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Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - May 4

Sun, 04 May 2008 12:01:21 CST

(How did the last three days go and did you get accomplished what you wanted to?)
I'll say this about the mini-camp, actually Larry (McCarren) and I were talking about this earlier, ... comparing it to last year, which is the only other rookie mini-camp that I've been a part of, it was significantly better, just as far as the overall group. We had some more players this year than we had last year, and you could just see the progression of practices, how they improved from Friday to Sunday. I'm just very pleased with how the whole weekend went, and just like I told the players when we broke, I was very impressed with the quality of work we were able to get done this weekend.

(More and more teams are going to this format, bringing in the rookies and tryout guys first. Do you see this as a trend for the future?)
I don't follow it that much as far as what the other teams are doing, but just in my experience of doing it this way and the other..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - May 2

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:33:29 CST

(Rookies say the speed of the game is the biggest adjustment. Is that a mental thing?)
I think it's both physical and mental. Everybody can run at this level, so that's the first thing, I would classify that as physical. And the second part of it is the anticipation. If you look at the quarterback position just playing against our defense, they won all the bump-and-run. It's a challenge, but it prepares them in my opinion so much better when you play zone teams and things like that. But I think it's clearly a mental and physical adjustment.

(Why do you like this format, to bring the rookies in first?)
I think it falls under the area of time management. In my experience, when you go through all the administrative things you need to, it's usually the first night of training camp, and 90 percent of your football team has already been here. So what happens is the pace of all the little things that are important, it's rapid, and the key guys ..

Ted Thompson Press Conference Transcript - April 21

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:07:14 CST

Hi. Thanks for coming. We'll try to answer some questions. I think it's good to have this talk, but then don't get mad at me if at the end of it you realize I haven't really said a whole lot, because that's sort of my job. And I apologize for that, but that's the way it usually is. Sometimes you guys take a shot at me after this one, but we'll see.

(Some take the tack of flat-out lying to us. Why don't you?)
We don't lie, and I think I've been consistent with that throughout, since the day I took the job. But I also will not tell you anything I think is proprietary to the Packers and could do us some harm. It's not that we don't want the fans to know, it's just that other people read this stuff, and everybody is trying to get an edge. Quite frankly, I don't have many answers, because we don't know how the outcome of all the picks in front of us are going to be, whether it be in the first round or the last round. It's all a mystery to us.

(Is..

Brett Favre Retirement Press Conference Transcript - March 6

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:56:41 CST
(Opening statement)
Seems like just yesterday we were here. Well, I think we all know why I'm here. First of all, sorry I'm late. But I am officially retiring from the NFL and the Green Bay Packers, and as much as I've thought about what I would say, and how ... I promised I wouldn't get emotional ... it's never easy ... you know, it's funny, I've watched hundreds of players retire, and you wonder what that would be like ... you think you're prepared ... but I was telling Deanna on the way over here, God has blessed me with so many great things. Ability, wonderful family. And as I was flying up here today I thought about so many different things and how I wanted to say some of the things that I felt like I need to say, but he gave me an opportunity to use my abilities, and I seized that opportunity ... I thank him for that.

I'd like to thank the Packers, for giving me the opportunity as well. I hope that every penny ... I hope that every penny that they've ..

Ron Wolf Conference Call Transcript - March 4

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:47:52 CST
(What was your reaction to the news?)
A friend of mine told me about it this morning here at the complex, the community I live in, and I was very surprised when I heard that. But as I have an opportunity to reflect on it during the course of this day, to me, Brett always played with such a great amount of passion, and if he no longer has that, then it's a wise decision.

(Do you recall going down on the field in Atlanta to watch him warm up before that game in 1991?)
I do. It was my first game with the Packers in 1991, it was a game in Atlanta, and I was told if I wanted to see Brett, if I remember the Atlanta staff, which was beneficial to me in the long run, but if I wanted to see Brett Favre throw, I'd have to look at him now, because they wouldn't let him throw during the team period. So I started to head down to the field to do that, but I never got down there. But, what I did learn from that situation was we could acquire Brett Favr..

Ted Thompson/Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - March 4

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:51:42 CST
Ted Thompson: Good afternoon. Thank you for coming. As you're all well aware of by now, Brett has informed us of his decision to retire from the Green Bay Packers and the National Football League. He's had one of the greatest careers in the National Football League, and he's able to walk away under his own terms. Very few NFL players are able to do that, and have the careers that can sustain that. Brett's accomplishments are legendary, but it was the passion with which he played that has made everyone a Brett Favre fan. His personality and love for the game allows him to become an icon to all sports fans all around the world. I think we're all a little bit disappointed, but at the same time we respect Brett's decision, and this was his decision. After those remarks, we're certainly open to taking a few questions.

(When did you hear from Brett and what exactly did he say?)
Thompson: I'll let Mike field that since he talked to him probably the most over the ..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Feb. 22

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:43:51 CST
(What are your thoughts on the tight end position without Bubba and how big a need it could be?)
We're very happy with the way Donald Lee played, obviously. Tory Humphrey, we're hoping he'll come back off of his injury. It's an excellent year in the draft, so we'll look to add probably another player or two there. But I thought we did a much better job this year utilizing our tight ends better, with some of the off-the-line things we did schematically, and we'll look to build on that

(Do the tight ends look like a pretty good draft class?)
Preliminary, yeah. Talking with Ted, and I know Ben McAdoo has had limited opportunity to watch them, and we had a couple guys come into our interviews last night. It looks to be a very athletic group.

