Head Coach John Harbaugh

JOHN HARBAUGH: All right, I appreciate seeing everybody out here. Beautiful fall day, right? Great day for football. We had a lot of fun out here, getting ready for a very tough and worthy opponent. We're looking to bounce back from the loss and try to get the next game under our belt, and we've got a big challenge in front of us, so what questions do you have?

Q: It's obviously been reported your quarterback (Jaxson Dart) suffered a pretty significant injury. How big a loss is it to be without him?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Yeah, it's a big loss for sure. I mean, it's your starting quarterback, it's a tough loss.

Q: What's the timeline?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Regular season at least, I'd say.

Q: He's out for the regular season?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Yes.

Q: What is the injury?

JOHN HARBAUGH: It's a knee. It's a knee. Knee injury.

Q: When you say regular season, are you hopeful that maybe he can come back for the postseason, is that what you're saying?

JOHN HARBAUGH: I think I said it, yeah. I said it, regular season. Other than that, how do you know? There's no way to know, it just depends on the recovery. You can't pinpoint it exactly.

Q: I'm just saying – but if the timeline takes you further enough down the line, then that wouldn't be an option either.

JOHN HARBAUGH: Correct.

Q: So, you'll designate him for return?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Probably, yeah, I guess, I don't know. I haven't thought about it.

Q: When is he having surgery?

JOHN HARBAUGH: I don't know.

Q: How do you go about, when you have to switch quarterbacks, obviously they have a different skill set. How do you go about tailoring the offense now to a new quarterback?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Definitely – I mean, that's – to me, a big part of it is building a game plan now for (quarterback) Jameis (Winston). He'll be the starter. So, build the game plan for Jameis to suit his skill set. The game plan this last week was built for Jaxson, obviously. So, this will be an opportunity to do that, and that's exactly what we'll do. We'll build around all the things that he does well that are in the offense, which is – there's plenty in the offense. And then, of course, how to attack Tennessee and their defense and what they do, so that's what we'll be doing.

Q: How big of an undertaking is that for you and your offensive staff to change on a dime like that?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Well, I don't think it's too big, because all this stuff is in the offense. All those plays are plays that we have, that we've been practicing and running. It's just kind of more like a shift maybe over a little bit as opposed to a new – maybe a lane change as opposed to changing direction or anything like that, more of a lane change.

Q: Are you planning to bring in any other quarterbacks?

JOHN HARBAUGH: We will. We will plan on doing that, absolutely. I can't say who at this point, but we're working on that.

Q: Do you prefer a veteran there for that spot? And not specific names.

JOHN HARBAUGH: A veteran, as opposed to a rookie like right now?

Q: A younger guy, someone who has experience playing in the NFL.

JOHN HARBAUGH: You know, I think I would probably, but you've kind of got to go with what's available as well. And you never know, if a younger guy becomes available that's interesting, that would fit – and I think we're looking at all that. It just kind of depends on really what our options end up being.

Q: Would you be open to trading for someone, or is it who's available?

JOHN HARBAUGH: I think all options are open. Yeah, all options are open right now.

Q: What do you see as Jameis' biggest skill set at the position?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Well, he can throw it. I mean, he's a big, strong, passing quarterback. He can throw the ball. Everybody that follows football has certainly seen Jameis play, and that's – his strengths are evident, so that's what you build around.

Q: John, it's not like Jameis has been sitting in a back room somewhere. I mean, you obviously respect him, his teammates respect him. He's on your leadership council, so he does have a big presence. Is any of that – does any of that help the transition going into Week (3) on a short week?

JOHN HARBAUGH: I would say, yeah, absolutely. It's not – Jameis has been practicing every day. He's taken reps. He knows the offense. He's been in every single meeting. He's been engaged every step of the way with everything we're doing. So, from that perspective, it's seamless. It's not ideal at all, but it's definitely seamless.

