During his Monday press conference, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy brushed off comments made by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul guaranteeing a win in next Sunday’s divisional playoff showdown with the defending Super Bowl champions.
“I would expect a team that is playing in the divisional playoff round to think they should win the game,” McCarthy said. “We fully expect to win the game. … What are they supposed to say, they’re gonna lose?”
Following the Giants’ resounding 24-2 wild card playoff victory over the Atlanta Falcons, the young, talented, and confident Pierre-Paul minced no words about the outcome of the upcoming game at Lambeau Field. “We’re going to win,” said Pierre-Paul. “One hundred percent we’re going to win.”
Calling the Giants’ victory “decisive” and “impressive,” McCarthy noted that the Giants’ performance was “the best film” he had seen on the NFC East division champions since the Packers squeaked by New York 38-35 at MetLife Stadium in week 13 of the regular season. The Packers coach underscored the Giants’ dominant running game, which gouged the Falcons for 172 yards total and 5.5 yards per carry, and stellar defensive line play.
“[The Giants] will be an excellent challenge for us,” McCarthy concluded.