4 players the NY Giants desperately need back after loss to Cowboys
1. S Xavier McKinney
While he may not be having a crazy statistical season like he did last year, Xavier McKinney has still been unbelievably important to the Giants defense. Not only does he basically negate any big play a team draws up, but he also does a great job cleaning things up in the run game.
Since going out with a hand injury, the Giants secondary has not been the same. While players like Dane Belton have done an okay job, he is not nearly as good as McKinney, especially as a tackler and run defender.
Belton has made some very nice plays in coverage, but has really struggled for the most part. Comparing him to McKinney just isn’t fair though, as McKinney has proven he can be great in this league, and Belton is a fourth-round rookie.
The Giants have been getting killed in pass coverage plays that would typically go in McKinney’s range. Teams are very clearly attacking that area since it is a weak spot and it is paying off handsomely.
While it is not entirely known as to when McKinney will return, the team is very hopeful we will see him again this season. With it seeming like the Giants playoffs odds will come down to the wire, any appearance at any time would be extremely beneficial for the Giants defense.
