Everyone has a clean slate
Judge has met with the media five or six times since being named New York Giants head coach, and in none of those interviews or press conferences has he named a single player on his roster.
That continued on Tuesday as Judge again deliberately avoided using anyone’s name, simply stating that all players will be afforded a clean slate in 2020 and that there isn’t even an established depth chart at this point.
Joe Judge says he won’t establish a hierarchy of players, believes he can’t give players a clean-slate if he spends a month talking about certain guys. (This in response to a Daniel Jones question) #Giants pic.twitter.com/vjAjBhGg5n
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) February 25, 2020
Rather, all 90 men on the roster come training camp will have an equal opportunity to win a job. That includes anyone backing up quarterback Daniel Jones and even running back Saquon Barkley.
Joe Judge adamant about everyone getting an equal shot and starting at the ground level. He won’t publicly commit to Daniel Jones as his starting QB or Saquon Barkley as the starting RB. “No ones got a spot,” he said. #giants #NFLCombine
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) February 25, 2020
Coach Judge reiterates every returning Giant has a blank slate. “Everybody is going to have the same opportunity on a daily basis — to compete. … The past is irrelevant.”
— Dan Salomone (@NYGsalomone) February 25, 2020
We all know how many positions will shake out, but Judge isn’t handing anyone anything yet. Rather, everything will have to be earned or re-earned as he and his staff determine the depth of their roster.
For now, Judge refuses to set expectations.