The entire NY Giants defense was forced to run a lap, along with several coaches, by head coach Joe Judge during Monday’s practice
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — NY Giants coach Joe Judge is known for stressing fundamentals and efficiency, and through his first two training camps it isn’t too surprising to see players sent running penalty laps for mistakes, but Judge sent a clear message to his players Monday.
Late in Monday’s fifth practice of training camp, and final session before the pads get strapped on on Tuesday, Judge sent the entire defense — and several coaches running a penalty lap around the perimeter of the practice fields.
The NY Giants say that it was a “substitution error,” a source confirmed to FanSided, as Pat Leonard of The New York Daily News reported.
The *entire* defense, including coaches, was just sent on a penalty lap by Joe Judge. In case you were wondering how things are going at #Giants camp … pic.twitter.com/heKazvhhKD
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) August 2, 2021
"“I feel like that was a discipline thing,” second-year NY Giants linebacker Tae Crowder said. “We came out and weren’t all paying attention when we were supposed to get on the field. We need to focus on the details.”"
Monday it wasn’t just the defense who were sent running.
During the first red zone period of the day, quarterback Daniel Jones and recently signed center Joe Looney were sent running laps. It was only the first of two laps that Looney would be forced to run during his first full practice with the Giants.
NY Giants players react to Joe Judge forcing them to run penalty laps
"“That’s not something I ain’t done since Little League,” Looney said afterwards. “But, you know what, I loved it. It’s another way to hold us accountable, as professionals. If you make a mistake, you’ll have to run a lap. I’m all about it.”"
Tuesday wasn’t a banner day for the NY Giants’ centers, as projected starter Nick Gates also was forced to run a lap … and then was quickly summoned about halfway through his jog to get back in, so the offense could run the next play.
It is clear that Judge and the NY Giants hope that things button up before the first full contact practice of training camp on Tuesday morning.
Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com