New York Giants’ young secondary developing into top-tier unit

Entering the 2024 season, one of the biggest concerns was whether the New York Giants’ young secondary would hold up.

They anchored a group of rookies and second-year players, relying on 25-year-old safety Jason Pinnock, acquired on waivers from the Jets two summers ago.

Pinnock will be paired at safety with second-round pick Tyler Nubin, and the three corners at cornerback will include rookie Jrue Phillips, last year’s first pick Deonte Banks, and 2022 third-round pick. Cordale Flott was to serve as the director.

So far, the results seem to be mixed, but the statistics suggest otherwise. This group has been one of the top secondaries in the NFL this year.

The Giants have allowed just 10 touchdowns through the air through the first seven weeks, which is in the middle of the third-fewest total in the NFL. They’re also allowing just 179.4 passing yards per game, good enough for sixth in the league.

Banks had some lackluster play and got heated at times, but was solid overall. This season, he’s taken on a ton of responsibility and played against some of the game’s best wideouts, including Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase, Terry McLaurin, Amari Cooper, DK Metcalf and AJ Brown. .

McLaurin was the only player with over 100 yards receiving against the Giants this year, and he had 100 yards on the dot.

Giants cornerback Deonte Banks has shadowed opposing receivers on more than 85% of his wide routes in all seven games this season.

No other corner had more than four (AJ Terrell and Christian Gonzalez had four each).@Giants | #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/FkkQ4BrJpI

— Next Generation Statistics (@NextGenStats) October 22, 2024

Nubin leads the team in tackles with 48 (31 solo), and Phillips stands out for his ability to get close to opposing pass catchers.

1. Drew Phillips – 87.5% 🔒

Good defenders to prevent separation in Week 7:https://t.co/zsEzj9wCmH

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

The Giants may be 2-5, but their secondary has held up until the end so far. They improve with time and experience. With so much going wrong for the Big Blue this year, this is the one unit that is working well.