By Denis Krusos
The Giants were unable to make the playoffs in 2012 and have a chance to defend their title. The team's defense struggled to stop opponents' in the air or on the ground late in the season in a couple of pivotal games. Opponents gashed the Giants for big plays and converted all-to-frequently on 3rd down. The consecutive 34-0 and 33-14 defeats to the Falcons and Ravens in December sealed their fate.
The G-men have some tweaking to do on offense (add some youth to the offensive line and hope that Hakeem Nicks returns healthy in 2013), but the foundation is in place to score a bunch of points. David Wilson and Reuben Randle flashed enough potential in their rookie seasons that the team's coaches should feel good about their production increasing significantly in 2013. However, the Giants' defense sprang some leaks in 2012 and more will be required to right the ship.
The biggest surprise of the past season was how tame New York's vaunted front four was in far too many contests. Big Blue's defense is anchored by their front four. The heralded line played a big role in both of New York's recent championships. The Giants surrendered an average of 14 points in the last six games (including the playoffs) of the 2011 championship season. The consistently disruptive pass rush turned Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady into mortal quarterbacks. That did not happen enough this past season, especially down the stretch.
Justin Tuck faded late in the year with another shoulder injury and at 30 may be in decline. His 4 sacks were the fewest he has had since 2006. Tuck played in just 6 games that season, but clearly was a talented, young defensive end that was starting to figure out the pro game. The former Notre Dame star needs a big off-season to get in the best shape of his life. He also may need to become more of a 3rd down player to keep him fresh.
Osi Umenyiora probably will depart via free agency. The ten-year veteran had only 6 sacks, which was his fewest since 2006. Umenyiora likely will find a team to pay him to be an every down player and not just as a pass rushing specialist that the Giants envision him to be. New York's most prized defensive force, Jason Pierre-Paul, also saw his production decline substantially in 2012. JPP is just entering his prime, but the combination of more blocking schemes designed to slow him down and time spent at defensive tackle due to injuries, curtailed his effectiveness.
A bounce-back season from Pierre-Paul would hardly be surprising. However, fans should not be shocked if Jerry Reese spent the team's 1st round pick on a talented defensive end that can rush the passer in the 2013 NFL Draft. Reese never met a gifted defensive lineman that he did not like. Reese has a keen eye for talent and knows better than most that harassing a quarterback with a wave of long-armed and athletic pass rushers is the best way to stop today's air attacks. Ezekiel Ansah (BYU) and Dion Jordan (Oregon) are a couple of defensive ends in this year's draft that the Giants will definitely kick the tires on. The thought of pairing JPP with another young and dynamic defensive end has to be appealing to the Giants, especially with RGIII in the division.
The other most disturbing defensive surprise was the poor play of cornerback, Corey Webster. New York's number one cornerback was beaten for an alarming number of big plays in 2012. He played like he lost a step and the NFL is a cruel sport when a weakness is identified. Teams will not stop attacking a weakness until you give them a reason why. Webster turns 31 soon and may not be able to be the player that he once was. The former 2nd round pick (2005 NFL Draft) may not be back unless he is willing to reduce his 7 million dollar salary for the upcoming season. It is not wise to pay a player for past production.
The Giants are thin at the critical cornerback position and likely will target a cornerback high in the draft. Prince Amukamara (1st round, 2010 NFL Draft) may have a breakout season in his 3rd year, but has yet to avoid nagging leg injuries. The Giants like last year's 3rd round pick, Jayron Hosley, at cornerback. However, he has to get stronger this off-season and prove that he can stay healthy despite having a small frame. A quality young cornerback is badly needed to help New York's secondary. Jordan Poyer (Oregon State) is an intriguing cornerback that the Giants will seriously evaluate. He could be this year's draft's version of Casey Hayward. Hayward slipped to the 2nd round of last year's draft because he lacked great size and speed. He turned out to be a steal for the Packers because he is such a smart and instinctive cornerback.
Giants' fans should feel good about having a talent evaluator of Jerry Reese's caliber running the draft. Big Blue builds primarily through the draft and supplements with the occasional value free agent (TE Martellus Bennett being a prime example). The Giants could easily see a rejuvenated defense with the addition of a couple of talented young players. The 2014 Super Bowl takes place in New York and the Giants would love to have a home game.
http://www.profootballdraftnetwork.com provides extensive pre and post NFL draft analysis. The site features scouting reports, rankings, top values, biggest risks, interviews with college coaches, players and mock drafts.
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