Joe Judge’s two-year tenure as the head coach of the New York Giants did not go well.
It obviously included too many losses, somewhat bizarre comments in the media, an infamous QB sneak on third-and-9 and maybe mostly damningly the failed development of former first-round quarterback Daniel Jones.
But at least one guy who spent the last two seasons with Judge gained significant respect, admiration and affinity for the failed Giants coach: newly-signed Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers.
Peppers revealed this week that part of the reason the former first-round pick signed a one-year deal with New England this offseason was indeed his relationship with Judge and the fact that he wanted to get full taste of the Patriots culture that the former special teams boss tried to bring to New York.
“I love Joe,” Peppers said, making it clear he’s one of the fans Judge retained from his disappointing time leading the Giants.
But even as an adoring fan of Judge’s, Peppers was also honest enough to admit he’s surprised that the coach’s return to New England isn’t with the special teams units he built his reputation leading but rather as a part of Bill Belichick’s retooled and seemingly somewhat undermanned offensive staff.
“A little bit,” Peppers said with a chuckle of his surprise at Judge’s new role. “But back in New York he kind of leaned toward the offense and favored them a little bit more. So it’s not too much of a surprise to me.
But it will be interesting to see what he does on the offensive side because usually I know him as the head guy and the special teams guru. So, it will be interesting to see him on that side and talk a little smack to him.”
Interesting indeed because the reality is that we all know Judge as a “head guy and the special teams guru.”
Despite that and extremely limited experience on offense – yes, Judge was the Patriots wide receivers coach in 2019 after Chad O’Shea left for the Dolphins – Belichick has declared this spring that Judge is a “good coach” who will have a key role on his offensive staff after offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels moved on to become the head coach in Las Vegas. Belichick made it clear that Judge will be one of the key voices working with second-year quarterback Mac Jones as he tries to develop into the franchise’s foundational mainstay.
It’s a non-traditional move.
It’s curious at best.
Dubious to be sure.
Might even have disaster written all over it.
And it’s OK to think that way, something that even one of Judge’s biggest fans as a player from his team in New York made clear.
It’s only natural to question Judge’s fit as a Patriots offensive assistant.
It doesn’t mean you hate Judge or think he’s a bad coach if you wonder how he’ll fit or work out on the offensive side of the ball as a key figure in Jones’ critical development.
If you aren’t sure that Judge’s role as a top offensive assistant tasked with guiding Jones is the best approach possible it’s not an indication that you are no longer a Patriots fan.
Viewing Judge’s role through a critical lens certainly isn’t treason inside the borders of Patriot Nation.
Yes, you can still believe that Belichick is the GOAT coach. That the Hoodie has forgotten more about every aspect of football than any other man walking the planet may ever know.
In Bill We Trust Can remain your guiding faith.
And yet, like Peppers, you can be surprised and maybe even a bit concerned with Judge’s role in New England these days.
Belichick is not perfect. Not every decision he’s made over the last two decades running the Patriots, building a dynasty and winning unlike any other has been the right decision.
Belichick is, hard as it may be for some to admit, capable of mistakes.
Having Judge coach the Patriots offense and Jones in particular at this critical point in the young quarterback’s NFL career feels like a mistake. It is what it is.
One of the biggest fans of Judge’s coaching alluded to that this week even as he’s followed his former boss to New England.
So it’s only natural for those of us outside Gillette Stadium who don’t have a personal relationship with Judge to question his current role and what it means for the Patriots even more than one of his supporters.
It really is OK.
And don’t worry, our thoughts and concerns won’t actually impact how Judge works out as an offensive coach.
For better or worse, ready or not, that’s all on him.