EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- With veteran cornerback Leon Hall inside the team facility on Monday as he navigates the NFL’s concussion protocol, the New York Giants' first-team defense had an interesting look Monday on the first play of team drills. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had his nickel defense on the field, with three cornerbacks and two linebackers to better protect against the passing games.
It’s a formation that has become common in the NFL, with 63.4 percent of the defensive snaps last season having at least five defensive backs on the field, according to Pro Football Focus.