The Giants failed to make the playoffs in 2012 and have a chance to defend their title. The team’s defense struggled to stop opponents in the air or on the ground late in the season in a couple of crucial games. Opponents pummeled the Giants on big plays and converted a lot on third down. Back-to-back 34-0 and 33-14 losses to the Falcons and Ravens in December sealed his fate.
The G-men have some adjustments to make on offense (add some youth to the offensive line and hope Hakeem Nicks returns healthy in 2013), but the point guard is ready to score plenty of points. David Wilson and Reuben Randle showed enough potential in their rookie seasons that the team’s coaches felt good about significantly increasing their production in 2013. However, the Giants’ defense had some leaks in 2012 and more will be needed. to right the ship.
The biggest surprise last season was how tame New York’s front four were in too many contests. Big Blue’s defense is anchored by its forward four. The announced line played a significant role in New York’s two recent championships. The Giants gave up an average of 14 points in the last six games (including playoffs) of the 2011 championship season. The constantly disruptive pass rush made Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady deadly quarterbacks. That didn’t happen nearly enough last season, especially down the stretch.
Justin Tuck faded out late in the year with another shoulder injury and at 30 he may be on the decline. His 4 sacks were the fewest he’s had since 2006. Tuck played in just 6 games that season, but he was clearly a talented young defensive end just beginning to figure out the pro game. The former Notre Dame star needs a big offseason to be in the best shape of his life. He may also need to become more of a third down player to stay fresh.
Osi Umenyiora will likely leave via free agency. The ten-year veteran had just 6 sacks, which was his fewest since 2006. Umenyiora is likely to find a team that will pay him to be an all-down player and not just a passing specialist like the Giants envision him to be. . New York’s most prized defensive force, Jason Pierre-Paul, also saw his production drop substantially in 2012. JPP is just entering his prime, but the combination of more blocking schemes designed to slow him down and time spent at defensive tackle due to injuries, he reduced his effectiveness.
A season of recovery for Pierre-Paul would hardly be surprising. However, fans shouldn’t be surprised if Jerry Reese spent the team’s first-round pick on a talented defensive end who can rush the passer in the 2013 NFL Draft. Reese never puts up a gifted defensive lineman he doesn’t like. . Reese has an eye for talent and knows better than anyone that harassing a quarterback with a wave of long-armed, athletic pass-rushers is the best way to stop today’s passing attacks. Ezekiel Ansah (BYU) and Dion Jordan (Oregon) are a pair of defensive ends in this year’s draft that the Giants will definitely beat up. The idea of pairing JPP with another dynamic young defensive end has to be appealing to the Giants, especially with RGIII in the division.
The other, more disturbing defensive surprise was the poor play of cornerback Corey Webster. New York’s number one cornerback was pummeled by an alarming number of big plays in 2012. He played like he missed a step and the NFL is a cruel sport when a weakness is identified. Teams won’t stop attacking a weakness until you give them a reason. Webster will soon be 31 years old and he may not be able to go back to being the player he once was. The former second-round pick (2005 NFL Draft) may not return unless he’s willing to cut his $7 million salary for next season. It is not wise to pay a player for past production.
The Giants are short on the critical cornerback position and will likely target a top cornerback in the draft. Prince Amukamara (first round, 2010 NFL Draft) may have a great season in his junior year, but he has yet to avoid nagging leg injuries. The Giants like last year’s third-round pick Jayron Hosley at cornerback. However, he has to get stronger this offseason and show that he can stay healthy despite having a small frame. A quality young cornerback is badly needed to help out the New York secondary. Jordan Poyer (Oregon State) is an intriguing cornerback that the Giants will seriously evaluate. He could be this year’s draft version of Casey Hayward. Hayward dropped to the second round of last year’s draft because he lacked great size and speed. He turned out to be a steal for the Packers because he’s a very smart and instinctive cornerback.
Giants fans should feel good about having a scout of Jerry Reese’s caliber running the draft. Big Blue builds primarily through the draft and is supplemented by the occasional value free agent (TE Martellus Bennett is a good example). The Giants could easily see a defense rejuvenated with the addition of a couple of talented young players. The 2014 Super Bowl is taking place in New York and the Giants would love to have a home game.
