When you think of top pass defenses in the NFL, you think Seattle, Denver or Carolina but in 2016 a new team has emerged, the New York Giants. Last season they were one of the worst, but with so many players racking up missed games that were bound to happen. But, management went out and rectified that, at least on paper with the signing of Janoris Jenkins. Jenkins is teamed with 2016 Draft pick, Eli Apple, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Landon Collins.
You really think it’s a coincidence they sit at 2-0? The NFL is a passing league and for the first two games, the Giants secondary was faced with two daunting tasks. In their first game, the secondary was asked to cover and contain Dez Bryant. How does one catch for eight yards sound? No receiver for the Cowboys got close to 100 yards receiving and none caught a TD pass either. Some may put the blame on rookie QB, Dak Prescott but a good defense is a good defense no matter who is behind center.
In their second game, they were sure to be tested against one of the game’s best, Drew Brees. Sunday, everyone figured this could be a shootout, especially with Brees coming off a 420+ yards passing game against the Raiders. But, the Giants were more than up for the challenge. Against the Raiders Bress connected with WRs, Willie Snead and Brandon Cooks for a combined 315 yards and three touchdowns with 15 receptions between the two. Snead and Cooks are not on Bryant’s level, just yet, but the two young receivers are fast becoming household names.
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Against Brees and the Saints, the Giants secondary made sure they let the rest of the NFL know that 2015 is over and this year they plan to make a name for themselves. Snead caught 5 passes for 54 yards and a score, while fellow playmaker, Cooks managed seven catches for 68 yards and no scores. Two weeks, three possible Pro Bowl receivers and none had a real impact on the game.
While all the praise will go to Revis, Norman, Peterson and others, the Giants have managed to take a team approach to stopping some of the NFL’s best. I know it’s still early in the season but you can’t argue what they have been able to carry out. Anytime you can hold Brees to under 300 yards passing and one touchdown, you should pat yourself on the back for a job well done.