is between making it and never making it) “It’s a very, very fine line. It takes a little bit of luck. It takes a lot of skill and a lot of determination. It takes a lot of hard work because to get to this position and to get to where I was, it took being at the right place at the right time and choosing the right team. It took being there at the right moments and making the necessary plays when you had to. When your number was called upon, you made all the right moves and you made all the right decisions. It takes a whole lot.”

(on if Vegas put odds on players, what would his odds of making it be) “Most definitely 10 million-to-one because nobody expected this kind of performance from me, including myself. I just wanted to come in and do whatever possible to make the team and do some positive things out there, but never anything like this.”

(on how much it helps having the complementary receivers that he has) “It’s huge. We all take the pressure off each other. When one is doing well, the other can do what they do and fly under the radar and vice versa. Anytime those guys are doing well and playing hard, we’re all playing on the same level, we’re hard to beat.”

(on if he sat around waiting for a call on draft day) “Subconsciously, I knew nothing was going to happen. I understood my position in the Draft. I understood the type of player I was and where I came from. I understood all of that. Obviously, towards the end of the Draft, you always kind of think there is a longshot that you might jump in there. For the most part, I understood it and I understood that I would have to make a team and be a free agent and work my way up the ranks.”

(on if he grew frustrated watching the draft thinking he was better than players drafted) “No, not really. I really wasn’t a guy to say, ‘I’m better than him’ or this or that. I was just waiting for my opportunity and really anxious to see where it would come from and what team. I was anxious to see if I would end up somewhere like Denver or far or close. It all worked out well and it worked out in my favor.”

(on his observations of the rivalries between New York and Boston) “It’s very intense. New England (Patriots) and New York (Giants), Boston (Red Sox) and (New York) Yankees, (Boston) Celtics and New York (Knicks), it’s just an intense rivalry all the way around at every level. It’s amazing to see the passion on both sides that they have. Both sides are equally as passionate and they love their teams. It’s just an amazing experience to be on both sides of that, living in New England and going to school up there for four years. Being from Jersey and seeing both sides of it, it’s just been interesting thing to see.”

(on if any other teams contacted him after he went undrafted) “Leading up to the Draft, a couple guys were calling me. Carolina called me a few times. The scout from Denver called me a few times. It was a few teams that were interested leading up the Draft. Once it happened and after the Draft, the Giants were the only ones to actually offer me a free agent deal and really invite me to camp. Everybody else was just on a tryout basis. Because of that, I kind of just jumped on it and I felt that they really believed in my talent and really wanted me, so I jumped at the opportunity.”

(on if he feels a kinship with Wes Welker because of the way they both came into the League) “A little bit. We kind of have a similar path, as far as not being drafted and having to make a team believe in our talent, and believe in us. So there are some similarities there and things I look at.”

(on if he’s happy with the path he’s had to take to right now) “Most definitely. I’m glad with the way I came up. It really taught me to savor the moment and really not take anything for granted. Every moment, every day, every hour that I get the opportunity to play this game and be in front of you guys, I soak it all in and just make sure I enjoy the opportunity.”

(on when he realized he had become a big deal) “I haven’t realized it yet. I kind of realized it when I went back to Patterson (N.J.) and I went to (Patterson Public) School #21 and they had a little pep rally for me leaving and going to the Super Bowl. They were just flooding the streets and they blocked the streets off and all kinds of fans and people were in the streets. They were wishing me good luck and were really happy for my success. That’s when it first really settled in. Still, I kind of react and still go places and try to act like my normal self.”

(on what has impressed him about Kyle Arrington) “He’s a good player. He’s physical. He likes to get his hands on (you) and is really a cerebral player that likes to read you through the quarterback. It’s going to be a challenge. He’s definitely a Pro Bowl guy and Pro Bowl talent. It should be exciting to see the type of matchups that they present.”

(on if they have been able to get as much work done in Indianapolis compared to what they usually do back home) “I think so. We start our meetings today, so we’ll see. It’s kind of a chance to lock in, and really get into the meeting room, and really look at film, and be away from everything. It’s the best opportunity we have to look in and really zone in on our game plan and what we have to do. I think we’ll be able to get some solid work though.”

