For the Giants season to be a success the defensive line needs to elevate its level of play to ones we saw in the 2007 and 2008 season. Under Spagnuolo there was an emphasis on getting pressure on the quarterback, but under Sheridan the line took a step back and his blitzes failed to do really anything.
This season the Giants boast the most depth they’ve had on the defensive line since 2007 when they won the SuperBowl. They have Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyiora, Dave Tollefson and first-round pick Jason Pierre-Paul.
Justin Tuck was instrumental in the 2007 season and proved to be a star in 2008. An injury in early in the 2009 season hampered Tuck from putting together another impressive season, but the injury seems to be behind him. Having Tuck return to the form we’ve seen from him in the past would, alone, vastly improve this unit.
Mathias Kiwanuka will now be in his third full season as a defensive end following the experiment at linebacker. He was more than solid in 2008 when he was the starter, proving to be a good pass rusher, and more importantly great against the run. Right now he is the favorite to win the spot opposite Tuck and if he can make some improvements from last season could be ready for a break-out season.
Osi has been a Pro Bowler in the past, but had some problems last season. He had some disagreements with then-defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan and was demoted halfway through the season. What is important to note was Osi had missed all of 2008 with a knee injury and was making his way back from the injury last season, one that usually takes a full season to recover from. With the added time off Osi should be back to his explosive self and help restore this Giants pass rush.
Then there is Pierre-Paul. Pierre-Paul is a freakish athlete that has been compared to Jevon Kearse. He is a little raw but has enormous potential. He has a non-stop motor and long arms that should help get to the quarterback this season. As a member of the rotation he probably won’t make a huge impact in the form of a 10-sack season, but should play well enough to garner some attention and allow the Giants to employ the four defensive end front they like to use.
All in all the Giants have a deep and talented set of defensive ends that should help restore the Giants defense to greatness this season.
by Evan Slavit at the Sports Fan Blog Network
