No Jackrabbit?
No problem.
Two days after Janoris “Jackrabbit’’ Jenkins, the Giants top cornerback, was released after his offensive Twitter comment and subsequent fallout from his non-apology for using an insensitive word, Jenkins wasn’t physically at MetLife Stadium on Sunday for the Giants 36-20 win over the Dolphins.
But he was there in spirit.
According to Sam Beal, who made his first career start in place of the jettisoned Jenkins, his former teammate and mentor was living inside of him during the game.
“Literally, when I was out there I could hear Rabbit in my head,’’ the second-year cornerback told The Post after the game. “I was literally hearing his voice talking to me. It’s dope. I could hear Rabbit saying, ‘The ball’s on the near hash, get outside; it’s third down, get back; it’s fourth down, press that.’
“It was all the little [things] I could hear him telling me to do, because I used to be lacking in them. When I first got here, I was just out there playing.’’
On Sunday, Beal, who missed the first 26 games of his NFL career (all of last season with a shoulder injury and the first 10 games of this season with a hamstring injury), was a difference-maker.
He led the team with 11 tackles, a pass breakup and — his best play of the game — a safety in the third quarter when he took down Dolphins running back Patrick Laird with a tackle in the end zone.
That turned a 14-13 Giants lead into 16-13 and, with the ensuing possession following the Miami free kick, it quickly went to 23-13, and Giants had control of the game.
“All that [stuff] Rabbit instilled in me, all that knowledge he gave to me, I’m carrying it on,’’ Beal said. “It felt good to help the team. I wanted to show them they can count on me. This was a long-time coming.’’
Miami veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick targeted Beal early in the game, and Beal never flinched.
“He stood tall and held his own,’’ safety Michael Thomas. “There were times, especially in the first half when [the Dolphins] looked like they were coming after him, and he started standing his two feet and making plays, either taking or getting a few PBUs [pass break-ups] and some third- and fourth-down stops.’’
Beal’s career-best performance headlined what was a strong day for the Giants young secondary. Rookie cornerback DeAndre Baker, who struggled early in the season, had two pass breakups and six tackles. Rookie safety Julian Love was aggressive, with five tackles, two for losses, a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup.
“This is what the future is going to look like for the Giants, so it was great to see those guys play well together, communicate together and make some plays,’’ Thomas said.
“We’re going to be good,’’ Beal promised. “I’m excited. I’ve only played four games. Give me a whole year, man, and you’ll see a different Sam Beal. Give this whole defense another year to play with each other and the Giants will have something to look forward to for the next few years.’’