Two Giants rookie linebackers are earning plaudits for their Week 7 performances

When the New York Giants reflect on their humiliating performance against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, there are very few positives to take from a lopsided 28-3 home run, but nonetheless, two young players in the team’s defensive secondary were able to grab some scoring credit from their individual outings.

After a quiet offensive performance in Week 7 against Cincinnati, the Giants were pounded on both ends of the field by their NFC East rival and former running back Saquon Barkley. The offense couldn’t find a spark to get near the end zone and ended up finishing another stinker with 119 total yards and three scores.

Things looked pretty good defensively for about a quarter as the Giants kept the Eagles out of the paint until their fourth possession of the game. Then all hell broke loose for them, as Barkley gashed his former team 17 times for 176 yards and a touchdown to lead an offensive attack that plagued New York in several games this season.

Amidst the murky waters, however, stood the efforts of two newcomers to Shane Bowen’s crew, most notably Dru Phillips and strong defender Tyler Nubin, who were both included on the CBS Sports weekly list of Week 7’s top rookies.

Phillips, the Giants’ popular third-round pick out of Kentucky, finished second on the list behind Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and was highly praised for its near-perfect coverage that prevented Philadelphia from causing quick damage to the slot.

In 45 snaps Sunday, 17 of which came in coverage, the 22-year-old cornerback made two tackles, stopping both, and allowed just one reception for -2 yards to DeVonta Smith. His playmaking made Smith’s day meaningless as he flew off the second line and avoided a block, disrupting a screen pass behind the line of scrimmage to the receiver.

Phillips finished the day without allowing a single goal and earning a 75.4 rating, his third-best mark of the 2024 season. Through seven games this year, he continues to shine among the best corners in the league, recording just 11 receptions for 46 yards. yards, 59 yards after the catch and zero touchdowns against opposing pass catchers.

His efforts have been more impressive in man coverage, where he ranks 10th in snaps among rookies at the position. Phillips has yet to allow a reception in man coverage systems and is holding opponents to an average target distance of 7.5, which is good for the top numbers in the 2024 draft class.

Meanwhile, Nubin finished five spots below Phillips and gave the Giants the only team with two rookies on the honors list. His accolades earned him another responsible afternoon in coverage and picking up tackles in the box, something he has excelled at throughout the season as the Giants’ top-performing defender.

In his 66 snaps against the Eagles, the second-round pick had his third straight game with nine tackles and fourth as the leading rusher on defense. He also finished with a season-high 67.2, which he made on two stops through the air and one solo reception, which allowed him a measly five yards gain.

Nubin ran away with the title in the stops department with 48 (17 solo), which beats Shane Bowen’s group and is 15 clear of the next man in his position, Jason Pinnock. He scored 27 points in the last three games and is one of the most consistent defensive playmakers.

Nubin has not lost his mastery of both masculine and zoned appearances. In the former, he has the most snaps among rookies, the second-most receptions (3) and the fifth-fewest yards allowed (15). His zone work gave opponents a little more, but still under six receptions and 64 yards, including 16 after the catch.

While he’s still waiting for the elusive opportunity to force a turnover and get his first sack, which he had twice in college, Nubin is slowly giving the Giants an experienced, aggressive quarterback to fill the void left by the departure of Xavier McKinney in free agency.

The Giants may not have much to look forward to this season, but their draft class worked out quite favorably for general manager Joe Schoen, whose previous class didn’t look as good or stick with the franchise.

Phillips and Nubin should continue to be the main focus of their defensive performance regardless of whether they win or lose, providing hope that this will be a tough team in the future.

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