david dieHl - New York Giants

than at any time we had ever seen him. He was focused and wanted it. He wanted it, but he’ll be back.
He’ll be back.”
Q: David Wilson’s opportunity will presumably come now. You’ve been asked a lot of questions about
David Wilson. Do you believe the moment will not be too big for him and he can step in and produce?
Coughlin: “He’s worked hard and he’s been open that he believes he’s ready, which is a very important
part of it. And he has done a good job in practice of recognition and pickups. So it’s time. He’s got to go
and he’s got to be productive.”
Q: Everyone focuses on RG3, but the Redskins are one of the best rushing teams in the NFL. Do you
look at them as a run-first team?
Coughlin: “They are run first. But they’re multiple in terms of how they approach that run and because
of the fact they’re so good at it they create some opportunities with the pass that are just incredible
when you see how clearly open people are. It’s scary. Hell, they’re running around with nobody within
20 yards of the receivers.”
Q: You said on Monday you’re interested in studying how RG3 had improved since the Giants-
Redskins game in October. When you looked at the tape, is he doing things differently now?
Coughlin: “He’s doing it better. I said the other day he may not be throwing quite as many times, but his
accuracy is extremely good and he throws the deep ball and he’s very strong armed.”
Q: You mentioned that Mike Shanahan has been a coach that likes to use gadget plays. How do you
prepare for gadget plays?
Coughlin: “You’re alert, but you’re trying to find some common denominator as to when it might come
whether it’s down and distance, formation, the alignment of key personnel. Why is this guy in the game?
What’s he doing at that spot? You’re aware of who’s throwing the ball from the other positions, the
receivers that have thrown it. All of those types of things. I don’t know that you can be totally prepared.
You show some of them in practice. You can’t show them all. Whenever someone has this much time
(11 days) of preparation, you’re going to see something different.”
Q: Most of the Redskins’ defensive rankings are in the twenties, but their run defense is third in the
league. Why are they so good at stopping the run?
Coughlin: “They’re good. They’re solid. They’re technically sound. They have veteran players that know
their job and fulfill that responsibility. They’re good up front. Barry Cofield is having a very, very good
year. Of course, London Fletcher is nothing but a tackling machine. So those guys are good. They’ve
overcome, as everyone has had to do. They’re just solid, solid in how they approach it and well coached.
You name it.”
Q: Lorenzo Alexander has been credited with 20 special teams tackles. Is he someone you must be
aware of at all times?
Coughlin: “Yes, and he’s also playing defensive end in the sub package. So he plays a lot more. His role
has been extended and he’s embraced it, but he always has been a pivotal guy on their special teams
outfit. When he was 285 pounds and he made those hits on kickoff coverage you just kind of shook your
head. He’s in terrific shape now and he still hits very hard and he no doubt runs better. That’s what
you’re facing. He’s always going to be in the mix with everything you do from a coverage standpoint.
He’s always right in the middle of it. Good player.”