Giants’ Jason Pinnock crowned American Cornhole League Celebrity Series champ

New York Giants DB Jason Pinnock has won the American Cornhole League Celebrity Series, defeating teammate Cor’Dale Flott (and others).

New York Giants starting safety Jason Pinnock is a man of many talents. We’ve seen him walk on a football field and do spectacular things.

Pinnock recently expanded his resume by being crowned a champion at the SuperHole V qualifier in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Pinnock and Chicago Bears offense lineman Braxton Jones were teamed with American Cornhole League pros Ethan Walker and Daymon Dennis.

Giants cornerback Cor’Dale Flott also took part in the event.

From the Giants:

SuperHole V features 32 NFL players paired with 32 cornhole pros competing in a series of four qualifiers in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, and Canton. The location of the Championship event has yet to be determined.

In years past such NFL players as Sam Darnold, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Jay Cutler, Doug Flutie, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Poyer have taken part in the event.

Quarterback Daniel Jones is also an avid cornhole player.

[lawrence-related id=728726,728743,728739]

Do Giants have one of NFL’s worst defenses headed into 2024 season?

Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes the New York Giants have the NFL’s second-worst defensive unit entering the 2024 season.

The New York Giants parted ways with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale early in the offseason, replacing him with Shane Bowen.

Under Bowen, the Giants will move away from their heavy blitz style and will rely more on their ability to create an organic pass rush and zone coverage.

That will put a lot of pressure on a young secondary, who are now without cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (free agent) and safety Xavier McKinney (Green Bay Packers).

It’s for those reasons that Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes the Giants have the second-worst defense in the NFL entering the 2024 season.

Personnel-wise, the Giants have a strong defensive line after trading for Brian Burns to go along with Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, the team’s secondary has more questions than answers.

Last year’s first-round pick, Deonte Banks, struggled as a rookie by allowing a 57.6 completion percentage when targeted and posting a 48.6 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus. However, Banks projects as New York’s top cornerback heading into 2024.

Third-year pro Cor’Dale Flott projects to be the other starting outside corner, while rookie third-rounder Dru Phillips is expected to man the nickelback position. Also, the Giants lost safety Xavier McKinney in free agency, and another rookie, Tyler Nubin, will likely take McKinney’s place in the lineup.

That makes for a very young defensive backfield in the Big Apple, so some struggles should be expected this fall.

Holder’s concerns are justified. Even given the upside of Deonte Banks, Andru Phillips and Tyler Nubin, all three players are a long way off from reaching their ceiling. The same can be said for Cor’Dale Flott, who was a third-round pick in 2022.

Aaron Robinson is also expected to return, but it’s anyone’s guess what he’ll bring to the table. And the signing of Tre Herndon, while solid, certainly doesn’t push the group over the top.

The Giants’ secondary could be a weakness but if the front seven is able to disrupt things, at least it will take some of the pressure off.

[lawrence-related id=728449,728444,728442]

Cor’Dale Flott ready to take on important role for Giants

Cor’Dale Flott is confident and ready to take on an important role for the New York Giants alongside Deonte Banks.

The New York Giants selected Kentucky cornerback Andru ‘Dru’ Phillips in the third round of this year’s NFL draft to fill a major vacancy on their defense.

That vacancy is on the outside at boundary cornerback, across from last year’s top pick, Deonte Banks. One problem, though. Phillips will not be assuming that role.

At the Giants’ organized team activities (OTAs) this spring, that role is being filled by third-year defensive back Cor’Dale Flott, a 6-foot-2, 177-pound enigma of a player.

Flott is long and lean but his game relies on his aggressiveness and intelligence. The Giants are moving him from the slot, where Phillip will play, to the outside this year. They are confident.

This week, secondary coach Jerome Henderson told reporters that if the season started today, Flott would be in the starting lineup on the outside.

“The young man is a worker, a conscientious kid, he wants to do right, he wants to play well, he’s naturally tough,” Henderson said. “If he was 200 pounds, he would be hell on wheels.”

Flott is hoping to get to 180 pounds first. He began his career two summers ago as a 174-pound, 20-year-old third-round pick out of LSU who the Giants inserted into packages and in the slot in his first two seasons.

“I am at 177 right now,” said Flott. “The goal is 180 obviously. But obviously to get comfortable in the weight. I don’t want to gain weight and it be bad weight and be out of shape and not be able to move around. I feel good so far, continue to build with the weights staff.”

His transition to outside corner has been a gradual process but now is on the fast track. He is working with Banks and Henderson to hone his skills to become the best player he can be.

“We are two different types of corners,” Flott said of him and Banks. “So, with this transition, Tae, learn from him and his press techniques. Nickel, you’ll be five yards off rather up on the line and also use the sideline as a corner, too. Just taking notes basically from each guy and the other veterans in the room and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”

Flott reminded reporters that, “I’m still 22. A lot of the rookies are still older than me.” He’s got a lot of growing to do on several fronts. What helps is the confidence the team is showing in him this spring.

“It gives me confidence too that the coaches have confidence in me, that the team has confidence in me,” he said. “Like I said, just continue to be the best version of myself.”

[lawrence-related id=727808,727741,727789]