for display only
Big Blue Interactive The Corner Forum  
Back to the Corner

Archived Thread

The Defensive Line

Fred-in-Florida : 5/17/2015 9:08 am
In today’s Sunday reading the article on missed tackles prompted me to bring up a question about the defensive line.
Our stat against the run was pretty dismal. Ranked near the bottom, someone here can quote the exact rank. While, I read here (BBI in general) that, JPP is stout against the run and Hankins did a great job on the inside. So what is the exact problem that needs to be addressed.
I don’t expect Jenkins to make the team. He’s 34 and based on his broken tackles to solo tackles 4/7 he wasn’t very productive. Hopefully the tandem of Bromley and Ellis along with Hankins can shore up the middle. Can either of the free agents Hamilton (Keith’s son?) or Taylor do enough to replace Kuhn? Let’s hope so.
On the edge we have JPP. To me he didn’t do a lot early in the season but as the season came along so did his production, at least from QB sacks stats. Maybe he was strong against the run all along.
Kiwi’s gone and although he was a great solder and did everything he was asked during his career he wasn’t very productive last year so we won’t miss anything there. As pointed out Ayers was the worst in the league with missed tackles but the real story is the percentage of almost 30%.Were his missed tackles against the run or missing a potential sack? I guess the potential of OO and the addition of Selvie probably is a stronger option on early downs and against the run then Kiwi and Ayers. Rotating in Moore on the edge and Ayers from the inside on passing downs potentially puts some pressure on the QB. Then there’s still Wynn who I still wonder what he did.
These are my observations, opinions nothing based on real stats except what was in the article. What are yours? Be nice!

Oh! Spags will solve all ill's!


Although your last line smacks of...  
BMac : 5/17/2015 9:18 am : link
...cynicism, I think that the relatively passive and convoluted system used by Fewell could be as major contributing element.

Spags runs a much more dynamic, attacking scheme which should, once it's firmly in place, produce markedly different numbers.
I don't  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 5/17/2015 9:25 am : link
think missed tackles is a good indication of how stout a player is in run defense.

JPP and Hankins are part of the solution, not the problem. Run defense has to do with all 11 players, not just the front seven.
Let's see...  
Klaatu : 5/17/2015 9:27 am : link
The Giants signed a UFA DT who's primarily a run-stuffer. They drafted a Safety who's primarily a run-stuffer, and they also drafted a DE who's primarily a run-stuffer. I think they know what their problems are and have taken steps to fix them.
If Beason can stay healthy and return to his 2013 form,  
Ira : 5/17/2015 9:33 am : link
that will be an important part of the solution.
RE: I don't  
Fred-in-Florida : 5/17/2015 9:36 am : link
In comment 12289739 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
think missed tackles is a good indication of how stout a player is in run defense.

JPP and Hankins are part of the solution, not the problem. Run defense has to do with all 11 players, not just the front seven.


Not saying they are the problem but where and how else can we improve the line!
what Eric said, and  
JonC : 5/17/2015 9:38 am : link
they were weak at DT opposite Hankins, below average at DE opposite JPP, and the LB corps is below average even when Beason's healthy.

When the above takes place, it often falls to your CBs to come up in support, and they often get dinged (Prince and Rolle especially).
I think the DL is in good shape and the strength of the defense  
BillT : 5/17/2015 9:46 am : link
It's lead by two pro bowl level players in JPP and Hankins. They are supported by a good group of vets with Ellis a very good run stopper as is Selvie. Ayers was as good as any DL we had last year in a limited role. And added to this are the young players, Bromley, Moore, Wynn and OO. Hankins, Ellis and Bromley look like the DT rotation with JPP, Selvie/Ayers, and Moore/Wynn on the outside. OO will get reps as he develops. I think this is a top ten unit and has potential to be better than that.
Ellis / Bromley  
Archer : 5/17/2015 9:54 am : link
I think that Ellis can help and will be stout against the run.
I have reservations about Bromley. Has anyone seen enough from Bromley to believe that he will be part of the solution?
RE: Ellis / Bromley  
Klaatu : 5/17/2015 10:01 am : link
In comment 12289758 Archer said:
Quote:
I think that Ellis can help and will be stout against the run.
I have reservations about Bromley. Has anyone seen enough from Bromley to believe that he will be part of the solution?


