Q: What was it like for you to have a breakout year and then the Packers go out and sign two guys at your position?
A: It was obviously not ideal. I've said before that I definitely got better this year. I think I played better this year than I did the year before, despite not getting the numbers that I would have liked. If you look at percentages and pressures per rush, I think I had 200 less rushes but ended up with more pressures than the year I had 10.5 sacks. I think as far as the way I play and getting better as a player, I think I took a step forward this year.
Q: You are joining a pretty young pass rush, a couple of second- and third-year guys. What can you do as the veteran in the room to help them develop?
A: I'm excited to come into the situation that the Giants are in. I know there are a lot of great players there. Being the veteran in the room, I think there are some good habits and some good things like footwork and handwork. I'm sure they already do stuff like that but that's definitely something that I think has made me better. I know that's something I will definitely want to pass on to the guys in the room.
Q: Patrick Graham was your position coach in 2018 when you had a good season number wise. Have you discussed what type of role he has envisioned for you, is it going to be much different than it was in Green Bay?
A: I haven't discussed specifics with Coach Graham too much. I know that he liked my versatility of being able to rush and drop. I'll do whatever they ask me to do and whatever they view as best for the defense. I really look forward to what Coach Graham is going to do with the defense. I have a lot of trust in his ability, he is a really sharp dude. I haven't talked specifically with him, but I will do whatever the defense asks of me.
Q: Is there one thing in particular that Coach Graham unlocked from you in your skillset that you didn't have before?
A: Honestly, I think that the only thing I would say about Coach Graham is he is a great coach. The thing that I like most about him is just his passion and love for football. He'll get up on the table and scream and yell if he needs to, but it all comes from a great place. It comes from him being grateful for the life he's living and what he gets to do to provide for his family. That's something that I always loved coming into work and working with Coach Graham. That was a big thing coming to the Giants, that he was here and the respect that I have for him.
Q: Do you know at this stage of your career what exactly you are? You had that one breakout year, you like a lot of the things you did last year even though you didn't have the numbers. Do you have a handle on what you are and what you can be moving forward?
A: I have the utmost confidence in myself. I think that I am a very versatile 3-4 Sam outside linebacker. I love to rush, and I think I am good at it. I take a lot of pride in dropping and making plays in space as well. I think in the 3-4 defense that we played in Green Bay, and Patrick Graham runs a similar style defense, having a versatile outside linebacker is very valuable. I know that I didn't produce the way I wanted to last year, but I think I have a great opportunity to do that this year and I'm looking forward to it.
Q: How excited are you to play with Blake (Martinez)?
A: I'm thrilled. We came into Green Bay together and we were roommates all four years of training camp and during rookie minicamp. We have a good relationship and he's a great player. I was really excited to hear that he was going to the Giants as well.
View photos of linebacker Kyler Fackrell.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell makes a tackle on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in action during a NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 24-17. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes the ball as he is pressured by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Seattle. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell sacks Miami Dolphins' Brock Osweiler during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL NFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Packers 37-20. (Greg Trott via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell during NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. The Packers defeated the Lions 23-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) in action on defense during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during the NFL NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 27-10. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, bottom, falls as Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell moves in for the sack during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs on the field during the NFL NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers beat the Packers 37-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) in action on defense during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs on the field during the NFL NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers beat the Packers 37-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Detroit. The Packers defeated the Lions 23-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the first half of the NFL NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 in Minneapolis. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-10. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Tyler Fackrell (51) closes to the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday Dec.1 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Packers defeated the Giants 31-13. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday Dec.1 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Packers defeated the Giants 31-13. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) looks on during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Kansas City, Mo. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes the ball as he is pressured by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) in action on defense during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Raiders 42-24. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Eagles defeated the Packers, 34-27. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Lions 23-22. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes the edge during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Packers, 26-11. (Ryan Kang via AP)
This is a 2019 photo of Kyler Fackrell of the Green Bay Packers NFL football team. This image reflects the Green Bay Packers active roster as of Monday, June 10, 2019 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in Carson, Calif. Los Angeles won 26-11. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell is seen during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL Week 11 game on Thursday, Nov.15, 2018, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 27-24. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles as Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) moves in for the sack during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) gestures after a play against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL Week 11 game on Thursday, Nov.15, 2018, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 27-24. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) watches from the sideline before an NFL Week 11 game against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, Nov.15, 2018, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 27-24. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson gets the ball away as he is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 33-30. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) in action during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the 49ers, 33-30. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) and cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) react during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018 in Los Angles. (Jacob Gonzalez via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell defends on defense in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 33-21. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) pass rushes during an NFL Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Packers 29-27. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) chases the action during the 2018 NFL preseason week 3 football game against the Oakland Raiders on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 13-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell walks to the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 33-21. