New York Giants’ young secondary developing into 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.

Giants cornerback Deonte Banks has shadowed an opposing WR on over 85% of their routes aligned out wide in all seven games this season.

No other corner has done so more than four times (A.J. Terrell and Christian Gonzalez, 4 each).@Giants | #Giants100 pic.twitter.com/FkkQ4BrJpI

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 22, 2024

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.

1. Dru Phillips – 87.5% 🔒

The best defenders at preventing separation in Week 7:https://t.co/zsEzj9wCmH

— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) October 23, 2024

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.