Sep 25, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs with the ball as Washington Redskins strong safety Brandon Meriweather (31) attempts the tackle in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Giants won 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Meriweather Brings Much Needed Experience
This is the most obvious thing Meriweather gives the Giants, almost by default. Their experience at the safety position is so thin it is actually hard to believe they decided to enter Training Camp in this situation. Meriweather’s played in 99 games and brings physicality and smarts to a terribly inexperienced backend.
Experience doesn’t always mean production though. Meriweather really struggled last season in Washington, and while the first-round pick and two Pro-Bowls to his name pad his resume, the two years he made it to football’s All-Star Game were 2009 and 2010. And he was a first-round pick in 2007. For comparison the Giants seleced two time Super Bowl starter Aaron Ross in 2007, hes been here and left two separate times. Meriweater’s first round pedigree may be something we’re using to boost the moral around his signing.
The Giants needed experience at safety. They absolutely get that in Meriweather. But I question how much production he’ll actually bring. It’s a wait and see process.
Next: Stability at a Currently Unstable Position