Nate Burleson names Darius Slayton as season's under-the-radar player
Darius Slayton put together a strong rookie season last year. After missing the first two games of 2019, Slayton went on to grab 48 passes for 740 yards with eight touchdowns, the latter matching Tennessee's A.J. Brown for the NFL rookie lead.
His eight touchdowns are tied for the third-most by a rookie in franchise history, two behind Bill Swiacki (1948) and four off Odell Beckham Jr.'s record (2014). Slayton also ranks fifth in receiving yards and is tied for sixth in catches on the Giants' all-time rookie list.
Last year's 171st overall pick finished second among all rookies in touchdowns and fifth in receiving yards despite being the 18th wide receiver taken in the draft.
With the 2020 season officially underway, NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" crew each chose one player that they believe is flying under-the-radar heading into Week 1. Former wide receiver Nate Burleson tabbed the Giants' second-year receiver as his selection.
"He might not be familiar to you, but Darius Slayton went off," Burleson said. "Last year when there were so many things going on with this offense- Daniel Jones trying to get his footing, wide receivers being banged up, Golden Tate was suspended- Darius Slayton came in and led the Giants with in receiving yards with 740.
"You know who led the NFL rookie wide receivers in touchdowns? A.J. Brown. Do you know who tied him? Darius Slayton with eight TDs. The dude was everywhere, and he did this in a year that had so many question marks. Now you have a quarterback that is the man for the future and has a rhythm with you. I want to tell you guys this. It might not be crazy to think that this dude ends up being the number one wide receiver for Daniel Jones this season."
Saquon Barkley aspires to be 'complete back'
Saquon Barkley aspires to be something he already is, because it will help him achieve something he wants.
"I want to be elite overall, whether that's in the pass game or the run game," Barkley, the Giants' splendid running back, said today. "But at the end of the day, it's about winning games. If I can do that by helping my team in the pass game, then that's the case. If that's by helping them in the run game, then that's the case. If it's by stepping up and making that key block, we might throw the ball 40 times a game and I might have to be responsible for key blocks, then that's what I have to do. It's not just focusing on just me being elite. It's whatever it takes to help the team win."
By any objective measure, Barkley is already one of the NFL's very best running backs as he enters his third season, which begins Monday night in MetLife Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In his first two NFL seasons, Barkley rushed for 2,310 yards on 478 carries, a 4.8-yard average. He also caught 143 passes for 1,159 yards. Barkley scored 23 touchdowns, 17 on the ground. He was the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, the first player in Giants history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons and joined Carolina's Christian McCaffrey and New Orleans' Alvin Kamara as the only NFL players to total more than 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in 2018-19. Last Dec. 22, Barkley set a franchise record with 279 yards from scrimmage (189 rushing and 90 receiving) in an overtime victory at Washington. Barkley's 279 yards was the highest total by any NFL player in 2019.
Those and so many more Barkley statistics are, um, elite. But he will strive to post better numbers and be a more well-rounded player when he hits the field Monday night.
"When I think of a complete back, the best complete back, the backs that come to my mind are the Walter Paytons, the Marshall Faulks," Barkley said. "When you think of Walter Payton, if you see clips or highlights of his in-between tackles, outside tackles, catching, blocking, there are even times he's throwing the ball. I'm not saying I can throw the ball as far as Walter Payton. I'm not hinting a trick play coming up.
"But those are things. I don't want to be just a special interior running back. I don't want to be just a special outside the box running back, catch the ball here and there. I truly believe that with my God-given ability and the work that I put in that I can be special in all phases. All phases, not just one dimensional. That's something that I've been working on. I want to be elite in running the ball. I want to be elite outside the tackles. I want to be elite in pass pro. Be elite in catching the ball. Those are things that I truly believe I can be, and those are things I'm going to continue to work for and strive to be."
