Feel good story (for Giants' fans anyway) from FanSided:
"The New York Giants defense has done a total 180 from 2015. After being the worst defense in the NFL last season, the Giants are now one of the best defensive units in the NFL in 2016. The big money spent in the offseason is a big reason for that.
The Giants spent a ton to help improve the talent on defense. Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, and Janoris Jenkins cost almost $200 million combined. But free agents are not the only ingredient needed to build a strong defense; you need to find some hidden gems during the draft as well.
The Giants look to have hit on Landon Collins with their second round pick in 2015. He has morphed into a difference maker in the secondary in his sophomore campaign. Finding a partner at safety has not been so easy for the Giants.
They have hoped one of their young players would step up and perform next to Collins. Nat Berhe, Cooper Taylor, and Mykelle Thompson were thought to help last season, but all suffered injuries. This year the Giants selected Darian Thompson in the third round hoping he would be the Robin to Collins’ Batman.
Like the youngsters the Giants were going to rely on last season, D. Thompson was beset by injuries. That is how the Giants have come across a true gem in undrafted free agent Andrew Adams.
Adams has about as bad an introduction you could have. Against the Washington Redskins, Adams committed a bad personal foul penalty on a punt in which the Giants blocked. They would have been set up well field position wise but it was undone by Adams’ penalty.
It was the kind of play that an undrafted player could lose their roster spot over. But, the Giants were suffering from a ton of injuries and held onto Adams. They are lucky they did as Adams has turned into an extremely useful player for the Giants.
Adams has taken over as the starting safety next to Collins and has outperformed any expectations set. He has 44 tackles this season to go along with one interception and five passes defended. His outlook is bright as he has helped turn the Giants defense around.
So bright that Pro Football Focus believes he can be a Pro Bowl player down the road. They compiled a list of players they believe can be future Pro Bowlers, choosing one player per team; Adams was their selection from the Giants.
Here is what they had to say about Adams.
'Third-round pick Darian Thompson was supposed to solve the Giants’ issue at free safety, but his injury opened the door for Adams, an undrafted rookie free agent who has been excellent over his 676 snaps. He is PFF’s 15th-ranked coverage safety, with a grade of 82.7. With Landon Collins so much better in the box, this secondary could be special.'
It doesn’t get much better than that. Having an undrafted rookie who was lucky to make the roster end up as the 15th ranked coverage safety in the NFL is exactly what the Giants needed. Collins excels near the line of scrimmage, so finding a player that is capable of dropping back into coverage has been a godsend.
With Collins able to play to his strengths the Giants defense has taken a major step forward. Adams has provided him that opportunity and now the Giants have plenty of building blocks on their defensive backfield.
Adams, D. Thompson and 2016 first round pick Eli Apple could be patrolling the Giants secondary for many seasons to come along with Collins. This grouping has a chance to make things happen with veterans Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins also in the fold."
But Giants needed to put somebody out there...
I don't understand your comment. Adams has at least temporarily solved a nasty problem at FS.
Hard to believe that a rookie playing his first year in the NFL is as good as he's ever going to be. If he stays healthy, he's going to improve by playing smarter and understanding the game's nuances better. Plus, an athlete typically peaks at the age of 29 as the production of testosterone increases each year up to that age before plateauing and eventually heading south in a male's mid to late 30's. He's 24, so that means he has 5 years of improving his strength and athleticism.
For me, I'm just glad he's panning out to be a suitable player whether starting or coming off the bench. We can never have too many good players in the defensive backfield and you have to give Reese and the coaches kudos for finding the kid and sticking with him. Coaches tend to see things in a kid that fans don't see.
He's an UDFA, so of course there will be bumps in the road. And while I'm not saying he has Collins ceiling, and while I also understand Landon was out of position last year, let's just take a moment to remember how much he improved from year 1 to year 2.
If Thompson pans out, we could have a nice trio of cost controlled safeties for the next couple years.
If DRC isn't cut this offseason as insiders have said may happen, this secondary will likely go down as the best in NYG history - particularly as Apple, Collins, Thompson, and Adams all continue to improve.
