Roster analysis section says JPP still may need shoulder surgery before season??? This can't be right, can it?
Without looking, can anyone name a DE on the roster other than JPP, Ayers, Kiwi and Moore? This unit looks woefully thin and suspect to me. A decade ago a thin DE unit (along with a bad snap on a FG attempt) cost us a playoff game against the 49ers.
I'm concerned. One injury on this unit and we're picking guys up off the street. Even if all four stay healthy we need improvement from Moore, a rebound from JPP and career average years from Kiwi and Ayers in order to field a competitive group.
Tried to say some of this on the pinned DL thread, but no one seemed to share or respond to my DE concerns.
But I'm still concerned, and am putting it out there.
The Giants are only going to keep those 4 anyway because Jenkins can play Def End if needed.
Kiwi and Ayers are both underachievers and Moore is an unknown. Wondering where the pressures coming from and who's going to get in the face of Romo and RG3.
I think this group will surprise. The early reports on JPP are that he is healthy, very fit and has an attitude. I think Ayers is the dark horse and will pan out as a very solid player and the #2 DE. Moore can be effective as a rotational pass rusher and Kiwi is plenty good enough for the #3/4 role.
Let's face it, with all the uncertainty, this team can easily swing one way or the other.....we can only hope for the best....but it's really hard to hang your hat on this team making the playoffs......I don't think they win the division, and second place in this division will not make the playoffs....
69 Kerry Wynn DE 6-5 266 23 2014/UDFA 2017
79 Emmanuel Dieke DE 6-6 257 24 2014/UDFA 2017
66 Jordan Stanton DE 6-4 280 23 2014/UDFA 2017
99 Cullen Jenkins DT 6-2 305 33 2013/UFA 2016
95 Johnathan Hankins DT 6-2 320 22 2013/2 2017
the DE is 250
with the advent of a better secondary, I was pulling for a larger DT/DE tweener or a former 3/4 DE such as brent urban.
time will tell.
ben gardner 7th round went to the cowboys, is another.
But, mostly, we didn't have anyone better to replace him.
As someone said above, the young guys are all unknowns. Can't expect anything from them. Maybe one if these guys turns out to be an actual NFL player. Who knows?
Absent that we're paper thin. Hard to imagine all four guys we're counting on lasting the season without missing games due to injury.
Lance Legree
Regan Upshaw
Chuck Wiley
Adrian Awasom
Russell Davis
Jerome McDougle
Renaldo Wynn
Justin Trattou
Adewale Ojomo
The 2007 and 2011 Giants didn't win because they were deep at DE. They won because their difference-makers (at DE and elsewhere) got healthy and hot at the right time.
with jenkins and hankins pushing the middle of the line into the pocket and pressure on the outside from jpp/moore and kiwi
this defence is looking to force teams to throw short or control the run more
i personally expect a big year from moore,i dont think they would have let tuck leave if they didnt feel moore was ready and the same goes for hankins and linval at the DT spot
the improved secondry will also give them the flexibility to bring rolle or drc on corner blitz's more often as well,if the coverage is better the pass rush will have more time to get home.i do agree that a 100% jpp will make them a step above like it did in 2011 and i hope that is the case
the defence doesnt worry me at the moment its the OL and pass protection that is thier greatest question/concern and if reese has got those guys right this year another 2011 type superbowl run isnt out of the question at all
Amen. Tollefson was underappreciated, and solid as a rock.
The fifth DE - in the unlikely event that the team carries five - won't even dress unless he's a major contributor on specials. Much more likely, the fifth DE will be on the practice squad, for development and injury insurance. Could be a current Giant like Wynn or Dieke, or a late cut from elsewhere. By definition, the practice squad can't hold players who are proven, or who would make an NFL roster, so there's no point bemoaning the fact that the current candidates for that spot are nobodies.
Kiwanuka, Ayers and Pierre-Paul are former first-round picks whose careers, while somewhat disappointing in different ways, suggest a solid rotation as long as Pierre-Paul is closer to 2011 than 2013. Moore offers some additional upside. Although DE might not be a strength, I doubt it will be the position that holds this team back.
"I learned that from (former Giants general manager) Ernie Accorsi," Giants GM Jerry Reese said. "If you can pass-rush, it solves a lot of other problems for you. If you rush the passer, your secondary doesn't have to be as strong because the pass rush can cover up. If you can rush the passer, you have a chance."
So what about this year Jerry? Change your mind?
If JPP is back and Kiwi plays decent, we should ve very good on defense.
Anyone know if DRC is a capable blitzer? If so, that would be great.
I think we'll see Thurmond blitz from the slot more than either of the outside guys.