November 14, 2025 • 43 mins
On this episode of the Giants Huddle podcast, John Schmeelk sits down with Giants running back, Devin Singletary, to talk about the Giants offense with Jameis Winston under center, John chats with the Packers postgame radio host, Bill Schmid, about the matchup with Green Bay, and Bob Papa has his weekly sit down with Giants interim Head Coach, Mike Kafka.
:00 - Devin Singletary
12:30 - Bill Schmid
28:10 - Mike Kafka
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to another edition of the Giants Little Podcast, brought
to you by Citizens, the official bank of the Giants.
I am John Schmelk at eventful week here at the
Quest Diagnostics Performance Center and a big show.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Today.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
We're gonna have Mike Kafka's first one on one interview
with the voice of the Giants, Bob Papa. That's gonna
come up last on our show. We're gonna have Billy Schmid,
he's the postgame host on the radio for the Packers
Radio Network, will break down Green Bay and preview them.
But we're gonna lead things off like we do every
week with our player interview. This week, I want to
talk to an offensive veteran that could talk about some
(00:31):
of the changes at head coach, some of the changes
on offense and everything else that's happening with Mike Kafka
being named the Giants interim head coach. Here's my interview
with Devin Singletary and we are joined by Giants running
back Devin Motor. Singletary, Devin, what's going on?
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Man?
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Man?
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Living a dream? How you doing doing?
Speaker 1 (00:49):
All right? All right, well, let's start here. It's been
an eventful week in the building. How'd you find out
and what was your reaction when you did that? The
team was moving on from coach table.
Speaker 5 (01:00):
Man found out from Dapes kind of was you know,
he was making his rounds. You know, he stopped by
the locker room.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
You know, it was tough. It was tough.
Speaker 5 (01:10):
Got a lot of love for Deeps, uh, you know,
we put it on the line for Deeps. But you know,
now we got Calf. He's coming in a lot of
great energy, great leader. So you know we're all rocking.
We're rocking with him. We're behind him one hundred percent.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Yeah, and we're gonna talk about Calf in a second,
but just one on on Daves. You've been with him
a long time back in Buffalo here. He's one of
the guys that helped bring you here, right.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
I gotta imagine for someone like you, this has got
to be especially tough given the level of respect I
know you have for him as a leader of men
as is an offensive mind.
Speaker 5 (01:40):
Yeah, man, definitely. You know Daves is you know, he's legit.
He's been legit in his league for a while. Like
you said, I learned a lot from over the years,
spent a lot of time with him, you know, but
you know, it's the nature of the business.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
It comes with it. It's definitely been tough though.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
I know burns In and Deck said this during the
course of the week, and I wonder if you feel
the same way that In some ways, do you feel
that if the players could have done a little bit more,
pulled out a couple of those close games, that maybe
this might not have happened.
Speaker 5 (02:10):
Yeah, I mean I would agree with that. You know,
we definitely we win some of them games. It looks different,
It looks a little different today for sure.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
All Right, talk about Mike Kafka. You've been around him
since you've been here. What what is he like as
a guy, what does he like as a coach, and
how does he think about offense?
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (02:27):
Man, pretty he is great for a guy. You know
his ball, he played the game, yep, you know, so
he could see it through our lenses, and you know
as a coach, and he just brings a lot of juice.
He's the same person every day. So man, you got
to respect and love that.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
What difference does it make when the guy did play
because I noticed you, like, we're atty way to bring
that up. What difference does it make when when the
guy does have the type of experience he has being
a former NFL quarterback.
Speaker 5 (02:50):
Yeah, I think it makes a It makes a difference
just because he can see certain things from our eyes,
not just from you know, a coaching point of view,
like because he literally he's been in our shoes, he
sat in our seats, So it's I always feel like
it's just a different lance, you know, when when a coach,
when he becomes a coach, and seeing it from that way.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
So yeah, I've been warning fans this week, like, don't
expect a lot of changes here. I mean, like you
guys find out you'll get one day off and then
you're here on Wednesday and you got four days into
a game, right, you're prepping. So as it just been
feel scheduling. What have been some of the minor tweaks
that CAF has made that you guys have felt as players.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
Yeah, I mean the schedule tweaked a little bit here
and there, but that's the biggest thing. You know, he's
in charge now, and you know this week, this week
has been a week, but we'll see how it goes
on game day. You know, we all we're all ready
to get out there and put it on the law form.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
And now you have Tim Kelly's your offensive coordinator. I
know he was not technically, but he was a big
part of the run game in terms of how you
guys worked the run games. So you have a lot
of experience with them already. Get fancy about him. What
is it like working with Tim? And what type of
guy is he? Not being sick man.
Speaker 5 (03:57):
Coach he intends Broyes, I would say he's intense, but
in a good way, in a good way. You know,
he's gonna make sure you're on your p's and q's always.
He's gonna be locked in and he has that juice too.
He has a lot of juice to him and we
need that.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
I feel like the run game has really developed well
over the course of this year, right.
Speaker 5 (04:18):
Yeah, yes, has definitely has been coming along. Shout out
to the big guys up front, you know what I'm saying,
But yeah, it's been coming alone, and we've got some
things we can build off of.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
You know, last week, you didn't really run the ball
in the first half of that game. It was a
struggle for both for both you and Tyrone. Then the
second half, you guys ran the ball really, really, well,
what changed, if anything, or was it just better execution
in the second half of that game.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
Yeah, it was just sometimes in the game you gotta adjust.
You know, that comes with the game. You gotta adjust
and adapt. And I think it was a little bit
of that more than anything. You know, those guys had
did a little bit of something different that we didn't
see and we was able to adjust. And when you
that's a part of the game, you gotta be able
to adjust. So yeah, we was able to do that.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
How important all those little details when you pick them
up in terms of either just how they're filling gaps,
how aggressive they are front, how quickly the safeties are
dropping down. How important are picking up those little details
quickly so you can make types of adjustments you did
to get the run game going.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Yeah, it's very important. You know.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
That's how you, you know, give yourself the best chance
to win. And you know, I think you know it
plays a big part in the game that we play.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Also, last week, teams struggle a little bit in the
red zone and on fourth and short in that game, Right,
what do you guys need to do better to be
better in those kind of have to have a situations
when a few players can really swing the game for
winn or loss if you're able to convert some of those.
Speaker 5 (05:35):
Yeah, we gotta be on our details for sure. And
when the play comes out way, we just got to
make it. I feel like that's one of the biggest things.
You know, when the play comes your way, make that play.
You know, do your win eleven and you know, whatever
it takes to win that play.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
We got to do that.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
You had that second and goal with the one right,
and I think you pretty much had a maybe not
a free runner, but you had a linebacker crash in
on that. When you see him, what what's going through
your mind?
Speaker 6 (06:00):
All?
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Right, can I beat him to the outside though I
did you kind of cut inside of him. Just try
to get as much as I can, So I want
to lose a couple of yards on the play. When
you see that free runner, what's kind of going through
your mind is running?
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Yeah, it all depends on the play.
Speaker 5 (06:11):
On that particular player was outside zone, so yeah, you
want to see if you can beat him or you know,
if he's overplaying, you want to try to get onnder
of him.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
And if you got to run through them, run through him.
Speaker 5 (06:20):
So it's all that and split seconds, you know, so
you gotta make a decision. So you know, that's that's
kind of how that play was. And he he was
the better man on that play. He won that play.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
Now another player, you were the better man. I think
it was a third and one. That little swing pass
of the sideline and you're one on one with the tackler,
you're still farming, you get down, you end up running
for forty yards in the play. Take us through that
one a little bit.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Yeah, man, it was it was crazy. You know. We
called the play and right away I knew I wasn't.
Speaker 5 (06:46):
Going to be wide open how it looked, but I
knew Russ because of the pressure, he was gonna have
to throw the ball to me. And all I was
thinking was make a play. And I was able to
do that. And you know, the THEO was leading away
after I broke that tackle, So you know what I'm
mean saying we was able to it turned into a positive.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
How has practice been this week? How the players reacted
to all the changes?
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Yeah, I feel like we're just coming together even closer.
I would say, everybody's coming in and jailing together even more.
It's very important that we stay together. Even more, not
more than ever, And I feel like we had a
good week of practice.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
I don't want to call this wake up call because
I think that implies that you guys weren't playing as
hard as you can before the change. So I don't
want to put it that way. But is it like
almost like a flare goes up with a change like
this gets made Like all right, this is like serious.
Now we got to really be on our p's and
ques and start turning this thing around.
Speaker 5 (07:35):
Yeah, I mean yeah, I mean we feel like were
some games we left out there that alone already was
enough fire up one of us, and then everything that
took place this week just added to it.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
I would say, oh, yeah, Jamis Winston just starting quarterback
this week, Let's talk about Jamis. We don't talk about
James off the field. I don't talk about Samas on
the field. What does he bring in terms of under center, quarterback,
in the huddle passing game? What does he bring to
your offense?
Speaker 5 (07:59):
Yeah, man, Jabo can get the ball anywhere, you know,
he can read any defense, he can make any throw.
You know, He's a great leader and just that energy.
I think everybody feeds off of his energy. He's every
day the same person, So we know what they expect
from Jabo.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
What is it like when he has that energy, the leadership,
but he is the guy in the huddle like he's
the one.
Speaker 5 (08:22):
Now now it's even more now, it's like, okay, you
know every everybody's been amped up about it, which is
a good sign, I would say, going into this game
trying to do what we're trying to do. So man,
all Jabo gotta do is keep being him and you
know we behind him one hundred percent.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
And look, we know he likes to try to push
the ball down the field. Right. I think he was
third in air yards per temp last year. He's got
a big arm, he can see the field. He throws
with anticipation, right, Yes, but this Packer defense is almost
designed to prevent those big plays down the field. Right.
They put the safeties over the top, they don't play
they play light boxes generally. So what's the juxtaposition there
to You wanted to be aggressive, you wanted to be himself.
(08:59):
But again, if you try to push it against some
of those you know, umbrellas on coverages, you can run
into some trouble.
Speaker 5 (09:04):
Yeah, I mean, I think the biggest thing. I think
Jabo's smart. Man. He don't got to force nothing. Just
take what they give you. Think that what they give us,
and you know, keep standing the green and we'll be fine.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
So I was gonna ask you this, because they don't
stuff the box. They keep those two safeties deep. Yet
there's sixth in the NFL and rushing yards allowed per game.
You would figure if they're gonna put the umbrella, there
should be opportunities to run it, but teams haven't been
able to do that. What is it about their rush
defense that makes them tough to run against?
Speaker 5 (09:28):
Man? They're very stout, you know. Those guys are how
can I say, discipline, very disciplined, very gap discipline. The
backers they fly around, real fast backers, real physical, and
it just seemed like they're always in the right place.
