The New York Giants will play host to the Philadelphia Eagles and running back Saquon Barkley on Sunday, putting the spotlight on the ground games that could define the contest. However, the Giants are more vulnerable against the pass than the run, and Philadelphia won’t make Sunday any easier.
New York’s secondary is still in the process of gelling, and corner Deonte Banks still has some boxes to check before emerging as a No. 1 corner. In Week 7, he’ll have his hands full with star receiver A.J. Brown. On Thursday, Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen spoke about the challenge Brown poses. “Yeah, he’s strong,” Bowen said. “He’s really, really good with the ball in his hands. He’s tough to bring down. Probably one of the better catch and run guys in the league. If he has space and he’s full steam ahead, it’s tough to get him on the ground.
The ball skills down the field, being able to adjust his body, find ways to shield receivers, really, really good hands.” Bowen, of course, spent time with Brown as teammates on the Tennessee Titans. Having seen the receiver up close, practicing against him on weekdays and reaping the benefits on Sunday, Bowen is well acquainted with his skill set. So far this season, Brown has played in just two games, having missed a month with a hamstring injury. That’s been more than enough time to log 235 yards and two scores.
And I think just from year one to year two down there, he took some major strides in becoming who he is today, and he’s obviously progressed even more in his time in Philly,” Bowen said. “But the thing that really stands out to me is just the play strength. That’s something we got to be ready for. We got to be able to match and handle at times.
Related: Who Will Giants’ Banks Cover vs. Eagles? Brown’s size makes him a more likely matchup for Banks, the Giants’ most physical starting corner. Banks struggled with stars in the early going, getting beaten by the likes of Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb and (former) Cleveland Browns receiver Amari Cooper. However, after showing out against the Seattle Seahawks and height/weight/speed phenom DK Metcalf, he’s been trending the right direction.
He was solid against Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins in Week 6 and should see a similar assignment on Sunday. With Brown’s prowess above the rim, New York will have its hands full downfield and in the red zone. It’s on Banks and an inexperienced secondary to limit the damage and ensure Philadelphia’s multi-dimensional offense is held in check.
Be the first to comment