Articles

by Craig J. Santucci @NYGiantsRush

One thing we have learned over the last three years is that patience does not come without a cost. The New York fan base and its shark tank of media personalities have been roasting the New York Giants and it’s ownership since 2012. However, ever since Dave Gettleman was hired it has been a full out barrage of snarky comments and negative press.

This past weekend was the coming-out party for the New York Giants as the double digit underdogs beat Seattle 17-12. The big boys upfront sacked Russell Wilson five times. The work they have put in over the last three years is paying off.

It has not been an easy road to travel and mistakes have been plentiful for the Giants. This past Sunday, the team finally turned a corner. You could see these guys having fun, playing with passion, and believing in the system. While we laughed at Graham’s unorthodox schemes..it works. Rookies like Crowder, Coughlin, Brown, and Holmes are making their presence felt.

And all this started a few year back when the Giants began to draft Defensive Tackles high on the board. It has been a sticking point for the fanbase as they pleaded for an Edge Rusher or CornerBack. After watching the Seattle game it was very clear that DG, Jones, and Graham know what type of player they want and how to use them.

The New York Giants have a legit all-star defensive front and no opposing quarterback is laughing now.

Rank:

  • Run Defense – 4th
  • Take-Aways – 4th
  • Pass Defensive – 18th
  • Overall Defense – 9th

The Boys:

In order, these are the men upfront that are making all the difference. You can stuff that concept that defensive backs are more important than pass rush and stuffing the run.

Leonard Williams – A must resign. With four games still to play Leonard Williams is two QB hits, and two tackles for a loss (TFL) away from a career-best. He already has 35 tackles and a career-high 8.5 sacks. ONLY Aaron Donald has more sacks from a DT and Williams and Donald are the only two DT in the top 25 in sacks. His speed and power, unmatched. Coaching is the key to his success.

Resign: Where ever they need to find the money…find it. Cut Solder, restructure Zeitler, cut Toilolo, Downs, Board, Ebner, Fleming, Tate and Pulley. It will be unacceptable for Leonard Williams not to be resigned. This was a wonderful job Gettleman.

Dexter Lawrence – the big man lost weight in the off-season and the results show. Graham uses his size and speed, running stunts and twists from the middle. Lawrence is two tackles away from passing last year’s total and already has 3 sacks. Last year’s first-round (17th pick overall) draft choice was selected to the Pro Football Writers All-Rookie Team in 2019. Another Gettleman Win.

Dalvin Tomlinson – the quiet captain goes about his business week in and week out. The run stuffer has 4 passes defended and is on the way to matching his 2019 totals (35 tackles | 2.5 sacks). He is extremely stout up front and needs to come back in 2020, but this becoming a long shot with Leonard playing so well. Tomlinson is primarily an inside run-stuffer, who plays with great footwork and hand play. He’s not easy to move.

BJ Hill – BJ had an outstanding rookie year (39 tackles | 5.5 sacks). In 2019 the coaching staff seemed to forget BJ Hill and his starts went to 12 games to 5. Graham and Joe Jones also seem to be waiting to see who BJ HIll is. He flashed in the middle of the season against Washington, Eagles, and Tampa. He will play a vital role if Tomlinson and/or Williams isn’t resigned. Graham seems to get the most out of his players, he needs to see promise in BJ Hill and put him in the right spot.

These four guys with a little help from Austin Johnson and Jaabal Sheard have been playing lights out. They will set the tone for a great finish to the 2020 season.