July 17, 2025 • 27 mins
On this episode of the Giants Huddle podcast, John Schmeelk is joined by the Giants inside linebackers including, Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Dyontae Johnson, CJ Board, Darius Muasau, and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. They discuss the veterans added to the Giants defense, what they worked on in the offseason, and their goals for 2025.
:00 - Micah McFadden
6:40 - Chris Board
10:57 - Dyontae Johnson
13:20 - Bobby Okereke
16:45 - Darius Muasau
24:07 - Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's time to get inside the Giants.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Let's go.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Let's Giants give me some job. Part of the Giants
Podcast Network. Let's roll. We're back for another edition of
the Giants Little Podcast, brought to you by Citizens, the
official bank of the Giants. I am John Schmelk. Today
it's the inside linebackers. They play off ball, they play
the run, they got to play the pass as well.
Interesting group that the leaders of that defense. Right in
(00:25):
the middle of it, between the defensive line and the secondary.
Here are the off ball linebackers and that We're joined
by Giants linebacker Mike and mcfatt and Michael. What's going on? Man?
It's funny. We are doing great. We had we had
Daniel Bell Whin You're here and I'm like, I feel
like you just got here. But now all of a sudden,
you're like a vet Like is that weird for you too?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (00:43):
It is strange. It's crazy how quick you know, the
past few years have gone. And you know, I can
think it's weird seeing all the rookies come in because
you know, I can remember those those type of days
and you know how long they are during this time
of the year, and just uh, you know, kind of
being in your own little bubble, you know, as a rookie,
and then you know, getting the experience I've got and
out of this year. So it's it's gone by pretty quick.
But yeah, it's been good.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
What's the growth process process been like for you? What
did it meet expectations of what you thought it was
going to be heading into the league Now that you're
heading into it to where you are now was a
little bit different? What was just like? What was it like?
Speaker 4 (01:14):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:14):
I mean I think you always come in, you know, expect,
you expect, you know whatever you expect yourself. You have
high expectations and you want to go in and play
and and you know, start fast. But you know, the
NFL has a learning curve to it, and I think
and as a rookie, a lot of people learned that
and I especially did, and I was lucky enough to
get you know, some experience my first year and and
(01:36):
going into year two.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
I felt more comfortable.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
And I think each year it's just kind of it
slowed down a little bit for me, especially on the field.
But yeah, I'm excited, excited for this year and you know,
to get into the second year within Shane's defense, and uh,
you know, pick off, pick up where we left off.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
How much does it help a defense to be with
the same coach for a second year and then how
much more do you think he's going to be able
to do given a the pieces as you've added and
the guys being in the system for that second year.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Yeah, no, I mean I think it helps a lot.
Communication I think is the most important thing within the defense,
and when you have that first year under your belt
and guys have an understanding that's that's a little bit
more complex in the first year in the system. I
think it helps a lot. So, you know, I think
we've experienced a little bit throughout OTAs and what we've
been able to do so far and moving in here
(02:23):
to mini camp, But yeah, I think, you know, and
obviously the additions we have and the and the veteran
guys that we brought in on defense, the guys who
have experience and know what it looks like. And yeah,
I think Shane's going to be able to do a lot.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
I think he already has.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
And there's some little nuances we've changed since last year
and small things that will help us play faster and
be able to make plays.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
On the back end.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
So yeah, I think we're doing a lot of good
things right now, and I think we just got to,
you know, keep up the communication part and and we'll
be good.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
When we spoke here at this time last year, you
talked about how you felt like you were oftentimes in
the right position and to make the plays. Maybe you
didn't finish as many plays you'll to finish. Did you
think you cleaned that up as much as you wanted
to last year?
Speaker 3 (03:04):
I think I did to a certain extent. Yeah, I
think there's still a lot left on the on the
plate for me, and you know, I'm looking to go get.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
That this year.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
But yeah, I think, you know, last year was was
a step in the right direction for sure. And you know,
I feel like I've said that, you know, each year
moving forward. But I think I got a lot of
room to grow and I'm excited to take that next step.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
What did you see from Darius in all the opportunities
he had to play late last year after Bobby's.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Injury, and we saw a lot. I think, you know,
Darius is gonna be a great football player. I think
every time he got his opportunity, he came in whenever
whatever position he needed to come in, whatever he needed
to know. I think he for a rookie, he did
a really good job. And I tell him that all
the time. I'm like, man, he played a lot better
than I did as a rookie, and it only gets
you know, it only slows down even more and you
only get more experience and all that help. So I'm
(03:49):
excited for him moving forward. And yeah, I think he
did a really good job for us last year, and
I think he'll continue to do that moving forward.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
You mentioned you think there's a lot of meat on
the bone left for you, a lot more room to grow.
Where are you focusing on this year in areas that
you're trying to improve a kind of thing, that next step.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
As a player, I think, you know, I think it's
kind of been a theme for me throughout my career.
But I think I could make a lot more tackles,
and the ones that I'm missing aren't aren't all bad.
But I think there's a lot I can learn from
and I can I can do a better job of
finishing that I think on the back end and making
plays and you know, and coverage and whether it's man
a man or zone or whatever, we're doing.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
I think I can improve on that.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
I think I've done a good job in the past,
but I think I can I can do even better.
And I'm looking forward to training camp and being able
to work on all that, especially against other teams. So yeah,
I'm excited about it.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
Finally, for guys like you and Bobby who have to
run the defense, be the communicators and lead and so
much of playing linebackers feel understanding gap wereing the offense
based off the scheme where you have to go, specifically
for the linebackers, being in this scheme for a second year,
in understanding exactly what the defensive quarter defensive coordinator wants
from you guys, specifically against the run, where can you, guys,
(04:55):
you think make the biggest jump just being better on
first and second downs and not allowing some of those
explosive runs that really broke the back of the defense
last year in a lot of those spots.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Yeah, I think, you know, playing first and second down
is going to be good. First and second down is
gonna be critical for us. I think, you know, making
plays behind the scrimmage if we can do that. But
to your point, yeah, not letting them get you know,
if they do break one through the line of scrimmage,
I think, you know, us or the safeties or the
DB's got to come up and make a play, but
make sure it stops at ten or twelve. It doesn't
go to twenty or.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Thirty or twelve. It was fine, butty is gonna kill you.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, you got to you know, limit those
explosives and and you know they get paid too. There's
gonna be good plays by the other team. But making
sure that you know, when we can get a guy
down or we can prevent a long play or consecutive
long plays. I think I think that'll be a huge
step for us. And I think you know, it's been
something we've we've emphasized throughout this camp, and I'm excited
(05:45):
to see it show up during the season.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Finally, when you went back and you looked at those
last year, was it more of a matter of guys
just missing tackles or was it guys not being where
they were supposed to be at the right time that
allowed some of those explosives.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
A little bit of both, I think I think more
than anything, it comes down to the technique. I think
most pretty much everybody on our team is smart enough
and knows exactly where they need to be and is
usually in the right position depending on the call. But
it usually comes down to technique. I think it's you know,
our angles, whether we're taking the right angle to the
ball or tracking the right hip, or you know, keeping leverage,
(06:16):
or knowing when you have help. If you're you know,
making a vice tackle and you know you have a
guy outside, then you can just stay stay on your
inside track and make the tackle that way. But I
think it always comes down to the technique and fundamentals
and the thing we talk about it it's falling back
on your preparation and the work we've put into to perfect.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Those little things.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
So yeah, I think we've done a great job this
camp and I'm excited to see it come to fruition
during training camp.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Michael, thanks man. That's luck this year, dude, for sure.
Thank you. Now we're joined by Giants linebacker on special
teams Ace Chris Ford. Chris how ware Man.