View photos of the history between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ward Cuff (14) of the New York Giants kicking a 23-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter of game with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Polo Grounds in New York City, Oct. 20, 1940. Giant Players are Tuffy Leemans (4) holding ball; Doug Older Shaw (39); Leland Shaffer (20) and John McLaughry (17). Steelers are: Everett Fisher (8); John Woudenberg (36), Frank Sullivan (18), and John Noppenberg (50). Giants beat Steelers 12 to 0. (AP Photo)
Chuck Conerly, New York Giant freshman back who set a new passing record in National football league, stands beside Giant coach Steve Owen during an anxious moment in Giant-Pittsburgh Steeler game on Dec. 5, 1948. (AP Photo)
Ken Strong, left, New York Giants football team back, receives two suitcases from Bert Bell, National Football League Commissioner, during ceremonices celebrating "Ken Strong Day" at the Polo Grounds in New York, November 24, 1946. In addition to the suitcases, Strong received from fans behind him several thousand dollar bonds and other assorted gifts.Standing left to right, are; Ken Strong, Bert Bell, Herman J. Bergasse, chairman of the Ken Strong Fans Committee; and Irving Cohen, vice chairman. The Giants defeated the Pittssurch Steelers, 7-0. (AP Photo)
Aldo "Buff" Donelli, squatting, appears for the first time as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game against the New York Giants in Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 5, 1941. Donelli gave up his coaching position at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh to take over the pro Steelers from Bert Bell. (AP Photo/Bill Allen)
New York Giants Hall of Fame safety Emlen Tunnell (45) and safety Jim Patton (20) defend a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers halfback Ray Matthews (25) during an NFL game in Pittsburgh, Pa., Nov. 4, 1956. The Giants defeated the Steelers 17-14. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
New York Giants halfback Bosh Pritchard (35) is aided by effective blocking as he goes through an opening for a 6 yard gain in first quarter of National Football League game with Pittsburgh Steelers at Polo Grounds in New York City, Dec. 2, 1951. Giant guard Duke Maronic (67) takes out a Steeler at left. Other identifiable player is Giant quarterback Chuck Conerly (42). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Coach Steve Owen, second from left, of the New York Giants football team, huddles with some of his star players during a practice session at the Polo Grounds in New York, Oct. 10, 1950. Left to right are: James White, tackle and captain; coach Owen; Bill Swiacki, end; Joe Scott, back; Ellery Williams, end; and Charles Conerly, back. The Giants, the only unbeaten team in the NFL so far this year and out in front in their division with a 3-0 record, play the Pittsburgh Steelers in New York on Oct. 15. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Frank Gifford, New York Giant halfback is brought down by bevy of Pittsburgh Steelers after taking pass good for 11-yard gain in second period at Yankee Stadium, New York City, on Nov. 15, 1959. Pass was from Giant quarterback Don Heinrich. Identifiable Steelers are Jack McCall (20, left), Dean Derby (27) and Dick Campbell (66). Steelers won 14-9 in last two minutes to drop Giants into first place tie with Cleveland in eastern conference of National Football League. (AP Photo)
Halfback Joe Geri, of the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite the would-be tackler clinging on his back drives for eight yards through a hole in the New York Giants line in a National League opener in Pittsburgh at night on Oct. 1, 1951. Steelers blocker takes out Emlen Tunnell (45) the Giants and Steelers played to 13-13 toe. (AP Photo/Walter Stein)
New York Giants Randy Minniear (27) hits the ground after tackle by unidentified Pittsburgh Steelers defender in the second period at Yankee Stadium, Nov. 20, 1967, New York. Randy picked up nine years on a pass play from Fran Tarkenton, (10) right background. Identifiable Pittsburgh players are Chuck Hinton (64) and Bob Hohn (29). The Giants won the National Football League game 28-20. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants Del Shofner (85) balances a Y.A. Title pass on his fingertip in Pittsburgh Steeler end zone as Steeler's Brady Keys (26) makes flying effort to break up play in second period of game at New York's Yankee Stadium on Nov. 19, 1961. Giants won, 42-21, to move into first place in Eastern Conference of National Football League. (AP Photo)
A fan at Yankee Stadium in New York City scoops up a stray football during game between the Giants and the Steelers, Dec. 15, 1963. The Giants won, 33-17. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) is shown in action during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec. 15, 1963. The Giants won the game 33-17 to take the Eastern Conference Championship of the National Football League. (AP Photo)
New York Giants' flanker back Frank Gifford (16) snares a pass during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 15, 1963. (AP Photo)
New York Giant Tommy Crutcher (56) face masks two players from the Pittsburgh Steelers at the same time during a game on October 12,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giant beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7. Tommy Crutcherr played for 8 season with 2 different teams.(David Durochik via AP)
Frank Gifford (16) of the New York Giants reaches for a pass Sept. 30, 1962 thrown by Y.A. Tittle in the third quarter of game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gifford caught the pass and went over for a touchdown to give the Giants a 24-20 lead, they never relinquished., en route to a 31-27 victory. Play covered 27 yards. Stellers defender is Clendon Thomas. (AP Photo/dm)
Aaron Thomas of the New York Giants does a headstand after taking a touchdown pass of about 45 yards from quarterback Fran Tarkenton in the second quarter of the on Nov. 19, 1967 National Football League game in New York. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) is shown in action during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec. 15, 1963. The Giants won the game 33-17 to take the Eastern Conference Championship of the National Football League. (AP Photo)
Del Shofner, (85), New York Giants' end, grabs Y.A. Tittles' pass for touchdown at 41st-yard line in first quarter of game with Steelers at New York's Yankee Stadium on Dec. 15, 1963. At left is Willie Daniels, defensive halfback of Pittsburgh Steelers. (AP Photo)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Gary Ballman (85) eludes New York Giants safety Dick Lynch (22) and fumbles the football while headed to the end zone during an NFL game in New York, Dec. 16, 1963. The Giants defeated the Steelers 33-17. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
New York Giants running back Doug Kotar, left, rolls over as he retains possession of the ball after being brought down by Pittsburgh Steelers Jack Ham in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford Saturday, Aug. 19, 1978. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
New York Giants defensive tackle Roland Lakes (76) stops Pittsburgh Steeler running back Preston Pearson, at left in mid air, at 31-yard line in the fourth quarter of NFL Exhibition Game, in New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1971. The Giants Carl Lockhart (43) lower right, assists in play. Steelers won the game, 20-3 (AP Photo/ John Lindsay)