Q: How are the spirits of your guys, and what message did you give them today?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Yeah, spirits are good. I mean, I think this is a big meeting this morning, because this is the first meeting back from the game. And then a lot of water went under the bridge in the last 30 hours, something like that. So, we just had to talk about it. For us, we just put it out there. I mean, just put it out there and say, 'Hey, here's where we're at, this is how we're looking at it.' There's always dialogue in our meetings and things like that. But kind of tried to lay out where we're going and what we anticipate our mindset being. And guys are into it, and we got to work.

Q: How's Jaxson doing? Have you spoken with him?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Yeah, he was in the meeting this morning. He was in the meeting. He was – he's not – I think he's determined. He's bummed. It's hard. The season's not over, but it is for him. And we kind of talked about that too, that was part of it. That was part of the deal, it's like injuries, there's a certain mourning that takes place. We had the same thing for (wide receiver) Calvin (Austin III), and even over the years – because you realize how hard it is for the player, really. But it's tough on the team, it's tough on all of us. But as we said, you wake up and you feel like it's the end of the world. Then you wake up and the world's not done. The world keeps spinning. The games keep getting played. Nobody feels sorry for you. It's time to go play the next game. Sunday at one o'clock, the ball's going to get kicked off, and we're going to have to be the best football team we can be. And that's the thing, it's not a one-man game. Not like tennis, you don't forfeit. We're going to have our team out there. The Giants are going to roll out into that field out there and play the football game. And we need to be the best Giants we can be. And that's really the message that you have.

Q: There's been a bunch of changes on defense. What if (outside linebacker) Brian Burns misses time, and how much does it help to have someone like (outside linebacker) Kayvon Thibodeaux who can go into that spot?

JOHN HARBAUGH: We are definitely blessed with depth at that position for sure. So, Brian's day-to-day right now, we'll see how it goes for the game. But if he can't go, then we are very confident, to your point, in the guys that we have.

Q: Just to get back to Jaxson real quick, you said he was in the meeting, did he address the team at all? He's such a leader and a voice on this team.

JOHN HARBAUGH: No, he didn't. I know he talked to the guys, though. He's talking to the guys. Some of the guys had mentioned the locker room. They were doing what they do in the locker room and hanging out and all that. So, it was, I think, pretty normal interactions that way.

Q: And what's your read on (wide receiver) Malik's (Nabers) situation?

JOHN HARBAUGH: It looks good. I think he's going to be okay. It looks pretty good. I think he's going to be – when's (the injury report) come out?

Q: And then (tackle) Andrew Thomas.

JOHN HARBAUGH: Yeah, same.

Q: Coach, Malik was limited.

JOHN HARBAUGH: Limited, he was limited today.

Q: Malik had an x-ray done?

JOHN HARBAUGH: I don't know. I have no idea.

Q: John, on a different note, obviously (safety) Jevón (Holland) has played really well these first two games. You knew what you were getting in him, but just seeing him, how he's played, just what's impressed you with how he's played this year so far?

JOHN HARBAUGH: He's playing at a high level. I mean, that play that he had where he punched the ball out and then recovered it, that's about as good as a play as you're ever going to see. He comes up with two turnovers in the game, had a turnover last week. And yet, he's upset, talking to him about the play or two that he wants back. Just played at a super high level. He's kind of expected it. That's who he hoped he – that's who I knew he was, really. And he's playing great football.

Q: So, we see Jameis obviously has a great arm in camp. A lot of his throws on the other night were like bouncing and short. (Did you) identify what the issue was on some of those misfires?

JOHN HARBAUGH: We're focused on the Titans game. That's what we're looking forward to. The next game.

