When you start to look down the Giants roster every now and then you start to filter out what’s their strong points and what’s their weak points. Who’s improving and who’s losing a bit of a grip? Well while I’m filtering through everyone and answering those questions in my head I always smile when I see a couple of talented players all making up the Giant’s secondary. Just looking at the talent and flexibility that this back line consists of has got to make any Giant fan smile and any Cowboys fan cringe.
Most would agree that they have a lot of big names in this secondary, but one name is receiving a little more praise lately. Newley acquired Walter Thurmond III was brought over to the Giants this offseason after winning the Super Bowl as part of the Legion of Boom with the Seattle Seahawks. The Big Blue hope he can fill in as a nickel corner and provide flexibility in the pass defense.
When asked if having a guy around as a pure nickel helps, Antrel Rolle said, “Yeah that’s great. Having Walter here is a huge plus and a huge asset for our defense. He’s a phenomenal player. Not just nickel back, but a player. You talk about special teams, you talk about just being a corner on the boundary and being a slot/nickel. He can do it all. More importantly, his intellect with the game.”
Another thing that many players have pointed out is Thurmond’s outstanding knowledge of the game.
“That’s something I learned about Walter. Within OTAs, his knowledge and intellect of the game was very, very high and is someone I can definitely relate to on and off the field,” said Antrel Rolle.
Dominique Rodger-Cromartie also talked about how much he can still learn from Thurmond.
“We can be real good with the leadership ability that we have and then especially with Walt [Thurmond III] coming over and being a true student of the game, and understanding that he is teaching us a lot as a group.”
Walter Thurmond impressed many in Seattle and is never shy when he is asked if he is the best nickel in the game. He should not only teach the team some new things, but also will provide an upbeat personality to keep the team in the game.
Antrel Rolle has been saying that the Giants needed that certain type of guy to come in and solidify the secondary. He was asked if Thurmond was that guy.
“Absolutely,” Rolle continued.” I think he’s a guy that wants to be the best. You go out there and ask him ‘Who’s the best nickel back in the game,’ he’s going to say himself. But if you ask him if he’s satisfied with being nickel he’s going to tell you by any means ‘no.’ That’s the kind of attitude we need and the kind of player we need on the field with us at all times.”
Bobby O’Hara:PureSportsNY