So I think that's the biggest thing, you know, just
discipline and just always in the right place.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
There's some very individually talented pass rushers. Both their edge
rushers are great, Michael Parsons, Rashan Gary. They also like
Lucas van Nessi's coming back this week.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
He's pretty good.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Devonte Wyat, their defensive tackle, is an excellent player as
a running back. I know what depends on the call
on everything. Do you really have to keep your head
on a swivel this week to see if they do
run some twister stunts. You don't know where Mike is
gonna line up. He could be in the middle, he
can be on either edge to make sure that you're
in the right spot.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
In terms of past pro yeah.
Speaker 5 (10:11):
Man, you definitely. You know a guy like Michael you
want to keep your eye for him. You know he's
a problem for sure. But for us, the mondset is
the same. Man, this is the league. It's it's a
lot of guys that get played, get paid to do
what they do, you know, so the mindset is the same.
Just like you said, be on your p's and q's,
(10:31):
no know where your eys got to be and be
in the right position to make that play.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
And they're two off ball linebackers. Those guys can run,
man Like Kay Walker and Edrin Cooper, those guys can
can run. When you watch those two guys, what do
you see on tape?
Speaker 5 (10:43):
Yeah, man, fifty six, he flies around very very instinctive.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
Seven.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
He's trying to wreck everything. He's trying he's he's I
think he might be a little bigger than fifty six,
but they both fly around. They're both fast. You can
tell that they's some dogs. You can see that they
they jump off the camera when you watch the tape.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Do you feel like you and Tyrone have kind of
gotten back into your comfort zone of last year where
you guys are kind of the two edded monster in
the backfield after that Scat injury.
Speaker 5 (11:09):
Yeah, man, it was tough seeing how God go down
like that. But you know, over the past few weeks,
I feel like we've been able to get in a
groove and you know, looking forward to just finishing out
this season strong, especially you know this week.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
So, yeah, what did the loss of Skat do to
the team and the offense? Just the energy and his
unique running style is what I'll call it. And like,
what do you lose when as good as you two
guys are when he's not out there?
Speaker 5 (11:36):
Yeah, I mean really just his presence more than anything,
you know, his presence alone does a lot for us.
I think that's the biggest thing that we lost.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
His presence.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Awesome, Devin, what do you want to show the fans
when you guys go out there this week? Giant fans?
I'm sure, we'll be excited to see guys back home.
They want to see a win. You have two huge
upset wins at home already this year. You beat the Eagles,
you beat the Chargers. Packers have lost too straight. What
do you guys want to do when you kind of
go out there in front of your home fans on something.
Speaker 5 (12:03):
Yeah, man, just showing man, don't give up on us,
because because we got a lot of fight left in us,
we plan on finishing this season strong. And you know,
I feel like we're gonna show that Sunday. So come prepare, man,
Come come ready, Bring a lot of energy. That'll help
us out a lot.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
If you want to know how to manage two minutes
of crunch time football, I'm your man.
Speaker 7 (12:22):
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Speaker 6 (12:26):
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Speaker 2 (12:30):
Yes, I knew I could help make sense of your
money with Citizens. Really good stuff from Devin there.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
The Giant Subtle Podcast is brought to you by Citizens,
the official bank of the Giants. From game day celebrations
to your everyday financial needs, Big Blue Fans and get
the most out of every moment with citizens Learn more
at citizensbank dot com slash Giants. Now let's turn our
attention to the Giants' opponent. Billy Schmid is the Packers
postgame radio host for the Packers Radio and networked great
talk with them.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Previewing the Packers. All right, now we turn our attention
to the green Bay Packers.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Happy to welcome in Billy Schmid, who covers the Packers
does their postgame show.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Billy, thanks for being with us, man.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
I want to start here with you who's going to
be healthy for Green Bay in terms of the skill
positions on offensive wide receiver. That's kind of been a
game of musical chairs with you guys out there this year.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
It's become a really revolving door, John, that the Packers
have been trying to solve. I think it's led to
a lot of the inconsistencies, especially into the pass game,
is just knowing who's going to be out there on
a consistent basis. For Jordan Love to throw the football
to Matthew Golden not being able to go last week.
The numbers haven't been eye popping for the young rookie
from Texas, but the spots in which he's produced, have
(13:40):
become bigger and bigger moments right third down, gotta have it,
fourth and sixth. I think in overtime against the Cowboys,
he's the intended target. Right. There's more and more times
third down situations. He was becoming an over the middle
threat and with his speed, that wasn't the idea. They
really missed him last week. Sounds like Romeo Dobbs is
going to be able to go, which is a very
important piece, number one target for Jordan Love, you know,
(14:03):
not only throughout the season, but even in camp or
they were waiting for somebody to separate themselves. Looks like
he should be able to go after leaving with a
chest injury. And Christian Watson this is gonna be his
fourth game back. Wonder when he really starts going John
because his athleticism and his production in the NFL has
been a little bit different level than the other guys
(14:23):
that are available right now. They're still missing though, frankly,
their two biggest weapons. Tucker Craft out with an ACL
a couple of weeks ago. Way back in Week two
catching a touchdown against the Commanders, Jayden Reid breaks his
collar bone. They're still waiting for him and desperately need
to get Jayden Reid back because he's been their biggest,
most explosive weapon and frankly biggest producer in the past
(14:46):
game his two years.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Well, so then maybe you already answered this question with
with with your first answer. But what has gone wrong
with the passing in the last two weeks? Is it
just trying to figure out life without Tucker Craft. The
offense just hasn't been onmove the ball very well the
last two weeks.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Absolutely, losing Craft has been a big part of it
because he did establish himself as their premier. Gotta have
a guy, and frankly, John, you've watched this game and
been around in a long time. At some point you
need somebody to make a play, right and the Packers
have been thirsting for somebody to make that play and
make a splash play in response to losing Craft. But
(15:22):
they also haven't been able to consistently hold up in
pass pro and I think there might have been a
little bit of they've gotten too cute in how much
pressure they've put on themselves in third down. They're the
highest converting team in third down percentage offensively in the NFL,
but it's also because all their drives crescendo, it seems
like two third down, so it's either you're converting or
(15:44):
it's off the field and you're handing it back to
the defense. So I think the amount of stress they
put on themselves in third down has been the biggest
part of it. And once you're able to do that,
your team is built to play from ahead. And they
haven't led in either of these last two games. That's
a big time hot and piece.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
So do you think we'll see more passing on early
downs then or do you still expect to see a
lot of pounded it With Josh Jacobs, I.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
Think you see a little bit more passing on first down,
to be honest with you, But second down, I still
think that they're focused on trying to keep themselves in
a third and manageable third and short because the worst
place you want to be, even though the numbers for
the Giants pass rush kind of surprising as to where
the sack totals have come from some of those guys,
the last place you want to be with an offensive
(16:29):
line that's going to be working in a new center
in Sean Ryan, questionable play at the guards, and an
adequate starting level play on the outside with their tackles.
The last place this offensive line can live this week
is somewhat in third and long.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Well, you took me where I wanted to go. You're
not gonna have Eldon Jenkins. You're starting center Sean Ryan.
You mentions in for him. You know, Rashid Walker some
of that. You guys have helped a lot outside over
the course of the year with chips and stuff like that.
I think zach com'son pretty good. What is this offensive
line right now? I think it's a group that the
Packers always try to make sure is one of the
better units in the league.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Have they met expectations this year?
Speaker 1 (17:05):
And and what your Giant fans expect to see from
the offensive line from the Packers this week.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
Well, it's a gettable the offensive line. I'd say that
for Giants fans, it's one that could be a get
right for maybe Dexter Lawrence, who coming in with the
two and a half sex that that might be a
time where he can eat a little bit more on
the interior. But there's big time questions as to what
it looks like going forward. And you're right, it's been
a spot of pride for the Packers for a long
(17:29):
time that their offensive line is going to consistently be
a little bit ahead of the curb right, and they
draft an offensive tackle, Jordan Morgan to play left tackle
a year ago. Now he's playing right guard. Rashid Walker
was kind of found money as a seventh round pick
and it started now two years at left tackle and
been good enough. But I think that they can definitely
(17:50):
see the riding on the wall that he's in a
free agent year, it's hard to see that he gets
brought back and retained. They paid Zac Tom this year
and he's been ailing with some with an injury. Hasn't
played to the level that he's been, but it's one
that's definitely in flux. They pay Aaron Banks in the
offseason and frankly, whether it's injury or performance, just hasn't
lived up to the number that he signed. He was
(18:11):
the most expensive guard in the free agent market this year,
and I think he's had like five injuries and John
that's a tough place to live. At one point he
was out with both groins being hurt. I thought you
could only hurt one groin at a time. So when
you find a way to do that, that's a tough
spot to live, and the Packers have found themselves behind
the eight ball there, and with Alton Jenkins going down,
(18:31):
his play has not lived up to the expectation that
they thought moving him inside. It's where he played in college.
He's a multiple time pro bowler, and it's left some
to be desired. But they, in theory kind of bench
Sean Ryan in a contract year now, have to turn
to him to be their starting center for the remainder
of the way. They're gonna need some guys to definitely
improve because it is right now in middle of the
(18:55):
pack unit and if you're gonna be a super Bowl team,
you just can't have that upfront.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
You know, I'm not sure how it works in Green Bay,
but I know it is a constant temperature check on
the quarterback every week. And I know Jordan Love is
a guy that has gone through some hot stretches where
he looked like the best quarterback in the league, and
then he's gone through some stretches or games where maybe
it doesn't look that way. What's the temperature check on
on Jordan Love right now in terms of how he's
playing for the Packers.
Speaker 4 (19:18):
The heat's not probably as hot on Jordan as it is.
Definitely the head coach Mattlefluur is fining himself definitely in
the crossflayers on the daily show that we're doing here
and taking probably shouldering more of the blame than it's
going to love. I think the bigger question for Jordan
is when can you get out of and grow out
of the backbreaking mistake? And last week that's the one
(19:39):
that ultimately bites him. You're going in for points, it's nothing,
nothing game just before the half. You gotta be able
to kick a field goal there and you can't give
the football away. That mistake has flared up in massive
games in his career. That is the one that's really
standing out more than not being able to hang in
the pocket maybe a tick longer. He's getting a lot
(20:00):
of grace with the low level play they've gotten up
front in front of him and the changing, revolving door
of receivers that he's throwing to. But it's the it's
the backbreaking mistake to play complimentary You hear this, every
single coach is gonna talk about playing complimentary football. That
was the moment and that's been the biggest issue. I
(20:20):
think to grow out of being a young quarterback and
a really good young quarterback. So being one of those
guys that you win because of you just can't give
the football away in those moments. That's what he's taking
the most he for right now, I think.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
All right, let's jump to the defensive side of the
ball here, Billy and Boy one of the better units
in the league. Is it too simple to call him
a bend but don't break unit under Jeff Affley.
Speaker 4 (20:44):
That's that's the right way of putting it. And it's
one name and one tag that fans here don't like
because they assume that means all we do is allow
somebody to dink and dunk their way down the field.
But you know, you got to give and take in
this league, and they take a lot of well take
a lot in pass rush. With that front four, they're
able to eat, especially when washing ninety five Devonte Wyatt.
(21:06):
He might be the most unsung player in that unit,
but when he's out there, they can really get after
the passer. And rushing up the middle has been the
most important thing in the NFL for the last twenty years,
but it seems like we always kind of forget about it.
