Jabrill Peppers and Giants players defend Joe Judge’s style

Jabrill Peppers has a message for anyone who thinks Joe Judge was too tough on the Giants during training camp.

“Guys here, we love it,” said starting safety before the Giants practice Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium. “We like coaches who train us hard, who will tell us what it is and not water down anything.

“He’s going to push you into places that you can’t take on your own. I just think if you don’t like being trained hard then you are not going to like it here.

The judge drew outside criticism for penalizing the Giants with laps and push-ups following a fight in training last week.

Wide receiver Sterling Shepard also defended the judge last week, saying, “If you don’t like him, you can go.”

Defensive lineman RJ McIntosh, the Giants’ 2018 fifth-round pick, was one of three players eliminated on Wednesday. He appeared in 18 games over three seasons but was inactive for all 16 games in 2020. Wide receiver Derrick Dillon and Cale Garrett were also ruled out.

The Giants signed 320-pound defensive tackle Elijah Qualls – the Eagles’ sixth round in 2017 – and DT Willie Henry, who appeared in a game last season for the 49ers.

The judge said offensive tackle Nate Solder’s apparent shoulder injury on Tuesday was “not much” and “just normal bumps and bruises from what we can tell.” Solder pulled out last season due to COVID-19 issues and is currently listed as the backup tackle on both sides of the offensive line.

“I think Nate obviously has a hell of a good side for us. We’re happy with the progress he’s making there, ”said Judge. “So we want to make sure we keep him on the pitch for as long as possible, but obviously we won’t do anything that could put a player in danger.”