(on if he has surprised himself with his level of success) “Most definitely. Coming up, I just wanted to come in and just get the opportunity to play in this game and play in the NFL, period. To come in and do the things I’ve done, it’s definitely been a surprise to myself.”

(on the tribute he does to his father before games) “It’s right when we come out of the tunnel and everybody runs out to the sideline. I go to the far end zone to take a knee and pray to him, and talk to him, or have a conversation with him, and just ask him to guide me while I’m out there and watch over me. I understand that he’s out there with me. He taught me how to play the game. Hopefully, I can play it the way he taught me, with respect and honor. That’s what I talk to him about in the end zone.”

(on what this Super Bowl would be like for his father if he were able to be here) “Yeah, all the time I think about it. He’d be here and he’d be going crazy. He probably would’ve gotten here when we got here on Monday and stayed the whole week, going crazy. He was a very great guy. He was just very passionate about his sons and daughters and anyone in his family, so to reach this point, for him to have been here, that would’ve been crazy.”

(on who his hero was growing up) “My dad. He taught me everything I know. He taught me how to be a man and how to play the game and treat everyone with respect.”

(on what makes their wide receivers so successful) “I think just the way we are all very unselfish guys. We understand that it takes all of us to win the game and all of us to win all these games so far. For us, we’re very similar, but we do a lot of things differently as well. I think the collaboration of all those talents makes us really great.”

(on if there is a friendly completion between the receivers) “No, at least not outright. I think subliminally we do, but we don’t tell each other. I think that keeps us all on our toes.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - WIDE RECEIVER MARIO MANNINGHAM -

2012-02-01T14:49:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on having success against the Patriots in the past) “We’re going to go out there and do what we do. As a wide receiving core, we’re going to go out there and do what we do. Get open, pay attention to detail, go out and just win. Yeah, we feel confident going in.”

(on the Patriots’ secondary) “They’re athletic – a good secondary. I feel like we can go out there and make plays against them.”

(on defensive matchups against the Patriots) “We have a great defensive line. We have great positions everywhere. I’m not going to say that’s the best matchup, but I am going to say we’re going to hold the fort down in terms of wide receivers.”

(on approaching each game with confidence) “We try to come out and make plays. We’re not going to sit up here and talk about how they play, how they run, we’re just going to worry about what we do. That’s going out there and sticking to details. We’re just going to do what we’ve been doing all year. It’s nothing but a bunch of people watching – same game but just more people watching.”

(on the various playmakers within the wide receiving core) “Its fun knowing someone is always going to be open. We run our routes to get open. We take pride in running our routes and finishing out the game.”

(on knocking off Green Bay at Lambeau in the second round of the playoffs) “It’s confidence and minimizing mistakes, just playing, not thinking, going out there and playing and letting your ability take over.”

(on the turning point in the season) “We knew we wanted to go to the playoffs. We knew how good of a team we had. We made our mind up to go out there and do it.”

(on his favorite moment from his University of Michigan career) “Probably, my freshman year and catching the game winner against Penn State. We stopped them from going undefeated that year.”

(on quarterback Eli Manning’s fourth quarter play) “He gets that peak in the fourth quarter. He knows what he wants to do and knows where to put the ball. That’s when he plays his best ball. Normally, in the fourth quarter, quarterbacks get sluggish, your team gets tired but I feel like we do the opposite. We know its “go-time” in the fourth quarter.”

(on expectations coming into the league of the possibility of going to the Super Bowl with the Giants) “With a team like this and the coaching staff we have, good players and great attitudes, that stuff lingers around the locker room. Once everyone wants to win and starts playing to their potential, that’s when you realize you can do this.”

(on touchdown celebration) “No. I’m just trying to get in the endzone.”

(on going under the radar) “I’m comfortable in my role. I can’t complain. I like going out there and going under the radar. It’s kind of like I can go out there and make a play at any time because they’re paying attention to Hakeem (Nicks) and Victor (Cruz). I like being under the radar.”

(on the Packers secondary heading into the second round of the playoffs) “We knew they’re athletic. We knew they had good safeties and corners. We knew what we could do, what we could hit on them and we knew what plays to run. We knew it was going to be a physical game.”

