James Bradberry looks to build team chemistry in 2021

The 2020 season was a breakout year for New York Giants CB James Bradberry. He had a career year in his first season in New York (after spending his first four with the Panthers) only allowing 44 receptions, while posting a 79.9 PFF coverage grade and snagging three interceptions on his way to his first career Pro Bowl. Now in his second season in New York, Bradberry has high hopes for a Giants secondary that has been revamped with a strong infusion of leadership and talent.

The most noteworthy difference between last season and the upcoming one is the addition of free agent cornerback Adoree’ Jackson from the Titans. With the Giants having had a revolving door at the CB2 spot opposite Bradberry, Jackson will look to bring stability to help the Giants defense shut opponents passing game’s down. And Bradberry had nothing but positive things to say of his new teammate when he spoke to reporters on Thursday.

“With the addition of Adoree’ (Jackson), I like the feel that he brings to the secondary. Right now we are trying to get our chemistry down and get the communication down. But I think we are going to be pretty solid. He’s a great athlete and he’s also smart as well.”

As for what aspect of Jackson’s game he was most excited about, Bradberry highlighted his speed and ability to match up with “the Tyreek Hills of the world” and the versatility the defense would have. Bradberry also explained his vision for how Jackson’s versatility would be used.

“Definitely when we’re playing those big guys, I would definitely like to match up with a physical guy on physical guy and fast guy on fast guy.”

But the role of figuring out how to use guys to get the most out of the defense is DC Patrick Graham. Like Adoree’, Bradberry heaped praises onto his coordinator going into their second season together:

“I think he did a great job last year. He put me in position to make plays when I’m on the field so I’m looking forward to being under his wing for another year and just continue to learn from him and also put him in a better position to make more plays.”

Bradberry also had kind words to say about Head Coach Joe Judge:

“Honestly Coach Joe is going to be Coach Joe. He’s the same as he was last year. He has high expectations for us. He’s going to push us to our limits. He’s going to push us hard. Practice is going to be tough. Meetings are going to be informative. He’s going to make sure that we get all the information that we need to make plays and he’s the same coach as last year.”

Another big difference between 2020 and 2021 is the OTAs that did not happen last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bradberry, in his first OTAs as a Giant, expressed his desire to use this time to “get those reps together [and] build that chemistry” as a secondary unit.

And with a lot riding of the upcoming season riding on individuals getting vaccinated, Bradberry took the time to offer his thoughts on the vaccine. He called it “a personal decision” that he is still gathering information on.

But with a rapidly improving secondary, Bradberry and Co will look help bolster a Top 10 defense from a year ago go even further in 2021.