Some player quotes from camp today

It’s hard to believe we’re in day five of training camp already, but it usually moves swiftly…well, at least for us fans it does.  I’m sure the players are cursing me if they’re reading this.  Speaking of the players, a few of them spoke with the media after practice today, and here are some notable quotes:

TE Kevin Boss, on getting less media attention this year compared to last year: “Yeah, it’s a little more relaxed since I’m coming in without that added pressure of trying to replace Jeremy [Shockey]. I’ve had that year to come in and prove myself and being a full-time starter for a year has given me the confidence to come in a little bit more relaxed this year.”

Our take….Boss is going to have a huge season.  After an outstanding playoff run the year before, last year was his first full season as a Giant, and toward the end of the campaign he became a favorite target of Eli Manning.  Coach Coughlin believes Boss has the size advantage to go up and grab some more TD passes.

LB Bryan Kehl, on competing for a starting spot: “There are fourth linebackers and there are first linebackers, but nothing should change your mindset.  Being a competitor, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to come in here and I’m going to compete. Whatever happens. If I get on the field, I’m going to try to make the plays to make the defense in whatever role they give to me.”

Our take…..the front seven on this team is deep, but there is a temporary hole with Michael Boley recovering from hip surgery and facing a one-game league suspension.

OT David Diehl on the extra motivation from the way last season ended: “You’re only as good as your last game, and we weren’t that good in our last game. We had an opportunity to make another run at it, but we came up short. I think it has pushed us this entire off-season leading up to training camp. Once you experience that feeling of being a champion, and holding up that trophy, you’re always going to be hungry to get back there and want to do whatever it takes to get back there. I think everybody has that in the back of their minds heading into training camp.”

Our take….we all feel this way.  Since January 11, we have wanted our team to get back on the field and have another crack at the Eagles and everyone else.

WR Ramses Barden, on being compared to Plaxico Burress: “I try not to think about it too much. I have to do what I can do to the best of my abilities. He really is a tremendous player, but I have a lot to learn in this game, and I’ve got a long ways to go before I can be the best player I can be.”

Our take….if Barden and fellow rookie Hakeem Nicks have any impact whatsoever this season, I think we’ll all be somewhat satisfied.  Coughlin seems to love Barden, and mentioned again today that there are high expectations for him. 

Tags: Bryan Kehl, David Diehl, Giants training camp, Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Shockey, Kevin Boss, Michael Boley, New York Giants, Ramses Barden, Tom Coughlin