For months, New York Giants head coach Joe Judge has actively avoided naming any of his players, including quarterback Daniel Jones.
In the minds of some, Judge’s refusal to address Jones directly was an indictment of what he thought about the inherited quarterback. But alongside many other Giants narratives that have recently been shattered into oblivion recently, Judge sent that one into the atmosphere on Thursday.
While making an appearance on CBS Sports Radio’s “Tiki and Tierney” program, Judge not only addressed Jones by name, but expressed an overwhelming appreciation for his new quarterback.
“I love working with this guy every day,” Judge said. “He has a fire that burns in him. He brings other guys along with him. He knows what you are going to teach before you teach it in terms of being prepared on material. He sets the tone for the room.”
The Giants are now roughly two weeks into their virtual offseason program, which has been the first opportunity for Judge and his staff to talk X’s and O’s with players. And while the coach is very excited about Jones, he also recognizes that the second-year quarterback has a ways to go — as do all other offensive players — in learning the new system.
“I’m very excited about working with Daniel,” Judge said. “I love his toughness and competitiveness. Those shine through right away.
“I want to be fair to Daniel right now and let him have the opportunity to learn the offense he’s working in right now, that he’s never taken a snap in. And let him progress at his rate and develop his career over the course of time that’s going to go ahead and meet the expectations we set internally.”
Even before working with Jones on the X’s and O’s, Judge knew there was something special about the former Duke star. In fact, he knew that all the way back in January after the two met for the first time.
“I’m glad he’s on our team. Let’s put it that way,” Judge said.
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