(Have you played as many two tight end sets as you'd like or would you like to do it more?)
To me it's not really the personnel playing more than the other. It's really the co..

Ted Thompson Press Conference Transcript - Feb. 22

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:42:45 CST
(Can you talk about the challenge of picking 30th versus 5th two years ago?)
When it comes to drafting, obviously when you're picking 30th as opposed to fifth two years ago, you have to sit there and watch a lot of good players be selected. But that's part of it. I think most teams would rather be at 30, or even better 31 this year. But we're OK with that. The thing that's interesting, we talk about the first round, but it sort of multiplies as you go along. Every round you have to sit there and wait 30 times. So it's a little more difficult.

(Is the guessing game more difficult, figuring out which players will come off the board?)
Those of us in the profession, we don't like to refer to it as a 'guessing game,' but I understand your point. History tells you that every time you pick, no matter where you're at, there's a good player to take. Now, the margin of error is less when you're picking at the end of the round, every round. We have..

Mike McCarthy Conference Call Transcript - Feb. 5

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:43:01 CST
(Are you glad to finally have this out of the way?)
It's great to have the contract completed. I'm thrilled to death to be part of the future of the Packers. The five-year deal I think is a reflection of the commitment to our football program and the direction that we're headed.

(When did you sign it?)
I actually signed it Friday. Just to get the paperwork back and everybody on board, technically yesterday it was completed. I was traveling. I was in Phoenix through Friday, and I left there Saturday morning.

(How important is it to have your deal coincide with Ted's deal, both 5-year deals?)
I think it's important. Once again, not to be redundant, I think it's a reflection of our football program, something that Ted declared from the first step when I was hired as the head coach, how he was looking for a partnership. I think it's great to have five years to continue to reach our goal.

(Your origi..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 23

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:48:45 CST
(After watching the film, is there anything you would or could have done differently from a strategic standpoint on Sunday?)
Well, personally, I haven't watched the film. I know the coaches have graded the film. We talked about it as a staff. Strategically, I mean, off the top of my head, I would say no. I think anytime you go into a game-plan, you look to put your players in position to be successful. Based on the way the Giants played us, I don't think anything they did was a complete surprise. It was more about execution.

(Is that unusual for you not to watch the tape three days later?)
It's unusual but it normally happens at the season-ending ...You have your exit interviews, I start meeting with the coordinators today. So we haven't had time to sit down and do it. I'm not looking forward to it, but ...

(Has any of the pain subsided?)
Well, it's a disappointing loss. There's no question about that for ever..

Mike McCarthy Post-Game Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 20

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:07:27 CST
We had opportunities to win the football game. I would first like to congratulate the New York Giants and Tom Coughlin. I thought they played very well this evening. We had a number of opportunities we didn't take advantage of, clearly ending with the series there in overtime. We weren't as sharp as we needed to be in a number of segments. It was a very disappointing loss.

(What lesson was learned from the game?)
I think it's important to keep your eye on the target. To me, this is a season of tremendous progress. We made a lot of progress as a football team. We were able to win a lot of games. We put ourselves in position for home-field advantage in the NFC Championship game. But we didn't finish the race. That's the lesson we need to learn. It's a tough lesson, especially in front of our home crowd. It's disappointing, it's going to take some time to move on from this, but this is a lesson we will learn from. And we will move on and continue to grow.

Al Harris Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 18

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:00:34 CST
(You're known to be a high-energy guy. People that know you know you're that way. You're going to play in one of the biggest football games of your life. What are your emotions like 48 hours away?)
Well, I pretty much just try to stay calm and cool until the game actually starts. But I'm a real just laid back guy until the game actually starts. So I'm just relaxing and preparing.

(I actually have a follow up question to that. It's a little different topic. Earlier today the Giants had their news conference, and when Eli Manning was at the podium he was asked about the secondary and the corners in particular for you guys, and he said that they're good and he said some nice things. He said they also take a lot of penalties. That's something we might look to try and do, not only make the completions but try and get these guys into situations where they go beyond the limits of legality and get caught for it.)
Thank you, Eli, for gi..

Aaron Kampman Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 18

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:01:21 CST
(How ready are you guys for this? How was the week of practice, and can you gauge your team's emotion being one game away from the Super Bowl?)
High. Yeah, we're in a good position right now. We really feel excited. You know, it's almost like you want to kind of keep a simmer on it, not to get too excited too fast. But yeah, we're in a good position.

(Is there any concern that the Giants' offensive approach would seem to be very suitable to the kind of conditions that are expected on Sunday?)
Well, they like to run the ball obviously, and so obviously when the elements and weather are involved, you want to be able to run the football. The positive side is that we run the football pretty good, too. So I think defensively we take that as a challenge. We know that that's what they want to do. We know right off the bat that it's going to be a huge factor in the game, who's going to be able to control the ground game.

