For the offseason, I wanted to start a few threads about players who would be on the bubble, and with a coaching change and new assistants, there will be a great deal of player evaluation. The Giants need several upgrades throughout the roster, especially on defense, but one pleasant surprise was the play of Brinkley.
He was signed late in the pre-season and was bigger than the usual recent breed of Giants linebacker at 252 pounds. Forced into action because of injuries to Beason and Unga, Brinkley was one of the few playmakers on a team that didn't have many. He forced 4 fumbles, registered a sack, and unlike much of what we saw in 2015, when he hit a guy, they went down.
That said, Brinkley will turn 31. He has bounced around, being with 4 organizations (Vikings, Cardinals, Cowboys, Giants). Did the Giants get the best out of what was left of him, or do they bring him back in 2016 with a chance to compete for the MLB job?
I prefer veteran backup types like Brinkley who have actually done something in the league over the usual Giant UDFA types who have never and will never amount to anything. Granted, you can't have them at every position but when you can (in Brinkley's case hopefully) I say keep them.
In the meantime he keeps the seat warm.
No, but. he could do for a season or two. The bigger issue is who is in front of him.
2. He can actually tackle which you can't say for many players
3. He will probably be cheap veteran depth, which on this team is gonna be necessary
4. He has experience in this defense which will be invaluable to the new players next season
5. He was solid in the run game and believe it or not he was active in the pass game, he made the tackle on Edelmen that he broke his foot, which was a total hustle play.
Solid player IMO.
Great idea with these threads Matt. Keep Em coming.
That said, they need more speed at that position. When he is the fastest MLB that is not good
They need to move on from Herzlich and Unga in way possible
I think they should sign Demario Williams and make him the MLB. He has gained weight since college and is a good player.
um NYG best 2 linebackers were injured soooo theres that.
Of course we should want him back, as he was the least worst guy that actually played.
And besides, we need someone needs to show the other 5 new LBs in 2016 where to go within the NYG facilities...
Our mind set has to change---we need to get younger and stronger at the second level on this D.
Captain Obvious says: As with most of the defense, the problem was that, due to injuries, fill-ins and backups were starting too many games.
But losing him would be no big deal either. He is about 99th on the list of things that need to be addressed
We have got to find more speed and coverage ability at LB, and we need to find it in players that can at least start on Specials and develop them into potential starters at LB or at least reliable reserves.
Casillas, Thomas and Herzlich are not those guys...
And this whole idea of a new coaching staff and turnover, if the assistant coaches that were kept are any indication of how much turnover there will be with players, be prepared to be cursing the same dead weight players you were cursing this season.
A guy the Cowflops cut is one of the better players on this defense.
Just goes to show how bad the personnel on this team really is.
He's a no-brainer re-sign and a starter until somebody better comes along.
That said, if the alternatives are as horrible as they have been recently, he should be retained just to put a floor under the backup MIKE position.
Very drunk, good to keep on speed dial for after the bars close and you've struck out with the all pro ass.
That said, and for probably the millionth time, Reese needs to draft a MLB of the future (or maybe present) somewhere in Rounds 3-5. Maybe a Blake Martinez from Stanford or a Scooby Wright from Arizona. But in my mind, based off his play this year and the physical presence he provides, Brinkley is a keeper.