Giants rookie duo not backing down from any Giants challenge

A tired Saquon Barkley had just finished trash-talking Giants safety Tyler Nubin when he slid onto the Eagles bench and turned to a teammate. 

“I love No. 31,” Barkley said, referencing Nubin in a sideline conversation that was captured on a mic’d up video. “He’s going to be a good safety. He’s a rookie — him and No. 22 [Dru Phillips]. They’re going to be solid, bro.” 

General manager Joe Schoen and Barkley never saw eye-to-eye on contract terms — that’s how the Giants’ best playmaker and four-time cocaptain wound up signing with the Eagles after six years on the other side of a rivalry — but Barkley put his stamp of approval on two players Schoen drafted about six weeks losing his franchise’s biggest star in free agency. 

In what looks like another lost season for the Giants, the development of the second-round pick Nubin and the third-round pick Phillips is one of a few things that could keep fans engaged.

The Giants might have in place 40 percent of their starting secondary through 2027. 

“It’s really a cool thing to hear from a guy like [Barkley], coming through this organization where you hear so much about him,” Phillips told The Post. “After the game, we talked and I was like, ‘I got respect from Saquon. I must be doing something right.’ As a rookie, I go out, do my work and try to earn respect.” 

Barkley ran for 176 yards against the Giants, but his one touchdown could’ve been three if the Eagles didn’t turn to their near-automatic quarterback sneak for two 1-yard scores.

When Barkley was celebrating a successful Tush Push, Nubin reminded Barkley that the Eagles didn’t give the ball to him — to which Barkley replied that Nubin was “just a rookie” and had just missed an open-field tackle. 

Add in some foul language where expected. 

“Saquon is definitely a guy I respect, and I’ve been watching since I was coming out of high school,” Nubin told The Post. “I was thinking, ‘Dang, I have to tackle him after seeing him in the league.’ That’s a cool moment that means a lot, especially from a vet who knows what goes into it.” 

It’s easy to group the cerebral safety Nubin and the high-energy slot cornerback Phillips together as rookie defensive backs playing big roles. The similarities end there. 

“We’re different but both form what the other doesn’t have,” Phillips said. “He’s a lot more IQ and knows everything, and I’m instincts and go play ball. When you put it together, it’s a good tandem.” 

Nubin leads the Giants in defensive snaps (425) after linebacker Bobby Okereke’s two-year streak of 1,546 consecutive ended.

Phillips is allowing a NFL-cornerback-best 4.2 yards per reception and only has surrendered two first downs on 11 completions as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie corner. 

“We’re definitely helping each other in the classroom and film room,” Nubin said. “Our games are totally different, but we’ve learned a lot from each other and I can’t wait to keep going with him.” 

Steelers defensive-minded head coach Mike Tomlin — whose team will face the Giants on Monday — said Nubin “was highly thought of in the draft.” He added that he “liked [Phillips] a lot” in scouting the draft class. 

The duo “certainly has our attention,” Tomlin said. 

Phillips has six tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble — showing good run support — before his first pass defended. 

“My stat book looks like I’m a linebacker,” Phillips quipped. “But it’s a good thing. I know I’ve been sticky in coverage, so I’m not getting targets. But it’s going to come, and these coaches keep you humble. There’s always something I can work on to get better.” 

The Giants see Nubin, who has notched 48 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, as future captain material.

And not backing down from Barkley with many future matchups ahead. 

“Treating it like straight business,” Nubin said of his rookie approach. “I’m a talker on the field and I usually find the guys that want to talk back. It gets me into my game, and I’m trying to throw off the other team.” 

The Giants will take any advantage they can get. 

“We understand what we are and what we can be,” Phillips said. “Each week, we’re pushing. It might not be the biggest jump, but we’re trying to help this team win.”