New York Giants: breaking down defensive line
By Eric Mollo
Sep 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (91) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports
Robert Ayers
I’m really hoping the ankle injury he suffered in OTAs was just an ankle injury he suffered in OTAs. In 12 games last year, Ayers was really, really good. He’s an excellent run defender, and that aspect of a defensive end’s game really goes under appreciated. Ayers is a pro at containing running backs, stopping them before they break to the outside for big gains.
Remember how much fans used to crush Osi Umenyiora on his brutal run defense? It’s why he lost a playing time, and why Mathias Kiwanuka got more. Ayers, like Kiwi, knows how to contain, and he’ll play more as a result.
His five sacks don’t stand out, but the team can sacrifice a little pass rush to keep this guy on the field. Their run defense needs him there.
Next: Jonathan Hankins