New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur alluded to potential personnel changes on the defensive side of the ball earlier this week and as it turns out, he wasn’t blowing smoke.
After several meetings with his assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator James Bettcher, the team has decided to make at least two notable changes on defense.
The New York Post reports that rookie Deandre Baker will replace Antonio Hamilton’s as the team’s starting cornerback opposite veteran Janoris Jenkins, while undrafted rookie linebacker Ryan Connelly will replace Tae Davis on the inside.
DeAndre Baker, a first-round pick, moving in for cornerback Antonio Hamilton was inevitable once Baker showed the knee he sprained in the summer could handle a full load. Linebacker Ryan Connolly replacing Tae Davis came quickly. This is quite a promotion for Connolly, a fifth-round pick from Wisconsin.
Baker saw action in Week 1, but experienced some very real growing pains courtesy of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper, among others. Meanwhile, Connelly saw a bit less action, but seemed less mistake-prone than some of his linebacker counterparts.
Both Baker and Connelly were impressive during the preseason, but this is a different animal. They will be completely thrown into the fire against the Buffalo Bills, but given the team’s potential alternatives, this might be the Giants’ best approach.
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