Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie believes inexperienced safeties are ready

Much has been said this offseason about the New York Giants inexperienced safety group even before all the injuries struck. With promising safeties such as Nat Berhe, Bennett Jackson and Mykkele Thompson out for the season, the Giants have to be somewhat worried. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, though, believes the survivors at safety are ready for the Dallas Cowboys.

"Anytime you can make a play as a young guy early, it sort of builds your confidence up. But I definitely think the guys are ready," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "We definitely put in the work. We have spent the extra time studying, understanding the playbook. I’m just anxious to get out there."

Even though Cromartie has started more games than anyone in the secondary, he must still defer to the calls of the safeties. Wouldn't it be worrisome to place that role on such a young group?

"Somewhat, because in this defense, a lot is put on the safeties. They have to make the call, the adjustments, lining people up and still play," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "That’s kind of hard, but for the most part, guys have been picking it up and we’ve just been rolling."

These inexperienced safeties will be thrown to the fire immediately, playing in a prime time game in the biggest and brightest stage in the NFL at AT&T Stadium.

"It’s kind of hard going into Dallas," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "You got the amazing stadium and things of that nature, so you’re eyes just kind of -- you’ve just got to tell them to zone in and focus and understand we’re there for a job and do what’s asked of us."

One safety who has caught the eye of Cromartie is second-round pick Landon Collins. Collins was expected to start at one of these safety spots ever since draft night. Those sort of expectations can be daunting for a lot of rookies but Collins has been impressive for Cromartie.

"I really like him. He’s a competitive guy, tough guy. He flies around, he can definitely get hands to hands. He’s picking up the defense, he’s making the call, they’re starting to use him a lot more as far as him being vocal, so he’s been picking it up. Definitely impressed with him," Rodgers-Cromartie said. "He's got no choice. He's kinda really got to be up to it. I think he is just watching him and going through practice. You got to get the first game under your belt to truly understand it and feel it and go from there."