The giant's biggest need may be defensive line. The team does not defend the run well. They have two very good lineman but not a third and no depth. Williams and Lawrence will both be free agents after next season
To the extent that Barkely's play has not tanked because of injury, he will improve as soon as Neal and Ezeudu can get back on the field.
And even with that, the Defense has played well because of a decent Pass Defense (until latest injuries to Xavier and Jackson).
A porous run defense doesn't convert to points allowed as much as bad pass defense does. Points come out of the passing game.
Yes, you got it. Opposing teams are not only taking advantage of our poor ILB but also inexperienced Corners not supporting the run well enough on the edge too.
No depth at DL. No middle linebackers and only one edge that causes problems. And 3/4 of the secondary is out. There’s your problem(s) — some are fixable from within, some need reinforcements via FA and the draft.
The offense is kind of easier in my view.
DJ Davidson might be part of the solution. But I am thinking 3/4 rd DT with upside in the draft. Somewhere between ( pick 80 and 120)
My first 5 picks thru rd 4 would hopefully include ILB, DT, CB, and two WR
I have a lot of trust in Wink but I think we see some big changes to the front 7 this offseason. His track record has been stoning the run and that is critical with his overall scheme.
This is very important to solve as the NFCE teams devote a lot of resources to the OL and they all try to run the ball. I think JS will recognize this and act accordingly.
Linebacker
Agreed - the ILBs are the problem. Yes they could use a couple stout DTs to spell LW and DL - but that is UDFAs, or 3rd day people(or low level FAs).
The biggest need on this team is clearly WR.
Yes, but what type? Two-down thumpers? Guys who can drop well into coverage and play man 30 yards downfield? I'm not quite sure what Wink wants with his linebackers considering he likes to take them off the field on passing downs.
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desperately
Yes, but what type? Two-down thumpers? Guys who can drop well into coverage and play man 30 yards downfield? I'm not quite sure what Wink wants with his linebackers considering he likes to take them off the field on passing downs.
I learned a lot from Wink in his pressers. Someone asked him about the LB position and how he knows he has a good one. Wink said something like if they have great hands he has a LB. The ILB was also the position he broke into the league with (and also played) and he said it is a that position group is one he still is very devoted to. I'm optimistic it gets fixed but its a good question you ask.