Donald Driver Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 18

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:59:44 CST
(Brett was just making the point a few minutes ago that in these kinds of conditions that are forecast for Sunday, it's less an athletic competition and more of a test of wills. What sense do you have of that?)
I think it's the same thing. I think it's a test of wills because I always look at it as a mind game. When you go into this game, you know the conditions you can't control them, so you basically have to just go play regardless of the situation. It's going to be a mind game because if you let your mind tell you it's cold, it's going to be cold. But if you let your mind tell you it's warm, that you're in Hawaii somewhere, then that's where you're going to feel like you're at. That's why I always say I'm somewhere warm, maybe down in Texas.

(Have you been frustrated at all this season about not getting into the end zone probably as much as you want, only a couple of touchdowns on the year? Has that ever been a thought in your mind at all?)..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 18

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:57:12 CST
(How was practice this week, coach, and how prepared do you think your team is?)
I thought the practice was very good. This Wednesday was a lot like a normal Wednesday. We had some corrections that we were able to work through. Thursday's practice was our padded practice. It was clearly our best practice of the week. And I thought today was very sharp, and we're ready to go.

(Some of the players have talked about you putting footballs in a freezer during practice and having Brett handle them and throw them in that circumstance. Can you discuss where you came up with that idea and what the practical application is for Sunday?)
Well, the idea really came from what I've done in the past with rain games, putting the football in a bucket of water and just use the same theory as far as the cold affecting the football. We froze the balls, really didn't tell the players about it and just rolled them in there on Wednesday and did it throug..

Brett Favre Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 18

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:58:46 CST
(It's been a decade since you've been in an NFC Championship game. Have you pondered that at all, and just talk a little bit about the journey to get back here.)
Well, it's been a long one, but you know, it goes without saying how excited I am to be back. I think the long layoff makes me appreciate it a little bit more. I've known all along how difficult it is to win in this league and to get to this point is something special. It's pretty good to be back.

(For you personally, the last time you went through all this, your daughters were, ... one wasn't born. Do they understand it a little bit more, what this is all about now, and do they appreciate it more?)
Well, Brittany, the older one, yeah, she's an old pro at all this. Breleigh, the whole season has been a lot of excitement for her, a little bit different than it was the last couple years. I don't think she totally gets it, but she's pretty fired up about it. She gets to ..

Chad Clifton Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 17

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:53:06 CST
(How quick is Osi Umenyiora compared to some other players?)
Osi, he's a phenomenal player. That goes without saying. You look at him on tape and he brings everything that you look for in a defensive end to the table - very athletic, very quick, excellent length in his arms and he plays with power as well. So it's definitely going to be a challenge.

(How have you stayed so durable during your career?)
I wish I knew man. There's really no secret, just come in every day. You do what you have to do as far as on the practice field and then you do your rehab and your treatments and just try to stay as healthy as possible and stay as strong as possible.

(Did you see yourself at all in the younger guards when they came in and how did you mentor those guys?)
You kind of know where they're coming from, what they're going through, what they're experiencing right now. Starting as a rookie, it's not an easy thing at all. ..

Ryan Pickett Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 17

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:55:02 CST
(What's the state of the pass rush right now? The sack numbers haven't been there but are you happy with the pressure?)
Most definitely. Sometimes things are not as it seems. Our sacks have been down but we're getting great pressure on the quarterback, causing them to throw quick, so we're not worried about the pass rush. It's there.

(What are teams doing against Kampman right now and is that freeing up other guys?)
I mean he's definitely drawing a lot of attention. It's freeing up a lot of guys and they're stepping up, getting pressure - mainly (Cullen) Jenkins last game. He had a big game rushing the passer. Kabeer (Gbaja-Biamila) did too, so Kamp's definitely drawing a lot of attention.

(What's a collision like between you and a 265-pound running back?)
Ooh, I don't know. I can't tell you. I've never had one yet, so it's definitely different. I know it's going to be just like tackling a guard. They can't ru..

Joe Philbin Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 17

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:49:40 CST
(Talk about Chad Clifton's preparation. What's his secret to playing through so many injuries?)
Number one, he's been kind of at this for a while. He knows exactly what he needs to do to get himself ready for a game both from a practice repetition standpoint, from a mental standpoint in terms of film study, meeting time, etc. And then obviously, it's been documented, he spent some time in the training room battling those things, those little nicks that you mentioned, but the trainers do a great job. He's been through this routine before a number of times and he's in the building a long time on a daily basis getting himself ready to perform on a high level.

(What's a player like Clifton's mindset about getting ready for games with injuries, etc.?)
Well, most of the guys that I've been around, they're an unselfish group of guys. They're typically some of the hardest working members you have on your football team and they know what's requi..

Mike Stock Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 17

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:51:19 CST
(Do you anticipate having Will Blackmon returning punts this week?)
He practiced today, so we'll see what happens with the after-effects of practice and how hard he practiced, see how he feels tomorrow.

(Will he be OK if he can get through tomorrow ... ?)
That's a decision the head coach makes. We'll find out Sunday.

