4 NY Giants who must play better in Week 2 vs. Panthers
By Reese Nasser
3. LB Austin Calitro
When the Giants released starting middle linebacker Blake Martinez right before the start of the season, they knew they would be facing an issue at the position. Tae Crowder currently serves as the leader of the unit. And while he has been a tackling machine in the past, he has also struggled heavily in certain areas of the game.
The release of Martinez elevated every other Giants linebacker up the depth chart. And it has now put preseason standout Austin Calitro in a starting role. Calitro’s performance in Week 1 left much to be desired. And it could very quickly lead to the Giants addressing the position in some way.
Calitro recorded four total tackles and two tackles for loss vs. Tennessee. But much of his success was found in the second half. And many of the defensive errors he made in the first half are what put the Giants into the position that they were in.
Calitro struggled heavily in coverage. His struggles led to the Titans exploiting the linebackers.
Titans are straight up just targetting the Giants' linebackers and having instant success...
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) September 11, 2022
We all saw this coming lol
Titans running back Dontrell Hilliard ended the day with three receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns. Hilliard was the primary benefactor to Calitro’s poor coverage.
Giants go three-and-out, give up a 46-yard punt return than an easy five-play TD drive, capped by a 7-yard pass to RB Dontrell Hilliard against Austin Calitro in coverage.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) September 11, 2022
Calitro was on the receiving end of both of Hilliard’s touchdowns.
A strong performance in Week 2 from Calitro would ease many of the concerns regarding the linebacker group. If he can step up into his newfound role and play like a starter, the team could potentially avoid having to address the position.