Improvement on ‘D’ despite early points
Through all the injuries, a suspended starting wide receiver and everything in between, Pat Shurmur is — as always — unperturbed.
So when the Giants coach was asked if it was at all concerning his starting defense gave up firstdrive points in back-to-back preseason games, most recently against the backup offense of the Bears in Friday night’s 32-13 victory at MetLife Stadium, Shurmur can see the silver lining.
“I thought we were better in this game, I think, generally speaking,” Shurmur said on a conference call Saturday afternoon. “We only allowed three explosive plays, and none in the first drive. We caused two fumbles, then we had a defensive score on a safety. Didn’t allow any touchdowns outside of the red zone. There were eight three-andout series. So, there were many things that were good.
“Certainly, you don’t want anybody to score on the first drive, but I think there was an improvement this game. We forced them to kick a field goal, so I don’t see a trend there. Like everything, though, we’re fighting to get better in all areas throughout the game.”
Before training camp even started, the question of how the Giants defense would eventually pan out was on the top of everyone’s minds. The group is young, with first-round draft picks Dexter Lawrence and DeAndre Baker atop the depth chart. However, Baker is nursing a knee sprain he suffered in practice last Sunday, and Lawrence has been quiet through both preseason games.
“I think he improved this week,” Shurmur said of Lawrence. “He’s a rookie, he improved from the first week to the second. I think, as I mentioned, that group in general played better the second week. I think they were a little rusty the first week, let’s just call it that, even the guys that played a year ago.”
But Shurmur knows what he is looking for in his young defensive line, admitting sacks are the “ultimate” measuring stick, but any way a player can effectively disrupt the quarterback is an effective rush in his eyes.
In Friday night’s win, rookie Oshane Ximines got his first sack of the preseason, along with Markus Golden and Olsen Pierre. Cornerback Henre’ Toliver led the Giants with six tackles, and Antonio Hamilton contributed three before exiting the game with a groin injury.
Hamilton joins Baker and 22year-old cornerback Sam Beal, who has been battling hamstring issues throughout camp, on the injured list. Though Janoris Jenkins has taken on a bulk of the right cornerback responsibilities, Hamilton’s absence hurts the Giants’ depth.
“Nope, we’re not in a bind,” Shurmur said of the cornerback situation. “There are nicks, little injuries where we feel like they’re going to be back soon, so we’re not in a bind.”