By Michael Stewart
Continuing with the New York Giants All-Time Team, we look at the secondary that historically isn’t known for producing All-Pro’s or Hall of Famers. However; a closer look indicates that the Giants had some very talented players in the secondary that many (including myself) may have overlooked or even forgotten. As always, my list will be debatable by many knowledgeable Giant fans who might have their own selections that differ from mine. Let’s take a look at my All-Time Giants secondary:
CB- Mark Haynes (1980-1985): Haynes is a first-round choice in 1980… Haynes was a 3-time Pro Bowler (82-84) and two-time first-team All-Pro (82 and 84). Although his career with the Giants was much shorter than most CB’s in Giants history; his impact was more evident and accomplishments as well.
B-Erich Barnes (1961-1964): Though Barnes was only a Giant for 4 seasons he helped lead a Giants team that appeared in 3 consecutive Championship Games. In only 4 seasons Barnes picked off 18 passes returning 3 of them for scores. He recovered 7 fumbles and scored on one of those as well. In all 4 of his seasons in blue Barnes was sent to the Pro-Bowl.
S-Jim Patton (1955-1966): Patton amassed 52 interceptions in 12 seasons with the Giants and made the Pro Bowl five times. He was part of six teams that made the NFL championship and a major piece to the 1956 championship team. Patton played alongside Emlen Tunnell, arguably giving the Giants the best safety combo in the league.
S-Emlen Tunnell (1948-1958): Emlen Tunnell (1948-1958): Emlen Tunnell was the greatest cornerback in New York Giants history, he is an all time great. Tunnell recored 79 interceptions over his career, 74 coming as a member of the Giants. In his 11 years with New York he never recorded less than 6 picks in one season. He appeared in 9 pro-bowls, was first team All-Pro 4 times, and led the league in interceptions 9 times. He won an NFL Championship in 1956 when the Giants defeated the Chicago Bears
Final Thoughts: Lots of notable candidates left off the list such as: Carl (Spider) Lockhart, Terry Kinard, Mark Collins, Corey Webster and Dick Lynch. During my research, I felt that the four candidates I’ve listed seemed to have had better production and contributions than all the other candidates. Next article: Special Teams