A drained Saquon Barkley had simply completed goofing off Giants security Tyler Nubin when he slid onto the Eagles bench and turned to a teammate.
“I like No. 31,” Barkley mentioned, referring to Nubin in a sideline dialog that was caught on video with a microphone on. “He will be a superb security. He is a rookie – he and quantity 22 [Dru Phillips]. They’re gonna be stable bro.”
Normal supervisor Joe Schoen and Barkley have by no means seen eye-to-eye on contract phrases — so the Giants’ greatest playmaker and four-time co-captain signed with the Eagles after six years on the other aspect of the rivalry — however Barkley put his stamp of approval on two players selected by Schoen about six weeks of dropping their franchise’s greatest star in free company.
In what seems to be like one other misplaced season for the Giants, the event of second-round decide Nubin and third-round decide Phillips is among the few issues that may maintain followers engaged.
The Giants may have 40 p.c of their beginning secondary by 2027.
“It is actually nice to listen to from somebody like [Barkley]going by this group the place a lot is heard about him,” Phillips instructed The Submit. “After the sport we have been speaking and I used to be like, ‘I acquired respect from Saquon. I should be doing one thing proper. As a rookie, I’m going out and do my job and attempt to earn respect.
Barkley ran for 176 yards against the Giantshowever his one landing may have been three had the Eagles not turned to their near-automatic quarterback sneak for 2 1-yard scores.
When Barkley was celebrating a profitable Tush Push, Nubin reminded Barkley that the Eagles did not give him the ball – to which Barkley responded that Nubin was “only a rookie” and had simply missed an out of doors sport.
Add profanity the place anticipated.
“Saquon is unquestionably a man that I respect and have watched since I used to be popping out of highschool,” Nubin instructed The Submit. “I used to be like, ‘Dang, I’ve acquired to cope with him after seeing him within the league.’ That is a cool second which means quite a bit, particularly from a vet who is aware of what is going on on in him.”
It is simple to group the cerebral security Nubin and the high-energy cornerback Phillips collectively as a defensive rookie enjoying massive roles. The similarities finish there.
“We’re totally different, however we each type what the opposite would not have,” Phillips mentioned. “He has a a lot increased IQ and is aware of the whole lot, and I am intuition and go play the ball. Whenever you put it collectively, it makes a superb tandem.”
Nubin led the Giants in defensive tackles (425) after quarterback Bobby Okereke’s two-year streak of 1,546 consecutive tackles ended.
Phillips permits the NFL’s best cornerback 4.2 yards per reception and has surrendered simply two first downs on 11 completions as Professional Soccer Focus’ top-rated rookie cornerback.
“We undoubtedly assist one another within the classroom and the movie room,” Nubin mentioned. “Our video games are utterly totally different, however we have discovered quite a bit from one another and I can not wait to proceed with him.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, whose group will face the Giants on Monday, mentioned Nubin “was extremely regarded within the draft.” He added that he “likes it [Phillips] many” within the intelligence of the draft class.
The duo “definitely has our consideration,” Tomlin mentioned.
Phillips had six tackles for loss, a sack and a pressured fumble – exhibiting good run assist – earlier than his first cross was defensed.
“My stat e book seems to be like I am a defenseman,” Phillips quipped. “However that is a superb factor. I do know I have been sticky in protection so I am not getting targets. However it would come and these coaches maintain you humble. There’s at all times one thing I can work on to get higher.”
The Giants see Nubin, who has recorded 48 tackles, a pressured fumble and a fumble restoration, as future captain materials.
And he isn’t giving up on Barkley with loads of future video games forward of him.
“Treating it like pure enterprise,” Nubin mentioned of his rookie methods. “I am talkative on the sector and I normally discover the fellows who need to discuss again to me. That brings me into my sport and attempting to throw the opposite group out.”
The Giants will make the most of any benefit they will get.
“We perceive what we’re and what we may be,” Phillips mentioned. “Each week we insist. It won’t be the largest soar, however we’re attempting to assist this group win.”
