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Imagine this defense with a play-making linebacker?

Eric from BBI : Admin : 11/29/2016 1:19 pm
I know much attention will be focused on the offense by fans and media in the offseason, but sometimes it's a smart play to make your strongest unit even stronger.

If we could add one star linebacker, this defense would be out of this world.
A free safety would be nice too  
Larry in Pencilvania : 11/29/2016 1:25 pm : link
It will be interesting to see where they go in the off season. They improve the running game and give Eli another weapon they will go places
they have a play-making Linebacker  
gidiefor : Mod : 11/29/2016 1:27 pm : link
Landon Collins plays Linebacker in a lot of the defensive sets
I think  
kash94 : 11/29/2016 1:28 pm : link
if anything this season should show that you always strive to improve your units regardless of how they do the previous year.

We drafted some interesting players but basically made no other big changes to the offense from last year since we were statistically good. Then, look what happened.

In 2013 our offense was dreadful and defense was solid but that immediately flipped in 2014 and we made very little to no upgrades on defense.

Need to put a priority on the offense but focus on both.
We are the Giants.  
x meadowlander : 11/29/2016 1:30 pm : link
We don't do playmaking linebackers. Go back to 1985, old man!
It's interesting though  
kash94 : 11/29/2016 1:30 pm : link
they're a bunch of different things the Giants can do in the offseason as I believe they'll still have a decent amount of cap room and all their picks.

I do think the number 1 priority needs to be fixing the run game. Whether that's getting a new RB, new TE, OL, or scheme, that needs to be the top focus. It will just make everything else so much easier especially as Eli gets older.
We  
AcidTest : 11/29/2016 1:31 pm : link
need two LBs who can cover, especially down the middle of the field.
Having a MIKE LB that is instinctive,  
Brown Recluse : 11/29/2016 1:31 pm : link
can shed blocks and fill holes would elevate this defense a whole lot.

or another edge pass rusher  
chris r : 11/29/2016 1:33 pm : link
.
Eric, in the Notes  
ColHowPepper : 11/29/2016 1:35 pm : link
please memo same to the GM to change his ways. And, regrettably, Larry in Pencilvania is probably right, as the signs for DT seeing the field on a consistent basis are in doubt (missed games most seasons as BSU), not to mention the same with Berhe, not a true FS.
Zach Cunningham of Vanderbilt  
No Where Man : 11/29/2016 1:40 pm : link
.
Would love to see our 2016 3rd and 4th round picks....  
Milton : 11/29/2016 1:41 pm : link
...develop into the kind of play-makers that would put this defense over the top. Until he got hurt, there was a lot to be excited about with Thompson. At least judging by coaches comments.

And I'm not discouraged by Goodson's lack of playing time. No surprise to see the rookie buried on the depth chart given that MLB is a leadership position and he has veterans Robinson and Sheppard ahead of him (both on one-year deals).
I think at FS Thompson is going to be a good player  
NY-Fan : 11/29/2016 1:44 pm : link
In limited play he looked good. I would love an impact LB but if this O-line was better the offense would score more pts and this team would be tough to stop.
Hard to argue that Eric...  
Johnny5 : 11/29/2016 1:48 pm : link
... Imagine Kuechly on this defense?
Imagine the offense  
PEEJ : 11/29/2016 1:50 pm : link
with a play-making TE
We all saw, what a good linebacker,  
Doomster : 11/29/2016 1:51 pm : link
in the form of Beason, could do....and I only thought Beason was slightly better than average, but he looked like a wunderkind when compared to what we were trotting out there....when he made an average play, a linebacker should make, BBI went Lady Gaga, because our linebackers sucked so bad....

A MLB that can cover and stuff runs? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!

Or a free Safety that makes plays, instead of one that just takes advantage of the other teams mistakes....

Another corner.....

Another pass rusher....



I want it all, I want it all, I want it all!



Imagine no scoring, I wonder if you can?

We win games 7-0, as the defense scores again...


OK, I kind of got lost there for a second....Beat Pittsburg!
I'd love to see this D  
old man : 11/29/2016 1:52 pm : link
with pass (c)rushing DT,
or,
the O with a play-making OL.
I'm standin' right here!  
x meadowlander : 11/29/2016 1:56 pm : link
.  
Go Terps : 11/29/2016 1:56 pm : link
I still think the strongest part of this team is Eli and Beckham. The issue is they and the head coach have a hand tied behind their backs because the offensive line can't run block.

I'd be careful about overreacting to our defense whipping two dead teams.
Jessie Armstead would make this a top defense  
Greg from LI : 11/29/2016 1:57 pm : link
.
A competent MLB would be a huge plus  
Victor in CT : 11/29/2016 2:01 pm : link
maybe its Goodson next year
Hard to find good MLBs in free agency.  
eclipz928 : 11/29/2016 2:01 pm : link
For one, there isn't that many of them right now, and the ones that are out there are very coveted by their respective current teams. The Giants were actually quite fortunate to be able to pull Jon Beason away from the Panthers when they did (not so fortunate with him not being able to stay healthy).

