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New York Giants

Giants Get Defensive

The New York Giants look to fix up their vulnerable, patchwork defense that they put on the field in 2005. Gaping holes were exposed at linebacker, defensive tackle, cornerback, and safety. In short, it is safe to say that 70-80% of their defense is patchy. Look at the way Santana Moss lit them up on Christmas Eve 2005 in an ugly 35-20 loss. How do the Giants allow the Chargers to beat them 45-23? The answer is simple: Too much patchwork and not enough guys that are locks.
New York’s linebackers were awful in 2005. Each one missed time at some point in the season. The Giants cannot put a linebacker on a tight end, and the prime example is Reggie Torbor, who was annihilated by Antonio Gates in San Diego. Carlos Emmons is not quick enough to cover tight ends, even though he is the tallest person on defense. Nick Greisen is an inside linebacker, and cannot handle the outside. Middle linebacker Antonio Pierce got hurt, but he was a difference-maker when he was on the field. Chase Blackburn, who played outside linebacker, had a neck injury, but was good when he was out there. A solid outside linebacker (not LaVar Arrington because he is cranky and gets hurt a lot) would be nice this off-season. It has been rumored that the Giants will draft one with the No. 25 pick overall.

Their corners were dreadful last year, and they need to be fixed immediately. The Giants seem to be on their way with the signings of Sam Madison (a Pro-Bowler) and R.W. McQuarters. It is almost certain that Will Allen will pack up his bags and go somewhere else, mostly because his asking price is too high. No one knows what is going to happen to Will Peterson, who almost suffered a career-ending injury to his back. Defensive coordinator Tim Lewis called Curtis DeLoatch “the best corner on the team”. Sorry, but Santana Moss scorched him and he was burned on numerous occasions during the season. Some say that DeLoatch is just learning, but the so-called “best corner on the team” won’t be starting many games this year unless he beats out a Pro-Bowler, the aforementioned Sam Madison. Corey Webster, the team’s 2nd round pick from LSU struggled and had many horrible games. He was drafted because he has good hands. After all, he did play wide receiver in high school. As of today, Webster has the best hands, but will be without a job until he proves that he can stay with an NFL receiver.

It appears that the safety position is solidified, with the acquisitions of Will Demps and Quentin Harris, along with Gibril Wilson. Brent Alexander has retired, and Shaun Williams signed with Carolina, so it appears that this position is in better shape than it was a year ago. However, the hands of Demps and Harris are a concern, but they (the hands) aren’t pathetic. If the newcomers can learn Tim Lewis’s system, then they will be fine.

A big hole has been left at the defensive tackle position after the departure of DT Kendrick Clancy. It is imperative that the Giants fix this position because a running back by the name of Nick Goings exposed this hole. Add LaDainian Tomlinson and Reno Mahe to the list and you have three good reasons why they need to fix the defensive tackle position. (Yet, L.T. can rip any team apart) It would be nice to see one signed via free agency because they need experience, a good pass rusher, and a run-stopper, such as Sam Adams. Drafting one is certainly not out of the question.

As we all should know, the Giants have one of the best defensive end duos in the NFL- Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Adding a few more good players to the payroll may help the Giants get deeper into the playoffs than last year.

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