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell sacks Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after running for a first down, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell rides a bike to NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after a short run during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after running for a first down, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Baltimore Ravens running back Danny Woodhead is brought down during a run by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after running for a first down, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) jogs onto the field during an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions Sunday, September 25, 2016, in Green Bay, WI. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell rides a bike to NFL football training camp Thursday, July 27, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell (51) lines up against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Detroit. The Lions won 35-11. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell, rear, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis. Peterson was injured on the play and was helped off the field. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs down field on special teams kick coverage during the 2016 NFL week 15 regular season football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in Chicago. The Packers won the game 30-27. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) closes in on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Aaron Murray (7) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) rushes during the game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, Cleveland. The Packers defeated the Browns 27-21. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Green Bay Packers' Kyler Fackrell sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell rides a bike to NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Green Bay, Wi. The Packers won the game, 34-27. (Greg Trott via AP)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) tries to break a tackle by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) tries to break a tackle by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Green Bay Packers linebacker Kyler Fackrell during NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 28, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell (52) tackles UNLV running back Tim Cornett (35) in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in Logan, Utah. Utah State defeated UNLV 35-13. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs the 40-yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 in Indianapolis. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Utah State Aggies linebacker Kyler Fackrell (9) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, in at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell works out during practice before the start of their NCAA college football game against Boise State Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell works out during practice before the start of their NCAA college football game against Boise State Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell performs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Washington quarterback Jeff Lindquist fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Utah State's Ricky Ali'ifua, left, and Kyler Fackrell, right, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell arrives for practice before the start of their NCAA college football game against Boise State Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs the 40-yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell, left, battles New Mexico offensive lineman Reno Henderson during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. New Mexico won 14-13. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Utah State linebacker Kyler Fackrell (9) works out during practice before the start of their NCAA college football game against Utah Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Washington quarterback Jeff Lindquist fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Utah State's Ricky Ali'ifua, left, and Kyler Fackrell, right, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, in Seattle. Washington won 31-17. Utah State's Jontrell Rocquemore recovered the fumble and ran it for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Fresno State's Derek Carr is chased by Utah State's Kyler Fackrell in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Q: How do you guys complement each other out there on the field skill-wise?
A: He does a great job. At inside linebacker, a big part of their job is kind of controlling everything and making calls and all that. He does a great job of that. He's very versatile as well. He can do a lot of different things. Blitzing, there's a lot of different things we can do, especially in those third down packages with the two of us and kind of trying to confuse quarterbacks.
Q: You mentioned how the sack numbers last year weren't what you wanted them to be. With so much focus on those numbers, did you worry that that was going to hurt you in free agency? Do you think it did, or do you think that enough people knew what kind of player you were, even without the numbers?
A: I don't know. I think there's both sides of it. I know that there's a lot of analytics and stuff that's done. I think as far as percentages and all that, I played really well last year. Obviously, just bottom line production is probably the biggest factor. I wasn't happy with the production that I had. As far as hurting me in free agency, I'm not sure about that. All I can really say is that I'm glad. I think I'm in a great situation. I'm very happy to be coming to the Giants. I just really look forward to getting out there and getting into the building and getting to work.
Q: How do you approach this upcoming season with a one-year contract? We tend to talk about it as sort of a prove-it contract. How do you see that working, and how do you see working under that?
A: I think I view it kind of in a similar way. I believe that I'm better than a one-sack guy, so that's really what I'm going to try to prove. Again, like I said, I got better this last year. I think I'm a better player last year than I was the year before, and I'll be a better player this upcoming year just with continuing to work and trying to perfect my craft. I wouldn't say there's necessarily any more pressure this year than there was last year, kind of going into a contract year. Honestly, I think it's just a great situation, a great opportunity for me to be with the Giants and I look forward to it.
Q: Everybody is being affected right now, their offseason work changing. I'm just curious what your regimen looks like now with everybody social distancing?
A: I've reached out to the Giants. I've been in contact with the head strength coach, and he's given me some really good stuff to work on. I've been doing a lot of stuff just trying to stay in shape. Even from home, doing what I can while also trying to be safe with all of this.
Q: Does having the familiarity you have with Blake and obviously with Coach Graham, does that give you any kind of advantage going in learning this defense with the rest of your teammates?
A: Yeah, I'm not sure. I know it's a similar defense. It's not exactly the same. But yeah, I think definitely having been a 3-4 outside linebacker and played in kind of a similar system, even since college, I think that's a big advantage, especially compared to some other guys that maybe played more of a 4-3 defensive end or haven't played at standing outside linebacker before. I think that's going to be really huge. It's going to be nice for me to have that familiarity. Again, I think that was one of the big things with coming to the Giants and working with Coach Graham, was that familiarity and being able to hopefully be used in that versatile way.
Q: How will you measure this season? People always talk about sack numbers, those are kind of obvious. Are there other ways that you think your season could be measured?
A: Definitely just the way that I affect the quarterback, at least as far as rushing, how often I affect the quarterback. I think pressures are a big thing, and I think the league is kind of trending towards recognizing that. That maybe a guy gets 10 sacks but he has half the pressures of a guy that maybe gets eight sacks but he's in the quarterback's face and he's affecting the quarterback, getting him off the spot a lot. As a rusher, I think you're more valuable when you can do that more consistently. Obviously, I want the sacks, I want the pressures. Ideally, those things would kind of go hand in hand. But again, I think there are a lot of things that I definitely want to improve on. TFL's, being a little bit more of a factor in the run game as well. I haven't sat down and set specific goals yet for this upcoming season. I'm just going to continue to work, and I'll be able to, in the way that I work and the way that I'm able to be consistent and affect the quarterback and make plays in the run game. Those will be some of the big factors that determine whether I feel like this year was a success.
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