Q: Just one more on Jaxson, John. Over the years, obviously, you've been through a lot of injuries in your career. You've seen players through it, and he's still so young. What kind of advice would you give him as he goes through this chapter?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Jaxson, I did text him, but I can't remember exactly what it was. It was just along the lines of, there's purpose in this. And we'll all know what it is at some point in time. But it's okay to feel bad right now. I think I might have mentioned, the sun is going to come up in the morning, the world is going to keep spinning. And he's good. He's a mature guy. He's a great guy. He worked so hard, so hard to get to this point and be ready. And he was playing at such a high level. That's what just kind of – it breaks your heart in that sense. And if you didn't feel that way, I mean – or you didn't acknowledge that, you'd be lying. I mean, we all feel that way. Yet and still, life goes on. The world keeps spinning, the sun's going to come up. We've got a challenge in front of us that we've got to go take care of. And there's going to be a story written. And there's a purpose in this whole thing, and we got to find what it is. And that's our job. It's our job to go out there and play the best football game we can play this week. Do we have the team this week to go play great football, this week? Absolutely, we do. And that's what we're focused on. He'll be right there with us.

Q: What do you get with the (Titans Offensive Coordinator) Brian Daboll offense? Does the familiarity that maybe some of your defenders – I know it's a new defense – but does that play a factor at all, do you think?

JOHN HARBAUGH: Maybe, but it's a different team. They were kind of two different offenses the first two weeks. They had one version, kind of, of their offense, I think, the first week against the Jets. And then they were a pretty different version last week against the Eagles. Different – really kind of a whole different mindset from one week to the next. So, what are we going to get? That's kind of what we've got to just determine, but you've got to practice all of it. You've got to practice everything that's possible. So – but the other side of that coin is – and they've got a great, young quarterback, they're building their identity. They're looking for their identity, just like all the teams are in that situation. But we've got to focus on us. We've got to focus on us and how we play. Playing the kind of football that we want to play, being the kind of team that we need to be. Making sure that we all understand that vision and what that looks like, and then basically growing into that vision. That's really, I'd say, the main focus. And then with that, understanding what they do offensively and defensively and all that, and make sure we're ready for it.

Quarterback Jameis Winston

Q: (Head Coach John) Harbaugh said (quarterback) Jaxson (Dart) was in the meeting this morning. What was it like to see him and did you guys chat?

JAMEIS WINSTON: Yeah, just keeping him lifted up. One thing we always show each other is to focus on what we love. And that's just keeping your mind on the things that we can't see right now. Just hoping and having the faith that everything is going to work out for what's best in the end.

Q: Jameis, you haven't been in this position for a while, I would think, right? We have 15 games to go and you're the starting quarterback. What's your mindset right now?

JAMEIS WINSTON: One game at a time. Grateful, but just most importantly is just focusing on one game at a time. Doing your best.

Q: Obviously, going to a game early is different than preparing as a starter. How big of a difference does that make to have the first team snaps, to have a game plan tailored to you and what you're going to get this week?

JAMEIS WINSTON: I just think execution and preparation is the same. You keep on preparing the best you can and go out there and I have to execute better and I am going to execute better. But focusing on one play at a time, one rep at a time, giving it all out for the guys.

Q: Did you ever think, Jameis, that you'd be in an opportunity like this again? Where, I know it came in an unfortunate situation for Jaxson, but this team's yours now for the foreseeable future.

JAMEIS WINSTON: This is what I've always dreamed of, to be a starting quarterback. Obviously, my respects and gratitude is just going to be with Jaxson, but at the same time, this is what I dream of. I dream of being what I am right now and executing at a high level.

Q: Jameis, you had said last summer, I remember when we were walking in there, you said your brother at one point had asked you, don't you want to be the man again? Don't you want to remind people about being the man? You had said, 'I'm just going to do what I got to do to be the best Jameis Winston I can be.' Is this an opportunity for you at this point?

JAMEIS WINSTON: It's a beautiful opportunity. But the remembrance factor is remembering the triumphs, remembering the failure, but more importantly, just being present in what's happening right now. I'm grateful that my brother continues to challenge me. He challenged me after the game last week, but that's what brothers are for. My brothers in this organization will continue to challenge me, will continue to push me to be better, same thing I'm going to do for them.

Q: Jameis, in addition to the opportunity that you have presented to you, what about the responsibility of being the New York Football Giants starting quarterback?

JAMEIS WINSTON: It's truly a privilege. I had this privilege for two games last year. It truly was an honor.

