Interesting Camp Battle #1: Safety

So, I don't have the greatest access to the internet right now which is the reason I haven't been keeping up with this blog. I don't know how often I will post but I will try to get you one article a week if I can.


The Players:

James Butler: Butler was the Giants starter at SS last year, but was considered by many, including myself, to be the worst starter on the Giants defense in 2007. Supposedly Steve Spagnuolo loves Butler's intelligence but I didn't see that as his problem last year. He seems to know where he needs to be most of the time, but he usually either isn't there or mis-times his hits. Everyone keeps pointing out that he was the leading tackler in the Superbowl. But half of his tackles fell into his lap. In my opinion, Butler will be one of the better backup safeties in the NFL nothing more.

Michael Johnson: Johnson had a pretty great rookie season. He is extremely aggressive, and he has better playing speed than Butler. Johnson actually stole snaps away from Butler at the end of the year when both were healthy as a situational player. Johnson has a potentially bright future in the NFL but needs to build on his strong rookie season.

Sammy Knight: Knight was picked up in free agency this off-season and provides excellent run support and decent coverage as long as he isn't matched up on elite players. He had an up and down season lasy year with the Jags, but I think he is a much better fit for the Giants defense.

Kenny Phillips: Our first round draft choice this year has gotten good reviews from his early practices. He comes from Miami where many great safeties went to school. Phillips has the athleticism to be an elite safety in the NFL but he needs to get the defensive plays down if he wants to play this year.

Opening Day Starters:

I think Sammy Knight's veteran presence will almost guaruntee him a starting job. I also think his run support will help fans forget about the losses of Michael Strahan and Gibril Wilson. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Kenny Phillips wins the other spot. From everything I've heard, Phillips is doing great and the coaching staff loves him. It will really come down to his comfort level and whether he is making the right reads. If he can do that, I don't think anyone will be able to beat him for the second safety spot.


Down the Line:

I think Michael Johnson has tremendous potential and will get some situational playing time again this year. Not to mention he should get plenty of special teams reps. If he continues to show what he showed last year I think he will be able to win a starting job next year. Sammy Knight is nearing the end of his career and may even retire after this season. Butler will probably remain a backup for the rest of his duration with the Giants unless he can really turn it on this year in camp or Phillips fails to get comfortable in our defense. But in the end, I think Kenny Phillips and Michael Johnson will lock down the safety spots for the next 4-5 years starting next year.