Damon Harrison reveals thoughts on likely change in Giants ‘D’
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The Giants have a new defensive coordinator, James Bettcher, who held that same position with the Cardinals. So, it stands to reason, the Giants will run a similar or near-identical scheme to the one Bettcher used in Arizona.
Asked Friday during an appearance at the Mall of America what he knew about the Cardinals defense, the Giants’ Damon Harrison said, “I know absolutely nothing.”
Bettcher’s arrival could have a direct effect on Harrison, as the Cardinals used a three-man defensive line, with a traditional nose tackle. That is the job Harrison had his first four NFL seasons with the Jets. With the Giants the past two years, Harrison was part of a four-man defensive line, solidifying his reputation as perhaps the best run-stopping defensive tackle in the league.
“If that’s what we have to do, that’s what we have to do,’’ Harrison said of a possible switch to a 3-4 defensive front. “I just don’t have enough information to really talk about those guys. I’ve done it my whole career. It wouldn’t be a problem. I just have to watch some film. I don’t know anything. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do it.”
Harrison has yet to speak with new head coach Pat Shurmur, but has had a conversation with Dave Gettleman, the new general manager.
“I think he will get us back on the right track,’’ Harrison said. “I like the way he thinks and his vision.’’
Gettleman has vowed to prioritize improving the offensive and defensive lines, saying “Big men help you compete.’’
Harrison, the biggest of all the Giants, liked the sound of that.
“So hopefully I’ll still be around,’’ he said.
The Eagles almost made it through the week without supplying any motivational fodder to the Patriots. Almost. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, asked what the Eagles would do “if’’ they win the Super Bowl, answered, “There ain’t no ‘if,’ man. When we win on Sunday, ain’t no telling what we’re going to do. But it’s probably going to celebrate, have some fun.’’
Jeffery also was of no mind to pay homage to the Patriots’ mystique or past success.
“Man, I don’t give a damn about all that,’’ he said. “That’s in the past. We’re in the present. It’s 2018. It’s a new year.’’
Eagles DT Timmy Jernigan was a full participant in Friday’s practice after missing the previous two days with an illness. The Eagles are remarkably healthy, as RB Jay Ajayi (ankle), CB Ronald Darby (illness), DT Fletcher Cox (calf) and LB Dannell Ellerbe (hamstring) all did everything asked of them in practice.
Coach Doug Pederson said he believes his team is ready.
“I’ve been around these guys all year and I can tell by the way they practice — the speed, the tempo, assignment sound, the energy level,’’ Pederson said. “Things like that lead me to believe because I’ve seen it all season,” he said. “Now, that doesn’t tell you how they’re going to play. But it just tells you that they’re prepared and ready to go into this game.”
Pederson had a private moment with the Eagles at the end of practice. His message?
“Play loose, have fun, enjoy the moment,” he said. “These opportunities, as you know, don’t come around every year. Also, make sure just to reflect on this season, reflect on the journey that got us here. But just play for one another, have fun and enjoy it.”