Tag: Andru Phillips

Giants defense defined by one major strength, one major weakness

The New York Giants defense is sacking quarterbacks at a league-leading rate but are also poised to set an ugly NFL record.

One could argue the 2024 New York Giants defense has been a contraction of itself. They lead the NFL in sacks per game (3.6), which is one of the few pleasantries of this rocky season, and are sixth in red zone defense.

But they are deficient in other areas. Interceptions are one, for instance. They have just one pick over their first 10 games, tied for last in the league with Cleveland.

The Giants’ only pick has been by rookie linebacker Darius Muasau, not by any of the team’s talented young defensive backs. And that happened in garbage time of their Week 1 loss to Minnesota.

They have not picked off a pass since. That’s a total of nine games and they are now closing in on the longest interception drought in NFL history, per the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy.

The 2017 Raiders defense set the modern NFL record (since 1933) by going 10 straight games — a span of 357 passes — without an interception, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

One year later, the 49ers and Cardinals each endured an eight-game drought that has been eclipsed by the Giants, who will return from this week’s bye trying to avoid tying dubious history on November 24 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

No one can pinpoint exactly why the Giants have not been picking off passes this season. Safety Tyler Nubin, who leads all NFL rookies in tackles, was touted as a ball hawk coming out of college. He has no interceptions. Another high draft pick, cornerback Andru Phillips, has been highly-rated this season but has also come up dry.

“It’s something we have to continue to work at. We have to find ways,” Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said.

“They’re just throwing good balls. We’re not getting to them. That’s the best way I can answer that,” nose tackle Dexter Lawrence said. “I think we need to create more (takeaways) to have the offense have a short field and not worry about driving a long field. It’s our responsibility to go get the ball, so that’s what we have to do.”

The Giants are 28th in the league in passes defensed (29) but have only allowed the 10th most passing yards. They have allowed 12 passing touchdowns, which has been the league average.

In a season of mysteries and inexplicable events that have gone against the grain, this one continues to perplex.

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Giants’ Andru Phillips named PFF’s Rookie of the Week

New York Giants CB Andru Phillips has been named Pro Football Focus’ Rookie of the Week for Week 10.

New York Giants rookie cornerback Andru Phillips was one of the few bright spots in a 20-17 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany this past Sunday.

If you were to glance at the box score, Phillips accounted for just four tackles and nothing more but his impact goes well beyond the stats.

The first-year starter was targeted a team-high five times and while he allowed three receptions, they went for just six yards. He was also credited with a game-high four stops.

For his troubles, Phillips earned the team’s highest grade in Week 10 and was subsequently named Pro Football Focus’ Rookie of the Week.

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK: CB Andru Phillips, New York Giants

Phillips earned an 88.2 PFF grade in Munich on Sunday, with just 6 yards allowed from five targets and 22 snaps in coverage. He also registered four defensive stops in the game.

Through 10 weeks, Phillips is the second-highest-graded Giants player (84.6) behind only nose tackle Dexter Lawrence (89.8). He’s also the second-highest-graded cornerback in all of football behind Jalen Ramsey (85.3) of the Miami Dolphins.

If Phillips can keep up this level of production throughout the remainder of the season, do not be surprised if he earns a Pro Bowl honor and is considered for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

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Giants impressed, pleased with 2024 NFL draft class

Despite their regular season struggles, the New York Giants have been both impressed and pleased with their 2024 NFL draft class.

The first 10 weeks of the New York Giants’ 2024 season are in the rearview mirror as they head into the bye. With a disappointing record of 2-8, there hasn’t been much that has gone right for Big Blue this year.

One of the few things that has been impressive is the team’s 2024 NFL draft class.

General manager Joe Schoen fielded questions from the media on Tuesday and talked about the early success of his most recent class.

“I like Tyler Nubin. He’s played well for us. He’s one of the only rookies playing 99 percent of the defensive playtime. He’s leading rookies in tackles. So, I’m excited about him,” Schoen said. “Tyrone Tracy, also leading rookies in terms of rushing. So, I’m excited about the young players that we have.

“The build’s tough. It hurts sometimes as you’re going through it. But, you got to go through it to get to the other side. I like the young foundation that we’ve put in place. Whether it’s (Brian) Burns, (Dexter Lawrence II) and Kayvon (Thibodeaux). There’s some pieces that are going to be in.”

Schoen then circled back around to his 2024 draft class.

