New York Giants safety Dane Belton was thrust into unexpected action against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17 after Jason Pinnock left the game with an injury.
Belton responded with three takeaways — two interceptions of Matthew Stafford and a recovered fumble. It should have been enough to secure a Giants victory, but self-inflicted wounds ultimately led to their doom.
Retired offensive lineman and current NFL analyst, Brian Baldinger, broke down the film and honed in on Belton specifically. What he saw impressed him — and the most impressive thing he witnessed had nothing to do with Belton’s takeaways.
.@Giants @dbelton_ ALL backups are just ONE play away from being a starter…Belton kept the G-Men in this one til the very end. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/GqRP5M64Ar
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) January 1, 2024
“Backups are just one play away from being a starter,” Baldinger said. “Dane Belton was a defensive star (for) the Giants. The backup who stepped up, who was all over the field all day.”
Giants head coach Brian Daboll, like Baldinger, was impressed with the takeaways but appreciated Belton’s effort above all else.
“I know he had the turnovers, but the one play that I was really impressed with is the play that they broke out for the long gain on the hitch route and his chase, to run down there and to finish, he showed some good long speed. Again, running to the ball when you think a guy might score, I just thought the effort he had on that play was indicative of what the young man is about,” Daboll said.
It was a relatively quiet season for Belton but he seems intent on going out on a high note.