Speaker 5 (06:45):
I'm doing well, man, very blessed.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
How are you.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
I'm doing great. So we spoke when you got here
and you talked about what you're anticipating would be like
to be here. But now you've been here for a
few months, so has your experience matched what your anticipation was?
Speaker 5 (06:57):
Honestly? Has been better than expected. Honest so obviously that
my teammates are a lot better than I thought. And
the system has been pretty Uh it's been a smooth
transition for the most part. So it's been going well
and I look forward.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
To the fault.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
What do you like about the system?
Speaker 5 (07:14):
It's a lot of a lot of carryover from Baltimore.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
I know, defensive special teams are both.
Speaker 5 (07:20):
Defensively special teams wise, I think the concepts are the same.
I think you can't really change too much special teams wise,
but defensively, I know we had a previous coordinator that
was here a while back, so the terms are similar,
the concepts are similar.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
So, oh that's interesting. What is it about Shane Bones
defense that you like?
Speaker 5 (07:39):
Again, it's a little earlier right now, of course, but
I think just the mentality just of I think blissing
and then being able to cover man the man is
is something that I definitely like and I definitely think
I'll thrive in given an opportunity.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So you get a feel, because I'll be honest with you,
last year there wasn't a ton of blitzing and playing. Man,
you sense that's going to be a bigger part of
what's gonna happen this year.
Speaker 5 (08:01):
I hope so, but again, I'm just playing my roller
or doing whatever in my ass, so.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
Of course, absolutely, well, this will be an easier question.
What do you think about the big defensive lineman that
it can be in front of the linebackers? You guys
try to chase the ball.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
For sure. It's definitely a blessing to have guys like
big decks and not in front of me to definitely
eat up a lot of double teams and stuff. So
as a linebacker, that's something you always want and definitely
I'm definitely thankful to have them for sure.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
What has the linebacker room been like? Working with Bobby,
working with Micah, working with Demetrius. He's new year, Darius,
a younger guy coming along. What is that room like?
Speaker 5 (08:35):
Nothing but good dudes, man, We're I wouldn't say a
young group, got a lot of veterans, a couple of
young guys, but it's been nothing but good vibes ever
since I've been there. So definitely look forward to playing
with them in the fall.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
And uh, yeah, yeah, have you sent any goals for
yourself here at first you're with the Giants.
Speaker 5 (08:52):
As far as my goals, I think special teams wise,
I like to improve on KR and then my production
on punting kickoff, getting more tackles, and then defensively whenever
I come in, just make a more impactful plays.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
So for the fans, I know k is kickoff return,
What is it about kickoff return that you want to
get better at?
Speaker 5 (09:11):
Just my blocking, honestly sustaining blocks and just being a
better blocker.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
So that's interesting because you've been doing special teams a
long time. Is that something each offseason you pick out
one or two things that you want to try to
make sure you get better at or or what's that
process like for you?
Speaker 5 (09:24):
Yeah, You're always striving to be better and the best
version of yourself. I just noticed last year koor was
one of the things that I could have been better at.
So just getting better at blocking is some that I
kind of picked up.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
I do get the sense that coverage teams, it's very
important for the Giants this year. They bringing you obviously
be not good, really good at that to meet your
flanning and fouls. There is also I think very similar
to his approaches you are. Do you feel like that's
a real focus here, just making sure those kick coverage
and punk coverage units are really good to help feel
positioned as much as you can.
Speaker 5 (09:55):
Yeah, I think it'll be a huge issue with like
the new rule. They're moving the yard line up, so
I think more balls will be in play for sure,
So being able to cover it is gonna be critical.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
What did you think of the new kickoff role now
that you've kind of been through it for a year
and you kind of saw what it is like? What
are your thoughts on it?
Speaker 5 (10:12):
Me personally, I don't I don't like it. I like,
actually like running up to the line and kind of
get a full head of steam as I go. But
I understand the concussion reasons and all that thing why
they change the rule, but I personally like the old rules.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
But uh, yeah, it is what it is.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Chris, good stuff, man, I appreciate it, Thank you man.
The Giants Total Podcast is brought to you by Citizens,
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Speaker 3 (10:49):
How do we make that happen?
Speaker 2 (10:50):
I don't know, but Citizens does?
Speaker 1 (10:53):
It makes sense of your money with Citizens Official Bank
of Eli Manning And now we're joined by a Giants
line at Deontony Johnson Deanty? What's up man?
Speaker 2 (11:01):
How you doing?
Speaker 4 (11:02):
So?
Speaker 1 (11:02):
How pump? Were you to be able to get back
on the field late last year and finally have all
that hard work payoff?
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Man?
Speaker 6 (11:09):
I was very excited, very excited, like you said, just
to see all the hard work payoff that I've been
putting in all throughout the season.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
Just to be able to put that on show and
be able to put everything together. It felt good. It
felt great to be out there with the guys.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Did you have any idea when the injury happened in
the summer that it would take that long? No, I
definitely didn't.
Speaker 6 (11:24):
Definitely didn't think it was gonna take that long, but
just trusting the medical staff in there, just trusting the
sets that they put me through as far as training
and getting back right. So but just as glad to
get back out there as soon as possible.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
From our perspective, it looked like you were making a
ton of plays and you were playing some really good
football before the injury happened. Was that did you feel
that as well?
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Oh yeah, definitely.
Speaker 6 (11:45):
I definitely felt like I was in my groove that
preseason game against the Lions, made a couple of plays.
Unfortunately ended early due to the injury, but I definitely
felt like I was out there flying around making plays
for sure.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Have you been able to pick up you think where
you left off? I know it's so much time where
you weren't on the field. Have you do you think
slid back? Have you gotten back to where you were
at that time or even past.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Where you were then?
Speaker 3 (12:04):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (12:04):
Yeah, definitely definitely coming back. I definitely had to knock
some of the rest off off the shoulder pads, but definitely.
I mean it's football. I've been, you know, doing it
my whole life, so it doesn't take you want to
get back into the groove. So I wouldn't say it
was too much of an adjustment.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
Now that you've seen this defense in action for a
year and you know with how they're trying to operate,
how do you see yourself fitting in on defense and
where do you think your strengths can help this defense
the most?
Speaker 6 (12:27):
Really, just in any way I can, anyway Shane sees it,
anywhere he puts me out. I'm gonna just try to
excel at my role the best I can and just
how to try to help this team win in anywhere
I can, honestly.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
And of course Special Teams is a big part of
the art as well, and they brought in a couple
of really good veterans special teams player and planning and
fouls and board. What have you kind of learned from
those guys in terms of continuing to develop as a
Special Teams player?
Speaker 6 (12:49):
Oh yeah, I'm in their head every day, just as
far as like technique, just as far as just disengagement
tools they use on kickoff koor, just anything they got,
especially punt. I feel like Chris and like you said,
playing there, those are experienced guys. They've been around for
a long time, especially core for a players, So I
feel like I've been in their head every day. It's
trying to get little gems from them, little you know,
(13:10):
move different techniques I can every day and try to
apply it to my game.
Speaker 1 (13:15):
Dude, We can't wait to see you have another big
opportunity make some plays and earn your way back on
through the field. Most definitely good stuff. You appreciate it, man,
Thank you. And now we're joined by Giants linebacker Bobby Okake. Bobby,
what's up?
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Bro?
Speaker 7 (13:26):
So brother?
Speaker 1 (13:26):
All right?
Speaker 2 (13:27):
So how are we doing? Good?
Speaker 1 (13:29):
Second year in this defense with Shane Bowen for a linebacker.