We fall in love with the edge rushers and the
numbers you get pressure up the middle. It changes things.
They are going to play so much zone, they're going
(21:27):
to tackle in front. They are going to be sometimes
a trip to the dentist and Packers fans don't necessarily
love the bend but don't break. But it's the absolute
best way of putting it. They having on the turnovers
that you need to excel at the most elite level
in that defense. But that's definitely the style.
Speaker 6 (21:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:44):
Look, fewest twenty yard plays, twenty yard passes. I mean,
they just put a complete cap over the top of
the defense this year. And that's why I think this
game is going to be fun Billy, because what does
Jameis Winston not want to do? Be very patient and
just slowly dink and dunk the ball up the field.
So I'm curious to see of what that dichotomy is
where the Packers want to make you do that. Jamis
wants to try to throw the ball down the field
(22:06):
and kind of how that's gonna work.
Speaker 4 (22:09):
We've pined it. This is a you gotta take what's
given day, and it's not a not just on the
offensive side, because I do think the Packers are going
to try to be more explosive and push the ball,
but defensively, you got to take what's given. James Is
gonna give you a couple of opportunities, and you gotta
be able to squeez him. And I'd say that Zader
McKinney is definitely happy that the move was to go
(22:30):
to Jameis Winston because I imagine twenty nine has an
opportunity to get one or two hands on the football
coming up this weekend. It's exactly right. They want to
eliminate big plays. Jamis wants to throw the ball down
the field. I can't wait for it. I was fired up,
not from a Packers fan standpoint, because I got much
more trepidacous and nervous about the matchup once Winston was
(22:51):
announced as the starter. But it sure does ad for
a lot of theater coming up here at noon.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
Has McKinney talked all about playing the Giants, his former
team at all this week.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
A little bit? It hasn't been It hasn't been bad.
It hasn't been There doesn't seem to be any bad blood.
It was a moment in time where I think he
felt like his best opportunity was to elevate his career
by maybe getting away from some distractions and going into
There's a lot of things that are different between Green
Bay and New York City. I think be able to
say it, but maybe the number one is if all
(23:21):
you want to focus on is football, green Bay is
a great place to be doing that. Not a great
place to begin a steak after eleven o'clock, but it's
a good place to be focusing it on sports.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
I got two more for you.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
I think your linebackers aren't talk to about it enough
just because of the way they can run the sideline.
The sile on ability from both Cooper and Walker to
me is just off the charts one hundred percent.
Speaker 4 (23:42):
And John Kuay Walker has been much maligned here with
the Packers fan base for a long time because as
the guy that you and I both know a lot
about Blake Martinez, people are always believing that the inside linebacker,
all you do is get these tackles five yards down
the field better than fifteen yards down the field. Right
at some point needs to get the guy on the ground,
and Walker's done that for the majority of his career.
(24:05):
This year, coordinating the defense on the field, he wears
the green dot, he makes all the calls and he's
been exceptional in that. And for Edrin Cooper, the second
year guy from Texas A and m offseason wise, there
was no doubt he had to take a step forward
for them to be able to be the defense that
they want to be. He makes the splash play of
(24:25):
the punch last week. That's kind of the hope for
Packers fans that that's the first of many of the
splash plays. But you're exactly right. In twenty twenty, Lavonte
David and Devin White came up here in the NFC
title game and took the Packers lunch all game long.
People remember Brady throwing three picks and ultimately the Packers
settling for a field goal and not going for a touchdown.
(24:48):
It was Devin White single handedly wrecking the game and
Leavonte David running all over the place. The Packers have
been searching for that pairing since that day in January,
and I do think they finally have it in kway
Walker and Edren Cooper.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
And then I guess I buried the little little bit.
You guys have a couple pretty good edge rushers in MICHAELH.
Parsons and Rashaun Gary. How do they work it in
terms of who's on the left side, who's on the
right side. The Giants Andrew Thomas has been playing like
a pro bowler this year to man a little more
is actually done a pretty nice job and right tackle
as well. But how do they work who's on the
right side, who's on the left side. I know they
line Parsons up kind of as a joker in the
(25:20):
middle of the line too. How do they work in
terms of how those guys lines up, where they line up,
and how they use them.
Speaker 4 (25:26):
We're still learning how they're going to try to find
ways to use Micah Parsons and they're absolutely moving him
around all over the place. Rashan Gary's mostly gonna line
up on the right side of the offense and he's
going to He's gonna work to set a strong edge.
That's one thing that you know. Rashan his sack numbers
are better this year than they have ever been, ever
have been in his career, But what he's done against
(25:46):
the run has always been forgotten about it and it's
so under unsung thing of playing that position. You're paid
to rush the passer and if you're not getting double
you're gonna be questioned. But his work on the outside
is big time, and he's gonna mostly line up on
the right side and it's gonna be difficult to make
some hay against Andrew Thomas. He's gonna probably see a
(26:08):
little bit of Lucas van Ness as well. I think
he's gonna be back from his injury this week. He
got back on the practice field as well as JJ
Andigbari Kingsley and Nigbarre. He's found himself onto more of
those pass rush situations because they're finding any way to
match up Micah Parsons with a guard and it's worked
out decently well for him when they line him up
(26:29):
on his career.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Yeah, and she'd asked you about the cornerbacks real quick.
I know Keishaw Nixon is having a great year. But
if there's one spot that you can maybe attack this group,
is it at corner.
Speaker 4 (26:41):
Absolutely? And Carrington Valentine now in for Nate Hobbs. Nate
has been battling a bunch of injuries throughout the year,
but it's not an injury reason. They made the move
to Carrington Valentine a couple of weeks ago for performance,
and he's picked it up and done exactly what they
needed him to do. The quarnerback spot. Playing alongside Nixon,
(27:02):
he is going to talk a lot twenty four. The
worst play is going to be where he gets soloed
up against Saquon Barkley in the open field on Monday night.
Better men than him hauling at the feet of Saquon
Barkley spinning away. But they're definitely the two weakest links,
the biggest question marks on the defense. But they've been
playing much more aggressive over the last couple of weeks,
(27:23):
knowing the ball's got to come out with this kind
of pass rush, So they're learning how to play with
the pass rush. And I think that they've gotten better
play on the outside of the last couple of weeks.
But if there's the spot that's somewhat vulnerable, it's on
the outside.
Speaker 2 (27:35):
Billy, appreciate the time.
Speaker 5 (27:36):
Man.
Speaker 2 (27:37):
Tell the folks where they can find all your great work.
Speaker 4 (27:40):
Always find us at Bill Schmid Radio. You can find
us on the line there the game ten seventy in Wisconsin,
the Game Network, and Packers postgame on the Packers Radio Network.
I also do Badgers, but that hasn't been nearly as
much fun this year, so we'll focus on the pro game.
Speaker 2 (27:53):
Appreciate the tye Billy, enjoy the game.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
We'll talk Thanks John, Thanks for having me huddle up,
get in here, you lined up here, you gotta go
over the middle with at the score?
Speaker 4 (28:03):
Great?
Speaker 1 (28:04):
How do we make that happen?
Speaker 7 (28:05):
I don't know, Bud Citizen does it makes sense of
your money with Citizens Official Bank of Eli Manning.
Speaker 2 (28:13):
Thank you to Billy.
Speaker 1 (28:14):
We appreciate his time and the big game for the
Packers here are coming up against the Giants in MetLife Stadium.
Now let's go to the star of the show, and
that is the Giants. Do interim head coach Mike Kafka
a very long introductory one on one interview with the
voice of the Giants, Bob Papa.
Speaker 6 (28:31):
Mike, it's been a whirlwind week for you.
Speaker 8 (28:34):
How has it gone as far as just trying to
keep everything sort of in order and get ready to
play a football game.
Speaker 6 (28:40):
It's been great. It's been great.
Speaker 7 (28:42):
You know. I've been very very lucky to have a
great staff around me to get me organized and keep
me organized and really kind of follow the vision and
the way I kind of want to run things, and
they've been able to really knock out a lot of
the main, like big picture items that I've been thinking about,
and it's been really cool to kind of see the
players adjust as well, just and adapt, and they've.
Speaker 6 (29:03):
Done a heck of a job.
Speaker 7 (29:04):
I'm really proud of that group and really proud of
the organization for stepping up.
Speaker 8 (29:08):
What was the first messaging to the team when you
address them for the first time, as far as what
you expect and what you want Mike Kafka's football team
to look like.
Speaker 7 (29:17):
I think what's really important and things that I've learned
from the head coaches I've been around, is you know,
the football team that really is a representation of the
personality of your head coach. And so I think if
you approach it with confidence, with poise, with detail, I
think the players will follow suit. And so I think,
you know, you just go on there, you be yourself,
(29:38):
under let them understand, here are the things we got
to do to win this football game. Here are the
things that we got to do to continue to get
better and grow as a team. And then you lay
out a plant form and then you let them go
execute it. And if there's things that we got to
change and adjust along the way and just continue to
stay flexible, then we go ahead and do that and
make those adjustments.
Speaker 8 (29:55):
All right, I'm sure your phone was blowing up this
week where there's some significant people in your life outside
of obviously family and loved ones that reached out to
you via text and or gave you a call and
wanted to just give you a little advice.
Speaker 7 (30:11):
Yeah, there was such so many people that reached out
and still working through getting back to everybody. But it's
really cool to feel the support from from former Giants players,
from current Giants players, from family, from people and coaches
around the league. It was really cool to to you know,
to feel that, you know, that kind of love and support,
(30:33):
and you know, it makes it easier when you're going
through a situation like this and you want to do
your best to really feel that support from from a
lot of people.
Speaker 8 (30:42):
How valuable was it for you having an opportunity at
the East West Shrine Game and at the Senior Bowl
to kind of serve in this role and to be
able to manage a staff and manage a game that
experience that I mean, I know this is different this
is an NFL game, but still to be in that
seat and understand all of the different dynamics that go
into the job.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (31:04):
Yeah, it's all all the all the different pieces that
work together. And I'm lucky to have l y to
be to be there for me and help keep me organized, because, yeah,
there are a lot of moving parts and the best
you can you want to get everyone in one room
and give them a direction and have have them understand
your vision and then and then make adjustments along the way.
I don't think there's ever an opportunity to be exactly
(31:27):
perfect or try and be too perfect.
Speaker 6 (31:28):
It's just all right.
Speaker 7 (31:29):
You have a direction, you let you let the people
that are in those positions do a great job and
do their job to the best of their ability, because
that's why they're here to do their job. And you know,
I can support them in as many ways as I
can and help them in certain aspects, and so, you know,
continue to bring open lines of communication and collaborate with
the great people we have in the organization.
Speaker 8 (31:51):
Obviously, as you're finding out, just because you're sitting here
doing this interview with me, getting ready to play the Packers,
that there's more to being a head coach than coaching.
You made Tim Kelly the offensive coordinator.
Speaker 6 (32:03):
Why was that move important to you?
Speaker 4 (32:06):
I thought it was.
