Giants coach ‘wouldn’t call’ not starting Eli Apple a benching

If it looks like a benching and sounds like a benching, is it a benching?

No, according to Steve Spagnuolo.

Cornerback Eli Apple was pulled from the starting lineup against the Chargers and remained on the sideline for the first three defensive series. He was replaced in the lineup by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, with Ross Cockrell coming off the bench to play the slot corner role vacated by Rodgers-Cromartie. After the loss Apple said he was not happy he was benched.

Or was he?

“Yeah, I wouldn’t call it a benching,’’ said Spagnuolo, the Giants’ defensive coordinator. “That was more of a compliment to Ross and what he’s been doing out here. Ross has been out here working, we see it and we…