The New Generation of Big Blue D

by Ssj3alucard

John Madden said it during Big Blue’s beat down of the Eagles last Sunday: “Giants Fans understand and appreciate defense.” That’s because through the years, they have been treated to watching some of the best playmakers in the league. From Sam Huff in the 50’s to Lawrence Taylor in the 80’s to Michael Strahan dominating to late 90’s, the G-men have always been built around defense. On Sunday night, a new generation of Giant defensive stars was born.

First would obviously have to be the six sack man, Osi Umenyiora. When he was drafted in the second round by former general manager Ernie Accorsi, it left people scratching their heads. Who was this guy out of tiny Troy State? Turns out, he had the physical tools to be the next great complete defensive end in the league. What he didn’t have was the experience or technique to make an immediate impact, having only moved to the United States during high school after living in both England and Nigeria. Enter Strahan. The Giants all-time sack leader took Osi under his wing and taught him all the technique he knows. Now, Umenyiora is breaking out as one of the league’s elite defensive ends. As long as he can stay healthy, Umeniyora can lead the Giants into this decade much like his mentor lead them through the 90’s.

Also in the front seven is the duo of Mathias Kiwanuka and Justin Tuck. Together, they are two excellent pass rushers who also pursue the run well. Much has been made of Kiwanuka’s switch to linebacker, but he has created a niche for himself as a sideline to sideline player who is constantly chasing the ball. His biggest weakness is his coverage, which is being effectively masked by him moving inside to defensive tackle on passing situations.

Alongside him is Tuck, who a lot of people forgot about after he missed 2006 with an injury. He has returned with a vengeance and was the one Giant defender who did not struggle during the first couple of games this season. What people did not remember is that Tuck had a solid year in 2005 playing behind Strahan. Tuck is another defender that is being moved around the field, making offenses find him on most plays. This has lead to teams being forced to block him with everyone from guards to tight ends, rather than a tackle. Tuck is too fast for most guards, and too strong for most fullbacks or ends. This has lead to four sacks in his first four games this season.

The secondary has long been a concern for the iteration of the Giants D. This season, two playmakers have stepped up to make a huge difference. The Giants coaches have always loved Gibril Wilson because of the reckless abandon that he plays with. He has a nose for the ball and is an excellent blitzer. However, Wilson does occasionally struggle in coverage.

In terms of coverage, no Giant has more potential than Aaron Ross. This year’s first round pick has taken over for the ineffective Corey Webster and been an immediate upgrade. Ross’ Size and speed have been a huge boost to the secondary. As he learns to play cornerback in the NFL, expect him to create more turnovers.

Lastly, none of these players would be having the season that they are without Steve Spagnuolo. The new defensive coordinator has done a phenomenal job adjusting on the fly and putting his players in places where they can make plays. Ultimately, he has obtained a job with a legacy of excellent coaches. Tom Landry, Vince Lombardi, Bill Belichek and John Fox have all been Giants Defensive coordinators, and Spagnuolo figures to eventually join those guys in the head coaching ranks.

This defense has the talent and potential to be something special. While they won’t sack every quarterback 12 times, they can win some games even without their offense playing well. Ultimately, it may be those wins that propel Big Blue to the Playoffs.