Following their Monday night game in Tampa Bay, the New York Giants returned to the practice field today with a short week to prepare for Sunday's visit from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Coach Joe Judge addressed the media during his usual Wednesday press conference before players took the field at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Here is everything you need to know:
🔹 Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was relieved of his duties on Tuesday after the 30-10 loss to the Buccaneers. Judge said today that there is no plan to bring anyone in from the outside for the remainder of the season and reiterated the duties will be handled "collaboratively in-house." Judge said he has an idea of who will call plays but won't make it public yet. "We've got a lot of things that may be a little bit up our sleeve," Judge said. "Any competitive advantage you want to have you want to keep to yourselves."
🔹 Senior offensive assistant Freddie Kitchens, who took over as the Cleveland Browns' coordinator for the final eight games of the 2018 season and was their head coach two years ago, is a candidate. "I would expect everyone being on the sideline involving calling plays," Judge said. "That being said, the guys in the booth are directly responsible for communicating the looks, the fronts, the coverages, some of the adjustments we have to have and being our eyes overtop. The communication from the booth to the field really stays constant."
🔹 Judge prefers the play-caller to be on the sideline. "I think it's important for a play caller to be on the sideline to have direct communication with the quarterback, number one. Also, to be there to present anything new to the team, if he has to draw something up or present a concept or a scheme we're going to have to do."
🔹 Judge said, especially on a short week, you're not going to "completely blow up" the offense, but there is a number of things that could change. "Maybe that's personnel, maybe that's scheme, maybe that's situation calls, whatever it may be."
🔹 Safety and defensive co-captain Logan Ryan remains on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. "Hasn't really moved any closer on the testing as far as getting back in," Judge said. "Still has a window of time, so we'll see where that goes."
🔹 Judge likes the way the offensive line is working right now and progressing as a unit. "I love the job [offensive line coach] Rob [Sale] and the offensive line guys are doing together. I like the way these guys have battled throughout a lot of different moving parts. They play for each other. They have a good attitude. Being able to block out the noise and play for one another, I'm very proud of that group as a unit."
🔹 Judge gave his scouting report on the 5-6 Eagles, who are coming off back-to-back wins over the Broncos and Saints. "This is a group of guys with a lot of talent," Judge said. "You look at their offense, it's an explosive offense, a lot of speed at the receiver positions. I think [quarterback] Jalen Hurts is doing a really good job of running the ball, extending plays, giving opportunities down the field."
🔹 The Eagles are averaging 217.5 yards on the ground over their last four games. Regardless of position, Hurts ranks ninth in the NFL with 613 yards rushing. "[Eagles coach] Nick [Sirianni] is doing a really good job evolving their offense in terms of what he's being presented with. I think you really see it the last few weeks. The run game is becoming a lot more prominent part of their offense. They've been a lot more productive in terms of scoring points and obviously having wins. They're playing their best ball at this point in the season. It's a big part of their game and the run is really setting the pass game for these guys. A key part of the run game is not just the backs, which are all very talented, but also the quarterback, as well."
🔹 Wednesday’s injury report: DB Nate Ebner (Knee), FB Cullen Gillaspia (Calf), TE Kyle Rudolph (Ankle), WR Sterling Shepard (Quad), TE Kaden Smith (Knee), and WR Kadarius Toney (Quad) did not practice. RB Saquon Barkley (Ankle), LB Lorenzo Carter (Ankle), CB Adoree' Jackson (Quad), and WR John Ross (Quad) were limited.
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