Did you see enough of Linval Joseph in his rookie year? How about Johnathan Hankins? I doubt it. My guess is that you're one of those who can't get over the fact that the Giants drafted Bromley in the 3rd round, so you'll take every opportunity to run the kid down.
Bromley flashed a bit late last season  
JonC : 5/17/2015 10:03 am : link
They certainly added talent on paper that should present upgrades in Ellis, Bromley in a bigger role, OO, more Wynn (who plays more like a DT), and even Selvie.
It all  
Fred-in-Florida : 5/17/2015 10:06 am : link
starts with the D-Line. Ability to stop the run and put pressure on the QB when they're passing! Have we improved it. On paper we have. It now remains to be seen!
i think this was addressed  
Dankbeerman : 5/17/2015 10:08 am : link
by the team turning over our middle of the road players, while not bringing in big time players.

I think brown, demps, williams, paysinger, kiwi, patterson showed that they were regressing from a not very high ceiling.

They are betting on Taylor, behre, Casillas, Thomas, Selvie and Ellis as not only being better today but also guys that have a higher ceiling that they haven't reached yet.

While they only lost one impact player in Rolle, Collins gives them a more then mid level replacement.
I agree  
Doomster : 5/17/2015 10:30 am : link
that the way Spags uses players will be different than Fewell.....

But when all is said and done, you really have JPP and Hankins.....but the longer this contract dispute goes on, the less I like it.....statistically, JPP had a good year last year....but was he a force in all games? You might get the same type of play out of him, where he picks and chooses, when he want to play and just accumulate stats, and avoid injury for next year's big contract....I seriously doubt the Giants pay him 15M this year, and then 18M next....

Wynn had a Jernigan game last year.....Ellis is Jenkins without pass rushing ability....Kuhn looks better than he plays.....Bromley is an unknown.....Double O is a rookie....Ayers is returning from an injury....Moore has to make plays and show some consistency......will Selvie make us forget Kiwi?

Until they get out there and play in Spags' system, we just don't know.....right now the team is healthy and they look good on paper.....hopefully, they look that way for the first game....
Lb  
thomasa510 : 5/17/2015 10:33 am : link
I think the linebackers will play a big part too. In a 3-4 the line absorbs the blockers so the lbs get the stops. A great nose tackle can get 10-20 tackles a Year and still have a great season in a 3-4.

Not the same in a 4-3 but lb play matters. Hope the new lbs can contribute as well.
RE: RE: Ellis / Bromley  
Glover : 5/17/2015 10:37 am : link
In comment 12289764 Klaatu said:
Quote:
In comment 12289758 Archer said:


Quote:


I think that Ellis can help and will be stout against the run.
I have reservations about Bromley. Has anyone seen enough from Bromley to believe that he will be part of the solution?



Did you see enough of Linval Joseph in his rookie year? How about Johnathan Hankins? I doubt it. My guess is that you're one of those who can't get over the fact that the Giants drafted Bromley in the 3rd round, so you'll take every opportunity to run the kid down.


If Bromley is a starter next season we can compare him to Joseph. Like all other questions, we are gonna have to wait to see. Is Bromley expected to fill in as a starter? I think there is more doubt about him doing that than there was about LJ in his second season. Hankins played the most of the three as a rookie and I think he showed the most as well, then Joseph, Bromley the least.
The additions of Ellis and OO, plus getting Beason back,  
PatersonPlank : 5/17/2015 10:59 am : link
all strengthen our front 7 against the run. Plus with Hankins, Moore, and Bromley all having another year under their bely, I expect this to be a strength. The Giants have now invested a #2 pick, three #3 picks, and picked up two big FA signings (when including Beason and Ellis).
RE: The additions of Ellis and OO, plus getting Beason back,  
Fred-in-Florida : 5/17/2015 11:07 am : link
In comment 12289828 PatersonPlank said:
Quote:
all strengthen our front 7 against the run. Plus with Hankins, Moore, and Bromley all having another year under their bely, I expect this to be a strength. The Giants have now invested a #2 pick, three #3 picks, and picked up two big FA signings (when including Beason and Ellis).