(on quarterback Eli Manning’s “clutch” gene) “I can’t explain. You have to have that in your heart and in your mind. Eli (Manning) comes through in the fourth quarter. He knows what to do for us to all be on the same page.”

(on journey from the University of Michigan to the NFL) “It’s been a nice one. At my first Super Bowl, obviously. Just trying to go make plays, enjoying everything, knowing it’s a job, knowing it’s a business, trying to make fun out of it for as long as I can.”

(on thinking injuries would derail his NFL career while at the University of Michigan) “No, I didn’t. You can’t ever lose faith. You can’t think about that – can’t think about that past. You’ve got to live in the present.”

(on his production the last three playoff games) “I’m just trying to make plays. I’ve got a hunger for making plays, I thrive on going and making plays – not doing too much, not doing too less. I’m just doing what I got to do.”

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

2012-02-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on staying focused this week) “Just taking it day-by-day, minute-by-minute. Obviously, you want to take advantage of the things because this is going to be a good memory, but at the same time, you know what you’re here to do. You know what you have to put first and keep a level head about it. Stay humble and stay on top of the things that you have to do.”

(on the focus of the receiving core) “Just play the game the way we’ve been playing it all season. We know what we’re capable of doing in a given time. We just will step out there and play the game that we’ve been playing all season.”

(on splitting the workload with RB Ahmad Bradshaw) “I think we’ll just try to bring something to the offense as far as making plays and leadership roles, him from the running back position and me from the wide receiver position. It’s just a matter of being there in clutch situations.”

(on QB Eli Manning) “He’s definitely been a help. (He) knows certain things, certain situations, how to handle it, how to handle family situations when they’re here and how to stay focused with that. Also how to just know what to put first.”

(on getting back to practicing) “I think everybody is excited about getting out there on the practice field and doing some running around to put us back in the mind of running the football a little bit.”

(on what needs to happen in practice) “Just get back into the routine and pick up where we left off last week, reviewing the plays and make sure we’re all on the same page and just have a good day of work.”

(on Super Bowl week) “I think everything is a good experience. You have to take advantage of these things. You don’t know when these things come again, but at the same time we have to know what to put first, know what we’re here to do.”

(on his friendship with the receiving core) “We’ve built a brotherhood. We spend time with each other on and off the field. We’ve built a relationship where we like to help each other out whether it’s running routes or breaking down points on the film.”

(on playing on turf) “I’m excited about it. It should be pretty fast out there, and I look forward to playing out there and so do our teammates.”

(on WR Victor Cruz) “As a dude, he’s a good dude. He’s a humble dude. He likes to make plays, and he loves football. He’s a great team player, and he’s always a team player. You can always count on him making a play in a clutch situation.”

(on Cruz playing in the Super Bowl) “It’s just a desire that he has in him. He was put here for a reason. He was put in this situation when he was blessed, and he took advantage of it.”

(on Cruz’s football abilities) “I felt like the play making ability he had, all the abilities he had at times in clutch situations, stepping up consistently time after time.”

(on WR Steve Smith leaving the team prior to the season) “From the wide receiver core I think we have never doubted anyone in our room. Everyone steps up. That’s how we are in our room. Guys love the challenge. They always step up.”

(on the Patriots secondary) “They’re a solid secondary. Obviously they’ve been doing something right to get to this point where they are at today. I feel like they are capable of making plays, but there are also some things that you can take advantage of within our offense. That’s what we look forward to.”

(on how they plan on taking advantage of the Patriots secondary) “Just by making plays, making plays when you get the ball in your hands. That’s what it’s going to come down to.”

(on the Patriots defense) “They play some zone, but they also play some man as well. They may play out like zone, but their corners play out like man.”

(on the defense’s confidence) “I feel like we’re confident enough to play the game like we’ve been playing it all year. We’re going to go out there and do the things we’ve been (doing) and try to let nothing stop us. It’s a big game on a big stage, and it’s something that we’ve been fighting to get to all year. I think you can expect us to come out and play our best. Everybody is going to give their 110 percent.”

(on the Super Bowl) “This is the game we dream of on a big stage coming up. As a kid through high school, through college, this is what you play for, to get here.”

