Mathias Kiwanuka, Post-Game, 09.12.10

Q: How is it to adjust to the linebackers and DB's behind you?

A: I think that it definitely is an adjustment but I think with the core group of guys that we have in here that we are used to adjustments and we have a new defensive coordinator in here now and we take that with player personnel changes as well.

Q: Could you talk about Coach Perry Fewell?

A: Everybody talks about his passion for the game and that's definitely there, that's what you see on the sidelines. His knowledge of the game and what he has in his heart as far as dedication, the guy genuinely cares whether there is a Super Bowl on the line or whether we're playing Pop Warner, he would care the same way.

Q: Do you feel you could be very comfortable in this system since you have seen so many changes since you have been here?

A: Starting out at linebacker fulltime helps me out as far as transitioning back and forth with it. This isn't the first time that I have done both and like I said there are a number of guys on this team that have been asked to do a lot of different things for this team. This is a very proven defense but the attitude that I have always taken is that whatever it takes for us to win, that's what I am going to do. If there's a position I need to be in that will help us win the game, then I'll be there.

Q: Did you carry the way the defense struggled late last season into the offseason and use that for some motivation?

A: Absolutely. I think the way that everybody approached the offseason was fantastic. Everybody came in with the same mentality, which was that this year is going to be a different story. Each game we have we play as if everything is on the line and I think we showed it out there today.

Q: Did this season opener feel different than previous season openers?

A: Definitely. The fact that we are in New York, one of the greatest cities in the world just after September 11th, there are a lot of things that play into this. For us to be able to go out there and play and fight in a football game is something that at the end of the day for us it is not as big of a deal than everything that is going on in the city. So for us to go in and do our part is something that maybe takes a little bit of pressure off of those people who are still feeling the losses that they suffered a few years ago and give them something to cheer about.

Q: Do you feel that the defensive swagger is back on this team?

A: Oh it's back. It's been back. The linebackers have it, the DB's have always had it and the offense definitely bring their own brand of swagger but as long as we show up and give a great performance, we'll have it every week.

Q: You were able to get a late fourth quarter pass rush, how important is it to have that?

A: It's very important. We would like to have that the first, second and third quarters as well but to be able to go out there with the game on the line and produce that kind of pressure, that's the difference between wins and losses.

Q: What's your impression of the new pressroom?

A: It's unbelievable. It falls in with the rest of this place. If you get a chance to walk around, there's definitely some great things here.