Joe Judge made the right call by benching Golden Tate

From his very first press conference, it was clear that Judge would be an old school, no nonsense head coach. He learned it from Bill Belichick, but even though many scoffed at Judge’s demeanor as the latest Belichick imitation, he has proved this is exactly who he is.

And the team has responded to it. Despite a 1-7 record, the Giants have been in just about every game they’ve played because of the effort of the team. Effort is a direct reflection of a head coach, and his team fights hard for him.

And it’s not as though he hasn’t fought for and defended his players, Tate included. When Golden Tate and Jalen Ramsey fought in Week 4, Judge defended his player.

But the Giants traded away Odell Beckham Jr. for his ability to distract the rest of the team, as well as the organization. Judge seems to get the belief in “The Giants Way” and won’t let small distractions become season-long narratives.

One distraction appeared to be Tate’s limit. And it sends a big message to the rest of the team.