Skip to main content

Why Joe Judge Won't Publicly Criticize Giants Players

Don't expect Giants head coach Joe Judge to agree with any public criticism levied against his players.

Giants head coach Joe Judge has not been averse to digging into his players about what they need to do better. 

Judge's tough love philosophy was on full display during training camp, as he and his assistants were frequently seen loudly getting on players over mistakes and a lack of intensity on several occasions.

But don't expect the Giants head coach to go on the record with any sharp criticisms of his players or staff.

"It's my job to support the players. I think it's our job internally to make corrections and adjustments that are necessary," Judge said during Tuesday's conference call. 

"Internally we'll address things always, we're going to be very blunt and honest, we're very transparent in this organization and we'll always be very direct with what we have to do to correct it."

Judge's approach comes as little surprise; this is a man who, so far in his first season, has shown compassion for his players while at the same time demanding the best from them.

Judge also realizes that everyone is different. Some players will respond to the tough love approach while others might be sensitive and need a gentler hand.

"Sometimes a team needs some encouraging, sometimes they need a come-to-Jesus meeting. So whatever each week calls for that's what we're going to go ahead and have," he said. 

There was no lack of opportunity Tuesday for Judge to speak his mind about some of the struggles the players experienced Monday night. But Judge deferred. 

Instead, he said this week would be devoted to correcting the issues that popped up in the game.

"[This week] will be heavy teaching," Judge said. "Our guys competed their butts off last night, they played hard. What they need is just for us to make sure we eliminate some of the mistakes, and we understand that going forward, the formula for us to be able to win games. 

"Players don't go out there and intentionally make mistakes. They don't go out there and intentionally screw up, so whatever tone is required to get the message across, we better be teaching them so when they leave the meeting, it's clear in how they have to improve and what they have to correct going forward."