Monday, September 14, 2009

Best Giants Defense Ever?

I know it is only one game into the season, but I have to ask the question. Might this be the best Giants defense ever? I think the answer is leaning towards yes. I am going to explain why below.

  • Defensive Line - Seven of the nine defensive linemen on the Giants active roster are starters. I don't believe there has ever been a team in NFL history with such depth. Yesterday Bill Sheridan was able to rotate guys in, in order to keep everyone fresh. You could tell as the game played on that the Redskins offensive line was getting worn down and taken advantage of. They also possess versatility because of guys like Justin Tuck and Christ Canty who can move between end and tackle.. There is no way to double team any one of the Giants lineman on the field. Whoever this defense plays, will be faced with a mismatch no matter what the situation might be, There is no defensive line like this and I don't know if there ever will be again. Not just in New York Giants history but even the NFL's history.
  • Linebackers - They are very underrated since they don't have any flashy or big name guys. But, what it comes down to is getting the job done. I believe seven of the eight linebackers on this roster could come in and start. The only linebacker I don't see being a starter would be Zak DeOssie. Antonio Pierce, Danny Clark, Michael Boley, Chase Blackburn, Bryan Kiehl, Jonathan Goff, and Clint Sintim can all come onto the field and make sure this defense doesn't miss a step. All of the guys I have named have come in and helped the Giants win games within the past couple of seasons except for Sintim since he is a rookie.
  • Cornerbacks - Corey Webster is one of the NFL's elite corners and he will continue to display his skills as the season goes on. Aaron Ross is a very good starter that is continuing to grow game by game. Terrell Thomas who was drafted in the second round over a year ago is continually showing that he can step in and start whenever the Giants need him to. Even when a player like Kevin Dockery may have to come in for a starter there isn't much of a drop off in production. After the effort rookie Bruce Johnson gave yesterday I'm convinced the Giants have gotten another steal at the corner position as an undrafted free agent.
  • Safeties - Kenny Phillips is a legit starter in the NFL and will only get better as he continues to adapt to the NFL in his second season. Michael Johnson is a young fiery safety that the Giants stole in the 2007 draft in the seventh round. C.C. Brown is a guy who can come in a take significant snaps at safety. He was once a starter in Houston and is a solid player.

What is your take on the Giants defense? Will it be the best in Giants history or NFL history?

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Giants Smother the Redskins 23-17

The New York Giants answered all the questions that they had been facing all off-season with their win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday afternoon. The Giants showed that their pass rush has truly gotten stronger and that the Steve Spagnuolo to Bill Sheridan transition has been a smooth one. The Giants offense answered by proving they can move the ball through the air. The Redskins loaded up forcing the Giants to throw and Eli was able to deliver to, Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham and Kevin Boss. Overall it was a very successful week for the New York Giants as they get a win in week 1. Here is my breakdown of the game...

Good

  • Giants receiving core - Steve Smith stood out as Eli's go to guy with 6 catches for 80 yards. Mario Manningham, Domenik Hixon and Kevin Boss all did a great job contributing. The one great thing about not having Burress and Toomer, is that it seems opponents don't know who Eli will throw to.
  • Pass Rush - It hasn't missed a beat and if anything looks even stronger then it has been in the past three seasons. Which is really scary for opposing teams.
  • Defensive Backs - They sure didn't look like they missed Dockery or Ross. Bruce Johnson played very well for an undrafted rookie. Webster is one of the top corners in this league. He showed it by shutting down Santana Moss with no help. Terrell Thomas, like I have said before can come in and start and do a great job. Overall the whole defense did great from the starters to the back ups.
  • Running Game - The Giants reached only 106 yards total rushing but they did break the 100 yard mark and came out and produced some key runs to propel the offense. Overall the Skins did all they could to contain the run game and dare Eli to pass. In the end Eli proved they could lean on the passing game.

Bad

  • Red Zone Offense - The run game struggled to capitalize on the short yardage downs and offense in general couldn't punch the ball in, in the red zone. The Giants probably left 14 points on the field by not being able to score in the red zone. This is something im most certain Tom Couhglin will address as the team goes to Dallas next Sunday night.

Ugly

  • Redskins Offense - Sorry, but all that money the Skin's wasted on defense was a true waste, because even if you can stop a team or stay in a game. Who is going to score the points and how? Portis, and Moss were shut down. And Campbell could not settle down and be comfortable with the Giants pass rush breathing down his neck.
  • Laron Landry - Looked like he was really trying to make up for last years beat down he took. He hit Jacobs out of bounds and then whiffed on Kevin Boss's 27 yard catch and run.
  • Albert Haynseworth - He is a big blob that can slow a running game down. But it is sad when your 100 million dollar investment is lying on the field from being out of shape.

Sound off in the comments section with your take...

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