Speaker 6 (32:06):
I thought it was a great move.
Speaker 7 (32:08):
I really, I really loved him in terms of being
a coach, in terms of being a person. To me,
it was a no brainer. Our staff and how he's
able to combine both the run game and the pass
game and really understand it. And plus he has a
bunch of experience too, so it was really a no
brainer for me. I really I loved him in terms of,
you know, how how he operates in the building and
(32:28):
how he prepares, and he's been one of those type
of guys that you know, I lean on in game day,
you know, making adjustments and talking about how the flow
of the game is going.
Speaker 6 (32:37):
So he's a guy that I have a lot of
trust in.
Speaker 8 (32:40):
Obviously, from a defensive standpoint, you're playing a Packers team
that has a lot of explosive weapons. We all know
what's gone on this season as far as being good
enough to be in contention to win some of these
games and they're just not going your way. What are
some of the things that you want to see out
of your defense in order to be able to close
some of these things out. And I know it's complementary.
(33:01):
I know Special Teams is tied into it. Obviously scoring
in the red zone maybe to put a game away.
But from a defensive standpoint, what do you want to see?
Speaker 6 (33:11):
Yeah, I think they.
Speaker 7 (33:12):
I think the defense has had an aggressive approach to
start these games now, as whether it's a defense, offense
or special teams as a unit, as a complete team,
we just got to finish. And when we get these
opportunities to make plays at the end of the game,
and any of those any of those groupings or in
those units, we got to do it. And it's about
to you know, us coaches, we can put together a
great plan, show them and you know certain examples of
(33:35):
where we can finish and how we can get better,
and then the players putting these guys in a good
position to go be successful.
Speaker 3 (33:41):
All right?
Speaker 8 (33:41):
With Jackson Dart in the concussion protocol, you announced earlier
this week that James Winston would get the start. What
is it being around James for the first time that
really has caught your eye and why you think he
gives the team the best chance to win this week?
Speaker 7 (33:58):
Yeah, Jamis has a veteran presence. He has a lot
of production in this league, and he's been a great
He's been a great, great addition to the quarterback room
since we've been here.
Speaker 6 (34:07):
So I'm excited for Jamis.
Speaker 7 (34:09):
I think I know he'll roll with this opportunity and
do the best he can and lead our offense, which
is which is what we need from him, you know,
be able to go in there, lead the offense, go
and execute at high level.
Speaker 8 (34:19):
Heck and his two career starts against Green Bay seven touchdowns,
no interceptions, So that's not something to sneeze at either.
So let's talk about this Packers team from a defensive standpoint.
You know, when you talk about three levels, you know
you've got Parsons in Gary, they're combined fourteen sacks, Walker
the inside backer, and then former Giant Xavier McKinny leading
(34:42):
the back end. And Nixon's having a fantastic year. What
makes this defense so good?
Speaker 7 (34:48):
Well, you know, I think I think you hit on it.
They have a great personnel that plays very aggressive, They
tackle very well, they attack the football and are able
to create turn on I'd say they're coach very well.
They're very disciplined in their scheme, they're in the right spots,
and so you know, they make you they make you
play disciplined as well. So I think that'll be a
(35:10):
great challenge for our players, not only just on individual battles,
but overall being able to build out and work through
the game plan and make adjustments along the way.
Speaker 8 (35:19):
And sometimes right, a punt isn't a bad thing as
far as the game is concerned and the way the
flow of the game goes right. I mean, they've played
a lot of low scoring games. It's been it's been
talked about, you know. Is that a situation where you
have to kind of preach to James and everybody else,
we don't have to hit the home run here.
Speaker 6 (35:37):
If we have to punt, it's better than doing something silly. Yeah.
Speaker 7 (35:42):
I think. I think we have a plan on how
we want to play the game, and then as the
game declares, and then I think you make adjustments based
off of that. I think that's I and I know
our guys are dialed into how, you know, how we
want to operate on offense and defense and special teams.
Being in those meetings and seeing the energy and seeing
the game plan ends kind of come to life. That's
been really cool to see. You know, sometimes you don't
(36:04):
really get kind of behind the door and you're not
in those meetings, you know, So being in them and
seeing the players respond has been has been great and
I'm excited to see them go roll roll it out
on Sunday.
Speaker 6 (36:15):
So let's go to the other side of the ball
with loved quarterback.
Speaker 8 (36:19):
Obviously, the numbers are the numbers as far as this team,
They've been down some receivers, they lost one of their
big weapons and craft, the tight end, but they still
have that running back that can pound you and then
break you down. Is that the key to this whole
thing is making sure Jacobs does not stay on schedule.
Speaker 7 (36:39):
And that's that's the unique thing about The unique thing
about the Packers offense is they have a bunch of
different skill sets. They have a running back, they got
o Y, and they got they got they still have
tight ends and the receivers and the quarterback, you know,
and I got a lot of respect for Jordan and
the production he's had, But yeah, they got to They
got a really talented offense and they do a really
good job and coach la four Or does a great
(37:00):
job of mixing and matching different concepts and really testing
the rules on defense in terms of your run fits.
And he's able to you know, create create some some
multiple gaps and get the run game going. But they
have a skill set that's pretty unique across the league,
i'd say, and they do a really nice job of
building that out and executing it.
Speaker 6 (37:20):
Does it help a little bit?
Speaker 8 (37:22):
And the fact that you know you've gained plan for them,
and I don't mean you know a long time ago.
You played them two years ago at MetLife Stadium, So
just kind of a sense of the way he wants
to run his team, whether it's offensively or defensively.
Speaker 7 (37:39):
Yeah, you can get a sense of it. But obviously,
you know, over the years, every team is different, Every
team changes, coordinators change, and you know the how even
the NFL, I mean three years ago, that's completely different
NFL in terms of how teams are playing certain coverages
and how teams are playing offense. So each year is
a new year, and I'd say this is a different
team that we saw from from a couple of years back.
Speaker 6 (38:00):
It's just different.
Speaker 7 (38:01):
So we have to be and we're a different team too,
so we have to be able to you know, just
to get into the game, get to the flow of
the game, adjust, adapt, and then be aggressive.
Speaker 6 (38:10):
And we need to be aggressive.
Speaker 8 (38:12):
Coach Andy Reid has obviously been a big influence within
your career. You were a fourth round pick of the
Eagles back in twenty ten. You were on his staff
in Kansas City before coming to the Giants. What are
some of the tenants that have held true and constant
that you learned from him, which is why he's been
so successful and that you want to sprinkle into your
(38:33):
reign as the head coach of the Giants.
Speaker 7 (38:35):
I'd said the number one most important thing I learned
from coach in that time, and there's a lot, but
one of the most important ones is just being yourself,
you know, and just you know, just be your authentic self.
And I think everything pretty much takes care of itself
from there. So and the beauty of being in this
position is that at one point I was in those
seats that the players were in, so I kind of
(38:56):
understand a little bit of how they're feeling and where
to kind of where to kind of direct them, and
so I think I can relate and I can you know,
continue to build on the relationships that I do have
majority of those you know are on the offensive side,
because I'm in front of those guys a lot. So
I think the more I'm around the defense, the more
around the special teams, and having them understand who I
am as a person, who I am as a leader,
(39:16):
who I am as a coach and a man and
a father and a husband, all those things, I think,
the more opportunities they get to see that, I think the.
Speaker 6 (39:24):
Clearer would be a picture of who I am.
Speaker 8 (39:27):
All right, So a lighter question here is, you've gone
through this week and all of a sudden, there's all
these things that are coming at you. And I know
you've interviewed for head coaching jobs. I know you've studied
all this, You've worked your whole life to have an
opportunity to be a head coach. But is there one
thing that's maybe come across your desk, Like I gotta
make that decision too.
Speaker 6 (39:52):
That's a good that's really good.
Speaker 7 (39:54):
Like I think a lot of the things that are
we've been talking about because again, like we were, I
was very conscious of not just making changes for the
sake of change, just because I really wanted to be
intentional with the minor tweaks that we made that that
that could help the players, because that's really all I
was thinking about.
Speaker 6 (40:13):
So we have a great we have a great staff,
a great support staff, and.
Speaker 7 (40:17):
There's a lot of great pieces here, and so I
think I was leaning more or less on their expertise
on Okay, here's how we do here's how we've done it,
here's how we do it. Okay, maybe it's a little
minor tweak here there, but you know, I think for
the most part, the group and the staff that came
together really had a really good thing in place in
terms of just the communication. So it was just more
(40:39):
or less for me just saying out loud what I'm
looking for and then allowing them to kind of go
put their flavor on it and.
Speaker 6 (40:46):
Go execute it, which which I think is cool.
Speaker 7 (40:49):
Like, you want to collaborate with everybody, but these people
are here because they're really good at their job, so
you also want to give them the flexibility to go
ahead and do their job and not put them in
a box. So I've been just just kind of just
go with the flow right now and when I can,
when I can add something or subtract something that I
think makes sense for the team. I've been able to
do that, but not trying to get overextended, not trying
(41:12):
to you know, continue to do too much in one day,
but you know, kind of live like one day at
a time, build it out. And again, I got a
lot of great people around me, so lean on them,
lean on their their opinions and their expertise, and just
you know, continue to be myself and understand that the
main task is here on Sunday. I got to you know,
we have to be able to go out there and
execute and let the let the other stuff kind of
(41:34):
surrounding it, lean on the people that have been put
in place here and allow them to make it right.
Speaker 8 (41:40):
And plus you'll you'll you'll input the data in your
head of what happens on Sunday of okay, maybe moving forward,
here's some other changes that have to be made right,
but you want to see it in real time before
you is that what you're trying to say, like they
wanted it in real.
Speaker 7 (41:56):
Time, that's going to just be set in stone. I
want to continue to do a value wait every single day.
Each week, we'll go back and kind of debrief what
happened the last you know, this this current week right,
So we'll debrief it, We'll talk through it with the
heads of each department and go through it again each
week and say, all right, how can we get better?
How can I get better? How can I serve you?
(42:17):
How can we continue to get the players in a
better position? And then we go and put a plan
together to go do that.
Speaker 8 (42:23):
Coach, We wish you the best of luck against the Packers.
Congratulations on the opportunity.
Speaker 6 (42:28):
We know you'll do great. And thank you so much
for joining us getting ready for the Giants and Packers great.
Speaker 7 (42:33):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
Really good stuff from Mike Kafka. There is really taken
to this pretty naturally this week, pretty oppressive. Now we'll
see what the results look like on the field. We
thank Mike Kafka, We thank Bob Papa, we thank Billy Schmid,
and we thank Devin Singletary for joining us on this
week's Friday preview edition of The Giants Total Podcast, presented
by Citizens, the official big Bank of the Giants. From
(42:56):
game day celebrations to your everyday financial needs, Big Move
fans can get the most at every moment with Citizens.
Learn more at Citizens bank dot com slash Giants. We
bid you Ado from the Hackensack Marine Health podcast studio.
Keep getting better for Bob, Papa. For the rest of
our group, I'm John Schmelke. We'll see you next time.