If we can resign Hankins AND JPP, maybe add a pass rusher who can contribute somewhere in the draft or FA, and see any growth from Okwara/Odi (not that hopeful on Odi anymore), this will be among the top units in NYG's storied defensive history, IMO. There's a lot of "ifs" in there, and many things have to break right, but this is the precipice of something special.
I really loved the 538 article about how the Giants defense was built to stop the modern NFL offense. It made a lot of sense and I think Spags has done a great job building the D in a particular way to maximize its effectiveness.
This.
I'm not scout of course, but I've liked the kid since his first preseason game. I don't agree that he's a 'future Pro Bowler' as (like someone said earlier) I don't think he's athletic enough to develop into one. But he's a decent FS (especially for an UFA) and someone, it appears to me, that can and will perform at a good enough level with superior talent around him (which he has).
He's filled in admirably for Thompson and Berhe. He's not great but he's also not a liability. He's done a solid job.
I share your thoughts.
You are changing the conversation completely. Was this thread saying that PFF says Adams has filled in admirably or are they saying he's going to be a pro bowler? You don't see the difference?
Supports the Run
Would you rather have CC Brown?
But what the hell - Spagnuolo won a Super Bowl with a banged-up Gibril Wilson and a banged-up James Butler, plus Michael Johnson and Craig Dahl. So, stranger things have happened.
And, as others have said, Adams has managed to stay on the field - a first for a young Giant safety since... well, it's been a while.
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He's not perfect back there but it's hard to ask for more from an undrafted rookie.
It's also hard to get less. He doesn't do anything, other than bite on a big play-action fake every other week...
Do you remember last year at all?
You think Meriweather or Dahl wouldn't be significantly worse?
This dude is at least average if not above average at his job. Wtf. Just because he wasn't drafted doesn't mean he can't become a great player or that he's not good now.
Snacks was an UDFA. I bet the half of BBI that declares Adams a low ceiling player or should be on the bench would have similar sentiments about Snacks if the Giants signed him as a rookie.
Right now he does not appear to be an elite football player. He's a solid role player on a defense that has 5-6 guys playing at a Pro Bowl level IMO.
And that's OK.
Right now he does not appear to be an elite football player. He's a solid role player on a defense that has 5-6 guys playing at a Pro Bowl level IMO.
And that's OK.
Who's saying he's a pro bowler (read: future PB) other than PFF? A lot of the sentiment here is much less kind than yours.
He's done a good job considering, but he's had his struggles and has shown no indication of being a Pro Bowl football player. And if you go back to the preseason, I was talking him up good and thought he should've made the team, so I'm no hater.
I'm not one to judge safety play, but he's clearly done well. Management deserves credit for finding him and handling him well.
He's done a good job considering, but he's had his struggles and has shown no indication of being a Pro Bowl football player. And if you go back to the preseason, I was talking him up good and thought he should've made the team, so I'm no hater.
Tate wasn't his coverage if I recall. Pryor was a bad play. Collins also had a terrible penalty on third down last week. Cromartie blew a coverage on a 50 yarder last week. Singular plays don't define a player. Adams isn't a play maker or especially exciting, but he's done his job much better than anyone was doing it last year. He doesn't deserve shit.
I agree Joey. I was hoping he'd stick after preseason because I though he looked pretty good, instinctive not unlike how Chase Blackburn showed the year we drafted him. But he is just not a monster athlete. Still we could do much worse.... that's for sure (and have! lol)
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Of a rookie undrafted free agent. Some of you guys are acting like he was a first round pick. Value for cost, the kid is an absolute steal.
You are changing the conversation completely. Was this thread saying that PFF says Adams has filled in admirably or are they saying he's going to be a pro bowler? You don't see the difference?
I guess I wasn't clear, my response is to people commenting how he's nothing special. I did not address his potential pro bowl capabilities. And I suppose it's possible if the system stays intact. Players tend to thrive in
Well run systems with good continuity. But there is no reason to trash him
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The kid has done his job. He gets a lot more shit than he deserves. Has been a nice player.