“(Malik) Nabers, the rookies I talked about, Theo (Johnson). There’s some young pieces here in place in terms of the foundation that we’re going to continue to build on. Another year of free agency and another draft, we’re not far off. We’re not far off.”

At 2-8 in the third season of the Schoen-Brian Daboll regime, there are no guarantees that the general manager or head coach will be back.

However, Schoen’s 2024 draft class certainly has been impressive. He received criticism following the draft after being the only team not to draft an offensive or defensive lineman.

On offense, the Giants have the rookie rushing leader in Tracy and the rookie receiving yards leader in Nabers. Let’s not forget, Theo Johnson has seen an increased role in the offense as time has gone on. On the other side of the ball, Andru Phillips and Nubin have been noticeable in the secondary for the Giants.

With just three teams younger than the Giants at the start of the regular season, Schoen will continue to evaluate the roster in the final seven games. However, it does seem as though the 2024 draft class will go down as a win on his resume.

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Giants’ young secondary developing into top-tier unit

Despite some effort issues (cough, Deonte Banks, cough), the New York Giants’ young secondary is developing into a top-tier unit.

Entering the 2024 season, one of the biggest concerns was whether or not the New York Giants’ young secondary would hold up.

They were relying on 25-year-old safety Jason Pinnock, who was claimed on waivers two summers ago from the Jets, to anchor a group of rookies and second-year players.

Pinnock was to be paired with second-round pick Tyler Nubin at safety while the three cornerback spots would be manned by rookie Dru Phillips, last year’s top pick, Deonte Banks, and Cor’Dale Flott, a 2022 third-round selection.

So far, the results appear mixed but the statistics tell us otherwise. The group has become one of the top secondaries in the NFL this year.

The Giants have only allowed 10 touchdowns through the air over the first seven weeks which is mid for the third-lowest in the NFL. They are also allowing just 179.4 passing yards per game, which is good enough for sixth-best in the league.

Banks has taken on some heat with his lackluster effort at times but has generally been solid. He has taken on a mountain of responsibility this season and has gone up against some of the game’s best wideouts: Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase, Terry McLaurin, Amari Cooper, D.K. Metcalf, and A.J. Brown.

Only McLaurin had 100-plus yards receiving against the Giants this year, and he had 100 on the dot.

Nubin leads the team in tackles with 48 (31 solo) and Phillips has been outstanding when it comes to sticking close to opposing pass catchers.

The Giants may be 2-5 but the secondary has held up its end thus far. They will get better with time and experience. With all of the things that have been going wrong for Big Blue this year, this is the one unit that is working well.

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Giants injury report: Malik Nabers remains in concussion protocol

New York Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers is at risk of missing his second straight game as he remains in concussion protocol.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium.

With time once again running low, it was a big day for rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers and several of the other injured veterans.

A day after doing some work outside with the trainers, Nabers remained sidelined. There has been no change in his status, head coach Brian Daboll revealed.

“The same spot he was in yesterday,” Daboll told reporters.

There was better news on running back Devin Singletary, whom Daboll said was “advancing.”

Meanwhile, offensive lineman Jon Runyan Jr. continues to sit out due to an illness.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: WR Malik Nabers (concussion), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist), OL Jon Runyan Jr. (illness), WR Bryde Ford-Wheaton (shoulder)

Limited participant: RB Devin Singletary (groin), LB Brian Burns (groin), CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf), CB Andru Phillips (calf/shoulder), DL DJ Davidson (shoulder)

Full participant: OL Greg Van Roten (rest)

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Giants injury report: Kayvon Thibodeaux ‘week to week’ after wrist surgery

New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is consider “week to week” after undergoing wrist surgery on Wednesday morning.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday morning in preparation for a Week 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

All eyes were understandably on rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who missed last Sunday’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks due to a concussion despite 10 days to heal.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Nabers remained in concussion protocol but did take a step forward as he worked outside with trainers for the first time.

“He is doing better,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters, adding that Nabers is “day to day.”

Meanwhile, Daboll revealed that edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is considered “week to week” with a wrist injury that required surgery on Wednesday morning. He is not expected to play in Week 6.

“I’m encouraged with what I’ve heard but, again, you never know,” Daboll said of Thibodeaux’s long-term prognosis.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: WR Malik Nabers (concussion), LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist), OL Jon Runyan Jr. (illness), OL Greg Van Roten (rest)

Limited participant: RB Devin Singletary (groin), LB Brian Burns (groin), CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf), CB Andru Phillips (groin/shoulder)

Full participant: N/A

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Giants snap counts from Week 5: What’s up with Jalin Hyatt?

