New York Giants Need Defensive Upgrades In 2015
By John Tolis
Now that the 2014 NFL Season is coming to a close this Sunday, it’s time for the New York Giants to look towards 2015. Every year a team looks to improve offensively and defensively, for the Giants, they should look at the defensive side above everything else. They are currently on a three game winning streak thanks to the hot hands of rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr and a stable offensive unit. They’ve might have woken up a little late, but this streak has showed this Giants’ offense has the potential to win games, if their defense holds up.
The Giants biggest loss when they came in this season was defensive end Justin Tuck, who went off to the Oakland Raiders. This left a big gap in the defensive end position leaving only Jason Pierre-Paul to do all the heavy lifting on the defensive line.
One of the reasons you could say why the Giants aren’t in the NFL Playoffs is because of their defense. They’re ranked 30th when it comes opposing rushing yards and 17th in opposing passing yards. If a team wants to make it in the post season, then those numbers need to be much higher.
Nov 2, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Rolando McClain (55) in game action against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Arizona beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, the Giants should head into the 2015 NFL Draft with a defensive mind set as they are currently in the 10th position. If they hold that position, then they could potentially snap up a No.1 ranked linebacker or a No.2 ranked defensive end. It seems evident that their receiving unit is coming along with Beckham and Rueben Randle.
It will look even better next year with a healthy Victor Cruz and Rashad Jennings who looks to be a steady running back for them. Quarterback Eli Manning isn’t going anywhere, so there isn’t a real reason why the Giants will pick up an offensive player in this year’s coming draft.
There are also some big names on the free agent market that the Giants could look into such as linebackers Rolando McClain and Brandon Spikes. The Giants’ strong safety veteran Antrel Rolle looks to be on board with them and wants to stay in New York.
The Giants’ offense hasn’t proved anything yet, but it looks more secure than the defense. If the Giants could make a defensive improvement for next season, then there’s no doubt they’ll be a threat.