Five Takeaways from New York Giants’ Win

Defensive Takeaways

The only bigger improvement than the additions to the defensive line are those made to the defensive backfield.  The run stoppers up front, Damon Harrison and Johnathan Hankins, have played at a Pro-Bowl level.  The linebacker play has noticeably improved, and relies heavily on the play of the line.  But the greatest asset of this defense is the defensive backfield; a group of hard hitters and ball hawks that set the tone on defense and are leaned on to make plays.

By this point in the season, Giants’ fans undoubtedly had images of Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre Paul putting on their best Von Miller impressions and having regular meetings in the offensive backfield. Through two games though, JPP and Vernon have zero combined sacks and Von Miller has shown why he is the greatest singular defensive force in football. JPP and Vernon have ability, but the ability to single-handedly change a game is not one of them.  They don’t appear to possess the one-on-one ability of a Von Miller or Lawrence Taylor. Teams are fairly confident in lining up a tackle or even a tight end against them one on one.

As a result of this improved but decidedly unspectacular defensive pass rush, the defensive backs have shown the importance of a solidified defensive backfield.  Nat Berhe and Landon Collins have been flying round like men possessed; Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple have been glued to receivers’ hips; and Dominique Rodgers Cromartie has done everything except attempt a kickoff.  Their coverage ability and versatility has come into focus after the defensive front four have been unable to generate much of a pass rush.