This.
I'm not scout of course, but I've liked the kid since his first preseason game. I don't agree that he's a 'future Pro Bowler' as (like someone said earlier) I don't think he's athletic enough to develop into one. But he's a decent FS (especially for an UFA) and someone, it appears to me, that can and will perform at a good enough level with superior talent around him (which he has).
He is certainly much better than Stevie Brown was that he had all those INT's that one season that boosted people's perception of him as they ignored the balls going over his head for long gains.
Ahhh, no he didn't. It was Collins that blew the coverage on Williams. He said it after the game. And he wasn't benched, he played. McAdoo says they put Hall in the game in certain situations and Adams in for others.
As for Tate, that was DRC all the way - got caught looking into the backfield.
He's done a good job considering, but he's had his struggles and has shown no indication of being a Pro Bowl football player. And if you go back to the preseason, I was talking him up good and thought he should've made the team, so I'm no hater.
More BS From junc. He wasn't benched. It was Collins who was at fault and admitted it. The Giants said they planned on rotating their safeties (Him and Hall) as they have been doing all year when they've had three healthy safeties and that game was no different.
But you're AFC Scout friend or Baalke may have told you otherwise that he was benched.
Not Benched - ( New Window )
I get that he is not a "playmaker", but i think asking for a playmaker as a rookie starting FS is too much to ask. He may or may not become a playmaker. he may or may not remain a starter.
I think that people give far too little credit for what he doesn't do. namely make a lot of mistakes. The fact that he quietly does his job and we "forget he is on the feild" is a plus from a rookie. He makes occasional mistake and occasional makes a play but mostly he goes unnoticed. It's not quite the same as an OL going unnoticed, but think of it along those lines.
And also, do not discount the growth of Collins from year 1 to year 2
It is not fair to compare the situation of AA rookie year vs LC rookie year....but LC made more mistakes and was "noticed" a lot more then AA is this year.
in essence LC went from a slight liability to a stone cold stud playmaker. AA is not even a liability so who knows what he will be. He may not improve much or he could. I am def. excited about his potential
1 last thing. the giants seem to draft a safety every year, and Collins and Adams are the only ones that don't miss time. The #1 ability is availability
Sure, he wasn't "benched". He was just replaced by Hall for the rest of the game in the 1st quarter. LOL.
And, here's another bombshell for you: sometimes the coaches lie to the media. That was Adams' man, and that's why Merritt told Hall "that's not your play to make" (speaking about the fake pitch into the flat) before he went into the game.
But sure, he wasn't benched. How gullible can you be?
Holy shit...the kid has blown any expectations that were had out of the water yet he gets dumped on because he isn't the second coming of Kenny Phillips.
He has filled a MASSIVE hole in our secondary that was there after thompson and berhe went down. He deserves some credit.
-A lot of BBIers
Adams has somewhat to the tune of a free ride this season.
And even with that he has been faked out on several big play action fakes. See touchdowns vs Cincy, LA, Dallas as well as several other big plays Cleveland.
Also, let me know when you see him come in to support a CB on a medium-long pass and help break it up...because it will be his first. He usually comes into the screen with the other 2-3 players that are staring at the guys on the ground after the whistle.
Again, I know he is a rookie UDFA, but PFFs Pro Bowlwe statement is at a joke-level, and many of supporting posts here are supportive of the fact he isn't a train-wreck.
My floor is just a bit higher...
Sure, he wasn't "benched". He was just replaced by Hall for the rest of the game in the 1st quarter. LOL.
And, here's another bombshell for you: sometimes the coaches lie to the media. That was Adams' man, and that's why Merritt told Hall "that's not your play to make" (speaking about the fake pitch into the flat) before he went into the game.
But sure, he wasn't benched. How gullible can you be?
