Julian Love chosen as Giants' 2020 breakout player
Giants second-year defensive back Julian Love did not see the field much on defense in the first 10 games of the 2019 season. Through the Giants' bye in Week 11, Love received just a handful of snaps on defense while most of his playing time came on special teams.
Things changed in Week 12, though. Jabrill Peppers injured his back in the first half of the game against the Chicago Bears, which led to Love taking over at safety. The young DB out of Notre Dame would go on to register his first career interception and pass breakup while playing in front of friends and family in Chicago, and never looked back.
Love played at least 97 percent of the Giants' defensive snaps in each of the team's final five games of the year and looked more than comfortable filling in for Peppers. The 2019 fourth round pick finished his rookie campaign with 35 tackles (28 solo), five tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one interception, three passes defended and one forced fumble.
Pro Football Focus praised Love for his performance following the conclusion of the season, ranking the defensive back No. 13 on its Top 50 NFL rookie rankings. Love earned the ninth-best PFF grade in the box over the final six weeks of the season and allowed just 19 yards on his 80 coverage snaps at that alignment.
With the 2020 regular season about to kick off, PFF has once again complimented Love for his strong play both last season and in training camp. The analytics site chose Love as the Giants' breakout player, citing his versatility and ability in coverage.
As PFF's Anthony Treash writes, "Love is as versatile a secondary player as they come. He didn't see substantial action as a rookie in 2019 until Week 12 but played well while logging over 75 snaps in the box, in the slot and at deep safety. Love produced a 70.5 PFF grade in that span, ranking 26th among qualifying safeties. This year, Love is likely to stick at safety to start for the Giants, but don't rule him out at cornerback given the state of the unit. That's where Love spent his three-year career at Notre Dame and was one of the best at the position.
"In his last season at Notre Dame, Love was the fourth-highest graded cornerback in the FBS on the outside, tying for eighth in forced incompletions (17). His size is a minor concern and he may not have blazing speed, but Love is still an incredibly smooth athlete with the ball skills to thrive on the outside if given the opportunity. Whether he plays there, nickel or deep, Love should have a decent Year 2 ahead with the experience he now has at every position."
Joe Judge, Daniel Jones set to make shared debut
NFL head coaches and their quarterbacks are always joined at the hip, because they depend so much on each other for the team's success.
Throughout their long history, the Giants have benefitted from many such collaborations, among them Jim Lee Howell and Charlie Conerly, Allie Sherman and Y.A. Tittle, Bill Parcells and Phil Simms and, most recently, Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning, who were together for 195 regular-season and postseason games, including two Super Bowl victories.
On Monday night, the youngest and newest of those tandems will make their shared debut when first-year coach Joe Judge, 38, and second-year quarterback Daniel Jones, 23, lead the Giants into their 2020 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers in MetLife Stadium.
When he speaks with reporters, Judge prefers not to dwell on individuals and prefaced the following with, "I try to have special relationships with all the players." But it's clear the bond he shares with Jones will be particularly significant.
"The quarterback and the head coach have to be able to talk," Judge said today. "Him being one of our captains obviously puts him in a position that we're going to have a lot of conversations. Not all involving football but involving all aspects of the team. That should open the platform to him and myself to talk a lot throughout the weeks. You have to have a good relationship with all your players that are signal callers especially. You have to trust them, and they have to trust you.
"When it comes to the signal callers, and I'm talking about the quarterback, the center, the mike linebacker, whoever the safety is on the back end that's making the calls, the personal protector on the punt team, these signal callers are critical to the units they are on. Ultimately, they are the quarterback when they are on the field. Whether it's the quarterback or defensive player or special teams player, they have to see the game the way you are presenting it to them. You have to see the game the way their lens is on the field. That only happens through a lot of conversation."
Through the Years: Giants vs. Steelers
View photos of the history between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, two of the league's most storied franchises.
