The New York Giants are headed toward the first regular-season game on Monday, September 14, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This week of practice has been tailored toward this match-up. Working on scheme related tactics and how they will combat a tough Pittsburgh team is a priority. For head coach Joe Judge, intensity is demanded every single day. Being 100% ready and cognizant is a part of success, and he plans to bring that to the New York Giants‘ organization.
When his team stepped onto the field Thursday morning for practice, he did not like what he saw after 20 minutes of individual drills. He huddled his team and ripped into them, dropping F-bombs, according to reporters.
Judge demanded that his team restart practice from the beginning due to a lack of effort and intensity. Clearly, he is trying to hammer home a fundamental aspect of winning teams — discipline. Taking your craft seriously is how you win on game day, and clearly, Pat Shurmur’s lackluster system spilled over into Thursday’s practice, which was quickly spotted and taken care of by the new head coach.
New York Giants’ players respond to Joe Judge’s wrath:
Saquon Barkley:
“I love it.”
Blake Martinez:
“Didn’t come out the right way at practice today….judge had us refocus…..had to bounce back and show resolve, understand what was wrong and fix it.”
“First time had to re-boot a practice since been in the nfl….everybody understood what the coach wanted….we know this first game is big to make a statement as a team”