The New York Giants defense ranked a lowly 31st in the league in terms of passing yards surrendered per game in 2017. That was no thanks to an offense that could barely stay on the field.
Still, the New York Giants defense was a shell of its dominate 2016 self with players like Janoris Jenkins and Landon Collins taking steps back. Cornerback Eli Apple suffered a sophomore slump last year that made fans question whether he’d be around for 2018.
GM Dave Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur made it clear that they aren’t giving up on the team’s former 10th-overall pick. Apple may have gotten into it with coaches and teammates last season while struggling on and off the field, but New York has a whole new regime this year.
Pat Shurmur on Eli Apple: "I’m sure glad I truly believe in a clean slate. He’s been nothing but professional, he’s been out here competing, he’s been one of the guys that’s been here almost every single day. I haven’t seen anything that somebody might have thought I heard.''
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) May 21, 2018
The Giants’ decision to release veteran Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie during free agency and withhold from drafting a rookie corner in April proves that the team has faith in the former Buckeye. Apple will have to improve his play on the field and his attitude off of it while learning new defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s scheme in the process.
All eyes are on No. 24 to have a bounce-back year. With the G-Men all-in on Apple, he has to prove that he is worth the investment. The season depends on it.
Overcoming 2017’s Woes
When Gettleman arrived in New York, one of the first things he did was reconstruct a 3-13 roster. It was out with the old, in with the new and not many players were safe. Those players who contributed to the negative energy and poisoned the locker room last year were all but gone.
If Apple did not have at least two more years on his rookie contract, he likely would have been sent packing as well. His one-game suspension in December for patterns of conduct detrimental to the team led to All-Pro safety Landon Collins labeling the embattled corner “a cancer.”
Coaches and teammates consistently called out Apple’s behavior last season. Things got worse when he was caught tweeting mid-game during the New York Giants’ 30-10 blowout loss in Week 14 to the rival Dallas Cowboys.
So in less than a year, how is Apple ready to become a leader? Teammates have forgiven him and believe his maturity has grown this offseason.
Janoris Jenkins: I think Eli Apple has matured as a young guy, there are going to be people who love you, or hate you. I don’t think he’ll get caught up in that this year. #Giants
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) June 13, 2018
Will personality alone make up for Apple’s inconsistent play? Not by itself, but an attitude adjustment is a step in the right direction.
New York Giants
Apple is no longer his own worst enemy. He can now focus on getting better as a football player without unnecessary distractions. Critics have bombarded him with questions on his character this offseason, and in my opinion, he has set them to rest thus far.
A Clean Slate for 2018
Per ESPN New York Giants insider Jordan Raanan, Apple has been beginning to show signs that he is who the G-Men thought he was when they selected him high in 2016. He has been piling up solid OTA practices with the first-team defense while doing a great job defending receivers like Sterling Shepard and Cody Latimer regularly.
With minimal corner depth, Apple will have plenty of training camp reps come July.
Speaking of depth, veteran defensive back William Gay should help Apple as he works to grow into a leader for the defense. According to New York Post’s Steve Serby, Gay has recently praised the young man as the team was concluding their OTA program at the beginning of June.
"“I’m ready to help him any type of way that I can, because I want to be in his speech when he becomes a Hall of Famer, and say, ‘I had an old guy William Gay that helped me a little bit.’ I’m gonna give him everything I can, but from the looks of it, he’s ready to go. And I just love his enthusiasm every day on the practice field.”"
Had Giants fans predicted in December that this would be the narrative surrounding Apple right now, they would have never believed it.
Next: All Eyes On Davis Webb This Preseason
All the talk is great but means nothing if Apple can’t deliver. He needs to take 2018 one step at a time. With OTAs in the rearview and training camp ahead, Apple has no excuse not to deliver for a New York Giants team that invested so highly in him.
This year is make or break time for Apple in the Big Apple.