I just hope to mikel mcsad about this. How does
that make a difference for you in terms of just
understanding exactly what he wants from you and you being
able to execute what he wants from you.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
Yeah, big time. It's really just about decision making and
playing with quickness. Honestly, this is a complex defense. There's
a lot of moving parts. So year two, you know,
understanding it, understanding how he's coaching it, understanding how I
need to play play it. Having a whole year of
film to study off of, I feel like I'm in
a great spot.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
How's the back, by the way you feel?
Speaker 2 (13:59):
All right? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Back is great, really good. I rehabbed it all off seasons.
Shout out my guys, justin Moochie and all the boys.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
No surgery, nothing like that.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
No surgery and nothing, just rehab.
Speaker 4 (14:07):
Just hanging upside down a little bit.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
That's it, stretched out the old spine.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
Yeah, a little decompression.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Now. Curious as to this because a couple of defensive
players have brought us with what I'm even asking. Have
you seen adjustments from Shane now that a he's gotten
some new personnel and on the back end, specifically on
upfront not so much on your level, but Chris Borden,
Demejia Flanning and fall fouls too as well. But have
you seen adjustments in terms of the types of calls
and the types of things he's going to ask you
(14:34):
guys to do, where he's adjusting his scheme to the
strengths of his players.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
I have, and that's been the growing process of it all. Obviously,
players can come back with a better understanding, are learning
the techniques that they're coaching more and you know, doing
better at what they're asking of us. But coaching, they've
done a great job too of just listening to the players,
especially the new guys Jon and paulsm have come in
and yeah, playing to our strengths and you know, just
(14:58):
getting us as as cohesive as un as possible.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
And I know Shane wants a disguise on defense. That's
a big part of who does especially in the back end. Right,
and look, there's nothing taking away from the guys, but
last year, you guys have played a bunch of rookies
in second year guys, it's a lot to ask. They're
trying to figure out the defense. It's hard to ask
them to figure out the defense. But at the same time,
well show them this, then do that, run here, then
at the snap you run there. Yep, that's a big ask.
Is he gonna be able to do a lot more
(15:21):
of that given the edit experience to the guys still
here and then also the veterans in the back end
he brought in should.
Speaker 4 (15:27):
Be Yeah, we got a lot of veteran presence. Javon
is a leader, former captain. He's a great communicator in
the back end. Paulson and Debo is an extreme professional.
He communicates as the corner position and he's rounds and
the Stanford guys man. You know, they say you could
you could tell a Stafford guy. You just can't tell
him much. But yeah, it's been good. You know, we're
(15:48):
growing and growing every day and we're getting better we're
excited for training camp.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
You mentioned Holland what does he bring as a leader
in the back end?
Speaker 4 (15:55):
Just communication, communication, and presence. You know, he's got that calm, cool,
collected demeanor. He's got poised back there, so he puts
everybody at ease, just with the way he goes about
his business.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
I know you weren't completely thrilled with how last season
went for you. Are you very optimistic that it's gonna
more look like Bobby Okay here from two years ago
this year than the Bobby from last year.
Speaker 4 (16:16):
Yeah, I'm exciting. Like I said earlier, I'm thinking a
lot less. I understand the defense at a way higher level,
and I'm playing a lot faster.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
I'm just excited start making more plays.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
And we can't wait to see it. Bobby, good stuff. Man,
Appreciate it, dude, thank you. If you want to know
how to manage two minutes of crunch time football, I'm
your man. But if you're wondering about a long term
financial plan, you should talk to citizens.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
Hey, I can also talk long care. I'd like to
learn about an Mollia routine.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
Yes, I knew I could help make sense of your
money with citizens, And now We're joined by Giants second
year linebacker Daris Moosaw. Daris, how worry man, I'm good, John.
Speaker 7 (16:47):
How you doing?
Speaker 1 (16:48):
So? Where do you think you've taken the biggest step
from when you said down me at the same time
last year, before your rookie year really got started and
you were still swimming some kind of where you are today.
Speaker 7 (16:57):
I think I just learned how to become a pro.
I think that's the biggest thing, transitioning from college where
you know, we were balancing both school, you know, our
home life and football and all that. But now I
get to the pros, get to the league. Now I'm
just football is my all time job. So just learning
how to become a pro and handling that, learning how
to take care of my body, you know, how to
(17:19):
study film, learning from the veterans, building a routine every
day is what I really learned throughout this past year.
And I developed and you know, kind of made my
own routine, and you know, I felt like I had
a good year, blessed to be here, and you know,
very grateful for this opportunity.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
Now, I'm sure you probably got a little bit more
playing time on defense than you thought you would at
the end of the year, which I'm sure is very
valuable for you. Yes, what do you think you learned
on the field in those final you know month or
two of the year that maybe you didn't quite get
doing the special team stuff in the meeting room stuff
before you really got that opportunity.
Speaker 7 (17:53):
Yeah, I'll say, just experience. Experience, that's you know, you
can't take that for granted, especially in the league. Once
you get on the field, you got to take advantage
of the opportunities, you know, no matter how it presents itself,
whether it's special teams or on defense, like you said,
and I was very grateful to to be on that field,
you know. You know, but it's unfortunate that BOBBYO and
Michael went down due to injuries and all that. But
(18:14):
you know, that's that's the beast of the animal of
the of the NFL. You know, just guys always go down.
It's the next man up mentality. And so you know,
having great guys like Bobby O and Michael McFadden and
our and our linebacker coach Coach Eggs just you know,
leading taking lead in that in our room and just
being able to coach me up and not just me,
but also other guys that had to step up as well.
(18:35):
We had Ty Summers had to start a game. We
had the Antony Johnson had to step up for a game.
So just having guys like that just very mature and uh,
you know, having that mentality to where you know they
can step up and you know, not really leave leave off,
you know where where Bobby and Michael was, but just
to you know, keep it going, keep up that temple.
And you know, as far as making plays and being
(18:56):
productive on the field.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
Did you sense the games start to slow down for
you a little bit as you got more of those
reps in the final couple months.
Speaker 7 (19:03):
Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
You know.
Speaker 7 (19:05):
So I started the first first week, Week one against
the Minnesota Viking because Michael was down that week, and man,
my head was going all over the place. You know,
that was my welcome to the NFL moment. I'm lining
up against Simon Donald, you know, he got Justin Jefferson,
all those guys that I grew up watching, Like these
guys are all my fantasy teams growing up and and
all that, but now like I'm going against them.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
So that was really crazy.
Speaker 7 (19:25):
And then as the time went on, Michaeh came back,
and so I was sitting behind Bobby O and Michael
McFadden learning from them, learning how you know, how they
adapt and they learned from the game and how they
watch film and how they go out and just play
hard every every single game. And so I learned. I
learned from that and just took little parts of here,
here and there from their game and try to apply
it to my game. And so yeah, like he said,
(19:48):
and the game started slowing down once we started going
throughout the weeks. And then like my second start I
think was Atlanta, and that's when you know, things started
to slow down because you know, not only was I
on defense, but I was still playing special teams. So sure,
even more so, just that's invaluable, like playing time, Like
you can't give that up, and you can't waste that opportunity.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Since you played so much and he's so much experience,
I'm sure it's easier for you to set out goals
for yourself this year in terms of where you want
to get better and take the next step. What were
some of those things that you really locked in on
and tried to focus on during the spring and summer
months so that you improve the way you wanted the
way you're going to want to in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 7 (20:28):
Yeah, I would just say, hone in on the on
the defensive playbook, this is your two in the system
coach sing coming back again, and you know, I love
his defense and what he has planned for us and
his game plan going into every week. He's very deliberate
with his work and what he does and the work
he sets out for all of us, and we all
respect that as a defense. And so just coming into
(20:49):
this year, just really wanting to just excel in my
knowledge of the game and know the ins and out
not only my position but all the other positions. And
I feel like that's what all the you know, successful
guys in the league's, that's what they do. They don't
just know their defense, especially as linebackers. Like we're in
the middle of the defense everything right, We're not only
in the run fits every down, but we're also dropping
back into past coach and doing all of that as
(21:12):
the dv's do. And so it's being knowledgeable and just
being a sponge and soaking all knowledge is what I'm
really trying to do going into year two.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
Final question, you mentioned you love Shane Bowen's defense. What
is it about his defense? The way he runs this defense.
