Linval Joseph finds football getting easier the more he focuses on the little things

Had a chance to speak with Linval Joseph, the Giants’ second-round pick this spring, who is starting to flash at defensive tackle during practices. Since Saturday evening, really, he’s turned his game up and has been disrupting plays in the backfield, penetrating on passes and playing really well.

I noticed it. Other reporters have noticed it. But Joseph told me today that he’s noticed it too.

“I’m ready,” he said confidently. “I think I’m there pretty much. I’m just working on the small things, the little things, and I think I’ll be okay.”

Joseph said he’s surprised at how much those small details help him. Take his hands, for instance. In college, he said that he never focused on using his hands but was just able to overpower people. Now that he’s getting NFL coaching and refining his technique, he is getting that much better.

“If I keep a low base and use my hands, it’s just easier,” he said. “After doing that thing (the coaches suggest), I’m like ‘Oh, this works, so let me try doing everything.’ And it just gets easier and easier.”