Joe Judge apologized for being late to his postgame press conference after the Giants lost to the Patriots in the final tune-up before the regular season.
With less than 48 hours until all NFL clubs must reduce their rosters from 80 players to the regular-season limit of 53, the second-year head coach thought it was the appropriate time to go around the locker room one by one. The Giants are about to break a grueling training camp, which included three preseason games, two rounds of joint practices on the road, and of course, a lot of conditioning.
"This being the situation and which game it is, you want to take the time to go around and see all your players and look them in the eye and tell them thank you," Judge said. "I was proud of the way the guys fought tonight."
"Saw a lot of guys competing tonight, competing for playing time, competing for jobs," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "It was impressive to see on both sides. Kind of like last week, this capped off a really good week for us with the Giants practices and then tonight. It's a good opportunity over the course of that time to really see everybody, give everybody a chance to play and compete against good competition, against another good football team."
Check out the best photos from the Giants' preseason finale against the New England Patriots.
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez, left, intercepts a pass to New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez, left, intercepts a pass to New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) is stopped short of the goal line during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) rushes past New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (8) and Justin Bethel (29) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez (54) fights for control of the ball with New England Patriots' Jakobi Meyers (16) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. Martinez intercepted the ball on the play. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls out to his players during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs for yards after catch during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants running back Devontae Booker (28) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants offensive guard Kenny Wiggins (79) spikes the ball in front of New England Patriots' Adrian Colbert (30) and D'Angelo Ross (39) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Nakie Griffin-Stewart (47) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano celebrates after kicking the point after try during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is chased out of bounds during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge looks on against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a break in action against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Kaden Smith (82) catches a pass in front of New England Patriots free safety Adrian Colbert (30) and D'Angelo Ross (39) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones calls out to his team during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs past New England Patriots' Mike Jackson (35) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) celebrates after a run during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) rushes during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Corey Clement (30) rushes during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants' Alex Bachman (15) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants wide receiver Alex Bachman (15) makes a catch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
The New York Giants line up across from the New England Patriots during an NFL preseason football game, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Elijhaa Penny (39) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants' Willie Henry sacks New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Leonard Williams (99)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Blake Martinez (54)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Logan Ryan (23)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Xavier McKinney (29), Oshane Ximines (53)
Blake Martinez (54)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Logan Ryan (23)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5)
Willie Henry (90)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5)
Trent Harris (93), David Moa (96)
Trent Harris (93)
Cullen Gillaspia (36)
Riley Dixon (9)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Willie Henry (90), Raymond Johnson III (91)
Madre Harper (45)
Willie Henry (90)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Jakob Johnson (47), Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Jakob Johnson (47)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Mac Jones (10), Daniel Jones (8)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Logan Ryan (23)
Logan Ryan (23)
Jakob Johnson (47)
Willie Henry (90)
Casey Kreiter (58), James Ferentz (65), Carl Davis (98)
Tae Crowder (48), Cam Brown (47)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Blake Martinez (54)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Matt Cole (83)
Matt Cole (83)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Alex Bachman (15)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Leonard Williams (99), Cullen Gillaspia (36), Niko Lalos (57)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Logan Ryan (23)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Logan Ryan (23)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Madre Harper (45)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dante Pettis (13)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Corey Clement (30)
Riley Dixon (9)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Corey Clement (30)
Elijhaa Penny (39)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
Dante Pettis (13)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kadarius Toney (89)
Kadarius Toney (89)
James Bradberry (24)
Madre Harper (45)
Cullen Gillaspia (36)
Matt Cole (83)
Jordyn Peters
Damion Willis (87)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Oshane Ximines (53)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Chad Slade (62), Will Hernandez (71), Jackson Barton (72), Nick Gates (65), Brett Heggie (61)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Dante Pettis (13)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Dante Pettis (13)
Dante Pettis (13)
Kaden Smith (82)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Sandro Platzgummer (34)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Devante Downs (52)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Niko Lalos (57)
Austin Johnson (98)
Niko Lalos (57)
Austin Johnson (98)
Xavier McKinney (29)
Rodarius Williams (25), Raymond Johnson III (91)
Julian Love (20)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Chad Slade (62)
Graham Gano (5)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
James Bradberry (24)
Carter Coughlin (49)
Carter Coughlin (49)
Jonotthan Harrison (64)
Leonard Williams (99)
Whether they were tuning up or still trying out for the team, here are the standout players from Sunday:
LB Blake Martinez
The middle linebacker thinks he is a defensive back now. He told DB coach Jerome Henderson as much after he made one of the better defensive plays you will ever see – from any position. With his back to starting quarterback Cam Newton, Martinez tracked Jakobi Meyers 35 yards down the middle of the field and wrestled the ball away from the wide receiver as they both hit the turf.