Speaker 2 (21:25):
That you love.
Speaker 7 (21:26):
I think it allows everyone just to go out and
play ball. You know, he puts in a few calls
here and there, but not too much adjustments as far
as you know where the linebackers are always thinking. It
allows everyone just to go out and play ball, play fast.
And I think that's what the best defenses do out
there every year that are able to make turnovers, make
TFLs and things like that is just playing fast. And
(21:48):
that's exactly what coach Shane's Bowen defense allows us to do.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
We have known winning. I'm gonna squeeze in one more
real quick. Okay, since you just made the transition, and
I think going from linebacker and college, which the linebacker
and the pros along with tight end is probably the
two toughest transitions. Is you have to do you mention
on OFFENSEI tight end has to do everything right, defensive
linebacker has to do everything. Yes, what's the biggest difference
and why is it such a tough transition going from
college linebacker to NFL linebacker?
Speaker 7 (22:15):
And the toughest thing that I learned real quick in
the league is that the on lineman is just as
they're more athletic. I would say, they're big, fast, and
they're so strong. But once they get their their their
paws on you is game over. So just learning how
to utilize my hands, learning how to you know, when
to strike them, when to run away from them, avoid blocking,
(22:36):
you know, at all times we want to try to
avoid blocking as much as we can just to get
to the ball carrier. That's the you know, that's the
whole point of our job is to get the ball carrier.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Sometimes you have to stack though, right you have to.
Speaker 7 (22:46):
Sometimes there's no way of avoiding them. So that's when
we have to put it. You know, we have to
get dirty, down in dirty, get our hands on, be
able to shed block and so but yeah, that's a
that's another thing that I've been the point of emphasis
going into this offseason is just learning how to utilize
my hands and shed blocking, just like the way Bobby O.
BOBBYO got long arm, so he's able to always just
(23:07):
disengage off blocks very well, and so I'm learning learning
from that. Learning from him is just a great opportunity
for me.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
Is there a big difference with the intelligence of the quarterbacks? Too,
And how are you able to This is gonna sound bad,
but manipulate guys like you and move you where they
want and you have to resist that sort of stuff, right.
Speaker 7 (23:24):
Yeah, that's just a part of the game, man, Just
just guys like now, we have Russell Wilson in the building,
So going against him every day is crazy because just
seeing him manipulate, like he said, and just audible every
time that he sees a certain pressure coming from this way,
boom he checks another play going the opposite direction, or
screen pass going there, or bomb play going there. If
he sees like we're dropping back into coverage, he checks
(23:46):
it into a run player or something like that. So
and that's not just for a roust, but it's just
for it's everyone in the league that's excelling at a
high level. And so you know, I'm competitive myself, and
so I love taking on that task and being able
to play the game within the game. And so that's
that's one thing that I love about the sport.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
We can't wait to see in you two, Darius, Thank
you man, appreciate it. And now we're joined by Giants
linebacker and special team or Demetrius Flanning and fouls Demetrios.
How are you man doing?
Speaker 2 (24:11):
Great man? How are you so?
Speaker 1 (24:12):
How has the spring been? Kind of getting used to
giants football, giants culture and all that time.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
It's been great, you know, getting all of the teammates,
getting all the culture. You know, it's just been it's
just been a blessing. And I'm glad I'm here.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
You're in the beating room with Eggs right on the defense.
So what has been like working with Eggs?
Speaker 2 (24:25):
It's been great. Man to be able to pick his
brain and kind of learn, you know, learn the system
and learn how we do things here has been It's
been nothing but a blessing.
Speaker 1 (24:32):
When you got here. How they kind of explain your
role to in terms of where you fitting on defense
and then where you fitting on special teams.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
Yeah, just kind of you know, being able to kind
of be able to multi facet it and kind of
knowing both positions and kind of just being able to,
you know, be ready when my name's called upon, and
obviously being a dog on special teams.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
All right, talk about your special teams play and being
a dog on special teams. Let me start to hear
what's your favorite coveraging?
Speaker 4 (24:55):
You like?
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Kick?
Speaker 1 (24:56):
You like puonns, you like return?
Speaker 4 (24:57):
What do you like?
Speaker 2 (24:58):
I like to hit people, so I think so kickoff one,
kickoff and points. It's kind of the two main ones
that I like.
Speaker 1 (25:07):
Yeah, what what makes a dog on special teams?
Speaker 2 (25:10):
I think it's just a relentless mindset, being able to
because it's it's not like, you know, offensive defense, where
you know exactly kind of how things are going to go.
It's kind of a little like a little bit it's
control chaos. So just being able to be adaptable and
just just find the ball, just having a nose for
the ball and then getting after it.
Speaker 1 (25:27):
He's pretty obvious that the Giants made this part priority
because they brought you in and then they bring Chris Board. No,
I think you guys are kind of cut from the
same cloth.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Yeah, No, definitely, definitely me and Chris, you know, and
Chris is a great dude. And obviously he's been a
dog on special teams for years, so I'm gonna be
I'm excited to play with him.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
What has been like learning from Goes in the special teams?
Speaker 2 (25:44):
Yeah, man, it's been It's been great. Man. Goes is amazing.
He's a great coach, He's a smart guy, you know anything,
I try to pick his brain as much as I
can because I know he's been around the league for
a while. He knows, he knows the system. You know,
he knows how to make his players make plays.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
All right, let jump to the defense. Now, what do
you think of now if you've been in it for
a little bit and you're learning, and what do you
think of Shane Bowen and kind of what this defense
is all about.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
I love it. I love the scheme. I love the
different the different coverages that we have to kind of
make the offense think a little bit. I think it's all.
I think it's all great.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
You mentioned coverages that make the offense think. And this
team last year you weren't here. They had an extremely
young secondary. You and second year guys rookies this year
that you bring a pulse to the debo. You're bringing
Javon holland bringing a guy like yourself, Bobby o character
a lot of experience. Are we going to see like
a lot of pre snap postnat movement the Skies. We
try to make that quarterback wait that extra second or
(26:36):
two so that pass rush can get home.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Yeah. I think I think when you have when you
bring in veteran veteran defensive backs, and you have veterans
like Bobby I think, and there it's still going to
be their second year in the system, so I think
it's going to be It's going to be great just
for for stuff like that pre snap this guys and
stuff like that. So I would expect to see more
stuff like that, you know, you know, a guy like myself,
(26:58):
I'm not ready to do that just yet, but I
know for sure, you know, guys like Bobby and and
Deebo and Javon, I think they'll be able to to
to really you know, flourish under this system now that
this is going to be their second year.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
What are you in terms of picking everything up?
Speaker 2 (27:12):
And Oh, I'm I'm right where I need to be.
I'm a I'm in it. I'm in a great spot.
But you know what I'm saying, I just want to
make sure that get the job done more than this guy.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
Now we've been spoken before, but just talking to now,
I get the sense that spring football is great, but
it's not really football until the pads go on in camp, right.
Are you looking forward to to being a little bit
more physical and.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
Oh yeah, definitely Summer I mean, I mean, that's why
we play. That's why we play, you know what I'm saying.
So that's why we play. So I can't wait to, uh,
you know, put the pads on and and and get
after it and compete.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
Demetrious good stuff. Man, I appreciate dude. Thank you. That's
your off ball linebacker group. Be thanking for joining us
on the Giants Little Podcast, brought to you by Citizens,
the official Bank of the Giants. We'll see you next time.
