Westhill graduate Cliff Louis, like the rest of the New York Giants, was reeling tonight after Saturday’s 17-3 preseason loss to the Bears. The entire team played poorly and, worse, defensive tackle Jay Alford sustained what could be a season-ending knee injury.
The Giants return to action to play the Jets Saturday night. After that come the first round of cuts.
I just finished talking to Louis on Facebook. Here are some of the highlights in a Q&A format:
Question: Was the team disappointed by last night’s loss?
Louis: Yeah, any loss is something you have to deal with professionally and logically.
Q: You only got in for the final two series. Were you disappointed you didn’t get to play a little more?
Louis: I know that my time will come. I learned humility at Morgan sitting on the bench for a few years even though I was a “practice All-American”…lol…I just knew my time would come. Even though the league is a little more career-ending then college, I know that they see something in me or else I’d be at home working a 9-5.
Q: You have the Jets on Saturday. What is your game plan for yourself between now and then?
Louis: I attack each game like I attack practice: know what you’re doing, do it to the best of your ability, be consistent and learn from the vets in front of you. After each series at practice or games, I go over to Tutan Reyes (10 year veteran) or Chris Snee (four year veteran and Pro Bowler) and ask them how’d the series look.
Q: After Saturday’s game with the Jets come the first round of cuts. Is that in the back of your mind?
Louis: Always. One thing about the league is, it’s temporary. There are some guys like Jeff Feagles, Adam Vinatieri and others who pass the 15 year mark, but those guys are few. Everyone has gotten cut, a free agent is just a person whose team doesn’t want them anymore so they’re free to sign with whomever. What difference is that with a person who gets cut from the practice squad? It boils down to dollars and cents…it’s a business. And I understand that, I’m blessed and fortunate to be approaching my 3rd year in this business.