"So Jerome at halftime was like, 'Hey, we can't let the linebackers beat us,'" Martinez said. "But, I was like, 'Whoa, I'm part of your guys' group now.' So, I'll try to help them out."
Martinez further broke down the play of the game.
"I saw he was like the classic receiver with wide open eyes, and I was like, 'Oh, he actually threw it,'" Martinez said. "So, once he had it in his hands and came down, I went to go punch it out, but my hand got the ball and I just ripped it out of his hands."
In all seriousness, Martinez, who is the only player in the league with at least 140 tackles in each of the past four seasons, said coverage is an area he is always trying to improve.
"One hundred percent," he said. "It's one of those things each year I want to keep improving on something, making my weaknesses into strengths. Especially this offseason, I wanted to make sure coverage-wise every single day, one-on-ones, doing multiple reps, man coverage, just doing everything I can to work on those fundamentals, and just have a plan when I go out there. I think I've improved a lot."
WR Damion Willis
Willis provided some late fireworks when he caught a 43-yard Hail Mary from backup quarterback Mike Glennon in the end zone with eight seconds left in the game. While the Giants failed the two-point conversion attempt to tie the game, Willis ended up with a team-high 70 yards on three catches. The 6-foot-3, 204-pounder signed with the Giants less than a month ago after being released by the Broncos. Willis has played in 10 regular-season games in his career, all with the Bengals in 2019.
TE Kaden Smith
Asked about his 23-yard touchdown catch late in the first half, Smith credited the "perfect placement over the safety" on the throw from Daniel Jones. Well, that safety was friend and former teammate Adrian Colbert, who played in six games and made two starts for the Giants last season.
"I miss my guy," Smith said. "I talked to him a little bit this week at practice, but, no, I didn't get the chance [to talk trash]."
Even Colbert had some fun with it.
Smith, who has played in 24 games with 18 starts over the past two seasons, might be called upon more due to injuries at the position. Veteran Kyle Rudolph returned to practice but has yet to play in a game. Meanwhile, Evan Engram left the preseason finale with a calf injury and did not return.
"The big thing is just show up every day," Smith said. "Do what you need to do to get healthy and do what you can for the team and really do your best in contributing in whatever way they need."
Smith added, "Evan's doing great. I don't really have a diagnosis or anything, but he has high spirits."
Honorable Mention
DB Julian Love and rookie CB Rodarius Williams had pass breakups…DL Dexter Lawrence, LB Lorenzo Carter, LB Trent Harris, and DT Willie Henry recorded sacks…WR Alex Bachman caught the first of Glennon's two touchdowns…FB Eli Penny was excited to show what he can do with the football in his hands and led the team with 35 yards on four carries...Rookie RB Gary Brightwell earned more touches in the backfield. The sixth-round pick had four carries for 10 yards in addition to three catches for 20 yards. "He's shown a lot of improvement," Judge said. "Obviously as a young player, for him, any in-game experience he gets is very valuable. He's made a lot of strides for us in the kicking game. He's done some really nice things on offense. Obviously, the multiples build on as you keep progressing. Third downs, a lot faster and more complicated than early downs a lot of times. He's done a good job advancing in that pass protection and blitz pickup. He's done a nice job in running the ball for us. He catches the ball well out of the backfield. He's done a lot of things to build on right there, a lot of bright spots, and there's a lot of things we saw with him. Obviously that we drafted him for a reason. He had some things that held him back early in camp and maybe some in the spring, but he's done a good job as of late making strides going forward."
Single Game Tickets
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