It's time to get inside the Giants.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Let's go.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Let's Giants give me some job. Part of the Giants
Podcast Network. Let's roll. We're back for another edition of
the Giants Little Podcast, brought to you by Citizens, the
official bank of the Giants. I am John Schmelk. Today
it's the inside linebackers. They play off ball, they play
the run, they got to play the pass as well.
Interesting group that the leaders of that defense. Right in
(00:25):
the middle of it, between the defensive line and the secondary.
Here are the off ball linebackers and that We're joined
by Giants linebacker Mike and mcfatt and Michael. What's going on? Man?
It's funny. We are doing great. We had we had
Daniel Bell Whin You're here and I'm like, I feel
like you just got here. But now all of a sudden,
you're like a vet Like is that weird for you too?
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (00:43):
It is strange. It's crazy how quick you know, the
past few years have gone. And you know, I can
think it's weird seeing all the rookies come in because
you know, I can remember those those type of days
and you know how long they are during this time
of the year, and just uh, you know, kind of
being in your own little bubble, you know, as a rookie,
and then you know, getting the experience I've got and
out of this year. So it's it's gone by pretty quick.
But yeah, it's been good.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
What's the growth process process been like for you? What
did it meet expectations of what you thought it was
going to be heading into the league Now that you're
heading into it to where you are now was a
little bit different? What was just like? What was it like?
Speaker 4 (01:14):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:14):
I mean I think you always come in, you know, expect,
you expect, you know whatever you expect yourself. You have
high expectations and you want to go in and play
and and you know, start fast. But you know, the
NFL has a learning curve to it, and I think
and as a rookie, a lot of people learned that
and I especially did, and I was lucky enough to
get you know, some experience my first year and and
(01:36):
going into year two.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
I felt more comfortable.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
And I think each year it's just kind of it
slowed down a little bit for me, especially on the field.
But yeah, I'm excited, excited for this year and you know,
to get into the second year within Shane's defense, and uh,
you know, pick off, pick up where we left off.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
How much does it help a defense to be with
the same coach for a second year and then how
much more do you think he's going to be able
to do given a the pieces as you've added and
the guys being in the system for that second year.
Speaker 3 (02:03):
Yeah, no, I mean I think it helps a lot.
Communication I think is the most important thing within the defense,
and when you have that first year under your belt
and guys have an understanding that's that's a little bit
more complex in the first year in the system. I
think it helps a lot. So, you know, I think
we've experienced a little bit throughout OTAs and what we've
been able to do so far and moving in here
(02:23):
to mini camp, But yeah, I think, you know, and
obviously the additions we have and the and the veteran
guys that we brought in on defense, the guys who
have experience and know what it looks like. And yeah,
I think Shane's going to be able to do a lot.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
I think he already has.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
And there's some little nuances we've changed since last year
and small things that will help us play faster and
be able to make plays.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
On the back end.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
So yeah, I think we're doing a lot of good
things right now, and I think we just got to,
you know, keep up the communication part and and we'll
be good.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
When we spoke here at this time last year, you
talked about how you felt like you were oftentimes in
the right position and to make the plays. Maybe you
didn't finish as many plays you'll to finish. Did you
think you cleaned that up as much as you wanted
to last year?
Speaker 3 (03:04):
I think I did to a certain extent. Yeah, I
think there's still a lot left on the on the
plate for me, and you know, I'm looking to go get.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
That this year.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
But yeah, I think, you know, last year was was
a step in the right direction for sure. And you know,
I feel like I've said that, you know, each year
moving forward. But I think I got a lot of
room to grow and I'm excited to take that next step.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
What did you see from Darius in all the opportunities
he had to play late last year after Bobby's.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Injury, and we saw a lot. I think, you know,
Darius is gonna be a great football player. I think
every time he got his opportunity, he came in whenever
whatever position he needed to come in, whatever he needed
to know. I think he for a rookie, he did
a really good job. And I tell him that all
the time. I'm like, man, he played a lot better
than I did as a rookie, and it only gets
you know, it only slows down even more and you
only get more experience and all that help. So I'm
(03:49):
excited for him moving forward. And yeah, I think he
did a really good job for us last year, and
I think he'll continue to do that moving forward.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
You mentioned you think there's a lot of meat on
the bone left for you, a lot more room to grow.
Where are you focusing on this year in areas that
you're trying to improve a kind of thing, that next step.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
As a player, I think, you know, I think it's
kind of been a theme for me throughout my career.
But I think I could make a lot more tackles,
and the ones that I'm missing aren't aren't all bad.
But I think there's a lot I can learn from
and I can I can do a better job of
finishing that I think on the back end and making
plays and you know, and coverage and whether it's man
a man or zone or whatever, we're doing.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
I think I can improve on that.
Speaker 3 (04:23):
I think I've done a good job in the past,
but I think I can I can do even better.
And I'm looking forward to training camp and being able
to work on all that, especially against other teams. So yeah,
I'm excited about it.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
Finally, for guys like you and Bobby who have to
run the defense, be the communicators and lead and so
much of playing linebackers feel understanding gap wereing the offense
based off the scheme where you have to go, specifically
for the linebackers, being in this scheme for a second year,
in understanding exactly what the defensive quarter defensive coordinator wants
from you guys, specifically against the run, where can you, guys,
(04:55):
you think make the biggest jump just being better on
first and second downs and not allowing some of those
explosive runs that really broke the back of the defense
last year in a lot of those spots.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Yeah, I think, you know, playing first and second down
is going to be good. First and second down is
gonna be critical for us. I think, you know, making
plays behind the scrimmage if we can do that. But
to your point, yeah, not letting them get you know,
if they do break one through the line of scrimmage,
I think, you know, us or the safeties or the
DB's got to come up and make a play, but
make sure it stops at ten or twelve. It doesn't
go to twenty or.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Thirty or twelve. It was fine, butty is gonna kill you.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, you got to you know, limit those
explosives and and you know they get paid too. There's
gonna be good plays by the other team. But making
sure that you know, when we can get a guy
down or we can prevent a long play or consecutive
long plays. I think I think that'll be a huge
step for us. And I think you know, it's been
something we've we've emphasized throughout this camp, and I'm excited
(05:45):
to see it show up during the season.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Finally, when you went back and you looked at those
last year, was it more of a matter of guys
just missing tackles or was it guys not being where
they were supposed to be at the right time that
allowed some of those explosives.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
A little bit of both, I think I think more
than anything, it comes down to the technique. I think
most pretty much everybody on our team is smart enough
and knows exactly where they need to be and is
usually in the right position depending on the call. But
it usually comes down to technique. I think it's you know,
our angles, whether we're taking the right angle to the
ball or tracking the right hip, or you know, keeping leverage,
(06:16):
or knowing when you have help. If you're you know,
making a vice tackle and you know you have a
guy outside, then you can just stay stay on your
inside track and make the tackle that way. But I
think it always comes down to the technique and fundamentals
and the thing we talk about it it's falling back
on your preparation and the work we've put into to perfect.
Speaker 2 (06:33):
Those little things.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
So yeah, I think we've done a great job this
camp and I'm excited to see it come to fruition
during training camp.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Michael, thanks man. That's luck this year, dude, for sure.
Thank you. Now we're joined by Giants linebacker on special
teams Ace Chris Ford. Chris how ware Man.
Speaker 5 (06:45):
I'm doing well, man, very blessed.
Speaker 2 (06:46):
How are you.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
I'm doing great. So we spoke when you got here
and you talked about what you're anticipating would be like
to be here. But now you've been here for a
few months, so has your experience matched what your anticipation was?
