New York Giants’ HC Joe Judge torches the Eagles over tank game in week 17

January 4, 2021
New York Giants, Joe Judge
Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants head coach Joe Judge walks on the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants had an opportunity to make the post-season if the Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious against the Washington Football Team in week 17. The Eagles had already sat most of their starting players, utilizing Jalen Hurts as their quarterback before replacing him in the second half for career back-up Nate Sudfeld.

Ultimately, the Eagles, more specifically, head coach Doug Pederson, tanked on national television in a game that was flexed to prime time given the significance. The Giants desperately needed Philadelphia to win, but instead, they compromise the integrity of the sport and laid down for their opponents, who secured a playoff spot because of it.

Talking heads around the league and team representatives, ranging from players to coaches, took to social media to express their concern and embarrassment. What Philadelphia did was nothing short of low class, given how teams around the league remained competitive despite having good chances at landing a top pick.
Take the New York Jets for example, who could have easily laid down and secured Trevor Lawrence No. 1 overall. Instead, they competed and ended up winning a few games, proving that they respect the integrity of the game. What Philadelphia did was inexcusable and they will undoubtedly have a target on their back because of it. By losing, they went from ninth overall to sixth overall in the 2021 NFL draft.

The commander of the New York Giants has some stern words on the Eagles’ tank game:

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge spoke to media members on Monday, indicating his opinion on the matter. Let’s just say, it fits right in line with his disciplinary approach and respect for the sport.

“To disrespect the game by going out there and not competing for 60 minutes and doing everything you can to help those players win, we will never do that as long as I’m the HC of the Giants.”

Judge has proved that he has the right mentality toward winning in the NFL. What he expects from his players and coaches on a daily basis demands consistency and respect for the game. Because of this, free agents in the future will prefer to take their talents to New York, as culture is a major factor in these decisions. Judge’s comments tell me one thing, he was the right choice to fill the vacant head-coaching spot left by Pat Shurmur, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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