The key is Beason has to stay healthy. He hasn't in the two years with the team. Not sure about when he was with the Panthers.

There is only hope.  
chiefmps : 5/17/2015 11:15 am : link
Because, the only improvement that the Giants made this season was with the draft but still did not address their need for a defensive tackle. Owa Odighizuwa, I believe was a gift for the Giants in the third round and I only hope that he will be able to play the strong side defensive end spot. London Collins, still have a wait and see with Collins. I believe Collins is one of those players that will have to be a good player from day one or end up to being a disappointment, much like Jayron Hosley. The linebackers, there is a some hope with Kennard and McClain, but the rest are pass there time or castaways that never made a impact and most likely won't do much with the Giants either. Paper thin secondary and the last time I check still no free safety worth being a starter and a big whole at the defensive tackle spot, here to hoping.
statistic lie  
George from PA : 5/17/2015 11:18 am : link
If we are leading in games.....our running stats improve.

If the Giants stop teams on 3rd downs....our running stats improve.

Even, if we allow more passes.....will improve our running statistic.

I have high hopes for drastic improvements

defense is soft  
mdc1 : 5/17/2015 11:18 am : link
until we start winning man-man battles and dictating some violence, the results will probably be window dressing until someone figures out what Spags is doing.
That's easy way too much Patterson, Kiwi and Kuhn  
Mason : 5/17/2015 11:32 am : link
The coaching staff were in love with these guys. Offenses just kept running it at that right side.

I don't care what anyone tells me. I saw those games and Patterson absolutely was near a zero factor in run stops. Off the LOS his first move was to the ground. I think his most positive play last year was a play where his huge body on the ground slowed up Blue from the Texans allowing Herzlich to tackle him behind the line and many thought that was a positive play for Patterson.

Kiwi was getting manhandled by TEs and FBs last year. He too loved getting blocked into the ground. I mean that Dallas game just smh. But it was virtually every game he was in he couldn't shed blocks.

Kuhn was another guy who got a lot of playing time but didn't produce a lot. Once again that Dallas game in both against the run and the pass.

And Jenkins had a very subpar year for me. But I saw that in the preseason. He looked very slow to the ball and at times gave up on the play.
We were also horribly - I repeat horribly - weak at the edges all year  
gidiefor : Mod : 5/17/2015 11:39 am : link
teams seemed to run on us of the edge at will especially on the Right side on third down - I remember some ridiculously successful marches against us that started off an edge run - I haven't done an analysis on this - but I'm willing to bet that the edge runs tipped the balance of our weakness in stopping the run, and not the runs up the middle.
Bromley  
bc4life : 5/17/2015 12:06 pm : link
Three things give me reason for optimism:

1) Showed some ability last year, although he clearly was a better pass defender.

2) Everything we read about him is that he is working hard in the off season, which is consistent with what former coaches have said about his work ethic.

3) During a Giants com interview, he really talked about some technique specific lessons learned, things to work on.

Talent, work ethic, and an informed performance improvement plan - hopefully everything comes together for him this season.
RE: We were also horribly - I repeat horribly - weak at the edges all year  
Peter from NH (formerly CT) : 5/17/2015 12:12 pm : link
In comment 12289862 gidiefor said:
Quote:
teams seemed to run on us of the edge at will especially on the Right side on third down - I remember some ridiculously successful marches against us that started off an edge run - I haven't done an analysis on this - but I'm willing to bet that the edge runs tipped the balance of our weakness in stopping the run, and not the runs up the middle.
Agree completely. I don't think it was the runs up the middle that hurt us nearly as much as exploiting the off tackle and end. It was painful to watch.
Got to see Bromley  
geemanfan : 5/17/2015 12:22 pm : link
At a draft party, he was there with Hakins and he looked great. He is in some shape. I hope he is ready to make an impact this season . As the run game goes a lot had to do with Beason . If he's healthy we will be good against the run . Especially with the added beef to the line .
RE: RE: The additions of Ellis and OO, plus getting Beason back,  
BMac : 5/17/2015 12:25 pm : link
In comment 12289838 Fred-in-Florida said:
Quote:
In comment 12289828 PatersonPlank said:


Quote:


all strengthen our front 7 against the run. Plus with Hankins, Moore, and Bromley all having another year under their bely, I expect this to be a strength. The Giants have now invested a #2 pick, three #3 picks, and picked up two big FA signings (when including Beason and Ellis).