Harry Carson of the New York Giants chases Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Franco Harris (32) in first quarter action in Pittsburgh, Aug. 11, 1979. (AP Photo)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Preston Pearson (26) stretches for an 8-yard gain around right end in first quarter action, Aug. 27, 1970 in Pittsburgh again at New York Giants. Flying in behind Pearson is Giants defensive back Carl Lockhart (43) who knocked Pearson out of bounds. Steelers scored their first touchdown of the game in the next series of downs. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Terry Bradshaw covers a bobbled handoff in the second quarter of game with the New York Giants, Friday, August 29, 1970, Pittsburgh, Pa. The 21-year-old Bradshaw, last winter draft choice led the Steelers to a 21-6 exhibition victory. (AP Photo)
Quarterback Randy Johnson (11) of the New York Giants sets to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1973. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Gary Lunn (67) gets double teamed during the NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants on December 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-10 . (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants Joe Morris, center, cuts between Pittsburgh Steelers Donnie Shell, left, and Rick Woods, right, as he runs nine yards for a touchdown during first quarter NFL action, Dec. 21, 1985, at Giants Stadium, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
New York Giants defensive end Eric Dorsey (77) prepares for a play during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in East Rutherford, NJ, Aug. 20, 1988. The Giants defeated the Steelers 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Karl Nelson (63) prepares for a play during an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in East Rutherford, NJ, Aug. 20, 1988. The Giants defeated the Steelers 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants tight end Zeke Mowatt (84) leaps in the air for a 2-yard touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL preseason game in East Rutherford, NJ, Aug. 20, 1988. The Giants defeated the Steelers 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster (52) blocks as running back Walter Abercrombie (34) leaps over New York Giants linebacker Abraham (51) during the game in East Rutherford, NJ, Aug. 20, 1988. The Giants defeated the Steelers 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Abraham (51) hits Pittsburgh Steelers running back Walter Abercrombie (34) in the air as he stops the back near the line of scrimmage during the NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 20, 1988 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants won the game 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants center Bart Oates (65) pass blocks during the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver John Stallworth, left, is upended by New York Giants Pete Shaw as Shaw breaks up the play for an incomplete pass in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Aug. 21, 1982. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
An unidentified man sits on top of the backstop of Three Rivers Stadium during Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Giants' game, Aug. 30, 1985. The man climbed out on a guide wire on the stadium's fifth level, and managed to climb safely to the ground. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) breaks past Pittsburgh Steelers Robin Cole (56) at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 21, 1985. Giants won 28-10. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Lawrence Taylor, (56), is hauled down by Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster, (52), after recovering a fumble by Steeler quarterback Mark Malone during the third quarter of NFL exhibition game in Pittsburgh at night on Friday, August 31, 1985. The Giants won the game 24-14. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) works his way around a blocker during the NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during the NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants on August 25, 1984 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 16-9. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) chases the action during the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 30, 1986 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 17-3. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants defensive ends Casey Merrill and Leonard Marshall during the Giants 28-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, 1985 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants wide receiver Arthur Marshall (83) pulls in a pass in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson (26) during the first quarter action, Oct. 23, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer smiles after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-10 Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John T. Greilick)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks away from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Levon Kirkland (99) and Scott Chad (30) as he runs for 23 yards in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants tackles Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants talks with offensive coordinator John Hufnagel during a timeout against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a Hail Mary pass to close out the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
William Joseph #94 of the New York Giants hits Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Will Peterson #24 of the New York Giants holds the ball after breaking up a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Fred Robbins #98 and Carlos Emmons #51 of the New York Giants sack Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants meets with Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles for 13 yards and a first down during the second quarter as Giants center Shaun O'Hara (6) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Chris Hoke (76) and Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith (91) hits the turf Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers beat the Giants, 33-30. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Pittsburgh Steelers James Farrior (51) tackles New York Giants Ike Hilliard (88) in the first half Saturday Dec. 18, 2004 at Giant Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.The Steelers won the game 33-30. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants tackles Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey dives to make a touchdown catch as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Russell Stuvaints (33) looks on during the first quarter Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants gets pressured out of the pocket against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants looks for a receiver against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tom Coughlin head coach of the New York Giants looks on from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Verron Haynes #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets tackled by Will Allen #25 and Carlos Emmons #51 of the New York Giants during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tom Coughlin head coach of the New York Giants looks on from the sideline against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Frank Walker #41 of the New York Giants returns an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants takes the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls signals at the line against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Jeremy Shockey #80 of the New York Giants jaws with Chris Hope #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after his helmet was knocked off after a catch during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
