The Giants’ postseason exit to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers was a disappointing way to end what has been a successful season for Big Blue.
In Ben McAdoo‘s first season as head coach, the team finished the regular season with an 11-5 record. The key to this successful team was the much improved defense, and the development in the secondary was a key component.
In the final ten regular season games, the NYPD (the New York Pass Defense) registered at least one interception in every game. In three of the four final games, the defense didn’t give up more than ten points.
At times, the defensive backs gave up big throws down the field from opposition quarterbacks, but ultimately the drastic improvements are there for all to see.
In the regular season, the Giants’ pass defense was ranked first in giving up passing touchdowns (only 25), first in red zone defense (39.5%), with the second lowest passer rating from opposition quarterbacks (75.8).
The NYPD is also ranked second in passes defended (101) and ranked fourth in interceptions with 17.
These statistics signify how effective Steve Spagnuolo‘s secondary was, as it helped moved the Giants up the defensive rankings. There were a number of key players that made major contributions.
Evaluating the New York Giants Secondary This Season
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
The New York Giants will look to keep Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at MetLife Stadium as concerns arise over his contract situation and the Giants’ salary cap. DRC currently has the sixth highest annual salary on the team.
The 30-year-old veteran brought speed, strength and experience to the growing secondary in 2016.
The 6’2′,’ 193 pound cornerback showed versatility as he lined up both on the outside and in the slot as well as in nickel formations.
This was possibly his best year as a Giant, registering one sack, a forced fumble and six interceptions – matching his career high.
It’ll be interesting to see whether DRC stays with the Giants next season. It’s fair to say that he’ll be a valuable asset should he stay and continue this form.
Landon Collins
Strong safety Landon Collins has been the Giants standout player in the secondary. In his sophomore season, the 23-year-old has made a strong case for his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy.
The strength and power of the 6’0”, 225 pound safety has been of great success to the defense this season.
Collins clocked up five interceptions in 2016, including a brilliant pick six against the Rams at Twickenham Stadium, London in week seven.
In addition to this however, it has been his effectiveness in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s safety blitz packages that has added to his success. The safety had 125 tackles and four sacks this season.
Collins is one of the standout players for Big Blue as a whole this season. When healthy next season, the likes of Darian Thompson and Nat Berhe may thrive playing alongside the DPOY candidate and lift the Giants further up the defensive rankings.
Janoris Jenkins
In his first season with the Giants, Janoris Jenkins had a brilliant year and established himself as not only one of the Giant’s top defensive players, but as one of the best shutdown corners in the National Football League.
He has been such a strong defensive back in man-to-man coverage in particular. In 2016, the 28-year-old only gave up a passer rating of 65.3 with opposition quarterbacks throwing into his coverage. He registered 18 passes defended throughout the year.
In addition to this, the 5’10”, 198 pound defensive back finished the season with three interceptions, one forced fumble and a sack.
Jenkins, or ‘Jackrabbit’ as he likes to be known, showed his versatility on special teams too. His special teams highlight came in the Week Two matchup versus New Orleans, when he returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown.
Along with Landon Collins, Jenkins has been one of the standout Giants players this season. Spags will look to help him continue his form next season.
Eli Apple
Eli Apple had some early struggles in his rookie year, but grew into his role as an NFL cornerback quickly through the season.
The 21-year-old’s confidence increased in the latter end to the year, coming up with big plays when called upon.
Learning alongside experienced defensive backs such as Jenkins and DRC helped him, as he finished the season with seven passes defended, one forced fumble and one interception – which came against Pittsburgh at Heinz Field in early December.
The 6’1”, 199 pound cornerback has a bright future ahead of him in this Giants secondary.
Other Key Players
These players made major contributions to the secondary, although there were other defensive players who played in the secondary when needed.
There were some important contributions from Trevin Wade and Coty Sensebaugh. While cornerback Leon Hall and undrafted rookie free safety Andrew Adams made important plays too.
Hall, the 32-year-old free agent signed in the offseason, made 21 tackles, had two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He was an effective defensive back down the depth chart.
Andrew Adams had an impressive rookie season. The safety often looked strong when playing alongside Landon Collins. He had success, making 31 tackles, defending five passes, as well as getting an interception against rivals Philadelphia in Week Nine.
It’s the overall contributions throughout the roster at these positions that make this such a successful component of the Giants defense this season.
The Last Word
The Giants coaches developed players in the secondary brilliantly this season, along with general manager Jerry Reese signing and drafting defenders such as Jenkins and Apple.
The secondary was the key to Big Blue’s successful defense this year, and fans should be optimistic going into future seasons about this improving, hungry group of defensive players.