The key is Beason has to stay healthy. He hasn't in the two years with the team. Not sure about when he was with the Panthers.


Beason isn't nearly as critical to Defensive success than many here presume. He's a terrific veteran presence who is on the downside of his career and has the experience and feel for the game you want in a Middle Linebacker. However, if/when he goes down, his spot will be adequately filled.

The D-Line is far more critical to success than the Linebacking corps will ever be.
RE: There is only hope.  
dguy901 : 5/17/2015 12:41 pm : link
In comment 12289843 chiefmps said:
Quote:
Because, the only improvement that the Giants made this season was with the draft but still did not address their need for a defensive tackle. Owa Odighizuwa, I believe was a gift for the Giants in the third round and I only hope that he will be able to play the strong side defensive end spot. London Collins, still have a wait and see with Collins. I believe Collins is one of those players that will have to be a good player from day one or end up to being a disappointment, much like Jayron Hosley. The linebackers, there is a some hope with Kennard and McClain, but the rest are pass there time or castaways that never made a impact and most likely won't do much with the Giants either. Paper thin secondary and the last time I check still no free safety worth being a starter and a big whole at the defensive tackle spot, here to hoping.

I guess what you are saying is, every player on the team must be a premier player and definately a starter. That just isn't going to happen, the salary cap assures all of that fact! Clearly, Spags isn't in a panic with the current DL players on the roster. Hankins is a quality DT, Bromley is out from under Fewell and has a year under his belt as was pointed out previously and we have other DT's on the roster for rotation and in an emergency. Remember, Coughlin/Fewell did not afford rookie DT's much playing time in their 1st year, I would say Bromnley has done nothing to cause the coaches to think anything other than he will be one of the starters.
RE: There is only hope.  
Klaatu : 5/17/2015 12:50 pm : link
In comment 12289843 chiefmps said:
Quote:
Because, the only improvement that the Giants made this season was with the draft but still did not address their need for a defensive tackle. Owa Odighizuwa, I believe was a gift for the Giants in the third round and I only hope that he will be able to play the strong side defensive end spot. London Collins, still have a wait and see with Collins. I believe Collins is one of those players that will have to be a good player from day one or end up to being a disappointment, much like Jayron Hosley. The linebackers, there is a some hope with Kennard and McClain, but the rest are pass there time or castaways that never made a impact and most likely won't do much with the Giants either. Paper thin secondary and the last time I check still no free safety worth being a starter and a big whole at the defensive tackle spot, here to hoping.


How many times do you have to be reminded that the Giants signed Kendrick Ellis this year? When it comes to DTs, the only "big hole" appears to be the one in your head.
All this talk about Bromley, having a year under his belt....  
Doomster : 5/17/2015 1:24 pm : link
two tackles......that's a year under his belt?

Experience is the great educator, and he was put in the corner all last year.....I don't think that year counts for anything....he now has to learn a new system.....about the only thing he has learned is the difference in NFL preparation vs college...
RE: All this talk about Bromley, having a year under his belt....  
Klaatu : 5/17/2015 2:37 pm : link
In comment 12289964 Doomster said:
Quote:
two tackles......that's a year under his belt?


And Joseph had six, and Hankins had a whopping nine in their respective rookie seasons. Big deal.

Quote:
Experience is the great educator, and he was put in the corner all last year.....I don't think that year counts for anything....he now has to learn a new system.....about the only thing he has learned is the difference in NFL preparation vs college...


