Kenny Phillips Confident He Can Play

The New York Giants and their fans got good news when S Kenny Phillips said on ESPN Radio that he will definitely be able to play on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. With their season on the line, the Giants need as many healthy bodies as possible. That definitely was not the case this past Sunday.

The Giants were missing Phillips, RB Ahmad Bradshaw and CB Prince Amukamara in Atlanta, and the Giants weren’t able to do much with those who filled in for the three. Phillips gives them a dynamic the Giants need in their defense. Phillips is good against the pass, so having him back there with S Stevie Brown makes the Giants better against the pass.

That gives S Antrel Rolle the ability to play the slot corner position or play closer to the line of scrimmage. The Giants went with this method once this season, and it resulted in a thrashing of the Green Bay Packers where one of the best quarterbacks in the game was completely rattled.

The Ravens’ offense has definitely struggled this year, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously. QB Joe Flacco is still able to connect with WR Torrey Smith on the deep ball, and CB Corey Webster has been beaten deep a lot this season. WR Anquan Boldin is a physical receiver so the Giants may have a hard time with him as well.

While the return of Phillips may be well, the Giants need Amukamara to return. He has been their best and most consistent corner this season with Webster giving up a lot of deep plays. Without Amukamara, Webster and rookie CB Jayron Hosley were both beaten for touchdowns.

The Giants control their own destiny at this point. Win the final two and you’re in. I hope those injured guys realize that and step up.