This doesn't appear to be the same helpless defensive team that wasted (and helped contribute to) Brees' 5,000 yard season last year. It all started when they hired DC Gregg Williams, a name a lot of Giants fans respect. They had been playing a passive zone system and are now obviously using the "more the merrier" strategy that Williams lives and dies by. He even brought in his caddy - S Pierson Prioleau.
You really see a difference in their secondary. Williams spent a ton of resources there in the offseason. The big one for NY is "Eli Killer" FS Darren Sharper. He leads the NFL with 5 INTs. They also signed CB Jabari Greer, who has been covering the opposition's #1 and is supposedly playing great for them. And CB Randall Gay from NE, who is a solid nickel. The other starting CB is Terry Porter, who beat out several vets for a job and is a speedy player with good coverage skills. They also have this year's 1st rounder Malcolm Jenkins as the dime CB. He's a great fit in the scheme. 4 very good CBs - you haven't been able to say that about NO much recently.
They also have one of the better 3-man DE rotations in the NFL with Charles Grant, Will Smith and Bobby McCray. Sedrick Ellis inside at DT.
And Vilma seemingly healhty and playing great at MLB.
Personally, I don't think this defense can stop NY's offense but they are not the pushovers they were in the past. And Williams should be relatively familiar with Coughlin's offense. (And defending Eli.) Looks like a great game on both sides of the ball.
Doesn't that mean we get their 1st round pick next year?
Yeah, Saints are a top 10 defense so far overall. Typical Williams. Good hire for Payton. Seems a much more well-balanced team than it has been.
Not just the D, but look offensively: The run game: Averaging 166 yards per game. 3 different RBs averaging over 4 ypc. Sean Payton called RG Jahri Evans "the best G in football" - apparently he's been blasting holes inside.
With Nicks at LG (67 343) that's a lot of beef.
2 vs Sanchez
"I guess I like the big city and big lights," said Sharper, whose second interception came at the New Orleans' 32-yard line with 4:20 to go to end any hope of a Jets comeback. "It could be coincidence, but I enjoy playing against New York teams. The real reason is maybe like six years ago, (the Giants) tried to offer me a contract and it was a little bit bad so I kind of held a little grudge."
http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comments/former-eli-manning-tormenter-darren-sharper-gets-turn-with-mark-sanchez-281351.html - ( New Window )
If the Giants play sound football, they can play with anyone in the league. It'll be a high scoring game, but I have to figure there will be a key turnover that'll be a big play - maybe an INT, maybe a forced fumble.
But if the Giants don't play sound football, they're done. If they do, it's anyone's game.