New York Giants who must step up their game

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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 – DE

I think the Giants defensive line can be deep. It seems deep when you look at the depth chart. But realistically, with Jason Pierre-Paul’s status totally up in the air, it really isn’t. The Giants need Ayers to continue to play excellent run defense, but they need him to also take a step as a pass rusher, and he needs to prove that this preseason.

The second-year Giant is playing in front of a couple of good pass-rushing defensive ends in Damontre Moore and Owa Odighizuwa. But their unproven run defense leaves them on the sidelines and Kerry Wynn starting across from Ayers.

We know Jonathan Hankins will give the Giants some pass rush, but they really need Ayers to be more of a presence in the backfield. He has to show he can do that against the Jets and Patriots in the coming weeks.

Next: Justin Pugh - OG

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