On K David Akers' streak of 18 consecutive field goals in the postseason: "Dave had a solid game all around, I thought, both with his field goals and his kickoffs. He has a lot of confidence right now. He is going out and hitting the ball really well. He is a professional who goes out and tries to execute every time he goes out. He's doing a really nice job at this point."
On the confidence that Akers gives the team when he is playing this well: "Each kick is a tough kick. You go out and it's obviously not a guarantee any time. Dave is hitting the ball very well. He is playing with a lot of confidence and he is going out and getting the job done for us. Obviously, we'd like to score those touchdowns, but at the same time, getting points on the board, especially in the playoffs, any time you can get them we'll take them."
On the Cardinals punt coverage: "They've done a couple of different things. First of all, they have a different punter now. They have Ben Graham back there punting. He is a very effective punter. He can punt the ball way down the field. He has great leg strength and can get the ball hung up there very well. At the same time, they have also moved some guys around and gotten some more speed on the field. They've moved some guys on their punt team, in terms of (WR Sean) Morey, and just getting guys in a position to get down and cover a little bit faster. They've definitely made some improvement on their punt coverage team. With their punter, it just made them an overall more effective group."
On how dangerous opening kickoffs can be:"We have to give the Giants a lot of credit on that one (last week). We did a pretty nice job there on the front side of the kick, fitting it up on the wedge and things there. They did a nice job of walling us off on the back side. We were basically playing with half of our coverage team. We got single blocked on the back side. We have to make sure we're winning those individual battles. We can't get walled off; we have to be getting hats to the ball. Again, on the first kickoff of the game, we have to make sure we're solid and we're getting down there and getting it covered. I thought our guys responded nicely by coming back the next five kicks. We held them to 23 yards per return after that point. Again, we can't give up that kind of return to start the game. At the same time, Dave did a really nice job. You have to give him a lot of credit for getting (Giants RB Ahmad) Bradshaw out of bounds, as well."
On what makes Sean Morey a good special teams player:"I think experience has something to do with it. He understands how to play the game. He ends up at the right spot at the right time, he has great speed, he's a high motor player. He's always finishing around the ball and has that sense of urgency, every time he's on the field, to make sure that he is competing and getting the job done. He is definitely going to present a challenge for us, both in terms of coverage phases and return phases."
On whether it's an advantage for P Sav Rocca to be punting in a more controlled environment this week: "It's my understanding they are going to have the roof open. I've never been to that stadium; I really don't know what to expect, in terms of the weather. It's going to be a little bit warmer, so if the roof is open, I know the ball should travel a little better. In terms of each game, it's a little bit different. Hopefully Sav can go out and just rely on his technique and fundamentals and make solid contact with the ball. If he does, I think he'll have a good game."
On whether they are going to open the roof:"That's my understanding. I'm really not sure. I've heard a lot of different scenarios. One scenario I have heard is they have up to a few hours before the kickoff (to decide). I'm not certain at this point."
On whether he would prefer the roof to be open for the warm air:"It has its benefits either way. If it is closed, you don't have to worry about any wind conditions. I don't know if there's going to be any wind anyway. It's not supposed to be real high outside I don't think. If it is closed, you don't have to worry about that from that standpoint. There are advantages and disadvantages to both."
On Cardinals WR Steve Breaston's return ability:"He is a long-stride guy who can hurt you once he gets out and running. He has great speed on things. He's really quick right at the point of the catch and a quick change-of-direction guy. He definitely presents a problem for us, in terms of our punt coverage. He is a great punt returner and definitely is capable of a big play at any time. At the same time, you have (RB) J.J Arrington back returning kickoffs. He's a very explosive guy back there and has a couple returns for a touchdown in his career. In our coverage phase, we have to make sure we're very solid this week."