(How much a difference will Will make if he's able to go?)
He's an important factor, but we've got other people as well. But certainly when he's playing in there, it gives us the benefit of another guy with some size and speed, and he certainly is a very quality player.

(When you summarize special teams how do you summarize it?)
It's a work in progress. Coming from the bottom of the barrel, if you will, with a lot of young players. These guys have worked very hard to have some kind of credibility, and I think we've done that. But each week is a new week, and the good si..

Bob Sanders Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 17

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:50:22 CST
(Can you talk about the challenge of facing Eli playing at the level he's playing at?)
He's done a very, very nice job in managing the offense. He's doing a great job not turning the ball over. It's going to be a real challenge for us. Those guys are doing a good job running the ball, they've got a good play-action scheme, and then when they have to drop back, they've got excellent weapons all the way around. So it's going to be a challenge for us. He's doing an excellent job, especially this last half of the season he's done a tremendous job managing the offense and getting them in the right plays, doing the right things. It's going to be a real challenge for us.

(When you face a big back like Jacobs does it make you sleep easier knowing you have Ryan Pickett in the middle?)
Certainly, we'd like to have all our guys. But him being back, he's kind of our leader in the middle, so to speak. Having him back certainly helps us. We miss guys ..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 17

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:48:43 CST
(What is Wells' situation right now?)
I think Scottie will be fine for the game. That's the communication that he has given me and the training staff. Just being smart with him because it's a glute strain.

(How did Will Blackmon respond today?)
He responded very well. He practiced the whole time today so he's progressing and we'll just see how the week finishes for Will.

(How important is getting pressure on Eli this week?)
Well, putting pressure on the quarterback's something that is a primary focus for us every week. It will be again this week against Eli. They run the ball very well. They're very physical up front. You know, you want to make any offense - particularly the Giants offense - be one-dimensional, and that will be a focus.

(What have you seen on film with the forearm Shaun O'Hara gave Kampman in Week 2?)
That's something that happened in the past. Things like that hap..

Nick Barnett Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 17

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:52:25 CST
(Is Jacobs going to be as big and physical as you're going to see?)
He's definitely a very big and physical running back that we have to prepare for. I was disappointed we didn't get to see him the first time we went out there, seeing him play. You know, I love competition. I think he's a great back so I'm looking forward to playing against him.

(What was it about the way the Giants played you guys that caused your team to get two personal fouls?)
It was a very emotional game. They went out and played hard. We played hard. We don't back down from anything and they don't back down from anything. Sometimes you get personal fouls like that. We have to be smarter to do it before the whistle so we don't get the flag. When you have two teams playing their hearts out you have a little bit extra aggression.

(What did O'Hara do to Kampman?)
I don't even remember actually. I didn't even see it. I guess he jumped on hi..

A.J. Hawk Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 17

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:54:12 CST
(What led to your team's two personal fouls in the first Giants game?)
I think both these teams are pretty aggressive teams. I wouldn't call either of us dirty but I think we play to the whistle, and I think when both teams are doing that then sometimes things happen and I think we respect how hard they play and that they're a physical team. I think we're a physical team as well, so it's a good match-up in that sense I think.

(Do you have to be mindful of not having a reaction that leads to a 15-yard personal foul penalty?)
Yeah, I think you always do every game you go into. I think they changed the whole retaliation rule now, it's not always the person that retaliates that gets the penalty but I think you just have to make sure you're not doing anything after the play. It's pretty simple. If a guy hits you, you can't go back after him after the play, and we've known that our whole lives, so it's nothing different. We've dealt with that..

Greg Jennings Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:23:49 CST
(How different did the offense look six weeks into the season than in the spring and camp?)
It's a lot different. We've obviously spread it out a lot more than we probably even thought we would. It's definitely given us an advantage, opening up our offense earlier in the season with trying to substitute for the running game, then having the running game come on strong in the latter part of the season. It has definitely taken our offense to another level.

(What goes through your mind with the cold forecast?)
It's going to be cold. It is what it is. For the most part, we knew if we got this home-field advantage we all wanted, it was going to be a cold game. The way our fans support us and the way we've been playing lately, I don't think any of the guys in that locker room are going to be too concerned with the weather come gameday.

(What is James Jones like as a teammate and how much does he help you and Driver on the fiel..

Ryan Grant Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:23:09 CST
(Are you a good mudder?)
I don't know. Coach Bennett said I've officially made the mudder club, but whatever the conditions are we've got to step it up.

(How did you react to the conditions during the Seattle game? Did you enjoy it?)
The conditions weren't that bad from a sense of what I had to do. We work on that pre-game warm-up, preparing yourself for the conditions, preparing yourself for the footing. You've got to know how to cut, make a little softer cuts, not as hard when you plant, but it really wasn't that big.

(Does playing the Giants add any juice to this for you?)
Not really. A little bit but to be honest with you just the game itself, the level and the stage itself of what we're trying to accomplish is enough energy and enough impact on the game.

(How often had you imagined this possible match-up when you were traded?)
You've got to take one game at a time, so I knew we..