Put in a corner? Can you substantiate that, or is it mere conjecture on your part? Bromley actually played in two more games as a rookie than Joseph did. Was Joseph put in a corner, too?
Absolutely crazy if you don't believe that Beason's absence did not  
Jimmy Googs : 5/17/2015 2:39 pm : link
have a huge effect on run defense 2014 vs 2013.

Beason consistently engaged RBs (and running QBs) along the line before they got a head of steam. That just did not occur with the MLBs we stuck in there last season.

Team  
Dragon : 5/17/2015 5:15 pm : link
Sucked on defense and offense it's a new year but other than that almost all the major problems still exist.
RE: Team  
Klaatu : 5/17/2015 6:42 pm : link
In comment 12290118 Dragon said:
Quote:
Sucked on defense and offense it's a new year but other than that almost all the major problems still exist.


Do you think they'll still exist on September 13?
...  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 5/17/2015 7:20 pm : link
Mike Patterson was bad. Markus Kuhn was invisible. Kiwanuka did not play well. Ayers is not a run down player. Damontre Moore may not be either.

But they got strong on the DL this offseason.

What really will help the run defense will be Landon Collins and maybe Nat Berhe or Cooper Taylor at safety PLUS a healthy Jon Beason.
Bromley  
Bluesbreaker : 5/17/2015 7:50 pm : link
I would expect him to see plenty of action this
preseason . If he turns out to be solid then with
Health being the biggest concern to me .
This defense could be top 10 go ahead say what
you will but I think Reece did an excellent Job
this year even after losing out on McCourty .
Really looking forward to this season .
Question for the experts  
Andrew in Austin : 5/17/2015 7:52 pm : link
Whose responsibility is it to "seal the edge". Is it the DE's or the LB's?

The reason I ask is that I keep hearing how well JPP shuts down the run, but I was wondering were we just weak on sealing the edge on the opposite side of him or were the LBs not doing their job on his side.

thanks!
Andrew
Let me ask you this:  
Doomster : 5/17/2015 9:13 pm : link
Put in a corner? Can you substantiate that, or is it mere conjecture on your part? Bromley actually played in two more games as a rookie than Joseph did. Was Joseph put in a corner, too?

Who was ahead of LJ? In comparison, who was ahead of Bromley?
This DL sucked last year, and Bromley couldn't get more playing time?
So, mere conjecture on your part. Thanks.  
Klaatu : 5/17/2015 9:35 pm : link
BTW, Canty, Cofield (starters), and Bernard were ahead of Joseph in 2010. The Giants let Cofield walk in 2011.

Last year, the starters were Hankins, Jenkins (12 games), and Patterson (8 games), with Kuhn seeing a lot of playing time. This year, Patterson is gone, Kuhn may not make it out of camp, and Jenkins is back for a year on the cheap. Now, Ellis may start next to Hankins (the operative word being "may"), but I suspect that Bromley will see plenty of playing time regardless, particularly on obvious passing downs.
The whole missed sacks thing to me is a problem  
blueblood : 5/17/2015 9:54 pm : link
WHY did the player miss the sack.. did the QB avoid him.. did another player get the sack instead.. was he still being blocked and therefore wasnt able to get a hold of the QB.. did that count as a hurry.. or a pressure which can be just as valid as a sack.. Did any of those missed sacks lead to INT's or broken plays??

So telling me that they missed sacks doesnt really tell me the whole picture..
Im excited for this D-Line  
NYG4246 : 5/17/2015 11:16 pm : link
JPP is stout vs the run, flashes as a pass rusher

Ayers played real well last yeaar before he got hurt

Damontre Moore has gotten good pressure but need to finish better

Kerry Wynn looks like a stud in the making

Odighizuwa can play vs run and rush well

Hankins is an excellent tackler, gets pressuse, has some speed, strong, stuffs the run

Jenkins is underrated as he play the run very well and also gets pressure

Selvie plays the run well

Ellis plays the run well

Kuhn neeeds to go

thats 9 defensive linemen that are all wortthy or starting. Theyre all gonna play, if they keep fresh by rotating which i assume they will they can really ware down an offensive line and take control of games

fucking pumped for this season


RE: RE: Ellis / Bromley  
chris r : 5/17/2015 11:24 pm : link
In comment 12289764 Klaatu said:
Quote:
In comment 12289758 Archer said:


Quote:


I think that Ellis can help and will be stout against the run.
I have reservations about Bromley. Has anyone seen enough from Bromley to believe that he will be part of the solution?



