It still stings a little bit regardless of the circumstances of him not being here. You still would like to have that guy on your side because you can count on him. From all reports, everybody in the organization and on both sides of the situation felt that this was the best thing to do. So they did it and you have to live and keep on playing.

For some people, it might not make a difference, but any time you have a job to do, you want to be the best and succeed at that job. You don't just chalk it up and say that winning or losing this game does not make a difference. I don't see us doing that.

I would say, the way I've started, that this is the best I've played,

That's what I love so much about this team. We have some warriors here. We have some guys who go out there and fight. That's the best thing about this team. No matter what happens, we just keep fighting. You have to love that.