Speaker 6 (43:12):
Everybody
Welcome to another edition of the Giants Little Podcast, brought
to you by Citizens, the official bank of the Giants.
I am John Schmelk at eventful week here at the
Quest Diagnostics Performance Center and a big show.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Today.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
We're gonna have Mike Kafka's first one on one interview
with the voice of the Giants, Bob Papa. That's gonna
come up last on our show. We're gonna have Billy Schmid,
he's the postgame host on the radio for the Packers
Radio Network, will break down Green Bay and preview them.
But we're gonna lead things off like we do every
week with our player interview. This week, I want to
talk to an offensive veteran that could talk about some
(00:31):
of the changes at head coach, some of the changes
on offense and everything else that's happening with Mike Kafka
being named the Giants interim head coach. Here's my interview
with Devin Singletary and we are joined by Giants running
back Devin Motor. Singletary, Devin, what's going on?
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Man?
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Man?
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Living a dream? How you doing doing?
Speaker 1 (00:49):
All right? All right, well, let's start here. It's been
an eventful week in the building. How'd you find out
and what was your reaction when you did that? The
team was moving on from coach table.
Speaker 5 (01:00):
Man found out from Dapes kind of was you know,
he was making his rounds. You know, he stopped by
the locker room.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
You know, it was tough. It was tough.
Speaker 5 (01:10):
Got a lot of love for Deeps, uh, you know,
we put it on the line for Deeps. But you know,
now we got Calf. He's coming in a lot of
great energy, great leader. So you know we're all rocking.
We're rocking with him. We're behind him one hundred percent.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Yeah, and we're gonna talk about Calf in a second,
but just one on on Daves. You've been with him
a long time back in Buffalo here. He's one of
the guys that helped bring you here, right.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
I gotta imagine for someone like you, this has got
to be especially tough given the level of respect I
know you have for him as a leader of men
as is an offensive mind.
Speaker 5 (01:40):
Yeah, man, definitely. You know Daves is you know, he's legit.
He's been legit in his league for a while. Like
you said, I learned a lot from over the years,
spent a lot of time with him, you know, but
you know, it's the nature of the business.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
It comes with it. It's definitely been tough though.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
I know burns In and Deck said this during the
course of the week, and I wonder if you feel
the same way that In some ways, do you feel
that if the players could have done a little bit more,
pulled out a couple of those close games, that maybe
this might not have happened.
Speaker 5 (02:10):
Yeah, I mean I would agree with that. You know,
we definitely we win some of them games. It looks different,
It looks a little different today for sure.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
All Right, talk about Mike Kafka. You've been around him
since you've been here. What what is he like as
a guy, what does he like as a coach, and
how does he think about offense?
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (02:27):
Man, pretty he is great for a guy. You know
his ball, he played the game, yep, you know, so
he could see it through our lenses, and you know
as a coach, and he just brings a lot of juice.
He's the same person every day. So man, you got
to respect and love that.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
What difference does it make when the guy did play
because I noticed you, like, we're atty way to bring
that up. What difference does it make when when the
guy does have the type of experience he has being
a former NFL quarterback.
Speaker 5 (02:50):
Yeah, I think it makes a It makes a difference
just because he can see certain things from our eyes,
not just from you know, a coaching point of view,
like because he literally he's been in our shoes, he
sat in our seats, So it's I always feel like
it's just a different lance, you know, when when a coach,
when he becomes a coach, and seeing it from that way.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
So yeah, I've been warning fans this week, like, don't
expect a lot of changes here. I mean, like you
guys find out you'll get one day off and then
you're here on Wednesday and you got four days into
a game, right, you're prepping. So as it just been
feel scheduling. What have been some of the minor tweaks
that CAF has made that you guys have felt as players.
Speaker 5 (03:27):
Yeah, I mean the schedule tweaked a little bit here
and there, but that's the biggest thing. You know, he's
in charge now, and you know this week, this week
has been a week, but we'll see how it goes
on game day. You know, we all we're all ready
to get out there and put it on the law form.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
And now you have Tim Kelly's your offensive coordinator. I
know he was not technically, but he was a big
part of the run game in terms of how you
guys worked the run games. So you have a lot
of experience with them already. Get fancy about him. What
is it like working with Tim? And what type of
guy is he? Not being sick man.
Speaker 5 (03:57):
Coach he intends Broyes, I would say he's intense, but
in a good way, in a good way. You know,
he's gonna make sure you're on your p's and q's always.
He's gonna be locked in and he has that juice too.
He has a lot of juice to him and we
need that.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
I feel like the run game has really developed well
over the course of this year, right.
Speaker 5 (04:18):
Yeah, yes, has definitely has been coming along. Shout out
to the big guys up front, you know what I'm saying,
But yeah, it's been coming alone, and we've got some
things we can build off of.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
You know, last week, you didn't really run the ball
in the first half of that game. It was a
struggle for both for both you and Tyrone. Then the
second half, you guys ran the ball really, really, well,
what changed, if anything, or was it just better execution
in the second half of that game.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
Yeah, it was just sometimes in the game you gotta adjust.
You know, that comes with the game. You gotta adjust
and adapt. And I think it was a little bit
of that more than anything. You know, those guys had
did a little bit of something different that we didn't
see and we was able to adjust. And when you
that's a part of the game, you gotta be able
to adjust. So yeah, we was able to do that.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
How important all those little details when you pick them
up in terms of either just how they're filling gaps,
how aggressive they are front, how quickly the safeties are
dropping down. How important are picking up those little details
quickly so you can make types of adjustments you did
to get the run game going.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Yeah, it's very important. You know.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
That's how you, you know, give yourself the best chance
to win. And you know, I think you know it
plays a big part in the game that we play.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Also, last week, teams struggle a little bit in the
red zone and on fourth and short in that game, Right,
what do you guys need to do better to be
better in those kind of have to have a situations
when a few players can really swing the game for
winn or loss if you're able to convert some of those.
Speaker 5 (05:35):
Yeah, we gotta be on our details for sure. And
when the play comes out way, we just got to
make it. I feel like that's one of the biggest things.
You know, when the play comes your way, make that play.
You know, do your win eleven and you know, whatever
it takes to win that play.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
We got to do that.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
You had that second and goal with the one right,
and I think you pretty much had a maybe not
a free runner, but you had a linebacker crash in
on that. When you see him, what what's going through
your mind?
Speaker 6 (06:00):
All?
Speaker 1 (06:01):
Right, can I beat him to the outside though I
did you kind of cut inside of him. Just try
to get as much as I can, So I want
to lose a couple of yards on the play. When
you see that free runner, what's kind of going through
your mind is running?
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Yeah, it all depends on the play.
Speaker 5 (06:11):
On that particular player was outside zone, so yeah, you
want to see if you can beat him or you know,
if he's overplaying, you want to try to get onnder
of him.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
And if you got to run through them, run through him.
Speaker 5 (06:20):
So it's all that and split seconds, you know, so
you gotta make a decision. So you know, that's that's
kind of how that play was. And he he was
the better man on that play. He won that play.
Speaker 1 (06:30):
Now another player, you were the better man. I think
it was a third and one. That little swing pass
of the sideline and you're one on one with the tackler,
you're still farming, you get down, you end up running
for forty yards in the play. Take us through that
one a little bit.
Speaker 3 (06:39):
Yeah, man, it was it was crazy. You know. We
called the play and right away I knew I wasn't.
Speaker 5 (06:46):
Going to be wide open how it looked, but I
knew Russ because of the pressure, he was gonna have
to throw the ball to me. And all I was
thinking was make a play. And I was able to
do that. And you know, the THEO was leading away
after I broke that tackle, So you know what I'm
mean saying we was able to it turned into a positive.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
How has practice been this week? How the players reacted
to all the changes?
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Yeah, I feel like we're just coming together even closer.
I would say, everybody's coming in and jailing together even more.
It's very important that we stay together. Even more, not
more than ever, And I feel like we had a
good week of practice.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
I don't want to call this wake up call because
I think that implies that you guys weren't playing as
hard as you can before the change. So I don't
want to put it that way. But is it like
almost like a flare goes up with a change like
this gets made Like all right, this is like serious.
Now we got to really be on our p's and
ques and start turning this thing around.
Speaker 5 (07:35):
Yeah, I mean yeah, I mean we feel like were
some games we left out there that alone already was
enough fire up one of us, and then everything that
took place this week just added to it.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
I would say, oh, yeah, Jamis Winston just starting quarterback
this week, Let's talk about Jamis. We don't talk about
James off the field. I don't talk about Samas on
the field. What does he bring in terms of under center, quarterback,
in the huddle passing game? What does he bring to
your offense?
Speaker 5 (07:59):
Yeah, man, Jabo can get the ball anywhere, you know,
he can read any defense, he can make any throw.
You know, He's a great leader and just that energy.
I think everybody feeds off of his energy. He's every
day the same person, So we know what they expect
from Jabo.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
What is it like when he has that energy, the leadership,
but he is the guy in the huddle like he's
the one.
Speaker 5 (08:22):
Now now it's even more now, it's like, okay, you
know every everybody's been amped up about it, which is
a good sign, I would say, going into this game
trying to do what we're trying to do. So man,
all Jabo gotta do is keep being him and you
know we behind him one hundred percent.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
And look, we know he likes to try to push
the ball down the field. Right. I think he was
third in air yards per temp last year. He's got
a big arm, he can see the field. He throws
with anticipation, right, Yes, but this Packer defense is almost
designed to prevent those big plays down the field. Right.
They put the safeties over the top, they don't play
they play light boxes generally. So what's the juxtaposition there
to You wanted to be aggressive, you wanted to be himself.
(08:59):
But again, if you try to push it against some
of those you know, umbrellas on coverages, you can run
into some trouble.
Speaker 5 (09:04):
Yeah, I mean, I think the biggest thing. I think
Jabo's smart. Man. He don't got to force nothing. Just
take what they give you. Think that what they give us,
and you know, keep standing the green and we'll be fine.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
So I was gonna ask you this, because they don't
stuff the box. They keep those two safeties deep. Yet
there's sixth in the NFL and rushing yards allowed per game.
You would figure if they're gonna put the umbrella, there
should be opportunities to run it, but teams haven't been
able to do that. What is it about their rush
defense that makes them tough to run against?
Speaker 5 (09:28):
Man? They're very stout, you know. Those guys are how
can I say, discipline, very disciplined, very gap discipline. The
backers they fly around, real fast backers, real physical, and
it just seemed like they're always in the right place.
So I think that's the biggest thing, you know, just
discipline and just always in the right place.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
There's some very individually talented pass rushers. Both their edge
rushers are great, Michael Parsons, Rashan Gary. They also like
Lucas van Nessi's coming back this week.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
He's pretty good.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Devonte Wyat, their defensive tackle, is an excellent player as
a running back. I know what depends on the call
on everything. Do you really have to keep your head
on a swivel this week to see if they do
run some twister stunts. You don't know where Mike is
gonna line up. He could be in the middle, he
can be on either edge to make sure that you're
in the right spot.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
In terms of past pro yeah.
