Darren Rizzi hasn't asked anything of New Orleans Saints players that he's not willing to do himself.
That includes minimizing distractions despite a momentous homecoming, which is what will occur for Rizzi on Sunday when the Saints (4-8) face the Giants (2-10) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Rizzi was born in Hillsdale, N.J., and attended Bergen Catholic High in Oradell, N.J. So when Rizzi returns to New Jersey as an NFL head coach for the first time – even as an interim head coach – it'll be a significant occasion.
But Rizzi, who has led the Saints to a 2-1 record, really can't take the time to make it seem as such.
"I've got to practice what I preach, quite frankly, with the players," he said Wednesday. "I've got to stay locked in, I can't get too wrapped up in the moment.
"I'm going to have to shut my phone off at the end of the week; a lot of people reaching out, family and friends. It's a little bit surreal, quite frankly, but I've got to do a great job of staying in the moment, staying focused on the game, the game plan and not get wrapped up. I can think about it after the fact.
"But definitely a unique situation. I grew up just about 15 minutes from the stadium there rooting for the Giants, going to watch a lot of playoff games back when Bill Parcells was the coach. So it's certainly something in the back of my mind but just trying to have the blinders on like everybody else, and just trying to coach the game."
As unlikely as it seems that would be, Rizzi said part of the routine will allow it to happen.
"When you get wrapped up in a game week and you're just thinking about – I think (about) all the hoopla prior to the game and all that stuff – but once the game starts and the first kickoff is kicked and you've got to concentrate on the game management and all that stuff, that stuff kind of goes out the window," he said.
"Whether we're home or on the road, no matter where it is you've got to stay locked into the game. I'm trying to do a great job. Just like I tell the players, limit the distractions during the week. That's going to be important for me, too.
"We tell the players the same thing: Take care of all that stuff in the beginning of the week, so the rest of the week is for football. I try to practice what I preach, so I'm just trying to do that."
McCOY RETURNS: Center Erik McCoy, who missed the Rams game due to a groin injury, returned to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday. Guard Lucas Patrick also practiced limited.
McCoy has missed eight games this season; New Orleans is 1-7 in those games.
"Good to have those guys out there," Rizzi said of McCoy and Patrick. "We were smart with the rep count and all that (at practice), but both those guys are working hard to get back so good to see those guys back. Everything is trending in the right direction with both those guys, that could be a positive for us for sure."
Right guard Cesar Ruiz didn't practice because he's in concussion protocol.
"He's already completed the first couple of steps, hopefully along with no setbacks he should be OK," Rizzi said. "We're just trying to take it smart, go through the concussion protocol and be smart with him."
MILLER TIME? Running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) practiced full Wednesday. Miller missed 10 of the first 12 games with hamstring issues but with Taysom Hill out for the season due to an ACL injury, Miller will be a welcome addition whenever he's available.
"He's a different style runner than probably the runners that we've been playing with this year," Rizzi said. "Alvin (Kamara is) a dynamic running back, he's a phenomenal player – one of the best players in the league. Kendre has a different style, different approach than the other runners we have in the building.
"He's explosive when he's had the ball in his hand. He's obviously a play-maker. Kendre's deal is going to be getting himself locked into the game plan, the mental part, making sure he's physically ready to go and let the rest take care of itself. He's got to block out the outside noise and just focus on the Giants."
