2015 New York Giants: Examining The Defensive Line
The 2015 New York Giants will be heavily focused on dominating upfront on the defensive line. Engrained in the DNA of the franchise is the concept that great pass rush wins championships. It was true when Lawrence Taylor put fear into quarterbacks and it is even truer in today’s pass happy NFL. The Giants pass rush comes from their 4-3 defensive line.
Jason Pierre-Paul and Damontre Moore will most likely be the two starting defensive ends. The Giants will rotate in Owamagbe Odighizuwa, George Selvie and Robert Ayers in at the defensive end position.
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The Giants are hoping to get the elite player that Pierre-Paul once was in 2015. Pierre-Paul heated up in the second half of the 2014 season. If he plays up to his potential, hungry for a big contract, he could be one of the best players in football.
When the Giants selected Odighizuwa in the third round, I think many analysts forgot the up and coming Moore. Moore didn’t get a ton of playing time in 2014 and still recorded 5.5 sacks. Going into his third season, the sky is the limit for Moore.
Odighizuwa will most likely rotate in mostly on running downs. Setting the edge and stuffing the run are his strongest attributes. Moore is the more accomplished and skilled pass rusher.
Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Damontre Moore (98) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
The defensive end position is the most important position in the 4-3 defense. The defensive ends are supposed to be the best pass rushers and are required to set the edge for the defense against the run. Outside contain is perhaps the most underrated duty in football.
The Giants nose tackle is clearly Jonathan Hankins. Hankins is a big 6-2 320 pound run stuffer with the ability to get to the quarterback. On a defense that was weak against the run, Hankins was the one bright spot.
Hankins will primarily play the 1 technique for the Giants. This lines him up on the inside eyeball of an offensive guard. Hankins will penetrate, and bust up run plays. He will also have the most direct route to the quarterback, a straight line. Last season Hankins was in on 51 tackles and had 7 sacks.
At the 3 technique (outside eyeball of the guard) Cullen Jenkins and Kenrick Ellis will compete for the starting role. Jenkins is a 34 year old veteran whose best days are behind him.
Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is sacked by New York Jets defensive end Kenrick Ellis (93) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
I think Ellis will win the starting role, while Jenkins will rotate in from time to time. Ellis is a younger and more explosive player who looks ready for the best year of his career. He was on one of the most loaded defensive lines with the New York Jets and didn’t receive a ton of playing time in 2014.
Less could be more with Jenkins. The more rest he has, the more he can get out of each snap he is on the field for.
Ellis has an incredible 6-4 346 pound build that will help him dominate upfront. Paired with Hankins the Giants have a really strong run stuffing duo. If linebacker Jon Beason can stay healthy, the middle of the Giants defense will be very stout against the run.
The Giants will get big time performances by rotating in fresh bodies throughout the game on the defensive line. The Giants could have an elite pass rushing defensive line. The Giants still have to prove it on the field, because the unit was so bad in 2014. Though on paper, it looks pretty good for the Giants defensive line.