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JPP, Vernon, Kennard, Okwara: NASCAR front 2016

by Craig J. Santucci – publisher of NY Giants Rush

The NASCAR package: Fans remember it well.  Offenses struggled to handle it and for the most part everyone wants to know how Steve Spagnuolo can reproduce it.

Giants fans have great memories of “four” Defensive Ends being on the field at one time rushing the passer.   Hall of Famer, Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora crashed from the outsides, while Mathias Kiwanuka and Justin Tuck blew up the inside.   Offensive lineman had to deal with a ton of speed, a ton of power and ton of disruption.

As the years went by, the once all-star lineup of defensive ends disappeared.  Some retired, some left via free agency, some where not resigned.  The Super Bowl winning Defensive Coordinator also left the Giants leaving Big Blue with very little talent, very little creativity and no pass rush for the last 6 or 7 years.

In 2016 things have changed and for the better.   Steve Spagnuolo is back for a second year and slowly but surely moving pieces around to find the best fit.  The Giants best pass rusher, Jason Pierre Paul is back and healthy.  Free agent Olivier Vernon is starting to make some progress after hurting his wrist early on.   And to turn up the expectations abit more…Spags implimented the first incarnation of the NASCAR package Sunday against the Eagles.

Did it work?   Rookie QB Carson Wentz threw his second interception while the new NASCAR was being executed:   Defensive Ends, JPP and Vernon crashed the outside while Rookie Defensive End, Romeo Okwara from Notre Dame and Strong Side Linebacker, Devan Kennard crashed the inside.

This is when it gets fun!  Look out Andy Dalton….NASCAR is coming.

@NYGiantsRush