Speaker 5 (10:11):
Man, you definitely. You know a guy like Michael you
want to keep your eye for him. You know he's
a problem for sure. But for us, the mondset is
the same. Man, this is the league. It's it's a
lot of guys that get played, get paid to do
what they do, you know, so the mindset is the same.
Just like you said, be on your p's and q's,
(10:31):
no know where your eys got to be and be
in the right position to make that play.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
And they're two off ball linebackers. Those guys can run,
man Like Kay Walker and Edrin Cooper, those guys can
can run. When you watch those two guys, what do
you see on tape?
Speaker 5 (10:43):
Yeah, man, fifty six, he flies around very very instinctive.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
Seven.
Speaker 5 (10:49):
He's trying to wreck everything. He's trying he's he's I
think he might be a little bigger than fifty six,
but they both fly around. They're both fast. You can
tell that they's some dogs. You can see that they
they jump off the camera when you watch the tape.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Do you feel like you and Tyrone have kind of
gotten back into your comfort zone of last year where
you guys are kind of the two edded monster in
the backfield after that Scat injury.
Speaker 5 (11:09):
Yeah, man, it was tough seeing how God go down
like that. But you know, over the past few weeks,
I feel like we've been able to get in a
groove and you know, looking forward to just finishing out
this season strong, especially you know this week.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
So, yeah, what did the loss of Skat do to
the team and the offense? Just the energy and his
unique running style is what I'll call it. And like,
what do you lose when as good as you two
guys are when he's not out there?
Speaker 5 (11:36):
Yeah, I mean really just his presence more than anything,
you know, his presence alone does a lot for us.
I think that's the biggest thing that we lost.
Speaker 3 (11:47):
His presence.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Awesome, Devin, what do you want to show the fans
when you guys go out there this week? Giant fans?
I'm sure, we'll be excited to see guys back home.
They want to see a win. You have two huge
upset wins at home already this year. You beat the Eagles,
you beat the Chargers. Packers have lost too straight. What
do you guys want to do when you kind of
go out there in front of your home fans on something.
Speaker 5 (12:03):
Yeah, man, just showing man, don't give up on us,
because because we got a lot of fight left in us,
we plan on finishing this season strong. And you know,
I feel like we're gonna show that Sunday. So come prepare, man,
Come come ready, Bring a lot of energy. That'll help
us out a lot.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
If you want to know how to manage two minutes
of crunch time football, I'm your man.
Speaker 7 (12:22):
But if you're wondering about a long term financial plan,
you should talk to Citizens.
Speaker 6 (12:26):
Hey, I can also talk long care. I'd like to
learn about anmiliar team.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Yes, I knew I could help make sense of your
money with Citizens. Really good stuff from Devin there.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
The Giant Subtle Podcast is brought to you by Citizens,
the official bank of the Giants. From game day celebrations
to your everyday financial needs, Big Blue Fans and get
the most out of every moment with citizens Learn more
at citizensbank dot com slash Giants. Now let's turn our
attention to the Giants' opponent. Billy Schmid is the Packers
postgame radio host for the Packers Radio and networked great
talk with them.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Previewing the Packers. All right, now we turn our attention
to the green Bay Packers.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Happy to welcome in Billy Schmid, who covers the Packers
does their postgame show.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Billy, thanks for being with us, man.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
I want to start here with you who's going to
be healthy for Green Bay in terms of the skill
positions on offensive wide receiver. That's kind of been a
game of musical chairs with you guys out there this year.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
It's become a really revolving door, John, that the Packers
have been trying to solve. I think it's led to
a lot of the inconsistencies, especially into the pass game,
is just knowing who's going to be out there on
a consistent basis. For Jordan Love to throw the football
to Matthew Golden not being able to go last week.
The numbers haven't been eye popping for the young rookie
from Texas, but the spots in which he's produced, have
(13:40):
become bigger and bigger moments right third down, gotta have it,
fourth and sixth. I think in overtime against the Cowboys,
he's the intended target. Right. There's more and more times
third down situations. He was becoming an over the middle
threat and with his speed, that wasn't the idea. They
really missed him last week. Sounds like Romeo Dobbs is
going to be able to go, which is a very
important piece, number one target for Jordan Love, you know,
(14:03):
not only throughout the season, but even in camp or
they were waiting for somebody to separate themselves. Looks like
he should be able to go after leaving with a
chest injury. And Christian Watson this is gonna be his
fourth game back. Wonder when he really starts going John
because his athleticism and his production in the NFL has
been a little bit different level than the other guys
(14:23):
that are available right now. They're still missing though, frankly,
their two biggest weapons. Tucker Craft out with an ACL
a couple of weeks ago. Way back in Week two
catching a touchdown against the Commanders, Jayden Reid breaks his
collar bone. They're still waiting for him and desperately need
to get Jayden Reid back because he's been their biggest,
most explosive weapon and frankly biggest producer in the past
(14:46):
game his two years.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Well, so then maybe you already answered this question with
with with your first answer. But what has gone wrong
with the passing in the last two weeks? Is it
just trying to figure out life without Tucker Craft. The
offense just hasn't been onmove the ball very well the
last two weeks.
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Absolutely, losing Craft has been a big part of it
because he did establish himself as their premier. Gotta have
a guy, and frankly, John, you've watched this game and
been around in a long time. At some point you
need somebody to make a play, right and the Packers
have been thirsting for somebody to make that play and
make a splash play in response to losing Craft. But
(15:22):
they also haven't been able to consistently hold up in
pass pro and I think there might have been a
little bit of they've gotten too cute in how much
pressure they've put on themselves in third down. They're the
highest converting team in third down percentage offensively in the NFL,
but it's also because all their drives crescendo, it seems
like two third down, so it's either you're converting or
(15:44):
it's off the field and you're handing it back to
the defense. So I think the amount of stress they
put on themselves in third down has been the biggest
part of it. And once you're able to do that,
your team is built to play from ahead. And they
haven't led in either of these last two games. That's
a big time hot and piece.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
So do you think we'll see more passing on early
downs then or do you still expect to see a
lot of pounded it With Josh Jacobs, I.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
Think you see a little bit more passing on first down,
to be honest with you, But second down, I still
think that they're focused on trying to keep themselves in
a third and manageable third and short because the worst
place you want to be, even though the numbers for
the Giants pass rush kind of surprising as to where
the sack totals have come from some of those guys,
the last place you want to be with an offensive
(16:29):
line that's going to be working in a new center
in Sean Ryan, questionable play at the guards, and an
adequate starting level play on the outside with their tackles.
The last place this offensive line can live this week
is somewhat in third and long.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Well, you took me where I wanted to go. You're
not gonna have Eldon Jenkins. You're starting center Sean Ryan.
You mentions in for him. You know, Rashid Walker some
of that. You guys have helped a lot outside over
the course of the year with chips and stuff like that.
I think zach com'son pretty good. What is this offensive
line right now? I think it's a group that the
Packers always try to make sure is one of the
better units in the league.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Have they met expectations this year?
Speaker 1 (17:05):
And and what your Giant fans expect to see from
the offensive line from the Packers this week.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
Well, it's a gettable the offensive line. I'd say that
for Giants fans, it's one that could be a get
right for maybe Dexter Lawrence, who coming in with the
two and a half sex that that might be a
time where he can eat a little bit more on
the interior. But there's big time questions as to what
it looks like going forward. And you're right, it's been
a spot of pride for the Packers for a long
(17:29):
time that their offensive line is going to consistently be
a little bit ahead of the curb right, and they
draft an offensive tackle, Jordan Morgan to play left tackle
a year ago. Now he's playing right guard. Rashid Walker
was kind of found money as a seventh round pick
and it started now two years at left tackle and
been good enough. But I think that they can definitely
(17:50):
see the riding on the wall that he's in a
free agent year, it's hard to see that he gets
brought back and retained. They paid Zac Tom this year
and he's been ailing with some with an injury. Hasn't
played to the level that he's been, but it's one
that's definitely in flux. They pay Aaron Banks in the
offseason and frankly, whether it's injury or performance, just hasn't
lived up to the number that he signed. He was
(18:11):
the most expensive guard in the free agent market this year,
and I think he's had like five injuries and John
that's a tough place to live. At one point he
was out with both groins being hurt. I thought you
could only hurt one groin at a time. So when
you find a way to do that, that's a tough
spot to live, and the Packers have found themselves behind
the eight ball there, and with Alton Jenkins going down,
(18:31):
his play has not lived up to the expectation that
they thought moving him inside. It's where he played in college.
He's a multiple time pro bowler, and it's left some
to be desired. But they, in theory kind of bench
Sean Ryan in a contract year now, have to turn
to him to be their starting center for the remainder
of the way. They're gonna need some guys to definitely
improve because it is right now in middle of the
(18:55):
pack unit and if you're gonna be a super Bowl team,
you just can't have that upfront.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
You know, I'm not sure how it works in Green Bay,
but I know it is a constant temperature check on
the quarterback every week. And I know Jordan Love is
a guy that has gone through some hot stretches where
he looked like the best quarterback in the league, and
then he's gone through some stretches or games where maybe
it doesn't look that way. What's the temperature check on
on Jordan Love right now in terms of how he's
playing for the Packers.
Speaker 4 (19:18):
The heat's not probably as hot on Jordan as it is.
Definitely the head coach Mattlefluur is fining himself definitely in
the crossflayers on the daily show that we're doing here
and taking probably shouldering more of the blame than it's
going to love. I think the bigger question for Jordan
is when can you get out of and grow out
of the backbreaking mistake? And last week that's the one
(19:39):
that ultimately bites him. You're going in for points, it's nothing,
nothing game just before the half. You gotta be able
to kick a field goal there and you can't give
the football away. That mistake has flared up in massive
games in his career. That is the one that's really
standing out more than not being able to hang in
the pocket maybe a tick longer. He's getting a lot
(20:00):
of grace with the low level play they've gotten up
front in front of him and the changing, revolving door
of receivers that he's throwing to. But it's the it's
the backbreaking mistake to play complimentary You hear this, every
single coach is gonna talk about playing complimentary football. That
was the moment and that's been the biggest issue. I
(20:20):
think to grow out of being a young quarterback and
a really good young quarterback. So being one of those
guys that you win because of you just can't give
the football away in those moments. That's what he's taking
the most he for right now, I think.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
All right, let's jump to the defensive side of the
ball here, Billy and Boy one of the better units
in the league. Is it too simple to call him
a bend but don't break unit under Jeff Affley.
Speaker 4 (20:44):
That's that's the right way of putting it. And it's
one name and one tag that fans here don't like
because they assume that means all we do is allow
somebody to dink and dunk their way down the field.
But you know, you got to give and take in
this league, and they take a lot of well take
a lot in pass rush. With that front four, they're
able to eat, especially when washing ninety five Devonte Wyatt.
(21:06):
He might be the most unsung player in that unit,
but when he's out there, they can really get after
the passer. And rushing up the middle has been the
most important thing in the NFL for the last twenty years,
but it seems like we always kind of forget about it.
