Giants’ Leonard Williams raves about change in ‘energy’ at practice

New York Giants, Leonard Williams

New York Giants have experienced a polarizing shift in coaching style, ranging from Joe Judge to Brian Daboll. The new coaching staff has brought a more player-friendly approach to East Rutherford, helping develop personal relationships with each individual player rather than treating them as a disciplinary measure.

Defensive star Leonard Williams has even noticed the shift in energy, specifically noting the vibe.

“The vibe I’m getting is the excitement people are coming into work with,” Williams said Thursday. “I think guys are happy to be here. They’re happy about the teammates that they have next to them. They’re happy about the coaches that are coaching them.

Williams specifically mentioning the coaches is a positive sign. The interactions between the players and coaches have been positive, including lots of laughter and personalized moments. At face value, that seems a lot different than Judge’s strategy, enforcing forcing physical consequences for mistakes.

Williams continued to say that coming to work is a bit more enjoyable when all those factors are clicking.

“I think when you’re happy about all those things that I just said, it makes it easier to come into work and have a great attitude and great energy, and it shows in practice how we’re flying around out there. … it’s just a contagious energy that’s being brought right now.”

The New York Giants need Williams to help them set a new standard but could move on after the 2022 season:

Williams is entering the second year of a three-year, $63 million contract. The deal includes an ‘out’ after the 2022 season, counting $8.3 million in dead salary space but saving the team approximately $18 million if released.

His cap hit elevates to $27.3 million this season with a $35.6 dead money charge. If GM Joe Schoen is looking to move on and reset the cap a bit, they will have to wait until 2023.

Nonetheless, having an established veteran that is considered a defensive star should help some of the younger guys improve. Working alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants’ 7th overall pick this year, should set a new pass-rush standard moving forward.