New York Giants Studs and Duds vs. Dallas Cowboys Week 1
Brandon Meriweather: Stud
Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Devin Street (15) fumbles the ball after a reception against New York Giants safety Brandon Meriweather (22) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
About a month ago, Meriweather was sitting on his couch at home, hoping that his NFL career was not over. Meriweather has a reputation in the league as a dirty player, racking up a number of fines and suspensions for illegal hits. He was a last ditch effort by the Giants to get some sort of veteran presence at safety, as they were short on both bodies and experience.
Injuries ravaged the Giants’ safeties, as four were lost for the season during training camp and preseason games, including expected starter Nat Berhe. Because of that, Meriweather was thrust into a starting role alongside rookie second round pick Landon Collins. Well, the Giants were happy Meriweather was out there, as he was the least of their problems defensively.
Meriweather was a presence in the middle of the field, as he brought a toughness to the last line of the Giants defense that is never bad to have. He made a jarring hit on Devin Street in the fourth quarter that caused the ball to pop up and into the arms of Trumaine McBride. It set the Giants up with a golden opportunity, as they scored a touchdown on the subsequent drive to go up 10.
Meriweather looked strong doesn’t look like he missed a beat despite only joining the team about four weeks ago. He also added four tackles and one pass deflection, and should continue seeing a starting role going forward. Meriweather, combined with Collins, can really lay the lumber from the safety position and should bring some stability to a position that the Giants haven’t had any at this summer.
Also encouraging, Meriweather was able to make an impact without committing penalties. He said that he won’t change the way he plays, but it is encouraging to see him clean up the hits and tackles he makes so that he does not cost the Giants valuable yardage.
Next: Overwhelmed Rookie