The past decade has been a tumultuous time-period in New York Giants history. This time frame has seen multiple Hall of Famers (Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin) pushed out the door while the play on the field has suffered dramatically. The Giants team has been in limbo for over five years. Are they competing or are they rebuilding? That question was never answered until the 2019 NFL Draft when Dave Gettleman drafted the heir to Manning, Daniel Jones. However, at the beginning of the decade, the Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. Lets take a look at the New York Giants All-Decade team. This article focuses on the defense.
New York Giants All-Decade Team: Offense
New York Giants All-Decade Team: Defense
Defensive End: Jason Pierre-Paul
JPP was a top defensive end in the league before an injury that saw him lose his finger. He joined the team in 2010 and immediately because a force. In 2011, he recorded 16.5 sacks on his way to a Pro Bowl appearance and was named first team All-Pro. He totaled 58.5 sacks during his Giants career.
Defensive End: Justin Tuck
Tuck was influential during the 2007 Super Bowl run, but also during the 2011 Super Bowl run. In 2010, he was named to a Pro Bowl and Second team All-Pro. Tuck paired along side Osi Umenyiora, and eventually JPP to keep the Giants as one of the most feared pass rushes in the league. He totaled 31.5 sacks during this decade with the Giants.
Defensive Tackle: Damon Harrison
Damon Harrison became one of the most underrated players on the 2016 Giants team. Known as one of the best run stoppers in the NFL, Snacks went on to be First team All-Pro in 2016. After the season, he was rated the 96th best player in the NFL. Although his Giants career was short lived, he is one of the best defensive tackles to play for the team.
Defensive Tackle: Linval Joseph
Joseph became a solid contributor after his first season with the team. In those three seasons, he recorded nine sacks and 100 tackles. After he left, their was a clear need to replace his production. He went on to become a two time Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings, but he was a solid piece to the Giants defense.
Outside Linebacker: Mathias Kiwanuka
Most Giants fans will have fond memories of Kiwanuka. He was never a tremendous player, but played hard and was a selfless player. He converted from defensive end to linebacker in 2009, and played there until 2014. From 2010-2014, Kiwanuka totaled 19 sacks and 173 tackles.
Middle Linebacker: Alec Ogletree
Alec Ogletree had an up and down Giants career. He was probably the best MLB the Giants had this decade, but that is partially due to the fact they have not had a good middle linebacker since Antonio Pierce. At times, Ogletree was a very reliable linebacker and at other times he was a complete liability, especially in coverage.
Outside Linebacker: Michael Boley
After being signed by the Giants in 2009, he would immediately become one of the best linebackers for the Giants. He had 270 tackles over his three seasons this decade. He was another key part of the 2011 Super Bowl team.
Cornerback: Janoris Jenkins
Jenkins is easily one of the best cornerbacks to grace Giants blue. In his first season with the team, he became a lock down corner, holding teams best receivers to minimal yards. He was a Pro Bowler and Second team All-Pro in 2016. His Giants career came to abrupt halt last season, but he was one the best cornerbacks.
Cornerback: Corey Webster
Some of Websters best play came in the prior decade. However, his career high in interceptions, six, came during the 2011 Super Bowl run. During his prime, he was a very talented corner who always locked up the opposing teams best receiver. He totaled 14 interceptions in the three seasons he played in this decade.
Free Safety: Antrel Rolle
Antrel Rolle will go down as one of the best free agents signed in Giants history. He was selected to two Pro Bowls with the Giants as well as being selected to two Second team All-Pro. Rolle was a key piece of the 2011 Super Bowl team’s defense. During his five year stint with the team, he played and started every single game for the team.
Strong Safety: Landon Collins
The Giants traded up to select Landon Collins in the 2015 NFL Draft. Collins had a rough first season, playing out of position as a free safety. When moved to strong safety, there was a clear change in play. He recorded over 100 tackles in his first three seasons with the Giants, and was a three time Pro Bowler with the Giants. His dominant 2016 season saw him named First team All-Pro.
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