(on beating the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional round of the playoffs) “It was a game that we were prepared for. We played them tough early in the year and we had a good shot of getting them again. Once we got them again, we wanted to take advantage of it and finish this time.”

(on the team’s mindset after the loss during the regular season to Green Bay) “I think it was just how we fought and how we came back as a team and as a unit. We all believed in ourselves and knew what we were capable of doing. It was just a matter of doing it when our backs were up against the wall.”

(on the playoffs providing confidence to the team) “I think so. I think once we got into the playoffs, we felt like we had a good shot at this. It was a whole new season. We approached it as such and we felt like we could do it. Everybody believed, and that’s why we are who we are today.”

(on if he dreams about making a big catch in the Super Bowl) “Yes. I think that’s something every receiver dreams about doing.”

(WR David Tyree’s famous catch in Super Bowl XLII) “It was a great catch on his behalf during the game. It was amazing. The effort that Eli (Manning) had to break the tackle and to stay on his feet in the pocket and then (to) deliver the ball to Tyree. That’s something that’s always going to be remembered.”

NEW YORK GIANTS MEDIA SESSION - TIGHT END JAKE BALLARD - Ingles

2012-02-01T14:46:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on how he’s feeling) “I’m great. I’m excited to be here. We haven’t had practice yet. We leave here around two-or three-o’clock and head over to the University of Indianapolis and have practice there.”

(on how media day was yesterday) “It was fun. It was a nice experience. It was pretty much everything I expected. It was fun to be in the stadium and see everything that was going on.”

(on what he brings to the field) “Everything those guys (the Patriots’ tight ends) are getting is well deserved. They’re having tremendous years and they’re great tight ends. Watching film, you can learn something from those guys. I can catch the ball, stretch the field, help in the running game and pass protection game – just help Eli (Manning) get the ball off and help protect him.”

(on how important it is to have success with the running game) “That’s huge. The run sets up the pass and with our two running backs, we have to be able to get the running game started or it’s going to be a long night for us.”

(on the ability for him to have a big game with the Patriots focusing on the Giants’ receivers) “I think my role in the game will be huge. Yeah, they’re going to key on those three guys, but it’s going to be hard. You can’t really double three guys. They can only double one or two. No matter how you look at it, people are going to get open and guys are going to have their chances. So, when each of our numbers is called, we have to make plays.”

(on the attention he receives versus the attention the Patriots’ tight ends receive) “Those guys are putting up tremendous numbers and they’re such a big part of their offense. It’s tough to downplay anything they’ve done because they’ve done so well. They deserve all the attention their getting. I’m not really asked to do what those guys are, and I’m not the same type of tight end they are. I totally understand and I’m fine not getting all the attention.”

(on if it will be a challenge to have sharp practices this week) “We did most of our installments last week, so they’re [the coaches] not throwing anything at us. We have about 85 percent of our gameplan installed, so it’s not going to be new stuff. It’s just going to be tuning it up, trying to chase after perfection of the plays and make sure we get down everything we can and ready for the game.”

(on if the veterans have said they are keeping a close watch on the younger guys to make sure they are staying on task) “They’ve said stuff like that all week, and the past couple weeks. When we got here it’s all business, we can’t be worrying about what we’re doing off the field when we’re not in meetings, or at the parties or events we get invited to. We’re here to play the game and prepare for the biggest game of our lives.”

(on his feeling when he was injured) “I got hurt and missed the last two games of the regular season. It was pretty awful for me, especially against the Jets and the Cowboys, knowing I couldn’t help the team secure our playoff spot. We’ve really had about five playoff games because every game we’ve been in the last five weeks, we lose, we’re done. I was just happy I was able to get back for the playoffs and I feel better now than I ever have the whole time in the playoffs.”

(on watching the games due to injury instead of playing) “It was frustrating, but at the same time, the games weren’t really too close – the Jets game was kind of close for a little bit, but they took care of business. We played extremely well against the Cowboys so that made it a little easier watching the game. But any player who wants to play and is not, it’s a rough situation.”

