New York Giants: Top 10 Questions Heading Into 2015 Season
Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Jon Beason (52) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
7. Can The Giants Stop The Run?
You have heard me bring up this stat many times before because it irks me that badly; the Giants allowed 4.9 yards per carry in the 2014 season. I don’t think people truly understand how pivotal stopping the run is in football. It may be a passing league, but everything starts with run defense. If you cannot stop the run you, the offense can do pretty much whatever it wants. There is a reason a linebacker’s first step is always forwards, there is a reason why the linebacker is always in attack mode. Run defense is critically important and the Giants need to prove that they can excel at it.
The Giants in theory should be able to stop the run. Jonathan Hankins, Cullen Jenkins and Kenrick Ellis should be dominant forces inside. Jon Beason (if injury free) can make plays in the backfield as a true football headhunter. I think J.T Thomas will prove to be a big addition to the linebacker corps. Landon Collins is as physical a player as you will find in football. The Giants have the players, they just need to do it. Last season, Hankins was the one bright spot on a defensive line that underperformed. Linebackers were too busy fighting off blocks to succeed that being said they underperformed as well. The proof is in the putrid statistics from last season, the Giants stunk at run defense.
Will the Giants be able to stop the run in 2015? They still have to play against the Cowboys man driving offensive line twice per season. They still have to see DeMarco Murray twice per season although against the Eagles this season. The Giants have plenty of good running teams on their schedule. If the Giants cannot stop the run this season the Giants defense will continue to struggle getting offenses off the field.
Next: 6. How Will Landon Collins Do In His Rookie Season?