Amani Toomer National Conference Call Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:16:07 CST
(As a veteran you know better than anyone how to savor the moment this deep in the playoffs because it certainly isn't guaranteed every season. Would you please talk about being in this position?)
It's definitely special. I've been in the league for like 12 years, and I've been in this situation twice. It's one of those things that you never really can take for granted because it might be everybody's last time doing this no matter what year it is for you.

(It seemed like about a month ago, there was some question about whether your future with the Giants might be coming to an end this season. Your recent strong play obviously has spoken volumes. Can you talk about whether you feel like your play in the last month or so has changed anything about your future in New York?)
I never really worry about that. If you play the game, you can't sit back and worry about what's going to happen. The only way you can assure anything is to go out..

Ryan Grant National Conference Call Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:06:49 CST
(Being a running back in Packers' postseason history, has that sunk in yet?)
I don't think it has, to be honest with you. It probably won't until after all this is said and done.

Really I'm trying to focus on the next step, which is definitely this game this weekend. I can't really focus on what happened in the past.

(Can you talk about the emotions of playing the Giants, and in particular your friendship with Justin Tuck and how much of a friend he was when you spent that year not in football?)
Well, I think it's a good opportunity, and it's definitely the stage you want. You definitely can't ask for anything better to be playing in this type of game, number one, and then to be playing against New York and being from New York and being close to a lot of the guys, again, Justin being one of my best friends.

It's a great opportunity, and Justin, from a support level, was great for me. He really helped out a lot to s..

Charles Woodson Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:24:30 CST
(What kind of overlap did you have with Amani Toomer going back to Michigan?)
I only see Amani when we play so not much dialogue between us. I played with him for a year at Michigan, but really that's about it.

(Where is he at this stage of his career in the NFL?)
Playing well. I mean's he's just been consistent for that team. You don't really realize he's been there as long as he's been there with the same team and he continues to make plays, and it seems like throughout these playoffs he's been that guy and he's made the plays for them. He's scored the touchdowns, he's had the yards after-the-catch and those sort of things, so he's playing well

(Have you been around a locker room as loose as this one?)
Yeah, actually I have. This one is just different because guys are a lot younger. In Oakland when we were going through our runs we had older guys but it was still a pretty loose group. This is unique just bec..

Giants QB Eli Manning Conference Call Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:21:25 CST
(What is your first memory of watching Brett Favre?)
I don't know if I can even remember the first experience, I think just watching him in Green Bay and just running around and throwing touchdowns and running up and down the field and kind of going crazy and doing what he's still doing. So he's just, I always remember as a quarterback who looked like he was having fun playing football, and he didn't look like he was at work, just kind of playing the way that he wanted to play and not really worrying about anything else.

(Was he a guy that you wanted to play like or did you have his jersey?)
Yeah, he was a guy, shoot I remember when, I guess I was in high school when they came to the Super Bowl in New Orleans and our high school team did a deal with New England and Green Bay. They filmed something for some show where we were having to be the Green Bay offense and I'm wearing a Brett Favre jersey, so he's always a guy that you always wat..

Giants Coach Tom Coughlin Conference Call Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:20:39 CST
(What do you remember about your days here as wide receivers coach under Forrest Gregg?)
I was really proud and happy to have the opportunity to come to Green Bay, to kind of bask in that great tradition, the wonderful community, the historic Lombardi mystique that was everywhere and the people were wonderful, and I remember all facets of the guys that we worked with - (defensive coordinator) Dick Modzelewski and (quarterbacks coach) George Sefcik and (defensive backs coach) Dick Jauron was there at the time. All the guys that were there working with Forrest. I enjoyed my time with Forrest and he was very good to me and to our family. You know we didn't win as many games as we wanted to win, but it was certainly a very, very memorable experience and I was very honored to be a part of the Green Bay tradition and to be in the NFC Central.

(Any of that mystique still concern you this weekend?)
I'm more worried about the team myself, the co..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:13:01 CST
(How have you worked with Brett Favre to play a more controlled game and how would you assess his season overall?)
I think he had a great season. I thought he played extremely well against Seattle. I just think he's doing a great job of running the offense. We've asked him to do some things. We've asked him to do more of things that he hasn't had to do a lot of in the past. I'm talking more spread offense and taking advantage of (things) at the line of scrimmage situations. So he's done a very good job managing that and you have to give a lot of credit to Tom Clements in the quarterback room and the way they operate, and a lot of credit to the teammates. I think we're better in the offense, everybody has a better understanding and it leads to a lot more production.

(What thoughts do you give to the way you guys played against the Bears and the bad weather and the forecast for this weekend? What is it you try and tell your players they have to do bett..

Donald Driver Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:22:21 CST
(Can you explain why you guys remain so effective in bad conditions?)
I think it's just going out there and making plays. You know you can't control the conditions, you can't control the weather so you've just got to go out there and play regardless of the situation. So I think we've just been successful in it because we live here and we play and we wake up in the morning every day in it. But you still have to go out there and playm and I think we've been executing on all cylinders when we're out there in those conditions, because we see the other guys across from us, they're freezing a little more than we are.

(How do you dress for a climate like that as a receiver?)
I don't know how to answer that because I don't wear anything. I don't wear sleeves or anything like that so I just have my socks and pants and jersey on. That's it.

