New York Giants: 5 Burning Questions Before Training Camp

Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

5. Will Inexperience Hurt The Defense?

The New York Giants have several defensive positions that must be filled by rookies and young players looking to step up. At the strong safety position the Giants will start Landon Collins. Collins is a rookie out of Alabama. At the free safety position it looks like it will be a competition between Nat Berhe and Cooper Taylor. Neither free safety candidate has started an NFL game on defense. That means that no matter what the Giants opt at the free safety position, they will have two inexperienced players in the back-end of their starting defense.

A lack of experience isn’t always a horrible thing. The Giants don’t really know what to expect from their safety play. It could be good, it could be a disaster. One of the key elements secondary play is communication. The defensive backs have to be on the same page. A safety needs to have a high football IQ, if they put themselves in the wrong position, the opponent scores a deep touchdown with relative ease. These are two of the most important positions in the NFL. Great pass rush isn’t enough, you need to be able to take away the deep pass with your secondary.

There is no doubting the athletic ability of the three players vying for a spot on the back-end of the Giants defense. One would also think that Landon Collins should have an easier transition coming from a defensive powerhouse like the Alabama Crimson Tide. There is a lot to like about the Giants options at the free and strong safety positions, but its always concerning to lean on inexperience.

Next: 4. Will The Running Game Improve