We fall in love with the edge rushers and the
numbers you get pressure up the middle. It changes things.
They are going to play so much zone, they're going
(21:27):
to tackle in front. They are going to be sometimes
a trip to the dentist and Packers fans don't necessarily
love the bend but don't break. But it's the absolute
best way of putting it. They having on the turnovers
that you need to excel at the most elite level
in that defense. But that's definitely the style.
Speaker 6 (21:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:44):
Look, fewest twenty yard plays, twenty yard passes. I mean,
they just put a complete cap over the top of
the defense this year. And that's why I think this
game is going to be fun Billy, because what does
Jameis Winston not want to do? Be very patient and
just slowly dink and dunk the ball up the field.
So I'm curious to see of what that dichotomy is
where the Packers want to make you do that. Jamis
wants to try to throw the ball down the field
(22:06):
and kind of how that's gonna work.
Speaker 4 (22:09):
We've pined it. This is a you gotta take what's
given day, and it's not a not just on the
offensive side, because I do think the Packers are going
to try to be more explosive and push the ball,
but defensively, you got to take what's given. James Is
gonna give you a couple of opportunities, and you gotta
be able to squeez him. And I'd say that Zader
McKinney is definitely happy that the move was to go
(22:30):
to Jameis Winston because I imagine twenty nine has an
opportunity to get one or two hands on the football
coming up this weekend. It's exactly right. They want to
eliminate big plays. Jamis wants to throw the ball down
the field. I can't wait for it. I was fired up,
not from a Packers fan standpoint, because I got much
more trepidacous and nervous about the matchup once Winston was
(22:51):
announced as the starter. But it sure does ad for
a lot of theater coming up here at noon.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
Has McKinney talked all about playing the Giants, his former
team at all this week.
Speaker 4 (23:00):
A little bit? It hasn't been It hasn't been bad.
It hasn't been There doesn't seem to be any bad blood.
It was a moment in time where I think he
felt like his best opportunity was to elevate his career
by maybe getting away from some distractions and going into
There's a lot of things that are different between Green
Bay and New York City. I think be able to
say it, but maybe the number one is if all
(23:21):
you want to focus on is football, green Bay is
a great place to be doing that. Not a great
place to begin a steak after eleven o'clock, but it's
a good place to be focusing it on sports.
Speaker 2 (23:31):
I got two more for you.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
I think your linebackers aren't talk to about it enough
just because of the way they can run the sideline.
The sile on ability from both Cooper and Walker to
me is just off the charts one hundred percent.
Speaker 4 (23:42):
And John Kuay Walker has been much maligned here with
the Packers fan base for a long time because as
the guy that you and I both know a lot
about Blake Martinez, people are always believing that the inside linebacker,
all you do is get these tackles five yards down
the field better than fifteen yards down the field. Right
at some point needs to get the guy on the ground,
and Walker's done that for the majority of his career.
(24:05):
This year, coordinating the defense on the field, he wears
the green dot, he makes all the calls and he's
been exceptional in that. And for Edrin Cooper, the second
year guy from Texas A and m offseason wise, there
was no doubt he had to take a step forward
for them to be able to be the defense that
they want to be. He makes the splash play of
(24:25):
the punch last week. That's kind of the hope for
Packers fans that that's the first of many of the
splash plays. But you're exactly right. In twenty twenty, Lavonte
David and Devin White came up here in the NFC
title game and took the Packers lunch all game long.
People remember Brady throwing three picks and ultimately the Packers
settling for a field goal and not going for a touchdown.
(24:48):
It was Devin White single handedly wrecking the game and
Leavonte David running all over the place. The Packers have
been searching for that pairing since that day in January,
and I do think they finally have it in kway
Walker and Edren Cooper.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
And then I guess I buried the little little bit.
You guys have a couple pretty good edge rushers in MICHAELH.
Parsons and Rashaun Gary. How do they work it in
terms of who's on the left side, who's on the
right side. The Giants Andrew Thomas has been playing like
a pro bowler this year to man a little more
is actually done a pretty nice job and right tackle
as well. But how do they work who's on the
right side, who's on the left side. I know they
line Parsons up kind of as a joker in the
(25:20):
middle of the line too. How do they work in
terms of how those guys lines up, where they line up,
and how they use them.
Speaker 4 (25:26):
We're still learning how they're going to try to find
ways to use Micah Parsons and they're absolutely moving him
around all over the place. Rashan Gary's mostly gonna line
up on the right side of the offense and he's
going to He's gonna work to set a strong edge.
That's one thing that you know. Rashan his sack numbers
are better this year than they have ever been, ever
have been in his career, But what he's done against
(25:46):
the run has always been forgotten about it and it's
so under unsung thing of playing that position. You're paid
to rush the passer and if you're not getting double
you're gonna be questioned. But his work on the outside
is big time, and he's gonna mostly line up on
the right side and it's gonna be difficult to make
some hay against Andrew Thomas. He's gonna probably see a
(26:08):
little bit of Lucas van Ness as well. I think
he's gonna be back from his injury this week. He
got back on the practice field as well as JJ
Andigbari Kingsley and Nigbarre. He's found himself onto more of
those pass rush situations because they're finding any way to
match up Micah Parsons with a guard and it's worked
out decently well for him when they line him up
(26:29):
on his career.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Yeah, and she'd asked you about the cornerbacks real quick.
I know Keishaw Nixon is having a great year. But
if there's one spot that you can maybe attack this group,
is it at corner.
Speaker 4 (26:41):
Absolutely? And Carrington Valentine now in for Nate Hobbs. Nate
has been battling a bunch of injuries throughout the year,
but it's not an injury reason. They made the move
to Carrington Valentine a couple of weeks ago for performance,
and he's picked it up and done exactly what they
needed him to do. The quarnerback spot. Playing alongside Nixon,
(27:02):
he is going to talk a lot twenty four. The
worst play is going to be where he gets soloed
up against Saquon Barkley in the open field on Monday night.
Better men than him hauling at the feet of Saquon
Barkley spinning away. But they're definitely the two weakest links,
the biggest question marks on the defense. But they've been
playing much more aggressive over the last couple of weeks,
(27:23):
knowing the ball's got to come out with this kind
of pass rush, So they're learning how to play with
the pass rush. And I think that they've gotten better
play on the outside of the last couple of weeks.
But if there's the spot that's somewhat vulnerable, it's on
the outside.
Speaker 2 (27:35):
Billy, appreciate the time.
Speaker 5 (27:36):
Man.
Speaker 2 (27:37):
Tell the folks where they can find all your great work.
Speaker 4 (27:40):
Always find us at Bill Schmid Radio. You can find
us on the line there the game ten seventy in Wisconsin,
the Game Network, and Packers postgame on the Packers Radio Network.
I also do Badgers, but that hasn't been nearly as
much fun this year, so we'll focus on the pro game.
Speaker 2 (27:53):
Appreciate the tye Billy, enjoy the game.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
We'll talk Thanks John, Thanks for having me huddle up,
get in here, you lined up here, you gotta go
over the middle with at the score?
Speaker 4 (28:03):
Great?
Speaker 1 (28:04):
How do we make that happen?
Speaker 7 (28:05):
I don't know, Bud Citizen does it makes sense of
your money with Citizens Official Bank of Eli Manning.
Speaker 2 (28:13):
Thank you to Billy.
Speaker 1 (28:14):
We appreciate his time and the big game for the
Packers here are coming up against the Giants in MetLife Stadium.
Now let's go to the star of the show, and
that is the Giants. Do interim head coach Mike Kafka
a very long introductory one on one interview with the
voice of the Giants, Bob Papa.
Speaker 6 (28:31):
Mike, it's been a whirlwind week for you.
Speaker 8 (28:34):
How has it gone as far as just trying to
keep everything sort of in order and get ready to
play a football game.
Speaker 6 (28:40):
It's been great. It's been great.
Speaker 7 (28:42):
You know. I've been very very lucky to have a
great staff around me to get me organized and keep
me organized and really kind of follow the vision and
the way I kind of want to run things, and
they've been able to really knock out a lot of
the main, like big picture items that I've been thinking about,
and it's been really cool to kind of see the
players adjust as well, just and adapt, and they've.
Speaker 6 (29:03):
Done a heck of a job.
Speaker 7 (29:04):
I'm really proud of that group and really proud of
the organization for stepping up.
Speaker 8 (29:08):
What was the first messaging to the team when you
address them for the first time, as far as what
you expect and what you want Mike Kafka's football team
to look like.
Speaker 7 (29:17):
I think what's really important and things that I've learned
from the head coaches I've been around, is you know,
the football team that really is a representation of the
personality of your head coach. And so I think if
you approach it with confidence, with poise, with detail, I
think the players will follow suit. And so I think,
you know, you just go on there, you be yourself,
(29:38):
under let them understand, here are the things we got
to do to win this football game. Here are the
things that we got to do to continue to get
better and grow as a team. And then you lay
out a plant form and then you let them go
execute it. And if there's things that we got to
change and adjust along the way and just continue to
stay flexible, then we go ahead and do that and
make those adjustments.
Speaker 8 (29:55):
All right, I'm sure your phone was blowing up this
week where there's some significant people in your life outside
of obviously family and loved ones that reached out to
you via text and or gave you a call and
wanted to just give you a little advice.
Speaker 7 (30:11):
Yeah, there was such so many people that reached out
and still working through getting back to everybody. But it's
really cool to feel the support from from former Giants players,
from current Giants players, from family, from people and coaches
around the league. It was really cool to to you know,
to feel that, you know, that kind of love and support,
(30:33):
and you know, it makes it easier when you're going
through a situation like this and you want to do
your best to really feel that support from from a
lot of people.
Speaker 8 (30:42):
How valuable was it for you having an opportunity at
the East West Shrine Game and at the Senior Bowl
to kind of serve in this role and to be
able to manage a staff and manage a game that
experience that I mean, I know this is different this
is an NFL game, but still to be in that
seat and understand all of the different dynamics that go
into the job.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 7 (31:04):
Yeah, it's all all the all the different pieces that
work together. And I'm lucky to have l y to
be to be there for me and help keep me organized, because, yeah,
there are a lot of moving parts and the best
you can you want to get everyone in one room
and give them a direction and have have them understand
your vision and then and then make adjustments along the way.
I don't think there's ever an opportunity to be exactly
(31:27):
perfect or try and be too perfect.
Speaker 6 (31:28):
It's just all right.
Speaker 7 (31:29):
You have a direction, you let you let the people
that are in those positions do a great job and
do their job to the best of their ability, because
that's why they're here to do their job. And you know,
I can support them in as many ways as I
can and help them in certain aspects, and so, you know,
continue to bring open lines of communication and collaborate with
the great people we have in the organization.
Speaker 8 (31:51):
Obviously, as you're finding out, just because you're sitting here
doing this interview with me, getting ready to play the Packers,
that there's more to being a head coach than coaching.
You made Tim Kelly the offensive coordinator.
Speaker 6 (32:03):
Why was that move important to you?
Speaker 4 (32:06):
I thought it was.
Speaker 6 (32:06):
I thought it was a great move.