The New York Giants prepare to take the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the New York Giants during an NFL football game on Dec. 18, 2004 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers defeated the Giants 33-30. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, left, dives, trying for a first down after making a catch, as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshaea Townsen defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. Toomer came up a yard short. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass over linebacker Pittsburgh Steelers LeMarr Woodley (56) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants' Matthias Kiwanuka, right, grabs Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just before Roethlisberger got off an incomplete pass off in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants beat the Steelers 21-14. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants defensive tackle Justin Tuck, top, and defensive end Matthias Kiwanuka, bottom, sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants won 21-14.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward, bottom, runs as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu gets a hand on his helmet in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) pulls in a pass as Pittsburgh Steelers' Tyrone Carter (23) defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. The Giants won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) closes in as New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) turns upfield after making a reception during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) throws a touchdown pass over Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. The Giants won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants fans cheer their team as the Giants leave Heinz Field after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14 in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton (98) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning leaves the field after the Giants' 21-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants' James Butler (37) and Kenny Phillips celebrate following Phillips' interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants tackle Will Beatty (65) blocks for Ahmad Bradshaw (44) as Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) makes the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) makes a catch during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) reacts after the Giants defense stopped a fake field goal attempt by Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) takes a bow after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) for a -9 yard loss in the first quarter during the NFL week 9 regular season football game on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo / Jim Mahoney)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) celebrates a sack of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) gains and leaps for 8 yards, tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers corner back Ike Taylor (24) during the NFL week 9 regular season football game on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo / Jim Mahoney)
New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (59) returns a fumble for a touchdown during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked for a -9 yard loss in the first quarter by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the NFL week 9 regular season football game on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo / Jim Mahoney)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) runs back an interception during the second half of an NFL football game as Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) gives chase, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants during opening ceremonies prior to the NFL week 9 regular season football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, NJ The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo / Jim Mahoney)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) and Osi Umenyiora (72) celebrate a fumble returned for a touchdown by Michael Boley during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets past Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Mike Mitchell (23) after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) visit after an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. The Steelers won 24-14. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) spins out of a tackle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) and linebacker Jonathan Casillas, left, during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cortez Allen (28) during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Notebook: Joe Judge restarts practice; decision coming for starting center
Joe Judge so disliked the beginning of this afternoon's practice he ordered the players to repeat it.
Early in the scheduled two-hour practice, Judge gathered the team around him on the field, voiced his displeasure with what he'd seen and directed them to start the workout over – including the stretching.
The two team captains who spoke to media via Zoom afterward considered it the absolute right decision. This was an important session, because after today the Giants have just two full workouts before their Monday night season-opener at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I love it, I love it," running back Saquon Barkley said of the second practice beginning. "That's something that we knew we were going to focus on. Everything we do is going to have purpose behind it. Coach didn't like how we started off, so we had to start over. As captains and as leaders of the team, we had to step up to the challenge and I think that we responded. The thing is that on Monday, there won't be any restarts. We have to find a way to have that energy and find a way to have that purpose from the beginning. It shouldn't take a restart for it to happen. But that was the case, that was a challenge that coach presented us with and I believe we responded the right way as a team."
Linebacker Blake Martinez, a five-year veteran and first-year Giant, said "that was definitely the first time" he had participated in a practice reboot.
"It was one of the moments where we didn't come out the right way and we need to kind of refocus and get things going again," Martinez said. "We did that and had to bounce back and show our resolve and our ability to adapt. As a team, understand what we're doing wrong and come back and fix it."
Martinez said Judge's directive achieved his desired result.
"It was really cool how everybody took it in a positive way," he said. "It wasn't kind of like here we go, why are we doing this? It was just like, hey this is what we need to fix, we need to make sure we get this right. I think we all understand how big this first week is to kind of set a statement for ourselves as a team and what we want to be moving throughout this season."
Photos: Giants ramping up for Monday Night Football
View photos from Thursday's practice heading into Monday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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