With a likely mid to late first round draft pick coming up next year the Giants may have to continue to put that position on hold a little longer if the goal is to find a real stud.

But I do like this current group of Lbs with Cassillas, kennard and Robinson. If the front 4 stays intact I'd say that it's a more than serviceable unit of guys in the midfield.
The Darian Thompson injury really sucked  
nyjuggernaut2 : 11/29/2016 2:04 pm : link
It would've been fun to watch the tandem of him and Landon Collins back there this season.
Eric - Of Course As Giants Fans, We Love Defense  
Trainmaster : 11/29/2016 2:07 pm : link
and a play-making linebacker would be great.

However, I was talking to my son during the game on Sunday, and I told him that I thought our #1 priority should be maximizing the time we have Eli at the top of his game. I think that means fixing the OL is the priority in both FA and the draft (of course BPA on draft days 1 and 2) in the 2017 off season.

Give any QB, but especially Eli an average amount of time to throw and he will put a lot of points on the board in this McAdoo offense.

The defense was ignored for too long; the fixes in 2016 FA have been great. I think I'd slightly lean toward the OL, with LB, TE, safety and DL being other key areas to improve.

Tough to find linebackers these days  
ghost718 : 11/29/2016 2:08 pm : link
as we all know too well.The draft is weak to average most years,but I do like Calvin Munson out of San Diego St.

I also think resigning Keenan Robinson is a no brainer
This can be easily fixed by once again dipping our draft ladle  
Taggart : 11/29/2016 2:08 pm : link
into the Tuscaloosa well. Reuben Foster is the man.
Jamie Collins 5 years 65 million  
est1986 : 11/29/2016 2:16 pm : link
Jonathan Hankins 5 years 45 million
Jason Pierre-Paul 4 years 65 million
Justin Pugh 6 years 60 million
Let Kennard walk if you cant get him for 'cheap'
Draft OL, WR, RB, TE
Next offseason re-up Odell and Weston
Following year Flowers and Collins
Agree with PEEJ  
MarvelousMike : 11/29/2016 2:20 pm : link
we need a complete TE that can block along with run the seem pattern. Maybe my #1 free agent wish.
Jamie Collins is unlikely to leave Cleveland  
Go Terps : 11/29/2016 2:20 pm : link
They didn't trade a pick for rental in a non competitive season. If they can't agree on a contract they'll probably franchise him.

Besides, Collins has said he wants Von Miller money, and he was playing like crap when he was traded.

If I'm spending big on defense it's on Eric Berry to pair with Collins.
RE: Jamie Collins is unlikely to leave Cleveland  
est1986 : 11/29/2016 2:26 pm : link
In comment 13239941 Go Terps said:
Quote:
They didn't trade a pick for rental in a non competitive season. If they can't agree on a contract they'll probably franchise him.

Besides, Collins has said he wants Von Miller money, and he was playing like crap when he was traded.

If I'm spending big on defense it's on Eric Berry to pair with Collins.


Where/When did he say he wanted Von Miller money? I remember Jamie Collins refuting that report. And Browns need a lot of work they may or may not tag him but what Linebacker wouldn't want to play linebacker for this franchise behind this D-line?
Shefter reported it  
Go Terps : 11/29/2016 2:31 pm : link
I suppose it's possible he made that up, but the trade tells me he wants more than at least what New England thinks he's worth. I wouldn't be interested in him.
Another good draft  
JohnVB : 11/29/2016 2:54 pm : link
and the defense could be elite for a nice window.

I agree with Eric, an athletic playmaker at MLB would make the defense very hard to move the ball against.
They need JPP  
JonC : 11/29/2016 2:57 pm : link
or his successor more than a LB.
The way I see it  
gmen9892 : 11/29/2016 3:00 pm : link
We have 7 draft picks, and what should be a bit of FA money able to spend to fill needs at TE, OL, pass-rushing DL, and LB. Provided we sign back JPP (Hankins might garner too much to sign back), this team is stocked with young talent.

Goodson will have the chance to compete for the MLB spot next year and I would like to see what he can do. I believe he got his first snap on defense last game. I'd like to see him get some more PT going forward to see what we have in him for next year. Regardless, another Day 2 pick would be nice to spend on MLB to fight it out with Goodson.
RE: They need JPP  
Johnny5 : 11/29/2016 3:07 pm : link
In comment 13240026 JonC said:
Quote:
or his successor more than a LB.

True Dat JC
Perhaps...  
TDexperiment : 11/29/2016 3:39 pm : link
a new QB?
I actually think we can fix the offense (to get to last year's level)  
SLIM_ : 11/29/2016 3:41 pm : link
with some complementary positions. The line isn't bad. It's just that we are missing some elements. If we had the guy we signed from Pittsburgh, I think our run game would look a lot different. I'd like to see a size/speed guy for wide receiver - someone like Kenny Britt or even Cordarelle Paterson or a guy like Mike Wallace. You get a guy who can block at tight end and a big speedy wide receiver and our guys are going to look a lot different. You can get those guys in free agency fairly cheaply in free agency.

