The rain-soaked preseason opener between the Detroit Lions and host New York Giants on Thursday night didn’t feature much offense. New York prevailed 14-3 in a game where the two teams combined for under 500 total yards and 29 first downs.
Bad offense was a big factor, but a couple of rookie cornerbacks taken on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft also played a part in the defensive dominance. It was a brilliant night for Lions second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw and Giants third-round pick Andru Phillips.
Rakestraw, from Missouri, started at outside cornerback and provided lockdown coverage. The one reception he allowed, to speedy Jalin Hyatt, showed Rakestraw’s ability to terminate post-catch yardage with a brilliant open-field stop on third down. His coverage directly led to Detroit’s interception in the game, too.
Phillips started in the slot, and the third-rounder from Kentucky was also very impressive in coverage. He ceded just one short reception. Where Phillips stood out was in run defense. This is artwork for a rookie:
Andru Phillips TFL! pic.twitter.com/jHJnyKEgU5
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 8, 2024
Both Phillips and Rakestraw have ramped up their play in recent practices, with Phillips scoring a great INT in joint practices between the two teams during the week. They’re proving worthy of considerable playing time as rookies in crowded secondaries with their squads.