But for this game alone, my focus is on being my very best, going out there and having elite fundamentals and precise execution. And that's what it starts with, and it's as simple as that. No matter how big it may seem, being present and focused on doing all that you can do with what you have, with where you are. For right now, that's keeping Jaxson's spirits uplifted and going out there on that football field and being the New York Football Giants starting quarterback right now.

Q: What's your process when it comes to just building on the chemistry that you have with the receivers?

JAMEIS WINSTON: Just getting one percent better every single day. And as we do that, leading up to game day, we'll be better and win that day.

Q: How does your day-to-day outside of your life change a little bit now? You have a lot of other pursuits that you're into. Are you going to pull back on those at all?

JAMEIS WINSTON: No, how I plan my year in terms of by design, it's football is my priority. And every single day I write down what I would love, and that's to be a Super Bowl winning, starting NFL quarterback. So, my schedule is always planned to execute that.

Q: Have you been able to talk to Jaxson one-on-one? How would you describe his mindset?

JAMEIS WINSTON: Me and Jaxson have talked. It's pretty fresh, so I'm going to keep on lifting him up. He's a warrior. He's in good spirits. He's, again, focusing on what he would love, and that's healing. And all of us are going to just wrap our arms around him and lift him up. There's not much that you can say in this moment, but it's actions of what we do and how we support him in this time.

Q: Mentality-wise, what changes the most for you as you take on QB one?

JAMEIS WINSTON: Only the role changes. The mentality is the same. My desire is what I'm doing right now, and that's being a starting quarterback. So, that's how I approach every and any situation, no matter the role. The only thing that changes is the role.

Q: Jameis, Harbs (Harbaugh) said that, the way he put it was, 'Jaxson's season is over, but our season is not over.' How do you convince a locker room that the emotions that you guys have dealt with, that this is just now moving forward without one quarterback and moving forward with you?

JAMEIS WINSTON: That's a unique perspective by Coach Harbs. The convince factor is through example, through earned respect, earned trust. And I'm grateful that I have the teammates that I have. In training camp, I've earned a lot of respect from the guys. Last year, since I've been here, I've took pride in being a servant leader. So, relationally, we're already there. Again, just the role is different, and I'm so grateful for it. I'm happy to go out there and represent for Jaxson and for the New York Football Giants.

Q: What do you want to show the fans on the same trajectory?

JAMEIS WINSTON: The fans want to see wins. It's not about what I'm showing them. It's about us going out there and winning football games together, giving them something to cheer for, giving them something to stand behind. But right now, my heart, this is fresh. The opportunity is beautiful. It's amazing. I'm grateful for it, but at the same time, I've got a brother that I've got to keep lifted up, and I have to prepare for a football game. But I've prepared for many football games, and I've dealt with injury before. I've had an injury that was really bad. So, balancing the two, but keeping a perspective of do what you can with what you have right now, where you're at.

Q: Jameis, do you know you're going to do well? This is not your first rodeo. You've started games, not a lot for a while. But do you know? I mean, some guys, they're rookies, or they're young, they've never done it. Do you know you're going to be playing well?

JAMEIS WINSTON: I am very confident in my ability to execute with precision and to lead the New York Football Giants to victories. Very confident in that.

Q: What's it going to be like to face Dabs (Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll) and the Titans?

JAMEIS WINSTON: I will be very happy to see Dabs, because he gave me this opportunity to be a part of this organization, him and (Senior Vice President and General Manager) Joe Schoen. So, so much gratitude to see him and Carm (Tennessee Titans Offensive Line Coach Carmen Bricillo) and (Tennessee Titans Quarterback Coach) Shea (Tierney). Unfortunately, Dabs ain't going to be on defense. And I got to face against the Tennessee Titans defense, wish Dabs was on defense. Probably an easier path, but I'm going to be happy to see those guys. But I'm very thrilled to compete against (Tennessee Titans Head) Coach (Robert) Saleh and that great defense. I'm thrilled to compete.