(Is that kind of a football thing where you don't change how you dress?)
No, I t..

Brett Favre Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 16

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:19:43 CST
(Can you talk about how during the game, down 14 nothing, you said that you had a history at times of pushing, and Tom Clements warned you not to try getting it all back at once. How did you break that habit and what differences in you are there?)
I don't know if I broke the habit. I'm not saying it's a bad habit either. I think at that particular time I was able to, ... part of the reason is I think they were up 14 nothing within the first four minutes. We had a ton of time left, and you know I think I would have been well aware of that. We had plenty of time and no need to run it up. We only had three plays, I think. But it was reassuring to hear that. And I guess that's, in my case, part of the maturing and aging process. But at least it was in that game.

(You said you wouldn't feel completed unless you won that Super Bowl ring. But now that you're one step away from going back to the Super Bowl, what do you think and what are you feeling to h..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 13

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:32:17 CST
(What are your thoughts on your opponent?)
Well, I really haven't had time to digest, exactly ... thoughts as far as game plan, is that what you're referring to? It's an opponent we played in Week 2, very good football team. A lot's happened since Week 2, I would say the same for our football team. We're a different football team than we were in Week 2, and definitely the New York Giants are a different football team. I'm very impressed with their win this week and last week. On a personal note, I'm very happy for Tom Coughlin. I think he's an outstanding football coach and I'm happy to see him have the success today and we look forward to competing against them in the NFC Championship.

(What were your emotions on R.W. McQuarters' interception, that you'd be hosting the NFC Championship?)
It was of excitement. I can't show you right here, as I stand here. But very excited. I'm just excited about having the game here at Lambeau Field. To ..

Mike McCarthy Post-Game Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 12

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:03:16 CST
We do not have any injuries today. So with that I'll take your questions.

(How much did the experience in Dallas help this team?)
The Dallas game was something we pointed to throughout our preparation. I feel like we definitely learned our lesson. I thought we were extremely sharp. I thought we were detailed from an assignments standpoint, fundamentals and all the things that we've been focusing on since Dallas. I'm very proud of our football team, the way they performed today, especially after the start that we had.

(How were you able to overcome the early deficit?)
I thought, No. 1, Brett was extremely sharp. He did a great job of keeping us in favorable plays, particularly in the sub groups. He threw the ball very well. When we got behind 14-0 I was concerned that the weather was going to turn bad because there were some things in the passing that we wanted to get to. We were able to accomplish that. I felt like we controlle..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 10

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:40:01 CST
(There's a report in the Biloxi Sun-Herald that all indications are Favre is coming back for another season. What's your reaction?)
Jeff just told me about it as I walked in here. I'll try not to laugh, but I have not been part of any conversation with Brett on that topic, and I think we just need to move on and focus on Seattle. Because that's what we're focused on, I'm sure that's what he's focused on. I don't know anything about it, and I think it's just someone trying to distract my quarterback.

(The way he's playing, is there any reason to think he'd even consider retiring?)
Brett's playing at a very high level, and we're preparing for him to play on another higher level this weekend. That's our focus, and once again, I haven't been part of any conversation on that matter.

(You plan to sit down with him at the end of the year?)
After the season is over, just like we did last year.

(What hap..

Ryan Grant Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:25:27 CST
(Can you talk about how you've been able to run with this opportunity?)
To be honest with you, I think it is a combination of a lot of things. I'm trying to take advantage of the opportunity and really just wanting to contribute whichever way that is. The team has been doing a great job, pulling together, I think from the midway point of working on fundamentally what we wanted to work on. Even though we were winning games, we felt like we could get better in a lot of different things and everybody has been pulling together.

(How much did the New York experience help you?)
I learned a lot. Those two years were very good for me from a sense of experience on and off the field. My first year coming out was a humbling experience. Even being there last year, having to sit out, was a learning experience. I learned a lot from Tiki on and off the field. I feel like as a group, as a backfield, we help each other out a lot.

(Can you..

Nick Barnett Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:23:56 CST
(What was it like watching from the sidelines last year in Seattle?)
Last year, going into that game and not being able to play, having the broken hand or whatever and we jumped out on them and then they came back and we lost the game. It was just agonizing every play for me, no matter if we were doing good or bad, just because I wanted to be out there with my guys and playing in that game. It looked fun with all the snow and crazy weather on that Monday night game, so it was disappointing. I'm glad that we have an opportunity to play them again.

(Is it nice on any level that the game might have made the Packers realize what they're missing without you in there?)
I don't even think like that, honestly. You know, we've got a lot of great guys who are behind me. Abdul (Hodge) I thought he did fairly well. There were a couple plays, but those were plays that any veteran could have missed. But I thought he went in and played well. It was jus..

Mike Stock Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:23:10 CST
(How are you going forward with preparations for the return game with Blackmon up in the air?)
If he's available he's playing. We'll know when we know. We'll just go like we've been doing all year.

(Does it help with having depth in the return game?)
It has helped immensely, absolutely. That's why there's preseason. That's why the guys that you have available, you've got to list and you work those guys from morning, noon and night when they don't have defense or offensive responsibilities, and you have them do the various things we do with returners to be able to take care of business when it's their turn. And so far we've been very blessed that these guys have been able to do that.

