Giants' younger secondary creating into top-tier unit

Coming into the 2024 season, one of many greatest considerations was whether or not or not the New York Giants’ younger secondary would maintain up.

They have been counting on 25-year-old security Jason Pinnock, who was claimed on waivers two summers in the past from the Jets, to anchor a bunch of rookies and second-year gamers.

Pinnock was to be paired with second-round decide Tyler Nubin at security whereas the three cornerback spots can be manned by rookie Dru Phillips, final yr’s high decide, Deonte Banks, and Cor’Dale Flott, a 2022 third-round choice.

To date, the outcomes seem combined however the statistics inform us in any other case. The group has turn out to be one of many high secondaries within the NFL this yr.

The Giants have solely allowed 10 touchdowns by way of the air over the primary seven weeks which is mid for the third-lowest within the NFL. They’re additionally permitting simply 179.4 passing yards per sport, which is nice sufficient for sixth-best within the league.

Banks has taken on some warmth together with his lackluster effort at occasions however has typically been strong. He has taken on a mountain of accountability this season and has gone up towards among the sport’s finest wideouts: Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase, Terry McLaurin, Amari Cooper, D.Okay. Metcalf, and A.J. Brown.

Solely McLaurin had 100-plus yards receiving towards the Giants this yr, and he had 100 on the dot.

Giants cornerback Deonte Banks has shadowed an opposing WR on over 85% of their routes aligned out large in all seven video games this season.

No different nook has completed so greater than 4 occasions (A.J. Terrell and Christian Gonzalez, 4 every).@Giants | #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/FkkQ4BrJpI

— Subsequent Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 22, 2024

Nubin leads the group in tackles with 48 (31 solo) and Phillips has been excellent on the subject of sticking near opposing go catchers.

1. Dru Phillips – 87.5% 🔒

The very best defenders at stopping separation in Week 7:https://t.co/zsEzj9wCmH

— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) October 23, 2024

The Giants could also be 2-5 however the secondary has held up its finish to date. They may get higher with time and expertise. With all the issues which were going improper for Huge Blue this yr, that is the one unit that’s working properly.