Giants 2014: Most Overrated/Underrated Personnel
By Adam Ganeles
Jun 12, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) during New York Giants minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. William Perlman/The Star-Ledger-USA TODAY Sports
Each and every summer, CBS Sports football columnist Pete Prisco delves into the most overrated and underrated commodities for all 32 NFL teams. For the 2014 New York Giants, Prisco labeled DE/LB Mathias Kiwanuka as obscenely overrated, and 4th-year cornerback Prince Amukamara as criminally underrated. He won’t get many arguments from loyal Big Blue devotees… In his own words:
"Overrated: DE Mathias Kiwanuka — He had seven sacks, but he had far too many games where he didn’t do enough. He’s a former first-round pick who should be putting up better numbers.Underrated: CB Prince Amukamara — He was one of the few bright spots during a disappointing season for the Giants. Now he has to show he can do it again."
It’s sad to say, but Kiwanuka’s front and center numbers in 2013 actually make him look better than he was. Seven sacks isn’t a completely disastrous output… the problems are uncovered in the peripheral measures of production. When he didn’t sack the quarterback — on the other 517 pass rush snaps — Kiwi was missing in action. Kiwanuka was the least effective pass rushing 4-3 defensive end in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus with a -16.6 rating and 14 negative pass rush games. Not to mention his two brutal penalties in the biggest game of the season versus Dallas in week 12. Now Kiwanuka feels a pay cut was forced upon him because he didn’t want to uproot his family. One word: PRODUCE. This is a show-me-now league.
On the other end of the spectrum we have the workman-like Prince. He’s not a premium athlete with ballhawking skills (as his name would have you believe), so he often gets swept under the rug when discussing top CB’s around the league. Amukamara doesn’t prevent the reception, he prevents the big play. YAC under his watch is limited to non-existent: 78 solo tackles for a corner is not always an encouraging stat, but it suits his style. He missed only five tackles and provides a huge boon to the run defense. Amukamara’s 5.7 run stuff rating led ALL cornerbacks in 2013.
What say you, Giants Nation? Share with us the most overrated/underrated Giant from your unique perspective.
Credit: NFL Game Rewind (Week 4 at Kansas City)