Did you see enough of Linval Joseph in his rookie year? How about Johnathan Hankins? I doubt it. My guess is that you're one of those who can't get over the fact that the Giants drafted Bromley in the 3rd round, so you'll take every opportunity to run the kid down.


Don't forget Marvin Austin
Austin missed his rookie season with a torn pec.  
Klaatu : 5/17/2015 11:30 pm : link
Either you forgot that, or you're just being a dick. My guess is you're just being a dick.
Defense  
Dragon : 5/18/2015 1:08 am : link
Sure we signed some new guys but did we sign any impact players or guys who will be sure starters? Whatever we did on defense the later portion of the year was that a good defense or a defense playing some terrible teams. So on defense which was the real Giants the team for the last 4-6 games or the first 10. This team was not one FA and good draft away from contention, its going to take much more than that.

As for the offense it's always given the belief that it's going to be special last year the defense held that same belief. It's a new year and we as of today have filled some roster spots but have we really improved the starting positions enough to say we will be a true contender?
Defense  
Dragon : 5/18/2015 1:11 am : link
Sure we signed some new guys but did we sign any impact players or guys who will be sure starters? Whatever we did on defense the later portion of the year was that a good defense or a defense playing some terrible teams. So on defense which was the real Giants the team for the last 4-6 games or the first 10. This team was not one FA and good draft away from contention, its going to take much more than that.

As for the offense it's always given the belief that it's going to be special last year the defense held that same belief. It's a new year and we as of today have filled some roster spots but have we really improved the starting positions enough to say we will be a true contender?
On defense, you SET the edge  
JonC : 5/18/2015 8:58 am : link
DE first, and if he loses contain you hope a LB can support and set the edge, or a CB if the LB fails. Contain first, or string the play out to the boundary if contain is lost.

SEAL the edge is something the offense tries to accomplish in blocking up a play.
Thanks JonC!  
Andrew in Austin : 5/18/2015 11:25 am : link
Set the edge . . . got it :)
Still the jester Klaatu.  
chiefmps : 5/18/2015 12:11 pm : link
Still clueless, you have to be the only one here who believes that the Jets castaway Kenrick Ellis will be the survivor for the Giants run defensive at the defensive tackle spot. Ellis is no survivor, if he was as good as you want him to be the Jets would have kept him. Yes, the voided at the DT spot is still there, Ellis is not the answer, just a temp worker.
Giants DL and entire roster  
djm : 5/18/2015 12:20 pm : link
has been victimized by some very bad individual execution the last few years. There are good players on this team but since late 2012 an equal amount of bad players. Players that were good just deteriorated rapidly over the last 30 games or so...

It would appear to me the Giants have less of those guys heading into this off-season. If this team can just get solid play out of the new comers, we will be in good shape. The DL needs Wynn, Moore, the DTs, Selvie and Ayers to emerge as capable players. They don't have to dominate or anything, just play well. JPP and Hankins will shine if the other guys do their job.
when I say less troubling players  
djm : 5/18/2015 12:23 pm : link
I mean they have more guys that have their best days ahead of them rather than a bunch of guys that we hoped could hang on for a couple of seasons. Snee, Kiwi, Diehl, and a few others.

In their place we have the 1st, 2nd and 3 year guys...we need the kids to become capable players. Giants always seem to be better off going with the kids...Giants struggle when they try and hold on with some older guys...other teams get away with it..not us.
Still the moron, chief.  
Klaatu : 5/18/2015 12:36 pm : link
The Jets' D-Line is stacked, arguably the best in the league, and Ellis would have been a forgotten man there. On the Giants, he's an integral part of the DT rotation, an upgrade from an aging Patterson and an ineffective Kuhn.

No, he's not a "savior" (I'll assume you meant "savior" instead of "survivor"), but he doesn't have to be. He just has to do his job - play good run defense on early downs.
Back to the Corner