Late last season, while gearing up for a game against the Giants, Lions Pro Bowl receiver Calvin Johnson did not know Prince Amukamara’s name. On Thursday, speaking of the Giants’ cornerbacks, Johnson mentioned Amukamara by using his first name.
“I took that as a compliment,’’ Amukamara said, smiling. “It shows I’m progressing.’’
In that 23-20 overtime Giants victory last season, Amukamara shadowed Johnson, who clearly was hobbled by a bad knee. In Monday night’s season opener, the Giants can use Amukamara or prize addition Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie — or both — on the towering Megatron.
“Same thing you see every year from him,’’ Rodgers-Cromartie said. “A bigger guy with a bigger body, but difference is, he has the speed to beat you down the field, and big hands to go up and get the ball. A guy like that, you have to play physical with. You have to get up there and put your hands on him and try to disrupt him as much as you can.’’
Rodgers–Cromartie said “Yes, no question’’ when asked if Johnson is the best receiver in the league.
Johnson called the Giants secondary “a mixed group’’ and broke down the starting cornerbacks.
“Both of them have pretty good ball skills,’’ he said. “Cromartie is a very shifty guy, very long guy. Prince likes to get his hands on you, it seems like early in the play.’’
Guard Brandon Mosley (back) returned to practice and was listed as a limited participant. He said he did “a good bit, actually’’ and that his back feels fine. He had been the starting right guard before back spasms arose. John Jerry, a former starter with the Dolphins, took Mosley’s place and filled in well, and likely will remain in the starting lineup for the season opener.
“We’ll see, whatever happens happens,’’ Mosley said. “If I do [start] then I’ll be prepared and if I don’t, I’ll be prepared to be a backup.’’
Newly signed Adam Snyder, entering his 10th NFL season — eight with the 49ers — is a natural guard but will work at multiple spots on the line. Despite arriving late this week, Snyder could be activated for the first game.
“Sure, why not? He’s a veteran,’’ coach Tom Coughlin said. When reminded Snyder has to learn all the plays, Coughlin said, “Learn the plays.’’
Snyder said that won’t be a problem, because playing in eight different offenses in his career made him a quick-study.
“It’s a little bit nerve-wracking, but I’m up for the challenge,’’ said Snyder, who has played in 137 NFL games. “The guys that are here know the offense and I’m picking their brain trying to get as much information as possible. I’d like to show them what I can do.’’
Not practicing: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring), OL James Brewer (back) and DT Markus Kuhn (ankle). Beckham did some jogging around the side field.. … LB Jon Beason (foot) and OL Charles Brown (shoulder) were limited.