(on being the son of a full time coach and playing the Super Bowl) “It’s a huge honor for any family, who’s been a football family, to have somebody in their family play in the game is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s something everybody can enjoy and live through the player playing in it.”

(on if this game is big for his dad) “Absolutely. My dad is very excited about it. He might be more excited than anybody on the team. He loves football; he grew up playing football, coaching football. He’s very ecstatic that I’m going to get a chance to play in this game.”

(on when they’re coming to Indianapolis) “They get in Thursday.”

(on how many people are coming from his family) “I think I have about 10 or 12 people coming.”

(on center Jim Cordle who lives with Ballard) “Jimmy worked extremely hard this offseason, getting stronger and working on everything he needs to work on. He’s really progressed. He was great this season, started out on the practice squad, he has been able to overcome many things. He got to play in a couple games this year and I’m really happy to see where he’s at.”

(on what he was doing when the Patriots and Giants played in Super Bowl XLII) “I was sitting at home with my parents watching the game.”

(on how it feels four years later to play in the Super Bowl) “It’s surreal. It’s kind of like it’s not true. When I was back there four years ago, I never thought I would be playing in this game for the Giants playing the exact same team, the Patriots.”

(on if there are a lot of people from Springboro, Ohio coming over for the game) “I know I got some pretty close buddies from high school that I played football with, good friends throughout college, are driving over because our high school quarterback lives in Indianapolis somewhere and they’re going to stay at his house. I might run over to see them a little on Friday or Saturday. They don’t have tickets (to the game) but they’re going to be here.”

(on what it would take to keep him from playing in the Super Bowl) “You definitely got to play in the game. It’s doesn’t matter if your leg’s barley hanging on, you’ve got to give it your all. Obviously, it comes down to not being able to run or help out your team. You have to think about it that way. It’s not my situation. I feel good and my knee feels great.”

(on tight ends coach Mike Pope) “Coach Pope knows a lot about football, and he’s trying to turn you into the best tight end you can be. He helps you out on the field, in the classroom, wherever he can. I don’t really know if his coaching style is old school. I know he’s changed it over the years. But, I know he’s an all-around good coach and very knowledgeable person.”

(on what Coach Pope goes over) “Everything. The tight ends are one of the few positions we have to be able to pass protect, we have to be able to run block, we have to be able to move, play fullback, play H-back and run routes. He’s very knowledgeable about the run game, the pass game and the pass protection.”

(on showing Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski around in college) “Yeah, I showed him around at Ohio State.”

(on what he remembers about that) “He was a big kid coming out of Pennsylvania. He was kind of quiet, taking it all in. He seemed like a good guy, but when it came down to it, there was me and a junior playing at Ohio State. I think he wanted to get a little further away from home than Ohio State being a Pennsylvania kid. He obviously made the right choice with Arizona. He seemed to like it, but sometimes players go to different schools.”

(on if his quiet demeanor struck him the most) “I didn’t really spend a lot of time with him. I was probably with him only an hour. I showed a lot of kids around so I didn’t really think anything last year when I got into the league and he was doing what he was doing. He was just another recruit I was showing around.”

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MEDIA SESSION - WIDE RECEIVER JULIAN EDELMAN - Ingles

2012-02-01T14:42:00.001-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on how his movement from the offense to the defense took place) “Coach (Bill Belichick) told me that I would be in a defensive meeting that day and that’s what we did. You’re not going to say no to an opportunity to help the team win.”

(on the versatility of the Patriots’ offense) “We definitely have a lot of weapons and we have a mastermind at quarterback. We have an offensive line that does their job. If we all do our job, we’re pretty dangerous. That’s what we try to do.”

(on the Patriots’ offense breading swagger in the huddle) “Yeah, I guess there is a swagger, but you’re not really thinking about that kind of stuff during the game or during the week of preparation. You’re more thinking about what you can do to prepare for the Giants, do your job and practice hard.”

(on the message from the veterans on staying focused) “You have to try to keep the same routine. We have an hour of this (media session) and after this, we get back in the routine of regular day-to-day life of a football player.”

(on having fun during the Super Bowl week) “It’s fun and you definitely have to try and take in the experience. For me individually, this is a business trip. I’m here for one thing and that’s football. I’ll enjoy afterwards.”