The New York Giants won their Week 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants pulled off an improbable upset of the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sunday afternoon and did it in unexpectedly dominant fashion.

Although the final scoreboard showed 29-20, it’s not indicative of how the game played out. The Giants controlled the pace from the opening whistle until the final whistle, winning in all three phases of the game.

“Proud of the guys to come out here, play a good game, and get a win on the road,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters. “Proud of our team, our coaches. They put a lot of hard work to come out here on the road.

“So proud of the guys. Competed well. Got the result we wanted. Really the process is what I’m proud of, how they stayed true to it, how they practiced, how they prepared, meetings, all those type of things. Good win.”

The Giants improved to 2-3 with the win and are showing signs of life.

Here are the snap counts that contributed to the Giants’ Week 5 victory.

Offensive snaps: 72
Defensive snaps: 58
Special teams snaps: 30

In the absence of rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, fellow wideout Jalin Hyatt drew the start and was on the field for 48 snaps. He ran 26 routes but wasn’t targeted a single time.

Although Hyatt did draw two crucial holding penalties, his lack of involvement in the offense continues to raise eyebrows. It was previously believed the issue was relative to his snap share but that wasn’t the case on Sunday. There’s more to this story.

Meanwhile, Tyrone Tracy Jr. appeared to establish himself as the team’s No. 2 back following Eric Gray’s latest fumble. Veteran wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins also got some field time after being elevated from the practice squad.

Defensively, Isaiah Simmons didn’t see a single snap but boy did he make his presence felt on special teams. Good things happen when he’s on the field, so perhaps the Giants should make note of that moving forward.

Also of note, cornerbacks Adroee’ Jackson and Andru Phillips played well in their returns, taking 27 and 23 snaps, respectively. Rookie linebacker Darius Muasau took just five snaps.

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Giants injury report: Malik Nabers, Devin Singletary remain sidelined

New York Giants rookie WR Malik Nabers (concussion) and RB Devin Singletary (groin) remained sidelined at practice on Thursday.

The New York Giants took the field on Thursday for their second of three practices ahead of a Week 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

With time running low, it was a big day for wide receiver Malik Nabers and several of the other injured veterans.

While Nabers remains sidelined and in concussion protocol, head coach Brian Daboll is still holding out hope that the rookie can play on Sunday.

“Making progress,” Daboll said of Nabers.

Several other Giants also made progress as cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson and Andru Phillips returned to the field. Running back Devin Singletary also did some work on the side.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: WR Malik Nabers (concussion), RB Devin Singletary (groin)

Limited participant: CB Andru Phillips (calf), CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf), LB Brian Burns (groin), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (heel)

Full participant: LB Matthew Adams (quad)

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Giants injury report: Malik Nabers remains in concussion protocol

New York Giants WR Malik Nabers is in concussion protocol while cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson and Dru Phillips remain sidelined.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday morning in preparation for a Week 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

All eyes were understandably on rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who suffered a concussion in a 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.

With 10 days in between games, the Giants have been and remain optimistic about Nabers’ potential availability this coming Sunday but it’s still early.

“Early stages,” head coach Brian Daboll said of where Nabers is in concussion protocol. “Day to day.”

Meanwhile, cornerbacks Andru Phillips and Adoree’ Jackson remain sidelined.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: WR Malik Nabers (concussion), RB Devin Singletary (groin), DB Andru Phillips (calf), CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf)

Limited participant: LB Brian Burns (groin), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (heel)

Full participant: LB Matthew Adams (quad)

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Giants injury report: Dru Phillips, Adoree’ Jackson continue to sit out

New York Giants CB Dru Phillips (calf) and CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf) are unlikely to play on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Tuesday ahead of a Week 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Similar to the day prior, they were limited to a walkthrough.

Before practice, head coach Brian Daboll met with reporters and revealed that cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Adoree’ Jackson would again sit out with calf injuries. However, Daboll said, neither is expected to land on injured reserve (IR).

Daboll also expressed optimism that fellow cornerback Nick McCloud, who has missed the previous two games with a knee injury, would return on Thursday night.

Little else on the injury report changed.

The Giants’ full (projected) Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: CB Dru Phillips (calf), CB Adoree’ Jackson (calf)

Limited participant: DL Dexter Lawrence (foot), DB Nick McCloud (knee), LB Micah McFadden (back), WR Darius Slayton (thumb)

Full participant: OL Jermaine Eluemunor (thumb), OL John Michael Schmitz (neck)

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