New York Giants: Desperate Defense Needs Refreshing
By Justin Groc
Just a season ago, the New York Giants defense was filled with notable names like Jason Pierre-Paul, Antrel Rolle, Jon Beason, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The defense disappointed, the unit was to lead the team throughout 2014 upcoming season.
Offensively, the club was in its first year with then-new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and there were many concepts to still be ironed out. By season’s end the offensive unit provided much optimism heading into break while the defense made many scratch their heads.
Sep 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) runs with the ball after an interception during the second quarter against Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Rolle, who was a co-captain, is now with the Chicago Bears. Jason Pierre-Paul as of right now will be playing out the 2015 regular season under the team’s franchise tag designation. Beason and Rodgers-Cromartie will need to prove that they can be healthy enough to withstand a 16-game slate.
Defensively the unit ranked 29th in the NFL in yards-allowed, while being 18th and 30th in passing yards-allowed and rushing yards, respectively. In week 12 while hosting the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants’ defense proved that the unit was in no shape to being a formidable one after Dallas marched down the field to score the go-ahead touchdown to win 31-28.
When Rolle signed with Chicago, many fans were in uproar in regards to the Giants not showing much of an effort to retain his services. Outside of him, a defense which ranked so statistically low in many of the major categories should not be expected to be rebuilt with the same core of players. Giants general manager Jerry Reese, is in no hurry to bring anyone back.
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Pierre-Paul’s franchise tag is the ultimate prove-it deal. The team is willing to pay handsomely for a one-year obligation because the club is hoping that Pierre-Paul can be more of a consistent presence on the field during the prime of his career. Both the Giants and Pierre-Paul want to keep a healthy marriage, but there needs to be more proof that it can happen.
When factoring in the benefit of youth and who would be worth two first-round draft picks, Pierre-Paul beat out Rolle for the non-exclusive franchise tag designation. Cornerback Prince Amukamara, who should be receiving a multi-year deal from a team, is likely still in evaluation.
There is a whole lot of improvement needed by the Giants’ defense. Whether they want to struggle with or without these players is up to Reese.