Speaker 5 (06:57):
Honestly? Has been better than expected. Honest so obviously that
my teammates are a lot better than I thought. And
the system has been pretty Uh it's been a smooth
transition for the most part. So it's been going well
and I look forward.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
To the fault.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
What do you like about the system?
Speaker 5 (07:14):
It's a lot of a lot of carryover from Baltimore.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
I know, defensive special teams are both.
Speaker 5 (07:20):
Defensively special teams wise, I think the concepts are the same.
I think you can't really change too much special teams wise,
but defensively, I know we had a previous coordinator that
was here a while back, so the terms are similar,
the concepts are similar.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
So, oh that's interesting. What is it about Shane Bones
defense that you like?
Speaker 5 (07:39):
Again, it's a little earlier right now, of course, but
I think just the mentality just of I think blissing
and then being able to cover man the man is
is something that I definitely like and I definitely think
I'll thrive in given an opportunity.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
So you get a feel, because I'll be honest with you,
last year there wasn't a ton of blitzing and playing. Man,
you sense that's going to be a bigger part of
what's gonna happen this year.
Speaker 5 (08:01):
I hope so, but again, I'm just playing my roller
or doing whatever in my ass, so.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
Of course, absolutely, well, this will be an easier question.
What do you think about the big defensive lineman that
it can be in front of the linebackers? You guys
try to chase the ball.
Speaker 5 (08:15):
For sure. It's definitely a blessing to have guys like
big decks and not in front of me to definitely
eat up a lot of double teams and stuff. So
as a linebacker, that's something you always want and definitely
I'm definitely thankful to have them for sure.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
What has the linebacker room been like? Working with Bobby,
working with Micah, working with Demetrius. He's new year, Darius,
a younger guy coming along. What is that room like?
Speaker 5 (08:35):
Nothing but good dudes, man, We're I wouldn't say a
young group, got a lot of veterans, a couple of
young guys, but it's been nothing but good vibes ever
since I've been there. So definitely look forward to playing
with them in the fall.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
And uh, yeah, yeah, have you sent any goals for
yourself here at first you're with the Giants.
Speaker 5 (08:52):
As far as my goals, I think special teams wise,
I like to improve on KR and then my production
on punting kickoff, getting more tackles, and then defensively whenever
I come in, just make a more impactful plays.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
So for the fans, I know k is kickoff return,
What is it about kickoff return that you want to
get better at?
Speaker 5 (09:11):
Just my blocking, honestly sustaining blocks and just being a
better blocker.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
So that's interesting because you've been doing special teams a
long time. Is that something each offseason you pick out
one or two things that you want to try to
make sure you get better at or or what's that
process like for you?
Speaker 5 (09:24):
Yeah, You're always striving to be better and the best
version of yourself. I just noticed last year koor was
one of the things that I could have been better at.
So just getting better at blocking is some that I
kind of picked up.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
I do get the sense that coverage teams, it's very
important for the Giants this year. They bringing you obviously
be not good, really good at that to meet your
flanning and fouls. There is also I think very similar
to his approaches you are. Do you feel like that's
a real focus here, just making sure those kick coverage
and punk coverage units are really good to help feel
positioned as much as you can.
Speaker 5 (09:55):
Yeah, I think it'll be a huge issue with like
the new rule. They're moving the yard line up, so
I think more balls will be in play for sure,
So being able to cover it is gonna be critical.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
What did you think of the new kickoff role now
that you've kind of been through it for a year
and you kind of saw what it is like? What
are your thoughts on it?
Speaker 5 (10:12):
Me personally, I don't I don't like it. I like,
actually like running up to the line and kind of
get a full head of steam as I go. But
I understand the concussion reasons and all that thing why
they change the rule, but I personally like the old rules.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
But uh, yeah, it is what it is.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Chris, good stuff, man, I appreciate it, Thank you man.
The Giants Total Podcast is brought to you by Citizens,
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Speaker 3 (10:49):
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It makes sense of your money with Citizens Official Bank
of Eli Manning And now we're joined by a Giants
line at Deontony Johnson Deanty? What's up man?
Speaker 2 (11:01):
How you doing?
Speaker 4 (11:02):
So?
Speaker 1 (11:02):
How pump? Were you to be able to get back
on the field late last year and finally have all
that hard work payoff?
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Man?
Speaker 6 (11:09):
I was very excited, very excited, like you said, just
to see all the hard work payoff that I've been
putting in all throughout the season.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
Just to be able to put that on show and
be able to put everything together. It felt good. It
felt great to be out there with the guys.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Did you have any idea when the injury happened in
the summer that it would take that long? No, I
definitely didn't.
Speaker 6 (11:24):
Definitely didn't think it was gonna take that long, but
just trusting the medical staff in there, just trusting the
sets that they put me through as far as training
and getting back right. So but just as glad to
get back out there as soon as possible.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
From our perspective, it looked like you were making a
ton of plays and you were playing some really good
football before the injury happened. Was that did you feel
that as well?
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Oh yeah, definitely.
Speaker 6 (11:45):
I definitely felt like I was in my groove that
preseason game against the Lions, made a couple of plays.
Unfortunately ended early due to the injury, but I definitely
felt like I was out there flying around making plays
for sure.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Have you been able to pick up you think where
you left off? I know it's so much time where
you weren't on the field. Have you do you think
slid back? Have you gotten back to where you were
at that time or even past.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Where you were then?
Speaker 3 (12:04):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (12:04):
Yeah, definitely definitely coming back. I definitely had to knock
some of the rest off off the shoulder pads, but definitely.
I mean it's football. I've been, you know, doing it
my whole life, so it doesn't take you want to
get back into the groove. So I wouldn't say it
was too much of an adjustment.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
Now that you've seen this defense in action for a
year and you know with how they're trying to operate,
how do you see yourself fitting in on defense and
where do you think your strengths can help this defense
the most?
Speaker 6 (12:27):
Really, just in any way I can, anyway Shane sees it,
anywhere he puts me out. I'm gonna just try to
excel at my role the best I can and just
how to try to help this team win in anywhere
I can, honestly.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
And of course Special Teams is a big part of
the art as well, and they brought in a couple
of really good veterans special teams player and planning and
fouls and board. What have you kind of learned from
those guys in terms of continuing to develop as a
Special Teams player?
Speaker 6 (12:49):
Oh yeah, I'm in their head every day, just as
far as like technique, just as far as just disengagement
tools they use on kickoff koor, just anything they got,
especially punt. I feel like Chris and like you said,
playing there, those are experienced guys. They've been around for
a long time, especially core for a players, So I
feel like I've been in their head every day. It's
trying to get little gems from them, little you know,
(13:10):
move different techniques I can every day and try to
apply it to my game.
Speaker 1 (13:15):
Dude, We can't wait to see you have another big
opportunity make some plays and earn your way back on
through the field. Most definitely good stuff. You appreciate it, man,
Thank you. And now we're joined by Giants linebacker Bobby Okake. Bobby,
what's up?
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Bro?
Speaker 7 (13:26):
So brother?
Speaker 1 (13:26):
All right?
Speaker 2 (13:27):
So how are we doing? Good?
Speaker 1 (13:29):
Second year in this defense with Shane Bowen for a linebacker.
I just hope to mikel mcsad about this. How does
that make a difference for you in terms of just
understanding exactly what he wants from you and you being
able to execute what he wants from you.
Speaker 4 (13:39):
Yeah, big time. It's really just about decision making and
playing with quickness. Honestly, this is a complex defense. There's
a lot of moving parts. So year two, you know,
understanding it, understanding how he's coaching it, understanding how I
need to play play it. Having a whole year of
film to study off of, I feel like I'm in
a great spot.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
How's the back, by the way you feel?
