Loading ...Throughout the offseason, we have heard countless tales of Eli Manning's heroic play and his work ethic, we know about the New York Giants devastating pass rush, and the entire fan base is excited about the young receiving core General Manager Jerry Reese has assembled. However, what we haven't heard about is how the team's secondary and newfound depth at cornerback could potentially allow for the Giants to possess one of the league's top defensive backfields.
After tearing his ACL last preseason against the Chicago Bears, cornerback Terrell Thomas has returned to the defensive backfield, and he really looking to make a statement this season. With all the credit that the pass rush gets, Terrell Thomas wants people to know that the Giants secondary is just as impactful.
“I think we’re gonna make a statement this year. I think we’re tired of being the underdog on the defense. We’re the secondary that gets blamed for everything when something doesn’t go right. They don’t understand that we’re built on our pass rush. If the pass rush isn’t there, the coverage won’t be there. The sacks and caused fumbles go to the D-line. A lot of those are coverage sacks as well, but we get no credit for it. I think we’re tired of that," Thomas said.
Last season, the Giants defense gave up an average of 255 passing yards per game, which was good for the fourth worst total in the league. Although the team played significantly better defense as the season wore on, quarterbacks like Matt Moore, Vince Young and Rex Grossman were able to orchestrate long, consistent drives against Big Blue. To put it frankly, the Giants' secondary was exposed at times throughout 2011.
Furthermore, a defensive backfield can not be completely reliant on the pass rush. Although having a pass rush like the Giants is obviously helpful, they can not be expected sack the quarterback on every play. To win in today's pass-first league, its imperative to have a secondary that is capable of playing good defense, even without pressure on the quarterback. Regardless, Terrell Thomas knows its time for the defensive backfield to step up in 2012.
“It’s time for Corey to make the Pro Bowl. It’s time for Kenny to get that recognition. And I’m ready to storm back. I think we’re excited for the challenge to prove a lot of people wrong," he said.
With Thomas' return and a more experienced Prince Amukamara on the depth chart, the team should be able to have one of the more talented defensive backfields in the league. With the dreadful performances that the secondary turned in at times last season, its hard not believe that at the very least, there will be some improvement.
However, it's still extremely early in the preseason and anything can happen. In fact, yesterday, Thomas had to leave the first practice of the year with back issues. The talent is there, but until the Giants secondary puts it all together, they are still an unproven group. They deserve credit for their play down the stretch in 2011, but for the team to have a successful 2012, consistency will be key.
The Giants can no longer afford to let mediocre teams carve up the defense. With the their brutal schedule, there is no room for the secondary to have an off game. It should be interesting to see how this group develops as the year progresses.
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Sad to say that I’m expecting very little from TT this season in that dreaded “first year back following knee surgery.”
It’s nice to hear, though, that he has such high hopes for a unit in which he probably won’t have a starting role.
Initially, I held this view as well, but I think I’ve succumbed to the blue kool-aid. It looks like he WILL be able to play. Will he be able to play BETTER than those presently behind him on the depth chart? We’ll see soon enough.
I love him out there though. He brings a little swagger to the unit.
Yeah , it might take a while for TT to get back to full speed .
Paul I dont think I can agree with your characterization of an unproven group . So what are Corey Webster and Kenny Phillips ? chicken salad ? (I just had that for lunch so it came to mind ) in fact , is there anyone who wasnt playing or on the team injured last year in this group ? So , if anything , I might call it a veteran ( using the NFL definition of veteran as anyone with more than i year experience)but slightly rusty group
Apparently Jernigan is balling out there today. Still, Im curbing my enthusiasm
Dirty Camp Impressions:
I really only got to focus on the offense, but here goes.
The tweets are correct, for at least one day: Jernigan was unforgotten today. Looked crisp, balls were finding him, he was catching them. There might be a light at the end of the tunnel after all.
Eli and Cruz are On. The. Same. Page.
Wilson is going to be special. Special. We will see a screen game for the first time since 2006. He was doing things I’ve never seen a guy in blue do in traffic. I am amped for this guy. He’ll get the early redshirt maybe, but he won’t be kept off the field. Has all the makings of being a star.
The JPP of tight ends made a couple nice catches by me and looks pretty athletic, as advertised. Compare to Pascoe who almost fell over trying to catch a ball right in front of me. I hope they can hide this guy somehow.
The first team D caused a number of coverage sacks.
Bennett may hate everyone, but he walked by everyone to go directly to some fans in wheelchairs to start signing autographs. Nice on him. And he’s anything but fat. More like diesel.
Prince was doing tackling dummy drills with a bunch of crooked numbered linebackers while all the other established DBs were off doing something else. And I think Tryon got snaps over him again. I may have to retract my post from yesterday if it keeps up.
I may have missed some things, feel free to ask.
Oh, and “Hey, License Plate Guy, go hand out 2,400 T2 shirts for us, thanks”