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Does Walter Thurmond have a significant role on the team?** -Jimmy
Dear Jimmy:
He certainly does. He is the nickel corner, the role filled primarily by Terrell Thomas last season. Thurmond will cover the opposing team's slot receiver. Because the NFL has become a passing league, the Giants will frequently employ schemes with three or even four corners. So Thurmond will be on the field often.
I'm excited about our defense, but worry about all the new signings. Do you think they will be able to gel or end up like the Eagles dream team?
-Anthony
Dear Anthony:
Well, that's certainly interesting, referencing the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles, who signed several high-profile players and were considered heavy favorites but failed to make the playoffs with an 8-8 record (in a season in which the Giants won the Super Bowl). I wouldn't compare that situation to what the Giants did in the offseason. The Giants targeted areas of need – offensive line and secondary, for example – while Philly seemed to go with big names. The new Giants seemed to work well together in the spring, so I think that will continue to be true when training camp begins next week.
Is there any update on Jon Beason's status, as well as Mario Manningham and John Jerry?
-Jeremy
Dear Jeremy:
Because the players have been away for a month, there's not much to add to what we had at the end of minicamp. Beason has been rehabbing his injured foot here and still hopes to play opening night in Detroit. But we're long way from determining if that's possible. Manningham and Jerry were both expected to be ready for the start of camp. The first practice is Tuesday, so we'll see then if they make it.