Speaker 2 (13:59):
All right? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Back is great, really good. I rehabbed it all off seasons.
Shout out my guys, justin Moochie and all the boys.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
No surgery, nothing like that.
Speaker 2 (14:05):
No surgery and nothing, just rehab.
Speaker 4 (14:07):
Just hanging upside down a little bit.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
That's it, stretched out the old spine.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
Yeah, a little decompression.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Now. Curious as to this because a couple of defensive
players have brought us with what I'm even asking. Have
you seen adjustments from Shane now that a he's gotten
some new personnel and on the back end, specifically on
upfront not so much on your level, but Chris Borden,
Demejia Flanning and fall fouls too as well. But have
you seen adjustments in terms of the types of calls
and the types of things he's going to ask you
(14:34):
guys to do, where he's adjusting his scheme to the
strengths of his players.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
I have, and that's been the growing process of it all. Obviously,
players can come back with a better understanding, are learning
the techniques that they're coaching more and you know, doing
better at what they're asking of us. But coaching, they've
done a great job too of just listening to the players,
especially the new guys Jon and paulsm have come in
and yeah, playing to our strengths and you know, just
(14:58):
getting us as as cohesive as un as possible.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
And I know Shane wants a disguise on defense. That's
a big part of who does especially in the back end. Right,
and look, there's nothing taking away from the guys, but
last year, you guys have played a bunch of rookies
in second year guys, it's a lot to ask. They're
trying to figure out the defense. It's hard to ask
them to figure out the defense. But at the same time,
well show them this, then do that, run here, then
at the snap you run there. Yep, that's a big ask.
Is he gonna be able to do a lot more
(15:21):
of that given the edit experience to the guys still
here and then also the veterans in the back end
he brought in should.
Speaker 4 (15:27):
Be Yeah, we got a lot of veteran presence. Javon
is a leader, former captain. He's a great communicator in
the back end. Paulson and Debo is an extreme professional.
He communicates as the corner position and he's rounds and
the Stanford guys man. You know, they say you could
you could tell a Stafford guy. You just can't tell
him much. But yeah, it's been good. You know, we're
(15:48):
growing and growing every day and we're getting better we're
excited for training camp.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
You mentioned Holland what does he bring as a leader
in the back end?
Speaker 4 (15:55):
Just communication, communication, and presence. You know, he's got that calm, cool,
collected demeanor. He's got poised back there, so he puts
everybody at ease, just with the way he goes about
his business.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
I know you weren't completely thrilled with how last season
went for you. Are you very optimistic that it's gonna
more look like Bobby Okay here from two years ago
this year than the Bobby from last year.
Speaker 4 (16:16):
Yeah, I'm exciting. Like I said earlier, I'm thinking a
lot less. I understand the defense at a way higher level,
and I'm playing a lot faster.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
I'm just excited start making more plays.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
And we can't wait to see it. Bobby, good stuff. Man,
Appreciate it, dude, thank you. If you want to know
how to manage two minutes of crunch time football, I'm
your man. But if you're wondering about a long term
financial plan, you should talk to citizens.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
Hey, I can also talk long care. I'd like to
learn about an Mollia routine.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
Yes, I knew I could help make sense of your
money with citizens, And now We're joined by Giants second
year linebacker Daris Moosaw. Daris, how worry man, I'm good, John.
Speaker 7 (16:47):
How you doing?
Speaker 1 (16:48):
So? Where do you think you've taken the biggest step
from when you said down me at the same time
last year, before your rookie year really got started and
you were still swimming some kind of where you are today.
Speaker 7 (16:57):
I think I just learned how to become a pro.
I think that's the biggest thing, transitioning from college where
you know, we were balancing both school, you know, our
home life and football and all that. But now I
get to the pros, get to the league. Now I'm
just football is my all time job. So just learning
how to become a pro and handling that, learning how
to take care of my body, you know, how to
(17:19):
study film, learning from the veterans, building a routine every
day is what I really learned throughout this past year.
And I developed and you know, kind of made my
own routine, and you know, I felt like I had
a good year, blessed to be here, and you know,
very grateful for this opportunity.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
Now, I'm sure you probably got a little bit more
playing time on defense than you thought you would at
the end of the year, which I'm sure is very
valuable for you. Yes, what do you think you learned
on the field in those final you know month or
two of the year that maybe you didn't quite get
doing the special team stuff in the meeting room stuff
before you really got that opportunity.
Speaker 7 (17:53):
Yeah, I'll say, just experience. Experience, that's you know, you
can't take that for granted, especially in the league. Once
you get on the field, you got to take advantage
of the opportunities, you know, no matter how it presents itself,
whether it's special teams or on defense, like you said,
and I was very grateful to to be on that field,
you know. You know, but it's unfortunate that BOBBYO and
Michael went down due to injuries and all that. But
(18:14):
you know, that's that's the beast of the animal of
the of the NFL. You know, just guys always go down.
It's the next man up mentality. And so you know,
having great guys like Bobby O and Michael McFadden and
our and our linebacker coach Coach Eggs just you know,
leading taking lead in that in our room and just
being able to coach me up and not just me,
but also other guys that had to step up as well.
(18:35):
We had Ty Summers had to start a game. We
had the Antony Johnson had to step up for a game.
So just having guys like that just very mature and uh,
you know, having that mentality to where you know they
can step up and you know, not really leave leave off,
you know where where Bobby and Michael was, but just
to you know, keep it going, keep up that temple.
And you know, as far as making plays and being
(18:56):
productive on the field.
Speaker 1 (18:58):
Did you sense the games start to slow down for
you a little bit as you got more of those
reps in the final couple months.
Speaker 7 (19:03):
Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
You know.
Speaker 7 (19:05):
So I started the first first week, Week one against
the Minnesota Viking because Michael was down that week, and man,
my head was going all over the place. You know,
that was my welcome to the NFL moment. I'm lining
up against Simon Donald, you know, he got Justin Jefferson,
all those guys that I grew up watching, Like these
guys are all my fantasy teams growing up and and
all that, but now like I'm going against them.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
So that was really crazy.
Speaker 7 (19:25):
And then as the time went on, Michaeh came back,
and so I was sitting behind Bobby O and Michael
McFadden learning from them, learning how you know, how they
adapt and they learned from the game and how they
watch film and how they go out and just play
hard every every single game. And so I learned. I
learned from that and just took little parts of here,
here and there from their game and try to apply
it to my game. And so yeah, like he said,
(19:48):
and the game started slowing down once we started going
throughout the weeks. And then like my second start I
think was Atlanta, and that's when you know, things started
to slow down because you know, not only was I
on defense, but I was still playing special teams. So sure,
even more so, just that's invaluable, like playing time, Like
you can't give that up, and you can't waste that opportunity.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Since you played so much and he's so much experience,
I'm sure it's easier for you to set out goals
for yourself this year in terms of where you want
to get better and take the next step. What were
some of those things that you really locked in on
and tried to focus on during the spring and summer
months so that you improve the way you wanted the
way you're going to want to in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 7 (20:28):
Yeah, I would just say, hone in on the on
the defensive playbook, this is your two in the system
coach sing coming back again, and you know, I love
his defense and what he has planned for us and
his game plan going into every week. He's very deliberate
with his work and what he does and the work
he sets out for all of us, and we all
respect that as a defense. And so just coming into
(20:49):
this year, just really wanting to just excel in my
knowledge of the game and know the ins and out
not only my position but all the other positions. And
I feel like that's what all the you know, successful
guys in the league's, that's what they do. They don't
just know their defense, especially as linebackers. Like we're in
the middle of the defense everything right, We're not only
in the run fits every down, but we're also dropping
back into past coach and doing all of that as
(21:12):
the dv's do. And so it's being knowledgeable and just
being a sponge and soaking all knowledge is what I'm
really trying to do going into year two.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
Final question, you mentioned you love Shane Bowen's defense. What
is it about his defense? The way he runs this defense.
