for a successful season and playoff appearance rest on Olivier Vernon. He was the dominate DE the last eight games of the 2015 season.....hopefully that is a sign of things to come because if that level of play continue ....It is easy to see the ripple effect across the entire defense.
I am still haunted by that play of Tony Romo standing in the pocket for what seemed to be 10 minutes and finally finding an open WR for the game winning TD.
Seeing OV highlights from last year, it goes without saying that one of his best games came against the Cowboys...confirmed by DD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWONs5TumOU
Now, don't get me wrong....Snacks replacing Kuhn. OMG!!! if I had to see one more game with Kuhn in the line-up. Added depth with more able bodies. Health is been a major point of concern and my fingers remain crossed.
If OV delivers.....it should be fun to see the defense on the field again!
We also essentially played with 10 people when Dahl or Meriweather were back there, the difference that any warm body who can run will have on the deep patrol will be huge. Collins will be freed up more and not relied on to play centerfield which SPags really does use a lot. We played a lot of single high when he was here the first time and it allowed our SS to be an extra defender where needed.
Let's see if the changes at the head coach, assistance coaches (especially training / conditioning) as well as signing / drafting / retaining players with less injuries pan out in 2016.
I agree a stronger pass rush (I can't recall a weaker pass rush, especially prior to JPP's return in all my years watching the Giants) is a defensive key (especially for a Spags defense).
On offense, a second legitimate threat besides Beckham is key (other than obviously Eli's health). That needs to be Shepard, Cruz or Perkins IMHO.
Injuries are key but that's true for every team in the league. The Giants have has epic injuries going back a half a dozen years. Hopefully, we'll get a break this year.
Your pass defense is only as good as your weakest link.
Pass-rush and corners won't matter if teams find ways to isolate Collins and attack him in the pass game.
Collins MUST be much better in pass coverage for this defense to be where it needs to be.
I sure hope Vernon is an exception.
I don't care if they overpaid for Vernon, Snacks and the one handed JPP.
30 sacks from all the D-line players would probably get the Giants into the playoffs.
Ivan15 : 2:34 pm : link : reply
The Giants historically and notoriously signed free agents who have played well against them - even when the player's record was mediocre against all other opponents.
There have been relatively few "notorious" FA signings made by the team. The giants have been fairly decent with FA evaluation, getting decent value for mid-tier guys, and avoiding the high profile misses like Hayneswoth, Asamouga, etc.
Uani Unga, Landon Collins, etc., etc. all tried and FAILED; The Giants tried to fix the problem via the draft (Floyd), but were leap-frogged by the Bears.
Now they brought in Keenan Robinson from the Skins (not sure that's going to work).
The best possible answer, in my mind lies in the good health of at least one of the following three players, coming back heathy from injury - Devon Kennard, Cooper Taylor, JT Thomas
now - vernon terrorized everyone + is clearly a very good player
going down especially where we have little or Depth a Starter on the O-line could be devastating .
Two would be JPP can he make tackles like he use to he has it all as far as Physically and Leadership very Important piece of the puzzle .
Does Cruz make it through the season and puts up the numbers RR as much as he was an enigma he still managed on paper some good stats that need to be replaced .
Sheppard will be good I'm not sure its a total wash but if Cruz has a better than average year we will be Top
5 Offense . Can Spags get the most out of his guys
especially Apple and D.Thompson not only will we be a much better Defense but create a Ton of Turnovers ,
Lastly McAdoo influence and in game management can he get
the most out of everyone . I think were in for a big year
been awhile that I have felt this much anticipation .
Uani Unga, Landon Collins, etc., etc. all tried and FAILED; The Giants tried to fix the problem via the draft (Floyd), but were leap-frogged by the Bears.
Now they brought in Keenan Robinson from the Skins (not sure that's going to work).
The best possible answer, in my mind lies in the good health of at least one of the following three players, coming back heathy from injury - Devon Kennard, Cooper Taylor, JT Thomas
Huh? 2 of those may not make the 53.
JPP should see less attention that should lead to success.....much like Ayers when JPP returned.
3rd down and middle of field with TE...hopefully a QB running for his life will be less effective....
Especially if there long 3rd downs.
There exist no definitive solution to the cover problem - down the middle (then extending to the sidelines); just patches ...
In the close games (and the blow-out vs. the Vikings), we had no solution.
This year, even with all the progress that has been made to bolster the roster, it won't matter because enemy defenses will continue to attack this weakness with gusto.