The New York Giants’ defense has been hyped all offseason, and cornerback Dru Phillips is more than ready to prove the buzz is real.
Phillips, the Giants’ second-year slot corner, spoke with reporters ahead of Week 1 as Big Blue prepares to open the season against the Washington Commanders in Landover, Md. The matchup pits them against quarterback Jayden Daniels, who powered Washington to an NFC Championship Game appearance last year.
For Phillips, it’s the perfect test.
“We wouldn’t want it any other way, especially after the year they had last year, and we’re coming in with a new team as well,” Phillips said. “You’re going to find out real fast, but we’re excited. We wouldn’t want any other competition, especially a division rival.”
The Giants dropped both games to Washington in 2024, but neither loss was a blowout. Now, with added depth on defense, New York feels it’s better equipped to handle Daniels’ dual-threat ability.
“Last year’s tape was last year’s tape,” Phillips said. “That’s in the past. It’s a new year, we’re trying new ways, do whatever we can. I’m not sure what the guys on the D-line are doing, but it’s a new year, trying to do some new plans to try to get at him.”
Washington, meanwhile, has new weapons, including wide receiver Deebo Samuel. But Phillips isn’t stressing over what might be coming.
“You know who Deebo is. He’s been a great player throughout the years,” he said. “In Washington’s offense, you’re not sure. It’ll be something we can kind of assume, but you won’t know until we go play him.”
As for the Giants’ secondary, Phillips has high expectations no matter who’s lining up beside him—Deonte Banks or Cor’Dale Flott.
“Whoever’s out there, it doesn’t matter,” Phillips said. “We have a really good secondary in my opinion. From what we have on paper and what we’ve shown in practice, we can do a lot and we’re just trying to do the best that we can each and every day.”
Asked to evaluate the Giants’ defense as a whole, Phillips didn’t hold back.
“A lot,” he said with a grin. “I’m not going to just put numbers out there, but we have a damn good defense, so I’m ready to go show it.”
The Giants’ first chance to prove it comes Sunday in Washington.
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