View photos of the history between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
New York Giants halfback Bosh Pritchard (35) is aided by effective blocking as he goes through an opening for a 6 yard gain in first quarter of National Football League game with Pittsburgh Steelers at Polo Grounds in New York City, Dec. 2, 1951. Giant guard Duke Maronic (67) takes out a Steeler at left. Other identifiable player is Giant quarterback Chuck Conerly (42). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Ward Cuff (14) of the New York Giants kicking a 23-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter of game with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Polo Grounds in New York City, Oct. 20, 1940. Giant Players are Tuffy Leemans (4) holding ball; Doug Older Shaw (39); Leland Shaffer (20) and John McLaughry (17). Steelers are: Everett Fisher (8); John Woudenberg (36), Frank Sullivan (18), and John Noppenberg (50). Giants beat Steelers 12 to 0. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Hall of Fame safety Emlen Tunnell (45) and safety Jim Patton (20) defend a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers halfback Ray Matthews (25) during an NFL game in Pittsburgh, Pa., Nov. 4, 1956. The Giants defeated the Steelers 17-14. (AP Photo/Pro Football Hall of Fame)
Frank Gifford, New York Giant halfback is brought down by bevy of Pittsburgh Steelers after taking pass good for 11-yard gain in second period at Yankee Stadium, New York City, on Nov. 15, 1959. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Del Shofner (85) balances a Y.A. Title pass on his fingertip in Pittsburgh Steelers end zone as Steelers' Brady Keys (26) makes flying effort to break up play. Giants won, 42-21, to move into first place in Eastern Conference of National Football League in 1961. (AP Photo)
Frank Gifford of the New York Giant (16) reaches for a pass thrown by Y.A. Tittle in the third quarter of game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sept. 30, 1962. Gifford caught the pass and went over for a touchdown to give the Giants a 24-20 lead it never relinquished. New York won 31-27. (AP Photo/Dozier Mobley)
New York Giants' flanker back Frank Gifford (16) snares a pass during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 15, 1963. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) is shown in action during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Dec. 15, 1963. The Giants won the game 33-17 to take the Eastern Conference Championship of the National Football League. (AP Photo)
Del Shofner, (85), New York Giants' end, grabs Y.A. Tittles' pass for touchdown at 41st-yard line in first quarter of game with Steelers at New York's Yankee Stadium on Dec. 15, 1963. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Randy Minniear (27) hits the ground after tackle by unidentified Pittsburgh Steelers defender in the second period at Yankee Stadium, Nov. 20, 1967, New York. Randy picked up nine years on a pass play from Fran Tarkenton, (10) right background. The Giants won the National Football League game 28-20. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Aaron Thomas of the New York Giants does a headstand after taking a touchdown pass of about 45 yards from quarterback Fran Tarkenton in the second quarter of the on Nov. 19, 1967 National Football League game in New York. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants Fran Tarkenton (10) recovers a fumble during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. Also pictured is Pittsburgh Steelers Ben McGee (60). The New York Giants beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7. (David Durochik via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers L.C Greenwood (68) and Pittsburgh Steelers Ben McGee (60) during a game against the New York Giants on October 12,1969 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giant beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7. (David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Roland Lakes (76) stops Pittsburgh Steeler running back Preston Pearson, at left in mid air, at 31-yard line in the fourth quarter of NFL Exhibition Game, in New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1971. The Giants Carl Lockhart (43) lower right, assists in play. Steelers won the game, 20-3 (AP Photo/ John Lindsay)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) works his way around a blocker during the NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) breaks past Pittsburgh Steelers Robin Cole (56) at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 21, 1985. Giants won 28-10. (AP Photo)
New York Giants wide receiver Arthur Marshall (83) pulls in a pass in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson (26) during the first quarter action, Oct. 23, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks away from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Levon Kirkland (99) and Scott Chad (30) as he runs for 23 yards in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Pittsburgh Steelers James Farrior (51) tackles New York Giants Ike Hilliard (88) in the first half Saturday Dec. 18, 2004 at Giant Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.The Steelers won the game 33-30. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants center Bart Oates (65) pass blocks during the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 21, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-10. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey dives to make a touchdown catch as Pittsburgh Steelers safety Russell Stuvaints (33) looks on during the first quarter Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scrambles for 13 yards and a first down during the second quarter as Giants center Shaun O'Hara (60) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Chris Hoke (76) and Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith (91) hits the turf Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers beat the Giants, 33-30. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer, left, dives, trying for a first down after making a catch, as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshaea Townsen defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. Toomer came up a yard short. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) closes in as New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) turns upfield after making a reception during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs past Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton (98) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants' Matthias Kiwanuka, right, grabs Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just before Roethlisberger got off an incomplete pass off in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants beat the Steelers 21-14. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) throws a touchdown pass over Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. The Giants won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in Pittsburgh. New York won 21-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants defensive tackle Justin Tuck, top, and defensive end Matthias Kiwanuka, bottom, sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants won 21-14.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark, left, runs with the ball after intercepting a pass by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, right, in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008. The Giants won 21-14. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball after making a catch during a week 9 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take not he Pittsburgh Steelers during a week 13 NFL football game on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs away from Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) runs back an interception during the second half of an NFL football game as Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) gives chase, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants outside linebacker Michael Boley (59) runs away from Pittsburgh Steelers guard Ramon Foster (73) as he returns a fumble for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, left, shakes hands with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, right, after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Steelers won the game 24-20. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) celebrates after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) stands in the huddle before a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) visit after an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. The Steelers won 24-14. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take not he Pittsburgh Steelers during a week 13 NFL football game on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) crosses the goal line for a touchdown in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (31) during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cortez Allen (28) during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants nose tackle Robert Thomas (99) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tight end Jerell Adams (89) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
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