Grading the 2009 Giants: secondary

It’s almost not fair to have to grade the Giants’ secondary for their performance in 2009.  After all, losing S Kenny Phillips to a season-ending knee injury early in the campaign was about as devastating as the Steelers losing Troy Polamalu.  Well, maybe not that devastating, but pretty close.  But what’s more, CB Aaron Ross missed a good chunk of the season, and when he returned had to fill in at safety.  And even Corey Webster was hurt late in the season. 

Most of the time, the Giants had the likes of CC Brown, Bruce Johnson, Michael Johnson, Aaron Rouse, Kevin Dockery and Terrell Thomas roaming the outfield.  And admittedly, most of those guys did a much better job than you would have expected, especially since the Giants’ once-vaunted pass rush was non-existent. 

Thomas in particular really showed ball-hawking skills and steady play that gave us all promise for what he might do throughout his career.  And when Webster was on the field, he was once again one of the Giants’ best players.  Rouse proved to be a decent run-stopper but not much else, and when we think of undrafted rookie Bruce Johnson we all immediately think of that pick six against Tony Romo in Week 2. 

So rather than give the Giant’s secondary an “incomplete,” we’ll give them a B-minus because they really displayed more effort than most other units on the team. 

Now, if Phillips returns in 2010 as expected, and if a few other things fall into place (yeah, I know, big IF), look out.  Yeah, I’m talking to you Donovan McNabb.  And you too, Tony Romo.

Tags: Aaron Ross, Aaron Rouse, B-minus, Bruce Johnson, CC Brown, Corey Webster, cornerback, Cowboys, Donovan McNabb, Eagles, Giants, Giants secondary, grading the Giants, Kenny Phillips, Kevin Dockery, Michael Johnson, New York Giants, pass rush, safety, Steelers, Terrell Thomas, Tony Romo, Troy Polamalu