Not to get in the middle of you guys' 'thing' with each other, but this is from Eric's review of the game (I'm assuming that you were referring to the first Dallas game area.. correct me if I'm wrong):
If Hall replaced him after the 1st quarter, as you say, then the defense was on the field for an EXTREMELY limited amount of snaps after the first quarter. Funny thing is, Eric doesn't even mention Andrews in that review.
Sure, he wasn't "benched". He was just replaced by Hall for the rest of the game in the 1st quarter. LOL.
And, here's another bombshell for you: sometimes the coaches lie to the media. That was Adams' man, and that's why Merritt told Hall "that's not your play to make" (speaking about the fake pitch into the flat) before he went into the game.
But sure, he wasn't benched. How gullible can you be?
Go away, you asswipe. No one wants you here, nor do any of us care for your fake insider scoops.
Adams is a solid backup. He's not the second coming of Ed Reed or Ronnie Lott, he's a bottom of the roster guy doing admirably in starting time. For a UDFA, that's more than you could hope for.
The people who wanted him cut on the basis off one boneheaded play against Washington were wrong. That kind of impatience has no place on a football team, where injuries can very likely thrust an inexperienced bottom of the roster player into the spotlight faster than anyone cares to admit.
Adams is a solid backup. He's not the second coming of Ed Reed or Ronnie Lott, he's a bottom of the roster guy doing admirably in starting time. For a UDFA, that's more than you could hope for.
The people who wanted him cut on the basis off one boneheaded play against Washington were wrong. That kind of impatience has no place on a football team, where injuries can very likely thrust an inexperienced bottom of the roster player into the spotlight faster than anyone cares to admit.
You raise a very great point. One of the biggest differences between this year and last year is the bottom of the roster type of players. Would I rather see Craig Dahl or Meriweather types, or would I rather have Adams out there? It's a no brainer.
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"Brandon Walsh". Bullshit on a shingle bud.
Sure, he wasn't "benched". He was just replaced by Hall for the rest of the game in the 1st quarter. LOL.
And, here's another bombshell for you: sometimes the coaches lie to the media. That was Adams' man, and that's why Merritt told Hall "that's not your play to make" (speaking about the fake pitch into the flat) before he went into the game.
But sure, he wasn't benched. How gullible can you be?
Not to get in the middle of you guys' 'thing' with each other, but this is from Eric's review of the game (I'm assuming that you were referring to the first Dallas game area.. correct me if I'm wrong):
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Leon Hall (17 snaps) saw limited action.
If Hall replaced him after the 1st quarter, as you say, then the defense was on the field for an EXTREMELY limited amount of snaps after the first quarter. Funny thing is, Eric doesn't even mention Andrews in that review.
He's totally wrong about that. Adams saw 57 D snaps in that game (78%). This past week he saw 45 snaps (73%) Adams consistently plays the fourth most snaps in the secondary, behind Collins, Jenkins, and Apple. He often plays around 75% of snaps. That is more than what DRC averaged last year.
How often did Antrell Rolle try to do MORE than his job and got burned for it?
If everyone on D just does his job we are golden.
Not often does the mantra "Do your job" come up this season on D
Thats a good thing
Regardless, here's their list of Top 10 Rookies for 2016:
1. Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Dallas Cowboys
2. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
3. Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
4. Jack Conklin, RT, Tennessee Titans
5. Joey Bosa, DE, San Diego Chargers
6. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
7. Keanu Neal, S, Atlanta Falcons
8. Tavon Young, CB, Baltimore Ravens
9. Andrew Adams, S, Giants
10. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
We are lucky to have this kid. If he continues to improve he might really be something. Time will tell.
Hopefully we see him somewhere in the screen if the Eagles start throwing downfield...
When Darian Thompson comes back next year he becomes the FS and Adams becomes an interesting anecdote in Giants history and hopefully a valuable backup.
We also need pass rushers so keeping JPP is key as well. I have a feeling we'll find a way to keep him. He missed some playing time this year and the year before so he may not be as expensive. Hard to say.
I think DT Hankins will get overpaid by someone else so either we get another veteran or Bromley really steps up.