New York Giants rookie cornerback Dru Phillips, who had a bit of a rough time in games against the Steelers and Commanders, in which he recorded three missed tackles on just four stops and allowed 11 of the 11 target passes to be completed against him (including a touchdown), told reporters after the loss to Washington: “I have to grow up.”

The Giants’ third-round pick followed up on that statement by responding with one of his best games of the year against the Carolina Panthers last week in Munich, winning Pro Football Focus Rookie of the Week honors for matches played in week 10.

According to the popular analytics site, Phillips was the player for the Giants. top ranked player, not just on defense but throughout the team. He allowed six yards on five targets and 22 gritty snaps and made four defensive stops in the game.

Phillips, currently the Giants’ second-highest rated player behind defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (89.8), also knocked the ball down in the fourth quarter to create the defense’s only turnover.

Phillips has been particularly sharp in zone coverage (the primary coverage scheme deployed by Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen), where he posts a coverage grade of 90.7, the best of all Giants defenders on the cover.

According to league statistics, he is also sixth on the team in tackles (43), fourth in tackles for loss (6) and is tied for first (with linebacker Bobby Okereke) in forced fumbles ( 2).

Phillips was also solid in run defense, placing third on the team in this area, behind Lawrence and linebacker Micah McFadden.

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