Arguably the best strength of the 2021 New York Giants was their experienced and versatile secondary. The 2020 Giants’ defense improved from 30th to ninth in opponent’s points against; many expected an improvement under new coordinator Patrick Graham, but the 2020 defensive surge inspired hope at the end of the 6-10 season where the Giants were conceivably one Doug Pederson decision away from somehow winning the NFC East. Perhaps that hope was injudicious.
Nevertheless, the Giants went all in on the 2021 season. One of the biggest - some, at the time, would argue only - liabilities on the 2020 defense was the second starting cornerback spot opposite Pro Bowl talent James Bradberry.