Two Giants rookie cornerbacks earned awards for Week 7 performances

When the New York Giants look back on their humiliating performance against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, there was very little positive to be taken from a lopsided 28-3 home loss, but nonetheless, two young players in the team’s secondary were able to catch some points. recognition from their individual walks.

After a quiet offensive performance in Week 7 against Cincinnati, the Giants were completely crushed on both sides of the football by their NFC East rival and former running back Saquon Barkley. The offense was unable to find the spark to advance anywhere near the end zone and ended up finishing with another stinker with 119 total yards and three scores.

Defensively, things looked pretty good for about a quarter as the Giants kept the Eagles out of the paint until their fourth possession of the contest. Then all hell broke loose as Barkley carried his former team 17 times for 176 yards and a touchdown, leading an offensive attack that has plagued New York in several games this season.

However, amidst the murky waters, the efforts of two starting defenders from Shane Bowen’s team, in particular corner Drew Phillips and strong safety Tyler Nubin, who were both are included in CBS Sports’ weekly lineup. best newcomers of the seventh week.

Phillips, the Giants’ popular third-round pick out of Kentucky, was ranked second on the list behind Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and was praised for his near-perfect coverage that prevented Philadelphia from generating early damage in the slot.

In 45 snaps Sunday, 17 of which came in coverage, the 22-year-old defensive back made two tackles, both of which were stops, and allowed just one reception for -2 yards to DeVonta Smith. His play made Smith’s day meaningless as he flew out of the secondary and dodged a block to break up a pass over the line of scrimmage to a receiver.

Phillips finished the day without allowing a goal and earned a coverage grade of 75.4, his third-best grade of the 2024 season. Through seven games this year, he continues to rank among the top corners in the league, allowing just 11 receptions for 46 yards, 59 yards after the catch and no touchdowns to opposing pass catchers.

His efforts have been more impressive in man coverage, where he ranks 10th in snaps played among rookies at the position. Phillips has yet to allow receptions in man coverage schemes and hold opponents to an average distance of 7.5 to target, which is good for the top numbers in the 2024 draft class.

Nubin, meanwhile, was five spots below Phillips and gave the Giants the only team with two rookies on the honor roll. His praise came after another busy day in coverage and making tackles in the box, something he has excelled at all season as the Giants’ top defender.

In his 66 snaps against the Eagles, the second-round pick had his third straight game with nine tackles and his fourth as a leading defensive tackle. He also finished with a season-high 67.2 coverage grade, which came after two aerial stops and a single reception for a measly five-yard gain.

Nubin runs away with the title in the stopping department, with 48 (17 solo) leading Shane Bowen’s pack and 15 tackles ahead of the next man in his position, Jason Pinnock. In his last three games, he scored 27 points and became one of the most consistent playmakers on defense.

Nubin has retained his prowess in both field play and zone coverage. In the former, he has the most snaps among rookies, the second most receptions (3) and the fifth most yards allowed (15). His zone work gave opponents a little more, but still less than six receptions and 64 yards on 16 after the catch.

While he still awaits the elusive possibility of a forced replacement and his first sack, of which he had two in college, Nubin is gradually providing the Giants with a savvy and aggressive playmaker who fills the void left by the departure of Xavier McKinney in free agency.

The Giants may not have much to be proud of this season, but their draft class has worked out quite favorably for general manager Joe Schon, whose previous class didn’t look as good or remained with the franchise.

Phillips and Nubin should continue to make headlines for their defensive performances, win or lose, giving hope that they will face a tough squad in the future.

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