Giants GM Dave Gettleman got it right with the signing of CB James Bradberry.
Now, can we clone him?
The 2020 Giants defense has been one of the positive surprises in the NFL thus far. Granted, the season is just two games old. But, the Giants are ranked #4 in total yards allowed in the NFL.
The defense is allowing an average of just 188 passing yards per game. That’s good for #2 in the NFL.
Yes, it hasn’t manifested in any “Ws”, and the most important statistic is wins. However, this young tenacious defense is coming together against some tough opponents.
Photo: —There are many contributors that have helped the defense get a good start, one more so than Bradberry.
In his two games, Bradberry is responsible for creating two turnovers, forcing another fumble, and batting away six (6) passes. His interception last week–an awesome acrobatic steal from Chicago’s Allen Robinson–is highlight-worthy. The other turnover was his tip of a Chicago pass which landed in the hands of Julian Love.
Looking for a Steady CB2
When you look at the Giants secondary, you have to be excited about their future based on how they’ve performed so far. The safeties (Jabril Peppers, Julian Love, and Logan Ryan) are active, smart, and tenacious. The cornerbacks are CB1 James Bradberry…and a few others trying to be that CB2. Corey Ballentine, Isaac (Ike) Yiadom, Darnay Holmes, and now Ryan Lewis have played the outside corner opposite Bradberry. None of them have recorded one pass defended (or batted away). Holmes seems to have settled into the slot CB role so far. Ballentine and Yiadom have both suffered embarrassing efforts at the hands of receivers that are not top-shelf players. This week, Lewis will take his turn in the CB rotation against a very depleted 49ers WR corps.
Many fans are screaming for Logan Ryan to take over the CB2 position. That may happen when Rookie Safety Xavier McKinney returns from his foot injury. But, with Coach Graham using a lot of three safety sets, the law firm of Peppers, Ryan and Love will prevail.
Coach Graham has resisted putting Bradberry exclusively on the opponent’s top receiver for a full game. The five touchdowns opponents have scored have all been pass plays, four to the CB2-side.
Now, that there is game tape of how the Giants’ defense plays, expect more game plans to take advantage of the weakness at CB2. 49ers head coach, Kyle Shanahan, is a master at finding weaknesses and pounding at them continuously.
Grow fast Ike, Corey and Ryan…we need you!
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