Credit: BOBBY O’HARA/PureSportsNY
After last season the Giants felt they had a need at cornerback. Over the offseason we learned it turned into a 5 year $39 million need when the G-men signed him over their hometown rival, New York Jets. It was a big move for the Giants and gave them a shutdown guy opposite Prince Amukamara and would also reunite him with former Cardinals teammate Antrel Rolle.
When Rodgers-Cromartie was asked about sharing the secondary with Rolle again he said, “That is when I had my most fun times out there in Arizona with him. He is a guy that definitely (helped) in my game and brought me along my way, so to be reunited is just a blessing.” He went on by saying,”There aren’t many voices that are going to talk over ‘Trel. He is the guy that is going to do the talking and I just come in and lead by example.”
Credit: BOBBY O’HARA/PureSportsNY
DRC was drafted by Arizona in 2008 where he played three years with the Cardinals, two was alongside now Giants teammate Antrel Rolle. He was at his best with the team that drafted him and rose to expectations tallying 48 starts in 3 seasons and racking up 13 interceptions along the way. He even helped his team reach the Super Bowl where they eventually lost a heartbreaker to the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first NFL season.
Rolle left in 2010 to join the Giants while Cromartie played his last season as a Cardinal. He was trade to Philadelphia that following season where never really was given a chance to find a fit on their so called “Dream Team” which never really turned out like many expected. Rodgers-Cromartie then was on his way to being his old self with the Denver Broncos during a year they reached the Super Bowl, but were defeated in an embarrassing loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Now the two join forces again and the Giants hope the duo can lead them to the Super Bowl once again.
“There is a lot of love over here. This is a true organization that cares about their players and is very family-oriented. Guys accept guys.”
One key that Rodgers-Cromartie did say needs to improve is communication between the defensive backs and when asked about how long it would take to get better he responded by saying, “I would say when you have a whole bunch of older guys [it can happen quickly] because these are guys that have been around the league and understand the game, but when you are young, it takes time. I could say that with Walt coming over, me, ‘Trel and already having Prince and Stevie. All of those guys still being here has made it [a smooth transition] because we understand their game plan and have adapted to the Giants way.”
The Giants way is winning and the only way to win is to continue to improve. And that is exactly what they are doing.
Bobby O’Hara:PureSportsNY