(Do you do anything different in terms of the mental approach with having a young kicker and punter in their first playoff game?)
Oh, let me see. Pretty much the same. These guys have been doing this. Jon's (Ryan) been in the Canad..

Bob Sanders Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:21:53 CST
(What do you see out of Seattle as far their big play-making ability?)
They have a lot of talented individuals. They have a lot of talented receivers. You've heard Coach Holmgren talk about those guys and certainly they're very well-coached, they have a good scheme and Matt Hasselbeck does a great job of getting the ball to them, and they do an excellent job of running after the catch. Then when they have you spread out and opened up, then they've had some explosive gains in the run game too. It's a very good scheme and they have a quarterback that is very, very good at executing that scheme, and then they have playmakers at a lot of positions on offense.

(How big is it for your guys to stay disciplined every play?)
It's just like every week, but certainly this week staying in coverage on staying on top of the guys you should stay on top of and make sure the communication is very, very good and solid. And then our guys up front in the pa..

Joe Philbin Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:20:44 CST
(How much credit do you take for the success of the offense this year?)
Very, very little. Football's a team game. We've got an excellent coaching staff here. The guys we have, who I worked with last year when I was a position coach, are outstanding coaches. Obviously our head coach is an outstanding offensive coach. Soo very, very little. Our guys do a great job, they're very detail-oriented. They take a lot of pride in preparing their position guys very well, and I remember when I took the job I really believed the position coaches are the guys that drive the train, so to speak, and those players, they've got to believe in their position coach. We're fortunate here. We've got an excellent group of coaches. Those guys are outstanding men and they're very, very hard-working and they've done a great job.

(What message were you able to get across this year or what do you feel you brought to the table?)
The one thing as you look at things o..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:19:11 CST
(Anything to be concerned with Jennings and Jones?)
They both wanted to finish practice. (We're) just being cautious. This is the healthiest we've been all year medically and I just want to make sure we're ready to go. They experienced some tightness three-quarters of the way through practice, so I sent them up for treatment.

(How about Woodson?)
Woodson bumped his knee on the turf yesterday, just had some swelling. He'll be fine. We know Charles will be ready to go.

(Is Al Harris feeling better now?)
I think he's a prime example of the health of our football team. Even Charles Woodson practicing Friday and Saturday, they feel a lot better. The break's really helped them and they're just getting ready to go. The bye week really helped us.

(Did Blackmon help himself today with the way he tested?)
They were positive the way he tested. Tomorrow morning's going to be a big indicator for..

Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren Conference Call Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:36:31 CST
(After everything you've taught Brett Favre have you taken any pages out his book on retirement and how to contemplate it?)
Well, you know what, it's interesting. We're both at a situation in our careers where it comes up on occasion. So I'm trying to be wise with it. We're going to take it a year at a time right now and after the season's over Kathy and I are going to let the dust settle and go someplace for a week or so and kind of think about how we want to do this. Right now I love our football team and I'm energized and I feel good. But that's kind of been the plan for the last couple years for me. It's not as important as when Brett talks about it. I understand that, but that's how we're approaching it.

(Are you any different as a coach now than you were with the Packers in the mid-'90s?)
I think so. I think I delegate a lot more. In those early years in Green Bay of course you know we had a relatively young offensive staff and it ..

Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck Conference Call Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:35:53 CST
(When the run game was struggling how did Holmgren approach you about getting more pass-happy?)
He actually didn't really approach me. I think he has a press conference on Mondays, and he mentioned it to the media, and I found out about it on Wednesday. I happened to see him in the hallway and he let me know, but I guess it was old news by then.

(You're obviously fine with that based on the numbers you put up?)
Truthfully I don't think I really believed him. You know, Coach Holmgren, he's a great coach and sometimes you don't always understand what his methods are and why he does certain things. I think for me that was one of those times. Why would you announce on Monday to the media what your plan was on how you're going to call the game, and is he lying? Is he just saying that? It wasn't until the night before the game that we kind of got the first 15 (plays) and we saw that he wasn't just saying it. He was being truthful and he was h..

Mark Tauscher Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 9

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:24:42 CST
(What have you seen on film of Kerney?)
He's not only a very talented player but he also plays with high energy and I think when you combine those two things you in the end have a really good player and it shows up constantly on film. He never takes a play off and I think his motor along with his talent is why he's been so successful.

(Do you believe one play can make or break a playoff game?)
Obviously everything is magnified. I don't necessarily know if one play, but there's one or two (that) definitely have a big impact in the outcome of a game, and you never know when that play's going to happen. I think that's what's really interesting about the playoffs, is that things are really magnified and then on top of it you're the only game, everybody's watching that and the outcome and your season depends on the fact that those plays go your way. And like I said you never know when that play is going to happen.

(What do you ..

Greg Jennings Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 8

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:12:18 CST
(Did you get the sense in training camp this offense would be capable of so many big plays?)
Anytime you have a quarterback with the caliber quarterback that we have, the sky's the limit. It's just getting the guys around him to kind of fit in where we need to fit in and make things work.