Speaker 7 (32:08):
I really, I really loved him in terms of being
a coach, in terms of being a person. To me,
it was a no brainer. Our staff and how he's
able to combine both the run game and the pass
game and really understand it. And plus he has a
bunch of experience too, so it was really a no
brainer for me. I really I loved him in terms of,
you know, how how he operates in the building and
(32:28):
how he prepares, and he's been one of those type
of guys that you know, I lean on in game day,
you know, making adjustments and talking about how the flow
of the game is going.
Speaker 6 (32:37):
So he's a guy that I have a lot of
trust in.
Speaker 8 (32:40):
Obviously, from a defensive standpoint, you're playing a Packers team
that has a lot of explosive weapons. We all know
what's gone on this season as far as being good
enough to be in contention to win some of these
games and they're just not going your way. What are
some of the things that you want to see out
of your defense in order to be able to close
some of these things out. And I know it's complementary.
(33:01):
I know Special Teams is tied into it. Obviously scoring
in the red zone maybe to put a game away.
But from a defensive standpoint, what do you want to see?
Speaker 6 (33:11):
Yeah, I think they.
Speaker 7 (33:12):
I think the defense has had an aggressive approach to
start these games now, as whether it's a defense, offense
or special teams as a unit, as a complete team,
we just got to finish. And when we get these
opportunities to make plays at the end of the game,
and any of those any of those groupings or in
those units, we got to do it. And it's about
to you know, us coaches, we can put together a
great plan, show them and you know certain examples of
(33:35):
where we can finish and how we can get better,
and then the players putting these guys in a good
position to go be successful.
Speaker 3 (33:41):
All right?
Speaker 8 (33:41):
With Jackson Dart in the concussion protocol, you announced earlier
this week that James Winston would get the start. What
is it being around James for the first time that
really has caught your eye and why you think he
gives the team the best chance to win this week?
Speaker 7 (33:58):
Yeah, Jamis has a veteran presence. He has a lot
of production in this league, and he's been a great
He's been a great, great addition to the quarterback room
since we've been here.
Speaker 6 (34:07):
So I'm excited for Jamis.
Speaker 7 (34:09):
I think I know he'll roll with this opportunity and
do the best he can and lead our offense, which
is which is what we need from him, you know,
be able to go in there, lead the offense, go
and execute at high level.
Speaker 8 (34:19):
Heck and his two career starts against Green Bay seven touchdowns,
no interceptions, So that's not something to sneeze at either.
So let's talk about this Packers team from a defensive standpoint.
You know, when you talk about three levels, you know
you've got Parsons in Gary, they're combined fourteen sacks, Walker
the inside backer, and then former Giant Xavier McKinny leading
(34:42):
the back end. And Nixon's having a fantastic year. What
makes this defense so good?
Speaker 7 (34:48):
Well, you know, I think I think you hit on it.
They have a great personnel that plays very aggressive, They
tackle very well, they attack the football and are able
to create turn on I'd say they're coach very well.
They're very disciplined in their scheme, they're in the right spots,
and so you know, they make you they make you
play disciplined as well. So I think that'll be a
(35:10):
great challenge for our players, not only just on individual battles,
but overall being able to build out and work through
the game plan and make adjustments along the way.
Speaker 8 (35:19):
And sometimes right, a punt isn't a bad thing as
far as the game is concerned and the way the
flow of the game goes right. I mean, they've played
a lot of low scoring games. It's been it's been
talked about, you know. Is that a situation where you
have to kind of preach to James and everybody else,
we don't have to hit the home run here.
Speaker 6 (35:37):
If we have to punt, it's better than doing something silly. Yeah.
Speaker 7 (35:42):
I think. I think we have a plan on how
we want to play the game, and then as the
game declares, and then I think you make adjustments based
off of that. I think that's I and I know
our guys are dialed into how, you know, how we
want to operate on offense and defense and special teams.
Being in those meetings and seeing the energy and seeing
the game plan ends kind of come to life. That's
been really cool to see. You know, sometimes you don't
(36:04):
really get kind of behind the door and you're not
in those meetings, you know, So being in them and
seeing the players respond has been has been great and
I'm excited to see them go roll roll it out
on Sunday.
Speaker 6 (36:15):
So let's go to the other side of the ball
with loved quarterback.
Speaker 8 (36:19):
Obviously, the numbers are the numbers as far as this team,
They've been down some receivers, they lost one of their
big weapons and craft, the tight end, but they still
have that running back that can pound you and then
break you down. Is that the key to this whole
thing is making sure Jacobs does not stay on schedule.
Speaker 7 (36:39):
And that's that's the unique thing about The unique thing
about the Packers offense is they have a bunch of
different skill sets. They have a running back, they got
o Y, and they got they got they still have
tight ends and the receivers and the quarterback, you know,
and I got a lot of respect for Jordan and
the production he's had, But yeah, they got to They
got a really talented offense and they do a really
good job and coach la four Or does a great
(37:00):
job of mixing and matching different concepts and really testing
the rules on defense in terms of your run fits.
And he's able to you know, create create some some
multiple gaps and get the run game going. But they
have a skill set that's pretty unique across the league,
i'd say, and they do a really nice job of
building that out and executing it.
Speaker 6 (37:20):
Does it help a little bit?
Speaker 8 (37:22):
And the fact that you know you've gained plan for them,
and I don't mean you know a long time ago.
You played them two years ago at MetLife Stadium, So
just kind of a sense of the way he wants
to run his team, whether it's offensively or defensively.
Speaker 7 (37:39):
Yeah, you can get a sense of it. But obviously,
you know, over the years, every team is different, Every
team changes, coordinators change, and you know the how even
the NFL, I mean three years ago, that's completely different
NFL in terms of how teams are playing certain coverages
and how teams are playing offense. So each year is
a new year, and I'd say this is a different
team that we saw from from a couple of years back.
Speaker 6 (38:00):
It's just different.
Speaker 7 (38:01):
So we have to be and we're a different team too,
so we have to be able to you know, just
to get into the game, get to the flow of
the game, adjust, adapt, and then be aggressive.
Speaker 6 (38:10):
And we need to be aggressive.
Speaker 8 (38:12):
Coach Andy Reid has obviously been a big influence within
your career. You were a fourth round pick of the
Eagles back in twenty ten. You were on his staff
in Kansas City before coming to the Giants. What are
some of the tenants that have held true and constant
that you learned from him, which is why he's been
so successful and that you want to sprinkle into your
(38:33):
reign as the head coach of the Giants.
Speaker 7 (38:35):
I'd said the number one most important thing I learned
from coach in that time, and there's a lot, but
one of the most important ones is just being yourself,
you know, and just you know, just be your authentic self.
And I think everything pretty much takes care of itself
from there. So and the beauty of being in this
position is that at one point I was in those
seats that the players were in, so I kind of
(38:56):
understand a little bit of how they're feeling and where
to kind of where to kind of direct them, and
so I think I can relate and I can you know,
continue to build on the relationships that I do have
majority of those you know are on the offensive side,
because I'm in front of those guys a lot. So
I think the more I'm around the defense, the more
around the special teams, and having them understand who I
am as a person, who I am as a leader,
(39:16):
who I am as a coach and a man and
a father and a husband, all those things, I think,
the more opportunities they get to see that, I think the.
Speaker 6 (39:24):
Clearer would be a picture of who I am.
Speaker 8 (39:27):
All right, So a lighter question here is, you've gone
through this week and all of a sudden, there's all
these things that are coming at you. And I know
you've interviewed for head coaching jobs. I know you've studied
all this, You've worked your whole life to have an
opportunity to be a head coach. But is there one
thing that's maybe come across your desk, Like I gotta
make that decision too.
Speaker 6 (39:52):
That's a good that's really good.
Speaker 7 (39:54):
Like I think a lot of the things that are
we've been talking about because again, like we were, I
was very conscious of not just making changes for the
sake of change, just because I really wanted to be
intentional with the minor tweaks that we made that that
that could help the players, because that's really all I
was thinking about.
Speaker 6 (40:13):
So we have a great we have a great staff,
a great support staff, and.
Speaker 7 (40:17):
There's a lot of great pieces here, and so I
think I was leaning more or less on their expertise
on Okay, here's how we do here's how we've done it,
here's how we do it. Okay, maybe it's a little
minor tweak here there, but you know, I think for
the most part, the group and the staff that came
together really had a really good thing in place in
terms of just the communication. So it was just more
(40:39):
or less for me just saying out loud what I'm
looking for and then allowing them to kind of go
put their flavor on it and.
Speaker 6 (40:46):
Go execute it, which which I think is cool.
Speaker 7 (40:49):
Like, you want to collaborate with everybody, but these people
are here because they're really good at their job, so
you also want to give them the flexibility to go
ahead and do their job and not put them in
a box. So I've been just just kind of just
go with the flow right now and when I can,
when I can add something or subtract something that I
think makes sense for the team. I've been able to
do that, but not trying to get overextended, not trying
(41:12):
to you know, continue to do too much in one day,
but you know, kind of live like one day at
a time, build it out. And again, I got a
lot of great people around me, so lean on them,
lean on their their opinions and their expertise, and just
you know, continue to be myself and understand that the
main task is here on Sunday. I got to you know,
we have to be able to go out there and
execute and let the let the other stuff kind of
(41:34):
surrounding it, lean on the people that have been put
in place here and allow them to make it right.
Speaker 8 (41:40):
And plus you'll you'll you'll input the data in your
head of what happens on Sunday of okay, maybe moving forward,
here's some other changes that have to be made right,
but you want to see it in real time before
you is that what you're trying to say, like they
wanted it in real.
Speaker 7 (41:56):
Time, that's going to just be set in stone. I
want to continue to do a value wait every single day.
Each week, we'll go back and kind of debrief what
happened the last you know, this this current week right,
So we'll debrief it, We'll talk through it with the
heads of each department and go through it again each
week and say, all right, how can we get better?
How can I get better? How can I serve you?
(42:17):
How can we continue to get the players in a
better position? And then we go and put a plan
together to go do that.
Speaker 8 (42:23):
Coach, We wish you the best of luck against the Packers.
Congratulations on the opportunity.
Speaker 6 (42:28):
We know you'll do great. And thank you so much
for joining us getting ready for the Giants and Packers great.
Speaker 7 (42:33):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
Really good stuff from Mike Kafka. There is really taken
to this pretty naturally this week, pretty oppressive. Now we'll
see what the results look like on the field. We
thank Mike Kafka, We thank Bob Papa, we thank Billy Schmid,
and we thank Devin Singletary for joining us on this
week's Friday preview edition of The Giants Total Podcast, presented
by Citizens, the official big Bank of the Giants. From
(42:56):
game day celebrations to your everyday financial needs, Big Move
fans can get the most at every moment with Citizens.
Learn more at Citizens bank dot com slash Giants. We
bid you Ado from the Hackensack Marine Health podcast studio.
Keep getting better for Bob, Papa. For the rest of
our group, I'm John Schmelke. We'll see you next time.
Speaker 6 (43:12):
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