(on the strength of the Patriots’ offense) “We have great tight ends, some of the best receivers, probably the best quarterback and we have great offensive linemen. You can put that together and do what you want with that. They are pretty good guys.”

(on playing in several different positions) “It’s definitely been a roller coaster. But, with an opportunity to help the team win, you’re not going to complain. I’m excited to be a part of this team.”

(on how approachable QB Tom Brady is) “He’s just like every other guy. He’s definitely a great teammate and great leader. I would say he’s approachable. He’s one of the guys and I joke around with him. Like I said, he’s a good teammate.”

(on how much a Super Bowl win would mean for him) “That’s the ultimate goal and it would be a dream. Right now, we’re thinking about the preparation and what we have to put in this week like any other week.”

(on what he sees in the Giants’ defense) “They’re playing great as a unit. Their defensive line is getting to the quarterback and they are making plays in the secondary. We definitely have a tough task ahead of us.”

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

2012-02-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl XLVI – Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(on what it means to him to make it to the Super Bowl) “This playoff run, this Super Bowl is very meaningful. Many would say it didn’t go the way I would like it, not up to my expectations. Everybody can see that, but I don’t think this season negates a career of what I consider greatness, worth of fun. To get to this point quietly, most people call it bittersweet, but it’s a blessing. People will play this game for years, for years and many names, many greats without having a chance to sniff the Super Bowl. To be able to be here, regardless of how this season went is a blessing, period. Especially where I’ve come from, what I’ve been through. To get to this, not just this stage, but the NFL in general. I’m happy, it could be my last one. There’s no reason to hang my head, there’s no reason to be upset. It is what it is and I’m still smiling. I’ve been smiling all year.”

(on if he can have fun with this Super Bowl week) “Yeah, most definitely. I can still have fun. I sort of have to feel my way through it first. This season’s been, it’s more of a feel my way through it. It’s a learning process. You just can’t come into something new and just bust the door down and say, ‘Hey, I’m here.’”

(on if he followed the Bengals this year) “I followed the receivers.”

(on if he was surprised at what A.J. Green did as a rookie) “Surprised? No. No reason to be surprised that somebody that I’ve watched, somebody that I’ve studied, knowing what he’s done in college and knowing what he’s capable of doing in the league. What he did this year was no surprise.”

(on what he thinks Green does best) “He’s really good. He’s still raw. That’s the scary part. He’s still raw, but he’s a great talent and he’s only going to get better. Especially the tools he has, he’s only going to get better as time goes on. You don’t drop off.”

(on if he has talked to Mike Brown since he was traded) “No man. I think if they haven’t mentioned it, I sent everyone a letter, a ‘thank you’ note. I think that’s the best I can do. Everybody who had anything to do with me being there, I hope they have it framed.”

(on if he is surprised Mike Brown traded him) “No. It’s a business. That’s just the way it goes. Mike was good to me. The city was good to me. The media we had our ups and downs. I made it fun. The fans were epic for 10 straight years. Of course, I had my riffs and raffs. Like any human being I’m not perfect. Other than that, there’s nothing bad I can actually say, period.”

(on what it’s like that he is finally at the Super Bowl) “It’s cool. Again, I just explained to somebody early that it’s a blessing to be on this stage. So many players play this game for such a long time, some of the greats. The Marinos, Barry Sanders, I don’t think he was ever able to grace this stage, so many. So just to be able to be here is a blessing to me. What I do is I think back to all I’ve been through just to get to the NFL in general. Everybody, of course myself also, is emphasizing individual statistics this year about me not having a great season, me not producing in my normal way. But for some reason it’s just so odd that I changed my ways, I approach the situation a lot differently and all the sudden I finally get to that stage. What is it? What do you want to take? One hundred catches, 1,000 yards and be at home enjoying watching from home or not have the same numbers and have a chance of playing on the biggest stage of your life. What do you want? There’s one of them I’ve already done already. This is something I’ve never done. And I’m actually doing it. I’m not playing a video game.”

(on if it will be hard for him if they win the Super Bowl on Sunday but he doesn’t play) “Why would it be hard? When you’re part of a team, I mean there’s nothing hard about it at all.”