Tom Coughlin’s New York Giants have always run a 4-3 defense but could it be time for a switch to the 3-4 defense? It would make more sense than you might have thought.
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The Giants defense was horrible for the past couple of seasons. When something isn’t working changing it usually makes sense. The Giants defense actually has some pieces that would flourish in the 3-4 base defense.
Jonathan Hankins would be the prototypical 3-4 nose guard. He would be the space eater who would play over the center and protect the two interior linebackers. Owamagbe Odighizuwa is perfect for playing the defensive end position in a 3-4. He is strong against the run and just an okay pass rusher. Kenrick Ellis would also be a great 3-4 defensive end.
The 3-4 defense is all about pass rush and so the outside linebackers are the stars of the show. Imagine Jason Pierre-Paul and Devon Kennard coming hard off the edge as outside linebackers. Damontre Moore and Robert Ayers could both rotate in as pass rushing outside linebackers.
This would take advantage of Pierre-Paul’s speed and athletic ability as he reinvents himself as a football player.
The interior linebackers would be J.T. Thomas and Jon Beason. They would have three big bodied defensive linemen eating up space and freeing them to pursuit the football. If Beason gets hurt, Jameel McClain is much better suited to play in the 3-4 defense. McClain was an effective player with the Baltimore Ravens who ran primarily a 3-4.
The Giants have the pieces to run this defense. They would be more stout in the middle of their defense and would utilize their bevy of great pass rushers. Spagnuolo is traditionally a 4-3 defensive coordinator but he has much experience with both defensive fronts. I think his creativity would do wonders for the Giants in a 3-4 look.
I don’t expect the Giants to make this change. The Giants are a team that does it how they always have done it. That’s why Kevin Gilbride lasted so long as the offensive coordinator. It’s an idea though and I think it would help this team become stinger on defense and ultimately win them some football games.
Next: New York Giants: 3 big questions for the defense
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