Speaker 2 (21:25):
That you love.
Speaker 7 (21:26):
I think it allows everyone just to go out and
play ball. You know, he puts in a few calls
here and there, but not too much adjustments as far
as you know where the linebackers are always thinking. It
allows everyone just to go out and play ball, play fast.
And I think that's what the best defenses do out
there every year that are able to make turnovers, make
TFLs and things like that is just playing fast. And
(21:48):
that's exactly what coach Shane's Bowen defense allows us to do.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
We have known winning. I'm gonna squeeze in one more
real quick. Okay, since you just made the transition, and
I think going from linebacker and college, which the linebacker
and the pros along with tight end is probably the
two toughest transitions. Is you have to do you mention
on OFFENSEI tight end has to do everything right, defensive
linebacker has to do everything. Yes, what's the biggest difference
and why is it such a tough transition going from
college linebacker to NFL linebacker?
Speaker 7 (22:15):
And the toughest thing that I learned real quick in
the league is that the on lineman is just as
they're more athletic. I would say, they're big, fast, and
they're so strong. But once they get their their their
paws on you is game over. So just learning how
to utilize my hands, learning how to you know, when
to strike them, when to run away from them, avoid blocking,
(22:36):
you know, at all times we want to try to
avoid blocking as much as we can just to get
to the ball carrier. That's the you know, that's the
whole point of our job is to get the ball carrier.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Sometimes you have to stack though, right you have to.
Speaker 7 (22:46):
Sometimes there's no way of avoiding them. So that's when
we have to put it. You know, we have to
get dirty, down in dirty, get our hands on, be
able to shed block and so but yeah, that's a
that's another thing that I've been the point of emphasis
going into this offseason is just learning how to utilize
my hands and shed blocking, just like the way Bobby O.
BOBBYO got long arm, so he's able to always just
(23:07):
disengage off blocks very well, and so I'm learning learning
from that. Learning from him is just a great opportunity
for me.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
Is there a big difference with the intelligence of the quarterbacks? Too,
And how are you able to This is gonna sound bad,
but manipulate guys like you and move you where they
want and you have to resist that sort of stuff, right.
Speaker 7 (23:24):
Yeah, that's just a part of the game, man, Just
just guys like now, we have Russell Wilson in the building,
So going against him every day is crazy because just
seeing him manipulate, like he said, and just audible every
time that he sees a certain pressure coming from this way,
boom he checks another play going the opposite direction, or
screen pass going there, or bomb play going there. If
he sees like we're dropping back into coverage, he checks
(23:46):
it into a run player or something like that. So
and that's not just for a roust, but it's just
for it's everyone in the league that's excelling at a
high level. And so you know, I'm competitive myself, and
so I love taking on that task and being able
to play the game within the game. And so that's
that's one thing that I love about the sport.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
We can't wait to see in you two, Darius, Thank
you man, appreciate it. And now we're joined by Giants
linebacker and special team or Demetrius Flanning and fouls Demetrios.
How are you man doing?
Speaker 2 (24:11):
Great man? How are you so?
Speaker 1 (24:12):
How has the spring been? Kind of getting used to
giants football, giants culture and all that time.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
It's been great, you know, getting all of the teammates,
getting all the culture. You know, it's just been it's
just been a blessing. And I'm glad I'm here.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
You're in the beating room with Eggs right on the defense.
So what has been like working with Eggs?
Speaker 2 (24:25):
It's been great. Man to be able to pick his
brain and kind of learn, you know, learn the system
and learn how we do things here has been It's
been nothing but a blessing.
Speaker 1 (24:32):
When you got here. How they kind of explain your
role to in terms of where you fitting on defense
and then where you fitting on special teams.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
Yeah, just kind of you know, being able to kind
of be able to multi facet it and kind of
knowing both positions and kind of just being able to,
you know, be ready when my name's called upon, and
obviously being a dog on special teams.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
All right, talk about your special teams play and being
a dog on special teams. Let me start to hear
what's your favorite coveraging?
Speaker 4 (24:55):
You like?
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Kick?
Speaker 1 (24:56):
You like puonns, you like return?
Speaker 4 (24:57):
What do you like?
Speaker 2 (24:58):
I like to hit people, so I think so kickoff one,
kickoff and points. It's kind of the two main ones
that I like.
Speaker 1 (25:07):
Yeah, what what makes a dog on special teams?
Speaker 2 (25:10):
I think it's just a relentless mindset, being able to
because it's it's not like, you know, offensive defense, where
you know exactly kind of how things are going to go.
It's kind of a little like a little bit it's
control chaos. So just being able to be adaptable and
just just find the ball, just having a nose for
the ball and then getting after it.
Speaker 1 (25:27):
He's pretty obvious that the Giants made this part priority
because they brought you in and then they bring Chris Board. No,
I think you guys are kind of cut from the
same cloth.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Yeah, No, definitely, definitely me and Chris, you know, and
Chris is a great dude. And obviously he's been a
dog on special teams for years, so I'm gonna be
I'm excited to play with him.
Speaker 1 (25:41):
What has been like learning from Goes in the special teams?
Speaker 2 (25:44):
Yeah, man, it's been It's been great. Man. Goes is amazing.
He's a great coach, He's a smart guy, you know anything,
I try to pick his brain as much as I
can because I know he's been around the league for
a while. He knows, he knows the system. You know,
he knows how to make his players make plays.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
All right, let jump to the defense. Now, what do
you think of now if you've been in it for
a little bit and you're learning, and what do you
think of Shane Bowen and kind of what this defense
is all about.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
I love it. I love the scheme. I love the
different the different coverages that we have to kind of
make the offense think a little bit. I think it's all.
I think it's all great.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
You mentioned coverages that make the offense think. And this
team last year you weren't here. They had an extremely
young secondary. You and second year guys rookies this year
that you bring a pulse to the debo. You're bringing
Javon holland bringing a guy like yourself, Bobby o character
a lot of experience. Are we going to see like
a lot of pre snap postnat movement the Skies. We
try to make that quarterback wait that extra second or
(26:36):
two so that pass rush can get home.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
Yeah. I think I think when you have when you
bring in veteran veteran defensive backs, and you have veterans
like Bobby I think, and there it's still going to
be their second year in the system, so I think
it's going to be It's going to be great just
for for stuff like that pre snap this guys and
stuff like that. So I would expect to see more
stuff like that, you know, you know, a guy like myself,
(26:58):
I'm not ready to do that just yet, but I
know for sure, you know, guys like Bobby and and
Deebo and Javon, I think they'll be able to to
to really you know, flourish under this system now that
this is going to be their second year.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
What are you in terms of picking everything up?
Speaker 2 (27:12):
And Oh, I'm I'm right where I need to be.
I'm a I'm in it. I'm in a great spot.
But you know what I'm saying, I just want to
make sure that get the job done more than this guy.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
Now we've been spoken before, but just talking to now,
I get the sense that spring football is great, but
it's not really football until the pads go on in camp, right.
Are you looking forward to to being a little bit
more physical and.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
Oh yeah, definitely Summer I mean, I mean, that's why
we play. That's why we play, you know what I'm saying.
So that's why we play. So I can't wait to, uh,
you know, put the pads on and and and get
after it and compete.
Speaker 1 (27:42):
Demetrious good stuff. Man, I appreciate dude. Thank you. That's
your off ball linebacker group. Be thanking for joining us
on the Giants Little Podcast, brought to you by Citizens,
the official Bank of the Giants. We'll see you next time.
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