It would be great to get a nasty offensive lineman early or at least somewhere in rounds 1-4. I have no problems going defense early and often. Another linebacker or 2, someone to rush the passer/collapse the pocket. A stud at any position and I'll take it.

I also want to keep around DRC unless we can trade him for something. It would be a shame to let him go. He may not even start but he isn't that expensive for the money and with him, Apple and Jenkins - we have a huge strength.
i'm just glad  
djm : 11/29/2016 3:50 pm : link
that two specific LBs that will go nameless haven't gotten in****.
Terps  
djm : 11/29/2016 3:55 pm : link
I think the D is ready to step up its level of play as the level of competition increases. If this was 2 months ago, i'd be more concerned that the team isn't ready yet but I think the schedule breaks just right in that while the opposition is very tough, and five straight seems daunting, the Giants have had ample time to gather their sea legs and sort of learn who they are.

We will find out soon enough but I am excited to see this team in big moments. They should be ready.
An OL in the top two rounds  
Carl in CT : 11/29/2016 3:57 pm : link
Is my wish list. Another Eric Moore Jumbo Elliott draft! Give me the beef!
Kennard and Robinson  
djm : 11/29/2016 3:58 pm : link
are two of the best LBs this team has seen since Beason's 2013 campaign and Beason inevitably didn't last very long. PLus the guy couldn't cover shit. He was a good run thumper.

Kennard and Robinson are good. When's the last time we even had one good player back there let alone two?
RE: Terps  
Go Terps : 11/29/2016 4:09 pm : link
In comment 13240158 djm said:
Quote:
I think the D is ready to step up its level of play as the level of competition increases. If this was 2 months ago, i'd be more concerned that the team isn't ready yet but I think the schedule breaks just right in that while the opposition is very tough, and five straight seems daunting, the Giants have had ample time to gather their sea legs and sort of learn who they are.

We will find out soon enough but I am excited to see this team in big moments. They should be ready.


I hope so. Good test the next two weeks.

In truth I'm still more worried about the inability to establish a run game to take pressure off Beckham, and the possibility for a top level defensive lineman to individually wreck a game against this offensive line.
Curses,  
oldog : 11/29/2016 4:17 pm : link
yes Cassandra on the walls of Troy, said she feared Greeks bearing gifts, she would always say the truth, but never be believed: and the Red Sox had to bear the curse of the Bambino for trading the Babe: the Giants, the curse of the Huff, for trading away Sam Huff. Lo these many years, the Giants have borne this curse, Giant fans, and all Giant linebackers must bear its burden.
The greatest  
oldog : 11/29/2016 4:24 pm : link
linebacker of all time.
Let's trade,  
oldog : 11/29/2016 4:27 pm : link
Eli, JPP, and OBJ, and throw in Landon Collins.
Linebacker  
area junc : 11/29/2016 4:28 pm : link
That's the difference between us and the absolute best D's - like SEA. Their linebackers are savages.
I like Kennard and have hopes for Goodson but we need that old school 3 down MLB to take the last step.
I was thinking the same thing when I saw Matthew's last night....  
Simms11 : 11/29/2016 4:30 pm : link
He'd look great in Blue, however I just don't see Reese paying that kind of money to a LBer if he is looking to re-sign JPP and Hankins. We'd have a tremendous portion of the cap invested in the Dline, which is actually key to keeping this Defense in the top 10 of the league. I'm hoping the Goodson can make that jump next year and become the MLB we thought he was when we drafted him.
RE: Linebacker  
JohnVB : 11/29/2016 9:07 pm : link
In comment 13240241 area junc said:
Quote:
That's the difference between us and the absolute best D's - like SEA. Their linebackers are savages.
I like Kennard and have hopes for Goodson but we need that old school 3 down MLB to take the last step.


I don't think Seattle's defense is as good as the Giants right now, just my opinion. They may be more athletic overall, but I think the Giants front 4 and secondary is better.
The offense hasn't regressed  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 11/29/2016 10:52 pm : link
It just doesn't have to be like it has in years past. We do not play from behind like we were all the time last year. The offense had to score almost every series to keep pace with our bleeding defense.
Send a memo to JR  
Carson53 : 11/30/2016 11:52 am : link
other teams in this league value the LB position.
The guy here simply does not, preaching to the choir.
My username says it all...
What is the ceiling on Goodson?  
Matt M. : 11/30/2016 1:11 pm : link
I liked the pick when they took him and envisioned him as the MLB maybe next year.
this defense needs whatever it takes  
Jersey55 : 12/3/2016 10:53 am : link
that would stop TEs from running wild through our secondary at will...
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