The New York Giants might just have an elite defense on the horizon. Last season, Wink Martindale showed fans what he can do with key players out, minimal depth, and an inconsistent secondary. Now, Joe Schoen provided him with Bobby Okereke in free agency, and the team also added Deonte Banks in the draft.
Those two now join a defense that has the potential to take a major step forward in the upcoming season. When you take a glance at the defense, it actually looks like one of the best in the NFC. We all know how much of a difference-maker Dexter Lawrence is, and he could even get better. Last season the stud DT put up a career high for sacks, and he might just set a new one again.
Fans are eager for Year 2 of young EDGE Kayvon Thibodeux - on top of hoping for a healthy season for Azeez Olujari and Leonard Williams. The defensive line could make some major noise in 2023, and it could help them stop the powerhouse offenses they will face in the NFC East. With that said, here's three reasons why the Giants can be elite in '23:
3. The Giants secondary is young, but ready to make an impact
Last season the defensive line was great, but the secondary was too inconsistent at times. Xavier McKinney missed a large chunk of time, following an injury that happened during the bye week. He is a difference-maker for the Giants, as the team was 7-2 with him on the field in 2022.
Without the young safety, the G-Men were only 2-5-1. Now adding Banks to the secondary should help McKinney. A lot of fans are very excited to see Banks suit up for the squad, and they believe he can make an immediate impact.
Now with the first-round pick, Adoree' Jackson’s job will be a lot easier. I think Giants fans can admit he’s not a number one cornerback, but he is more than capable of being a number two.
With the Philadelphia Eagles having a powerhouse offense, they need a powerhouse defense to stop them. Jalen Hurts is not going anywhere, and neither is AJ Brown. Having a lethal pass-rush, and a budding secondary could help the Giants steal a game, or even both games from divisional rivals. Even outside of the division, the Minnesota Vikings, the Detroit Lions, and a lot of other teams have outstanding offenses.
It makes sense why Schoen would try and build up this defense. When it comes to the offense, the Giants are going to be heavily reliant on Daniel Jones and Saqoun Barkley again. For the defense, though, expect it to be the opposite. Martindale has a young defense that could just be one of the biggest surprises in the upcoming season.