New York Giants fans love defense.
The rich history of the New York Giants defense is showcases by many great pro bowl players, but what happens when you have the 31st overall ranked defense? When you’re at the bottom it takes a whole lot to move up in the race and currently the New York Giants do not have the horse power to make an impressive turn around on the defensive side of the ball.
Most teams after winning the Superbowl have the “hangover” syndrome. Players leave for more money(see fleeceing of the Ravens) and some players lose a bit of their internal fire; however, our beloved New York Giants have fallen into a repetitive pattern of not making the playoffs…at all!
With the excitement building for the 2013 NFL season, Tom Coughlin, Jerry Reese and the New York Giant brass might be forced to heavily rely on rookies and 2nd year players for the upcoming season. Fans can only hope that concept sinks in during training camp. Two specific players now in their sophomore season will be needed to make major contributions if the Giants are to climb the defensive ranking ladder.
While rankings don’t win Super Bowls, it’s 3x harder to compete when you’re down two touchdowns by half time.
Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech :
This 2012 3rd round pick needs to step up and show some of his big play making skills. Hosley is a tad under-sized but still most likely to compete at the nickel or the dime. Last pre-season the speedy corner showed some “flash” as he picked off Mark Sanchez and returned it for a touch down.
With the “can’t cover” brothers Ross and Webster back together…the corner back position needs some life.
Markus Kuhn, DT, NC State:
The New York Giants defense said goodbye to Osi Umenyiora, put Jason Pierre Paul on the shelf and did not bring back Dave Tollefson. The edge rushers are posting a job opening. So what about the big boys inside? Perhaps they can hep?
Canty and his bitterness are gone, Marvin Austin is a bust and Linval Joseph never became Barry Cofield…so that gives sophomore Markus Kuhn a shot. The defensive tackle came in raw in 2012 but showed some play making skills when given a chance. His vertical push can be disruptive and his ability to handle guards at the snap of the ball is developing. The 6′ 4″ 300 lbs tackle might make a splash in year two if he continues to develop.
Kuhn has not played a lot of football; however, in 2013 he will be expected to make some plays with the very thin defensive line. Jenkins did not find the fountain of youth, so Markus Kuhn could play his way into a major contributor.
– Craig J Santucci | Giant Rush Senior Editor