Ben: DRC has grown after ban
or effort, as some other players pointed out, was discussed as the whole team — offense and defense — watched film of one another in their 31-21 loss to the 49ers.
It does not get any easier, though, as the Chiefs come to town fresh off a bye, where Andy Reidcoached teams are 16-2 following bye weeks.
They also have a handful of playmakers the Giants defense needs to contain, from tight end Travis Kelce to running back Kareem Hunt.
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul spoke most highly of their quarterback, Alex Smith, though.
“I really like that guy — Alex Smith. I played against him a couple of times and he’s a real cool cat,” Pierre-Paul said. “I like playing against him. He knows what to do, man. He’s been in the game a while, he’s a veteran of the game, we got to keep our composure. Can’t think everything is a passing play and got to set the edge and make sure we stop the run.”
Pierre-Paul, categorized as one of the vocal leaders on the team earlier this week by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, said that he does not need to get on anybody after the two embarrassing losses.
Instead, he said that the players just need to be self-motivated about finishing strong, and that starts on Sunday.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a challenge (to self-motivate), but I look in their eyes and they understand,” he said. “It’s all about finishing and finishing the season strong and we are all professionals.”
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has certainly had his clashes with Ben McAdoo this season, but the Giants head coach had nothing but praise for the veteran corner on Friday. “We talked about in the room we don’t hold grudges,” McAdoo said. “DRC came back from his time off, his suspension and has responded in a great way and a great manner. He’s been a great example to the players, he’s been vocal, he’s been playing at a high level with energy and it’s been great to see.”
RodgersCromartie was suspended in Week 6 for violating team policy. He left the team facility before practice during the week a day after having a conversation with McAdoo in which he was told he was going to be inactive due to other incidents in prior days.
It is a far cry from that now, though, as Rodgers-Cromartie was named one of the captains last week in San Francisco, a decision McAdoo considers carefully.
“We go through the roster each week and pull guys who have been working the way we want them to work,” McAdoo said. “And performing at a high level and being good examples.”
CAPTAIN ENGRAM
Rookie tight end Evan Engram will be among the Giants game day captains on Sunday when they host the Kansas City Chiefs.
Engram has been one of the Giants’ most consistent players this season and has been one of the young leaders McAdoo called upon to step up in recent weeks.
Engram said he takes a lot of pride in the honor. “That’s the kind of stuff that means everything to me. Definitely appreciate the opportunity and pretty cool to be out there to be a captain,” Engram said. “I feel accomplished and hopefully I continue to show them that I can be in a leadership role on this team.” The one constant for the Giants’ offensive line this season has surprisingly been Ereck Flowers. While the rest of the line has shuffled around or gone down with injury, Flowers has held his spot at left tackle and has actually not allowed a sack since Week 2. “First Ereck Flowers question I’ve had in a little while,” McAdoo said when asked about him. “Ereck is a young player who’s improving tremendously .. ... He still has a ways to go fundamentally, just like everybody else playing in this league, and he’s still a young player, so he has a lot of upside.”
INJURy REPORT
B.J. Goodson (ankle) and Justin Pugh (back) are ruled out for this Sunday while Kelvin Sheppard (groin) is doubtful. Damon Harrison (ankle) and Devon Kennard (quad) are questionable. Chiefs pass rushers Tamba Hali and Dee Ford and defensive lineman Allen Bailey are all out for their struggling defense. Wide receiver Albert Wilson will miss his third straight game with a bad hamstring. With AP