Cor’Dale Flott helped seal the Giants biggest win of the season last Thursday against the Eagles, when he jumped a route for his first interception of the season.
It’s part of what’s been overall improved play from the third-year defensive back, who seems to have solidified a regular spot at cornerback after splitting time with Deonte Banks.
And Flott’s production, coupled with Banks’ continued struggles, have thrust Flott into a more important role.
First-year cornerbacks coach Jeff Burris said he has been impressed with Flott’s attitude and approach.
“His work ethic has been tremendous,” Burris said after practice at the team’s facility on Friday. “He had some ups and downs in training camp from a health standpoint, but he has a great understanding of the game for a guy who’s still learning.”
Flott attributes that to increased film work, saying he’s putting in extra time for study — which paid off against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles.
“It’s about understanding the game and slowing it down,” Flott said. “You have to understand the offense you’re going against to take your game to the next level.”
Flott’s been doing that this season and he has taken time away from former first-round pick Banks, who hasn’t been able to live up to expectations and has made too many mistakes to remain on the field consistently.
And with Flott emerging at corner, teams may have to pay more attention to him.
Brian Daboll called Flott “a pro” and noted the tough times he has had during his career.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do since he’s been here,” the head coach said. “He’s fought through some injuries [and] different situations. It’s not always been a linear path for him.”
Flott has made the Giants look smart to stick with him as they head into what’s now a key game at Denver on Sunday.
The stunning victory over Philadelphia, coupled with the emergence on the other side of the ball from Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo, has made people pay attention to the Giants again.
Flott has been a key part of that and said the interception and return were especially rewarding.
“That’s why I ran down the sideline smiling and laughing,” Flott said of the pick. “I knew it was going to come, and I knew when I made the play what it meant for us.”
Flott has played corner and nickel for the Giants, who like his versatility, but the interception even caught some of his teammates by surprise.
“It was like he was shot out of a cannon,” Tyler Nubin said. “I was blitzing and you don’t expect a pick there, when you’re pressuring like that. Maybe an errant pass. So when he got it, I didn’t know what to do. I almost forgot to block.”
But Nubin hasn’t been caught off guard by Flott’s improved play.
“He’s always been consistent in his work and his energy,” Nubin said. “He’s always brought the same amount of all that. But now, you’re seeing it in his play and that’s what allows him to make plays like that.”
“I really appreciate how he is as a person, but as a player, [he’s] competitive,” Daboll said. “He does everything we ask him to do. … He’s a fun guy to coach. You root for guys like that. It’s not always like this.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
