Q: The Giants secondary has been allowing a lot of yards in recent games, but has still managed to force turnovers. How do you find that balance of looking for the big play downfield but limiting the turnovers on your end?
A: Yeah, they've done a good job of turning the ball over. It's just something that we notice. They try to disguise some things on some of those third and long situations where they're getting their guys in the right spot and guys in spots that you don't think they're going to be. You have to know when to take the chances and know when to check the ball down.
Q: In this Week 10 matchup, with the Giants looking to prevent another November slump and you guys on a four-game losing streak, who is this game more important to?
A: This game is big for us because we've got to get a win at this point. We've got to find a way to turn things around a little bit and get a win. We need to do it at home. I think it's set up nicely for us. We just have to come out and play on Sunday.
Q: Eight games into your sophomore season, what has been the biggest change from last year and what do you think you've improved on the most?
A: The overall understanding of the offense; taking control. There's a lot of responsibility placed on me now, and that's how I like it. The more time I'm playing, the more experience that I get, the better I'll be, and the better understanding of the game I'll have.
Q: You guys were off to a 3-1 start, but during this four-game losing streak, what has been the biggest problem and what have you guys done to correct it?
A: It comes down to consistency. We've got to find ways to make more plays, and when we're making plays, we need to find ways to keep doing it. We haven't done it enough in the last several games. We've got to turn that around.
Q: You've averaged over 250 passing yards over this losing streak, how do you turn that into more redzone points?
A: That's execution there. We've got to make sure we're making positive plays; keep moving the ball, and punch it in the end zone. We can't keep kicking field goals. It's definitely a focus. Now, it just comes down to execution at this point.
Q: It seems you've had some trouble with interceptions this season, what do you have to do to cut back on that?
A: There's been some things, some fluky deals with the interceptions. I've got to be a better decision-maker, be accurate with the ball and get the ball to our guys; not give the defense a chance. I think it's something that I notice and I'm focused on.
Q: Do you see any similarities between yourself and Eli Manning in terms of leading your team?
A: Obviously, Eli's done a great job. He's been doing a great job for a long time, especially that run they made last year at the end of the year. He was a big part of that. He played well at the end of the season. If there's one thing I can take away from the way he was playing, late in the year he was playing well. I think that's what it comes down to.
Q: With such a young offense, yourself and A.J. Green included, how do you incorporate some of these other guys to get more involved?
A: Jermaine (Gresham) showed what he's capable of doing last week. It's just when teams are taking A.J. away, these other guys have to step up. We need to get the ball to our guys. We feel like we're talented enough to do it. It just comes down to making plays at this point.
Q: When you see what Isaac Redman did against the Giants last week, do you think that means you won't have to shoulder the full load in this game?
A: We'd love to get the running game going. I think that's one thing the Steelers did well, running the ball. They were making big plays, picking up first downs and moving the chains. Ultimately, at the end of the day, that's what got them the win. You obviously want to be able to run the ball like that and hopefully we can do that on Sunday.
Q: Do you see similarities between your running game and Pittsburgh's, in terms of toughness between the tackles?
A: Yeah, that's what Pittsburgh's been known for, for a long time. When they run the ball like that, of course you want to run the ball against the defending Super Bowl champs like that. Hopefully we can do that.
Q: Who gave you the nickname the "Red Rifle," and when/where did that originate?
A: I got it last year. I think it was one of the TV announcers here somewhere. I'm not exactly sure where. It kind of just stuck.
Q: Has it carried over into the locker room?
A: A little bit, not too much. I've got some friends that just jokingly call me that and stuff like that. It hasn't been too much.
Q: Where would you rank A.J. Green amongst NFL receivers?
A: He's got to be one of the top guys. He's so talented. He can do everything that you ask of him to do. He's got such great ball skills when the ball is in the air. He's got to be one of the best.
Q: You think his ball skills are the best in the league?
A: Yeah, I feel like if he's not the best, he's one of the best. He's a special guy and a special athlete, really talented.
Q: When you look at the young guys that have come into the league the last few years, why have you guys been able to succeed so quickly and efficiently?
A: I think it's kind of how we were raised. How we came in, our knowledge of what we're doing. For me, I feel like my knowledge of the game is really what helped me. A.J., he's so naturally gifted, and put that with the work ethic that both of us have, I think that's what it comes down to, why we've been successful for the first year and a half that we've been in the league.
