by Jeff Shull
The following is an analysis of the Big Blue Wrecking Crew. Hopefully they can rectify the nickname in 2009 and be as overpowering a defense as the 1986 team was that led them to the Super Bowl.
Defensive Line:
In the first 12 games of the 2008 season, the Giants defense recorded 33 sacks which is an average of 2.75 per game. In the final 5 games they recorded just nine (four of which came in one game), which is an average of just 1.8 per game.
In the 2009 off season management sought to fix this problem by signing two established defensive tackles to improve the depth of the defensive line so they will be fresh by the end of the season. They also signed OLB Michael Boley so Mathias Kiwanuka can play his natural position of defensive end.
Getting Osi Umenyiora back may be the biggest part of the 2009 season. Having two pro bowl defensive ends will make even the worst defense look better. Good thing for the fans, the Giants are competent behind the line.
Overall Grade: A
Linebackers
Coming into the 2009 season, if you had to pick one weakness on the Giants it would more than likely be the line backing corps. If you asked me, the Giants have no weaknesses.
Antonio Pierce is the quarterback of the defense and the emotional leader of the entire team. Since joining the team the Giants have been in the top 10 in defense several times, and he is a huge reason why. Hopefully he has not lost a step as he is entering his ninth season as a linebacker and is 30 years old.
Michael Boley, Chase Blackburn, Gerris Wilkinson, Danny Clark, Brian Kiehl, Zak DeOssie, Clint Sintim:
The reason I grouped all the possible choices at OLB together is because frankly no one has really been named the outright starters yet. The popular choices are probably Chase Blackburn and off season acquisition Michael Boley, but it is not unlikely someone will sneak in under the radar and become the starter.
With all these choices at LB you'd think the Giants were moving to a 3-4 defense, but that is not the case.
Overall Grade: C-
Much room for improvement here.
Defensive Backs:
The defensive backfield has long been considered a weakness for the Giants' defense. With the young players developing into near pro bowl status, the Giants have much to look forward too this season.
Aaron Ross and Corey Webster:
The starting corner backs have been incredibly consistent since the 2007 playoff run. Webster won the starting job towards the end of the 2007 season and hasn't looked back. Ross played nickle corner for his rookie year and took over the starting job in 2008 and has solidified his position at corner.
Kenny Philips and Michael Johnson:
First round draft pick in 2008, Kenny Philips wasted no time making his impact on the Giants' defense. By mid season he was named the starter in place of James Butler and will look to improve his already impressive resume in 2009.
The Giants signed former pro bowl SS Sammy Knight to replace Gibril Wilson in 2008, only to have second year man Michael Johnson win the job in training camp. Johnson had a solid season with 72 tackles and is terrific in run support.
Terrell Thomas and Kevin Dockery:
If the Giants have one luxury on defense it is depth. I feel sorry for whoever has to make the decisions as to who will start because that same person has to tell the other talented capable starting players they will be backups this year.
Kevin Dockery and Terrell Thomas both saw very significant playing time last season, don't expect to see many changes this year even with the new defensive coordinator.
Overall Grade: B-
On paper, the defense looks like it could shape up to be the best in the NFL. Too bad the games are settled on the field in the fall, and not with pens in the Spring.
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