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Giants Now: Logan Ryan 'grateful' to be a Giant

Jul 22, 2021 at 06:00 AM

Matt Citak

Digital Media Coordinator

Logan Ryan 'grateful' to be a Giant

Logan Ryan was a late addition to the 2020 Giants, joining the team just before the start of the regular season. However, it was clear that it did not take long for Ryan to emerge as one of the leaders on Big Blue's defense.

The veteran defensive back appeared on NFL Network's 'Good Morning Football' this week to discuss why he decided to sign with the Giants after waiting all summer to join a team.

"The Giants were the perfect opportunity for me because honestly, it comes down from the top," Ryan said. "The organization itself and Joe Judge. We just had an honest conversation, a candid conversation, and he gave me the opportunity to come in and be myself. I believe he believed in me and he gave me an opportunity to lead. I think the guys said I was here one week and I started breaking the team down in team speeches before the games and practices and stuff like that.

"He allowed me to put my imprint on this young team, and really allowed me to shine and show my work ethic. I just tried to come in with that 'first one in, last one out' mentality, and really tried to earn my stripes on this team. It all worked out on both sides. I'm really grateful for those times last year, vying for a job, telling people what I can do. But all I really needed was the respect from one coach and that honesty. I'd run through a wall for that man."

The Giants' pass defense performed well last season, as its 22 passing touchdowns allowed were tied for the fifth-fewest in the NFL. Big Blue's D stepped up even more in the red zone though, as the unit surrendered touchdowns on just 30 of 59 (50.8 percent) trips inside the 20-yard line, the second-best mark in the league.

All key members of last year's secondary will be returning in 2021, while a couple of new faces have joined the group as well. One of the team's splashes in free agency was the addition of cornerback Adoree' Jackson, who is reunited with Ryan after the pair spent three seasons together with the Titans. The Giants also spent their third-round pick on cornerback Aaron Robinson, who will add yet another solid option in the secondary.

When asked about the talent in Big Blue's defensive backfield this season, Ryan did not shy away from expressing confidence in the group.

"We have a confident group. We have a talented group," Ryan said on NFL Network's morning show. "Obviously, that's why we're talking about this secondary. We're obviously talented on paper. We have a lot of guys who are comfortable being the guy. We have a lot of guys who are comfortable with the top matchups, who are comfortable taking on that role when need be. But honestly, to have expectations for the season and how it comes, it's going to come down to doing it together."

21 Questions: Benefits of holding joint practices

With the calendar flipped to July, Giants.com asks 21 important questions heading into the team's 2021 training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.

For 21 days, a member of the Giants.com crew will answer one question about the roster, coaching staff, schedule, and much more.

No. 16: The Giants are scheduled to hold joint practices with the Patriots and Browns ahead of their preseason games. What is the benefit of practicing against a different team?

John Schmeelk: After three or four weeks of training camp, it begins to get very repetitive practicing against the same people every day. The offense and defense start recognizing the schemes and tendencies of the players they are competing against. It's a good time to get new faces on the field to give a different flavor of schemes and players on both sides of the ball.

Joint practices also give a measure of comparison to give organizations an idea of how their talent matches up against other groups around the NFL. Let's say the Giants are practicing against the Browns, they will get to see how their young offensive tackles block Myles Garrett and Jadaveon Clowney. Those are invaluable opportunities that would not otherwise be available.

Getting more competitive reps during the week also makes it less necessary for teams to play their starters more snaps in full-contact preseason games. It can help veterans avoid injuries and give younger players more opportunities to prove themselves.

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