Perkins in a Giant

Paul Perkins appreciated Ben McAdoo’s public criticism of his longest run in Friday’s preseason opener. Perkins wants to be the Giants’ No. 1 running back and understands that means being evaluated like one. “Of course he’ll be extra critical of me, because he expects a lot,” Perkins told the Daily News Monday. “I don’t take it lightly.” Not to mention Perkins said McAdoo was right: It was unacceptable for Perkins to be tackled for a seven-yard gain by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Robert Golden rather than making him miss and gaining a first down. “Whenever it’s 1-on-1, I have to make the play,” Perkins said. “That’s what this team is made of: 1-on-1 we’re better than the other team.”

McAdoo stressed Monday “by no means have I lost confidence in Paul Perkins. I have a lot of trust and confidence in him.” And while Perkins, 22, was only a fifthround Giants draft pick out of UCLA one year ago, he said he never saw coming into camp as a lead back as being far-fetched. “If you made it this far, you’ll be your biggest critic before you become the starter,” Perkins said. “(Being the No. 1 back) was always the goal, and even last year I always prepared every practice like I was the starter.”

Perkins oddly has dropped several passes through the spring into training camp, but the shifty back said Monday he’s “not concerned” and he’ll just “continue to work” on his entire game. Perkins’ broke onto the scene as a rookie last season by taking a screen pass 67 yards

BY PAT LEONARD AND JOHN HEALY