NFC Notes: Dak Prescott, Giants, Washington

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott said he is ready to move forward mentally from the broken ankle that ended his 2020 season. 

“I’ve buried the injury,” Prescott said, via ESPN’s Todd Archer. “Honestly, guys, you know me, from the point of practice, from the point of just moving forward and going about my life, I’ve buried it mentally. And I think you guys and a lot of people around have to help me in burying it as well as we move forward.”

Although Prescott is rehabbing well, he admitted that he still has some mental hurdles to get over.

“Just knowing that I could do all the different drops, get away from pressure when I need to,” Prescott said. “I’m sure you guys see the scramble drill that we’ve done a few times. That was a big one for my confidence, just being able to pivot and turn out left, get out to the right, change directions, not feeling anything and then look at the tape and realize day by day that I’m running more smoother, I’m getting better, I’m using my legs more when I throw. Those are just all building blocks and steppingstones for me to get where I want to be. It’s just exciting.”

Giants

• Giants DC Patrick Graham was asked Wednesday why he turned down the opportunity to interview for the Jets’ head coaching job: “To me, the Giants, this is my dream job to be here as a defensive coordinator. It’s nothing against them, I’m just happy to be a New York Giant.” (Ralph Vacchiano)
• Giants LT Nate Solder addressed his decision to opt-out of the 2020 season: “It was interesting. It was kind of the first time I had a break since middle school. I didn’t even know fall existed outside of football.” (Ralph Vacchiano)
• Solder said of possibly being a backup this year: “Who cares who starts? I just want to be part of an excellent group … nobody cares who’s starting and who’s not starting. We’re all necessary, we’re all needed.” (Zack Rosenblatt) 
• As for how he’s feeling right now, Solder said: “I feel fresh. I’m as fast and as strong as I’ve ever been.” (Ralph Vacchiano)
• Giants S Jabrill Peppers was asked about the team’s crowded safety room: “That’s the beauty of Patrick Graham, baby. He makes it make sense.” (Dan Salomone)
• Giants RB Saquon Barkley said he isn’t thinking about his contract situation right now: “When it comes to the contract situation that’s not even something that’s crossing my mind. I have an amazing agent. Those are things I have conversations with her about. But for me right now the only thing I’m focusing on is coming here today, working my butt off, and trying to get as ready as I can so when I’m able to get back out there … I’m 110% and I can perform to the best of my abilities for my team.” (Pat Leonard)
• Giants HC Joe Judge said he got in touch with WR Sterling Shepard shortly after they drafted first-round WR Kadarius Toney to assure him his role on the team wasn’t affected. (Zack Rosenblatt) 

Washington

Washington HC Ron Rivera had good things to say about new WR Curtis Samuel and the progress he has made so far in his career.

“When the ball is in his hands, the production is tremendous,” said Rivera, via John Keim of ESPN.com. “The thing we got to do is make sure we have him on the field and make sure that he gets the opportunity to touch the ball. The analytics show that this is a guy that has to be a big part of your offense.”

Another coach who notes the improvements in Samuel is Washington OC Scott Turner.

“Curtis has been, and is, an ascending player,” Turner said. “They handed him the ball a little more and that’s something he can do, not just be a wide receiver, but be used as a running back. He can play all over the field, whether it’s outside, inside, in the backfield, in motion. Those are going to be the things he does … which is everything. Where he can grow in his game is … down the field he can make a lot of plays. He’ll make a lot of plays outside as well.”

• Washington DL Jonathan Allen provided an update on his contract talks with the team, saying there’s not much to update: “We’re both operating in good faith. No telling when anything might get done — if and when… I want to be here.” (Nicki Jhabvala)