Justin Tuck refocuses, puts injuries out of mind
Earlier in the week Justin Tuck said the Falcons' offensive line had a reputation for being "dirtbags." (undated file photo) Credit: David Pokress
Welcome back, Justin Tuck.
The Giants' defensive captain, who had been having a woeful season because of injuries and the toll they have taken on his body as well as his mind, appeared to be back to his Pro Bowl form Saturday for the first time since the preseason.
He didn't light up the stat sheet, but his sack, a tackle for a loss and two batted-down passes certainly was greater production than he had been supplying for most of this season.
Is he healthier? Yes. And not just in terms of his actual injuries.
"He changed his outlook and demeanor," Tom Coughlin said. "He got very positive. He decided not to be concerned with the little nicks that he had that were very bothersome to him. He decided to go the other way with them and basically ignore them, and that is how he played."
Said fellow defensive lineman Dave Tollefson: "He's feeling good . . . He's in a good place right now mentally and physically."
One of the things Tuck said changed his outlook was a conversation with Coughlin. The two talked about football, but also about Tuck and his attitude. He's been very hard on himself this season, and there was the feeling that given that he is a captain, that negativity was rubbing off.
"I think it challenged me to lead this team and I think I did a good job of responding," Tuck said of the conversation. "He knows I'm not myself. He just asked me to give what I had."
Tuck practiced every snap this week leading up to the Jets game and did not appear on the injury report. He acknowledged that Antrel Rolle's comments last week about injured players not practicing enough "struck a chord" with the team, but flatly denied that it had anything to do with his improved motivation during the week. He also said Coughlin did not talk to him about practicing every snap.
They did discuss Tuck's legacy.
"I have a 21-month-year-old," Tuck said. "I want him to see me play the right way."
Tuck also said that the fact that Coughlin took the time to meet with him and discuss personal matters meant a great deal to him. It was reminiscent of what players on the 2007 Super Bowl team said of the kinder, gentler Coughlin.
"He took notice of what was going on in my life," Tuck said. "For me personally, it let me know he was thinking about me and how I was feeling."
Tuck said he's ready to return the favor. He putting his injuries out of his mind and playing through them now. Coughlin may have to do the same after a nasty collision with D.J. Ware on the sideline left the coach hobbled.
"I already told him, 'No toughness, no championship,' " Tuck said, throwing one of Coughlin's catch-phrases back at him. "We'll see how he feels tomorrow when he swells up."
