The New head coach of the New York Giants, Joe Judge, faced a fair amount of public criticism this week as he coached his team through their first padded practices. Many big media talking heads have criticized Joe Judge for his disciplinary coaching style. Giants players and coaches have been running laps upon making mistakes at Giants’ practice, something that apparently will lead to losses, according to sports talk show hosts.
Well, according to the actual players on the New York Giants, this is not nearly as controversial as the media wants it to be. Despite Shannon Sharpe warning Giants fans that this “will not end well” and Samuel Acho warning fans that the Giants are bound to go 2-14, the players indicate that all indeed is well.
Xavier McKinney Reacts To Running Laps
After an impressive performance in practice today, rookie defensive back Xavier McKinney had a zoom call with reporters. During this interview, Xavier McKinney was asked what he thought about Joe Judge’s coaching style. The reporter asked McKinney how receptive the players are, in general, to Judge’s coaching style. McKinney responded and said that, as a team, they “love it.”
“As a team, we love it. We’re trying to get better as a team. Everybody loves discipline. Especially here… Everybody on the team likes Caoch Judge, so I think we’re good on that.” – Xavier McKinney on his and the team’s reception to Joe Judge’s coaching style
Xavier McKinney gave a perfect response to those criticizing Joe Judge this week. According to McKinney, everyone on the team is a fan of Joe Judge and the way he coaches. This seems to reaffirm
McKinney’s Quotes From The Day
McKinney is used to Joe Judge’s practice style already, though. When asked how similar it was to Nick Saban’s program at Alabama, McKinney said it was “almost like a mirror version.” McKinney also thinks the NFL game is similar to that of the NCAA. But he did concede that the professional sport is  “a little bit faster.”
McKinney has been flying around the Giants’ practice and making plays. Today, Tom Rock of Newsday noted that McKinney shined in one-on-one drills. Xavier broke up two fo three passes his way and was in tight coverage on Evan Engram on the third rep.
Xavier did not get himself an interception today, though, as he did a few days ago. But he had a couple of close calls and pass breakups today. Those near-interceptions are not enough for McKinney, though. Xavier said he is “never satisfied” with a pass breakup.
The second-round pick out of Alabama is likely to play a significant role in the Giants’ defense during his rookie season. For more on Xavier McKinney, his strengths, and weaknesses on the football field, be sure to check out the film breakdown below: