EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Judge's Chambers, a weekly interview with Giants coach Joe Judge exclusively for Giants Season Ticket Members:
Q: Will Hernandez was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. You have concern for your players and coaches while keeping in mind that you must prepare for a game. How do you balance everything?
Judge: "We've been balancing this the entire year. Obviously, COVID is nothing new to the league. It's nothing new to our team as an organization. We're going to just keep following the protocols. We may have to adjust a couple of things internally in terms of how we meet and possibly how we practice for the remainder of this week. But our focus is purely on Tampa right now. We're going to play a game this week, so we have to do everything we can to get ready."
Q: Speaking of striking a balance, last weekend when you did not have a game, were you able to spend time with your family but also work a little bit? You mentioned you watched the Buccaneers.
Judge: "I think it's always kind of a working weekend. It's very hard to step away. Not that you want to, but it's very hard to even just pull yourself away in-season from football. But I was definitely able to enjoy a little bit of family time. I got to see my son play his football game, I got to see my daughter play her soccer game. There were definitely bright spots in the weekend for us right there."
Q: Is the Judge family on a little winning streak now?
Judge: "It was a productive weekend. They both won, so it was a productive weekend. They went out there and had fun and competed as hard as they could. It's just fun to watch them playing out there."
Q: It wasn't a bye week, but you did get a few days off. Coaches often like to self-scout when they get the time. Did you do that or was there not enough time for you to get that done?
Judge: "No, there was plenty of time. There was a lot of that, actually. We closed out the Philly game on Friday, we reviewed that as a staff. We spent the weekend with some self-scout projects that we worked on. Came back in here on Monday and had meeting time with the players in the morning. We went through our entire program to this point as coaches. We went out there and were able to work on New York Giants emphasis stuff on Tuesday on the field and had a productive practice."
Q: You just played three division games that were decided by a total of five points, which is the franchise's fewest since the merger. What does that tell you? The obvious is that the division teams are very closely bunched. But also if you can find a way to finish these games a little better, you're right in it with these other teams?
Judge: "Yeah, I've seen a lot of progress with our team all throughout the season. I've said many times, we just need to keep harping on the fundamentals and eliminate the mistakes that kind of hold us back. But I've seen our guys play through a lot of adversity. We've played in different situations on the road, on short weeks, coming off west coast trips. I've seen them respond to a lot of adversity going through, and I haven't seen them blink. That's really a positive sign with what we're building moving forward."
Q: Any chance you may let Daniel (Jones) hang out in the running backs room the way he's running the ball?
Judge: "He's doing a good job for us. I think (offensive coordinator) Jason (Garrett) is doing a good job of using those calls throughout the game as they come up, and I think Daniel is doing a good job making the decisions whether to hand it off or pull it. When he has pulled it, he's been a productive runner for us. Again, we don't care where the production comes from. Everyone is expected to help the team do everything they can to win, and Daniel's been doing a good job of that."
Q: I know some of this is due to not having Saquon Barkley, but if someone had told you before the season that after seven games, Daniel would be your leading rusher and average almost 10 yards a carry, you probably would have questioned their sanity. As you see what he can do with his legs, is that something you want to incorporate more?
Judge: "We've seen it before I ever got here. We knew that he was a very capable runner from his time in college as well as his rookie year. It's definitely an element of the offense we didn't want to lose sight of. Based on the opponents, the game plan, some of the situations that have come up, it's been something that's really allowed us to have some big plays in games and some momentum moving the sticks."
Q: Were you impressed with Wayne Gallman's contributions last week in Philadelphia?
Judge: "Wayne's been working hard for us. He got in the game and did some good things. Like all of our backs, we expect them all to contribute. We have a plan for all of them at the game. Wayne is obviously no different there. We expect him to get in, and the plays that he made were no surprise to us. I was pleased to see him get in there and compete."
Q: Can that be a lesson for the players? Gallman had just 15 carries in the first six games, he had 10 last week in Philly. Can you point to that and say, "This is why I tell you to always be ready, you never know when your number is going to be called?"
Judge: "We always have a lot of examples of that throughout the entire year. We've had a lot of young guys that have had to step up and play. We've had a lot of guys step into positions that maybe they didn't anticipate having to play that week due to injury or circumstance. But we do. We expect everyone to always be ready. It's everyone's responsibility to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the games. It's our job as coaches to make sure we keep them mentally prepared and physically within the right techniques to be successful. But Wayne's done a good job. No matter what his role in the game has been or what it's evolved to within the game, he's responded for us."
View photos from the all-time series between the Giants and Buccaneers.
Lawrence Taylor forces Tampa Bay Buccaneer QB Steve DeBerg to throw an incomplete pass to prevent a fourth quarter sack on Sunday, Sept. 24, 1984 game at the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarteback Steve DeBerg (17) fumbles when he is hit by New York Giant George Martin, left, and Lawrence Taylor, right, in the second quarter in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 23, 1984. The fumble was recovered by the Giants and led to a touchdown.(AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Tampa Bay running back Jimmy DuBose, right, on ground, watches in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., as the football he just carried for 7 yards and fumbled, bounces away, Oct. 16, 1978. The Giants Ernie Jones (31), recovered the ball on Tampa Bay's 42-yard line. The Giants beat the Bucs, 17-14. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) prepares to take the snap from center during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in East Rutherford on October 7, 1979. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 17-14. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) turns to handoff during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in East Rutherford on October 7, 1979. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 17-14. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
Running back Ricky Bell (42) rushes upfield against the New York Giants. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms eyes the bench and raises his hands in victory after he completed a third down pass for a fourth quarter first down that assured the Giants possession of the ball as the clock ran out on their 17-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Giants Stadium, Sept. 23, 1984. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Gerald Carter loses control of a pass as he is caught between Giants Ted Watts (21) and Elvis Patterson (34) at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 3, 1985. The Bucs lost 22-20 to the New York Giants. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Quarterback Phil Simms of the New York Giants looks to pass in a 21 - 14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 24, 1991. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants Rodney Hampton (27) powers his way past Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hardy Nickerson en route to the Giants second touchdown of the day during the second quarter of their game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 12, 1993. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Craig Erickson (7) loses his balance as New York Giants Erik Hamilton applies pressure during the first quarter of their match at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sept. 12, 1993. The Giants downed the visiting Buccaneers 23-7. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Reidel Anthony (85) gets flipped over by New York Giants defenders Phillippi Sparks (22) and Michael Strahan (92) after making a first quarter reception Sunday afternoon Sept. 12, 1999 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Eric Zeier (15) gets grabbed from behind by New York Giants linebacker Ryan Phillips during the Giants 17-13 win Sunday afternoon, Sept. 12, 1999 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Zeier replaced an ineffective Trent Dilfer. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after pressuring Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to throw an incomplete pass on a fourth down play during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Buccaneers, 17-3. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Michael Johnson (20) breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Kellen Winslow during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/ Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws as Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ryan Sims (98) is blocked by Giants Shaun O'Hara during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) fires a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates an interception during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Sept. 27, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
New York Giants' Antonio Pierce during an NFL football game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers Stylez G. White during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/ Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants Steve Smith (12) pulls in a pass front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Sabby Piscitelli during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants wide receiver Sinorice Moss (83) pulls in a fourth quarter touchdown pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner back Aqib Talib (25) during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won the game 24-0. (AP Photo/ Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster reacts after making an interception during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith in action during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw is tackled during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) reacts after catching a touchdown pass with teammate Steve Smith (12) during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles (18) punts as teammate Madison Hedgecock (39) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning shouts down the line of scrimmage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Alex Smith (81) is stopped by New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants defensive end David Tollefson (71) knocks down Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after throwing a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to teammate Amani Toomer during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after throwing a fourth quarter touchdown pass during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla.. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Dave Tollefson (71) levels Tampa Bay buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia as he throws a fourth quarter pass during an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday Jan 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Gary Ruegamer (65) congratulates teammate Amani Toomer (81) after Toomer's touchdown-reception from quarterback Eli Manning during the third quarter of their NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. New York won, 24-14. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster, left, intercepts pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Joey Galloway, right, during the third quarter of their NFL wild-card playoff game on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants runn ing back Brandon Jacobs (27) dives for extra yards on an 11-yard reception from quarterback Eli Manning during the third quarter of their NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. Jacobs scored two touchdowns in a 24-14 win over Tampa Bay. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) throws a third-quarter pass despite the defensive efforts of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ryan Nece (56), Kevin Carter (93), and Jovan Haye (71) during an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday, Jan 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with teammate Guy Whimper (79) after throwing a fourth quarter touchdown pass during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Corey Webster (23), right, runs with an interception intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Joey Galloway (84) during the third quarter of an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday Jan 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. Blocking for Webster is teammate Gibril Wilson (28). (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara))
New York Giants' Corey Webster (23) celebrates with teammate Aaron Ross (31) after intercepting a Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass in the end zone during the third quarter of an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday Jan 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) loses his helmet as he runs into the pile, including Madison Hedgecock (39) during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday Jan 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates on the bench during the closing seconds of the fourth quarter of their NFL wild-card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants receiver Steve Smith (12) is sent flying by Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brian Kelly (25), left, and Kalvin Parson (39), right, during the second quarter of an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) runs away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mark Barron (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Linval Joseph (97) hits Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh Freeman (5) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) looks to pass away from New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a touchdown catch during a week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Mark Barron (24) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Jacquain Williams attempts to knock down a pass during a week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Martellus Bennett (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano, left, and New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin exchange words at the end of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, celebrates his touchdown catch with Victor Cruz during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Roy Miller (90) and Mason Foster (59) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) completes a pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Martellus Bennett (85) runs over Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brandon McDonald (33) to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scores on a 14-yard touchdown run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the XX quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) scores on a 2-yard touchdown reception in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cameron Lynch (52) and Giants' Jerell Adams (89) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) outrusn Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Robert McClain (36) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) releases a pass against the New York Giants Oct. 1, 2017 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa won 25 - 23. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football game in Tampa, Florida, October 1, 2017. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football game in Tampa, Florida, October 1, 2017. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) slides in the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cameron Lynch (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers won 25-23. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay BuccaneersSunday October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs for a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with his teammates after a play during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs for a touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, center, runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brent Grimes during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line during a week 11 NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York won 38-35. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) defends against New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with the ball as he is pursued by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Javien Elliott (35) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, left, scores a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul attempts to tackle him during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) evades Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, second from right, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, left, looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, left, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) beats Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback M.J. Stewart (36) to the endzone to score during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores his first NFL touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) carries the ball after making a reception during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores on a 7-yard touchdown run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores the game winning touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2019, file photo, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, in Tampa, Fla. Surviving in the NFL as a young quarterback means being able to move. That doesn't mean running as well as Lamar Jackson. Gardner Minshew, Kyle Allen and even Daniel Jones are showing that being able to elude pressure is a must to keep throwing the ball. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio, File)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs 7-yards for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) drags Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) goes for a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) gets stopped by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III (28) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) gets knocked down by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Kevin Minter (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs a route against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback M.J. Stewart during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) gets tripped up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dion Lewis (33)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Sterling Shepard (87)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson (18) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) pushes New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) out of bounds during an NFL game, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Dion Lewis (33)
Dion Lewis (33)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Julian Love (20) and cornerback James Bradberry (24) tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during an NFL game, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives and reaches for the pylon against Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Jordan Whitehead (33) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (33) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams, right, celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Kaden Smith carries the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams, right, sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Danny Shelton (75) during a week 11 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday November 22nd, 2021 in Tampa, Florida
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches a touchdown pass during a week 11 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday November 22nd, 2021 in Tampa, Florida
Reggie Ragland (55)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Q: No rookie ever completely avoids bumps in the road. Andrew Thomas has been criticized outside the building. You've been very consistent in your support of him. Is your experience with rookies that you have to let them play through these periods and let them develop?
Judge: "The development is the most important thing, and that comes from how he's taught in the meeting room, how he practices throughout the week and how he can execute in the game. There are always different elements that we have to string together and put together. But I'm very pleased with how he competes. This is a guy that fights for 60 minutes. We all have to do a better job of coaching and playing to make sure we finish these games with the right results. But he's making progress in his career. We have a lot of confidence in Andrew."
Q: On the other side of the ball, Devante Downs was kind of the defensive Wayne Gallman last week. He hadn't played much recently and came on and played a lot of snaps and was productive. What did you think of his performance against the Eagles?
Judge: "To be honest with you, we've been seeing that for a while. We've seen that earlier in the season in some games, maybe due to some circumstance or packages that we've played. Some of the other offenses haven't allowed some of those things to be highlighted, but I think he did a good job coming downhill for us last week. Really played physical at the point of attack, did a good job in the run game. He was able to give us some really good downs out there."
Q: What do you think (recently-signed 10-year veteran defensive end) Jabaal Sheard can do for you?
Judge: "I think he'll do whatever he's asked to do. He's definitely a guy that we have a little bit of history with (Sheard played two seasons in New England when Judge was an assistant coach there). We know him from before. He's a hard worker, he gives you an element of some length and some edge rush ability. He does a good job setting the edge in the run game and plays with a high motor. He's a guy that we're going to depend on for early and third down type situations and see what packages he figures into in Pat's (Graham) defense this week. We're going to evolve his role within this team as much as we can going forward."
Q: You were on the Patriots' staff coaching special teams for seven years before adding wide receiver duties last year. That gave you an opportunity to work more closely with Tom Brady. Did you learn anything about him last season that maybe you didn't know in the first seven years you worked with him?
Judge: "No. I think last year being a little closer to him in terms of working hand in hand a lot more just gave you a little bit more insight into some of the things of maybe how he thinks. Look, the guy is a great player. He's a tremendous, tremendous player, and he's great to be around on a daily basis. As coaches, you have to really open your eyes and ears because you can learn a lot more from the players than you can ever imagine when you just watch them go to work and you watch how they have success, especially being able to watch an older, veteran player like Tom and all the things that he's accomplished in his career. But really, he's continuously gotten better in his career, and he's really playing at a high level now, and that's not by accident. This guy works tirelessly. He's a great communicator in the meeting rooms, he's a great communicator at the line of scrimmage and on the sidelines as far as making adjustments. This guy is thinking ahead within situations and really thinking about the next series, the next play, the next call, all the time, and he's doing everything he can to help set it up. He's done a tremendous job in (Tampa Bay coach) Bruce's (Arians) offense right now, and he's making all of the players around him, obviously, they're having a lot of big plays. They have a really good, explosive offense."
Q: They have a lot of big names on their offense. Leonard Fournette, Mike Evans, (Chris) Godwin. They have Ronald Jones leading them in rushing, Scotty Miller is leading them in receiving yards. Are they about as deep of an offense as you've played so far this year?
Judge: "They're definitely very talented. There are a lot of players you didn't even mention in that conversation. Shady McCoy and those guys. These guys are very, very talented, but they're very explosive, and I think that's a thing you have to remember. At all of their positions, whether it's the receiver, the tight end or running back, they're all dangerous receivers. The way they're running the ball right now downhill at teams, they're making a lot of plays. It's really setting up their play action game, which really leads to a lot of their shots. They really complement themselves on offense nicely based on how they set up the play actions with the run game. Then how they're able to just sit back and execute on third down situations and the red area, with Tom hitting his back foot, stepping up and making the throw on time, and those receivers are really playing well for them."
Q: Defensively, Todd Bowles uses many creative blitz packages. They have JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul), (Shaquil) Barrett, (Devin) White, Carlton Davis is playing really well. Do you see them as very strong at all three levels and with Bowles a difficult team to prepare for?
Judge: "First off, I think coach Bowles is a tremendous football coach. We've gone against him a number of times from going back to his days at the Jets. I think he's a tough-minded, very intelligent coach whose players play very hard and disciplined. He does a great job of spinning the dial and keeping you guessing. But then he also makes great in-game adjustments. You have to think ahead. He's a phenomenal coach. His players are always prepared. They're very, very talented, they're very deep on defense, and they can make plays at all three levels."
Q: Nothing really jumps out when you look at their special teams numbers. But I assume to you, as a special teams guy, something does.
Judge: "I think it all starts with their coordinator, Keith Armstrong. The one thing that always jumps out about Keith is the physicality. His teams play sound and they play very physical and aggressive in their technique. When you get ready for Keith's units, you know what you're in for. He does a great job of game planning, of matching up personnel and creating matchups on your players. But ultimately, the thing with Keith is his players play sound, and they play hard. It jumps out on the tape to me. I've known Keith for a long time. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a man and as a coach. We've had a good friendship in this business. You go against Keith, you know what you're getting. You're going to have a tough 60-minute game, and his units are going to be prepared for all situations."
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