Head coach Tom Coughlin today confirmed that the team is going to start Aaron Rouse over CC Brown on Sunday against San Diego.
“We are going to start Aaron Rouse, yes,” Coughlin said. “We are just going to try to maneuver around a little bit and defend the deep ball better – that’s all.
Rouse was claimed off waivers from the Green Bay Packers on September 24. While he’s had his share of problems in the Giants’ sub packages, the Giants are hoping that a change will put an end to some of the communication problems that have popped up on defense in recent weeks.
“He has done okay,” Coughlin said about Rouse’s performance thus far with the Giants. “He is still trying to fully understand what is expected and what the new language is – the new language of our defense and what his responsibilities are. But I see a tall, fast athlete that can certainly contribute.”
While Rouse is glad for the promotion, he said he’s always prepared himself as though he were going to start, so the news wasn’t too much of a shock to him. “It is something that I pride myself on, practicing hard. When coach finalized it, it wasn’t a big deal. I make sure that’s how I practice and carry it over to the game.”
One of Rouse’s goals this weekend and moving forward will be to not give up the big play. “Play solid football and get back to the things we were doing weeks one through five,” he said of his objectives. “Playing the ball well, running to the ball and making sure that we don’t give up big plays.
Rouse, who has three tackles this season for the Giants (all solo), admitted that it’s been a challenge learning a new defense, but credited his fellow defensive backs and position coach David Merritt for giving him support during the transition. “You go from three different coordinators in three years it is going to be different,” he said. “When you have teammates out there that constantly talk to you and make sure that you are on the same page, it works out well. I completely feel up to speed. If I wasn’t, I don’t think the coaches would make me a starter.”
Brown, who has started for Kenny Phillips since Week 3 of the season, has struggled with exec cutting his assignments. At least once per game during the Giants three-game losing streak, Brown has been beaten for a big gain.
Brown’s transgressions have included a 36-yard touchdown catch and run by New Orleans receiver Robert Meachem. In last week’s loss against Philadelphia, Brown admitted that he missed an audible call by defensive leader Antonio Pierce resulting in him giving up a 54-yard touchdown to DeSean Jackson.
Brown has 48 tackles (39 solo), two passes defensed, and one forced fumble. He is expected to continue seeing time in the Giant’s sub packages.
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In addition to the lineup change at safety, don’t be surprised to see LB Michael Boley, who had knee surgery a couple of days after the Kansas City game, back on the field this Sunday.
Boley, who is listed as questionable on the Giants injury report, said today that his knee is still not 100 percent. Still, he has been able to increase his practice workload gradually and has moved around without any noticeable signs of a limp or without any problems.
Boley has done individual drills with the first team linebackers in the parts of practice open to the media, and has taken about 50% of the snaps during the team part of practice.
The thought is that if Boley is able to play on Sunday, he could get the start at weak side linebacker over chase Blackburn on Sunday, but Coughlin wasn’t quite ready to commit to that.
“We’ll see,” said Coughlin. “It wouldn’t necessarily have to be that way, but we’ll see.”
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DT Chris Canty is another of the walking wounded expected to be back in the lineup sooner than later. Canty, listed as questionable, has reported no problems the day after practice and would be a welcomed addition to the Giants defensive line rotation that has been unable to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
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Rounding out the rest of the Giants’ injury report, CB Aaron Ross (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday. Ross has been targeting a return to action for the game against Atlanta in two weeks.
QB Eli Manning (foot), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot/ankle), TE Kevin Boss (ankle), WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) and WR Sinorice Moss (foot) are all listed as probable for Sunday.