(Do you remember when the Packers played the Seahawks in the playoffs and did you watch that game?)
I didn't but I watched it last night. I saw the tail end of it - the fourth quarter and overtime, so I know they go back a little bit and I know they're going to be having that under their helmets when they step on the field and remember what happened a few years back.

(Did you watch it on your own or did everyone watch it?)
It actually came on NFL Network so I caught a quick glance of it.

(What have you seen on film of Seahawks CB Kelly Jennings?)
He's definitely improved. I say that like I'm a vete..

Aaron Kampman Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 8

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:11:18 CST
(Al Harris said the playoff experience will play a role in Saturday's game. How do you think the playoff experience will make a difference?)
I hate to disagree with a teammate. In some level, obviously (it will make a difference with) the atmosphere that surrounds a playoff game like this but in the same sense it's still football and we've been doing this for quite a long time and we've had some big games. I think probably the closest thing that our team has had this year would be that game down in Dallas, so we've had a little bit of experience with that as a team collectively this year.

(What do you think this team learned from the Dallas game?)
I think just stay the course in the sense of staying on fundamentals. We did some things that were uncharacteristic of us in that game that didn't allow us to have success down there and so I think really we'll have that type of mentality. We talked about it already this week. Our practices ha..

Al Harris Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 8

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:10:15 CST
(How much do you think Matt Hasselbeck has the interception on his mind heading into this game?)
I really think it's out of the mind of everybody - Matt (and) here in our building we're not thinking about it. We've moved past and a lot of the guys weren't even here when that happened, so it's a thing of the past. It happened then and we were grateful. We didn't capitalize the next game so it doesn't even really matter because we didn't finish the season the way we wanted to.

(Knowing how competitive Hasselbeck is and this is his first playoff game back here, how much do you think he wants to make up for that interception?)
Knowing Matt I think he'll be very competitive. He's a competitive player. He's playing at a high level right now. By far I personally think he's the best player on that team. Not to take anything from anybody else on that team. I think they're doing a great job, but I think he'll be very competitive and I don't think ..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 8

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:07:37 CST
(Is Spitz clear?)
He's doing better. We'll have an injury report filed tomorrow. I think we'll be very healthy for the game, including Jason.

(How do you like your practices since you came back?)
Practice Friday and Saturday was very good. They were two spirited, padded practices, I would categorize them. Today's practice I thought was very good. The tempo was outstanding. We'll watch it here at two o'clock with the players. I was pleased with today's work.

(Did Brandon Jackson have an injury?)
Brandon Jackson is sick. He went home today, flu or GI tract infection or something like that. He'll be back tomorrow.

(When you go against a team where you know the quarterback really well or some of the personnel really well, is that an advantage?)
You'd like to think that you know everybody that well, week in and week out. Those are coaching points that you present to the whole football ..

Brett Favre Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 8

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:08:51 CST
(You've gone against Mike Holmgren a number of times since that '99 game. How have your thoughts changed since that game?)
It's happened enough and he's been coaching in Seattle now longer than he coached here. I don't want to say it's old news (but) I can't say that I get anymore excited playing in this game than any other game. Maybe initially, which to me still is a little silly. It's a game. It's obviously an important game for us, but I'm sure Mike's saying the same thing to his guys. 'Hey, they're going to try to make a big deal of me going back, and the playoff game here several years ago.' I know 'Hass' (Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck) has caught a lot of heat this week, but I don't look at it much differently than any other game. I've got a tremendous amount of respect for Mike, don't get me wrong, but I want to play well for the obvious reasons in this game.

(How do you think Mike uses his knowledge of you to help him defensively?) <..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 6

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:20:51 CST
(Where did you watch the game yesterday?)
I watched it here.

(Were you by yourself or with your staff?)
I was by myself. Most of the staff went home and watched it.

(Did Seattle winning give you a one-day jump on preparation for this game?)
Well, we were able to break down a number of games, actually I think we had between eight and 10 in the computer. We're actually still waiting on yesterday's game. There's been a delay in the plane coming through Chicago, so we're still waiting for the film.

(Their defense was so dominant yesterday at the start of that game. Is that the best you've seen them?)
I thought their defense played very well, just watching the TV copy. The way they flew to the ball. The one thing that's constant throughout the film study, I think their secondary has very good ball skills. They do a good job of reacting to the football. Their linebacker play is a strength..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Jan. 4

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:38:50 CST
(Was Bigby not at practice today?)
Atari was not at practice today. He had some traveling issues. He missed the meetings and practice.

(Is he on his way?)
He's here. He's in the building. I haven't spoken to him yet.

(Is that one of the hazards of letting guys get away?)
That would classify as a hazard, yes.

(Was he derelict in his scheduling or anything?)
I haven't spoken to him. I will see him when I get back inside. He arrived when we were at practice.

(Is that automatically something you have to discipline him for?)
That's something that he and I will deal with.

(But you gave guys an extra day to travel, right?)
Correct. It will be dealt with.

(You had a plan when you came in here two years ago. What's your reaction to how well it has worked?)
I didn't go into it thinking it wouldn't work. You a..