G-Men, Fins similarities no accident

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Two teams and two defenses built along similar lines.

Actually, three teams and three defenses built along similar lines.

The Giants invested heavily in their defensive backfield this season, spending $21 million on cornerbacks (eighth-highest total in the NFL) and $14.8 million on safeties (seventh-highest). No team has spent more on cornerbacks ($34 million) this season than the Dolphins, and the $13.2 million they spent on safeties is the ninth-highest total in the league.

Given that Joe Judge and Dolphins coach Brian Flores both worked for Bill Belichick in New England, it comes as no surprise that the Patriots this season are in the top-10 in spending for their cornerbacks and safeties.

On Sunday, the Giants and Dolphins will go at each other built back-to-front on defense.

“That doesn’t happen by accident,’’ Judge said. “Ultimately, it’s a passing league and there are different ways of affecting the quarterback. When you look at the structure of the defense, it’s no secret Miami, New England as well, and us, we play a lot of sub defense, so a lot of nickel, dime and things of that nature and that’s a heavy matchup defense in a lot of ways.

“That just kind of ties into the philosophy and the construction of the team as a whole. Good safeties, good corners — in this league, can’t have too many of them.’’

This week, the Giants will be shorthanded at cornerback, with Adoree’ Jackson (quad) out and Darnay Holmes (ribs) on injured reserve. Defense in the slot could be a problem versus rookie receiver Jaylen Waddle, who leads the Dolphins 77 receptions for 759 yards and four touchdowns. Safety Julian Love will likely have to move inside to deal with Waddle.

➤ DB Steven Parker was signed from the practice squad and WR Pharoh Cooper and DB Jarren Williams were activated from the practice squad.

➤ The Giants have 17 players on injured reserve, including two starters on defense (Blake Martinez and Jabrill Peppers) and two starting offensive linemen (Nick Gates and Shane Lemieux). Their offensive skill players have never all been on the field together because of a variety of ailments across the board. Receivers Sterling Shepard and Kadarius Toney are out again There is no doubt the Giants this season are once again in injury hell and they cannot figure out why.

“That’s a great question,’’ Saquon Barkley said. “It’s kind of just bad luck, to be completely honest. We work hard. I don’t think we’re overworked. We have a great, great training staff. We have a great strength staff and it’s not like that everywhere, so we’re very fortunate. We have a lot of players here who put their head down and they work hard. A lot of the injuries are just unfortunate. You see some stuff where they’re just freak accidents. I had one this year for example.’’

Barkley has missed five games this season with a sprained ankle.

➤ What comes next for the Giants is their longest road trip of the season. Judge will keep his team on the road after the game Sunday. The Giants will practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Tucson, Ariz., at the University of Arizona before flying to Los Angeles for the Dec. 12 game against the Chargers.