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Wink Martindale Has A New Defensive Chess Piece

New York Giants Defense

The New York Giants defense added hybrid defender Isaiah Simmons from the Arizona Cardinals for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick. Debate amongst Giants fans was on display whether or not the team should or shouldn’t pass on Simmons in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Giants ultimately went with offensive tackle, Andrew Thomas, which proved to be the correct call. Any general manager’s job in the offseason and during the season is to find ways to improve the roster via the draft, free agency, waiver wire claims, or through trades.

Simmons was a miscast in Arizona, as he has no true position on defense, therefore limiting the impact he can have. The Giants made sure to add speed and athleticism by taking a chance on Simmons, who is facing free agency next year after having his fifth-year option declined by the Cardinals. Since he only cost $1 million dollars this year, this is a low-risk-high-reward move for a defensive unit that has some depth concerns at the EDGE and linebacker positions.

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Wink Martindale Has A New Chess Piece

Defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale loves to attack offenses by disguising his defenses and sending blitzes from multiple formations. The bread and butter of past Giants’ defenses have been the ability to harass the quarterback, forcing bad decisions, and ultimately, turnovers. Adding a player like Simmons who can win as a pass rusher adds more juice to a Giants defense that will have to mask some deficiencies in the secondary with a couple of inexperienced players. Martindale has a big ball of clay that if properly used, can pay massive dividends.

Simmons Needed A Change Of Scenery

A change of scenery could prove to be the best move for both parties. There is a new regime taking the reigns in Arizona with new General Manager Monti Ossenfort and Head Coach Jonathan Gannon. Simmons had an opportunity to show he could be a successful player under new eyes, but ultimately fell short, prompting the trade. This Cardinals team is going through a rebuild, and cutting bait with Simmons shows the lack of trust they have in him. Simmons will have his chance at revenge when the Giants visit the Cardinals in Week 2 of the NFL season. The book isn’t fully closed on Simmons, but better effort is needed for that potential to be reached.

The New York Giants Defense Is Faster

Simmons brings elite-level speed and athleticism that this Giants defensive unit has been missing for quite some time. It is rare to see a player listed at 6’4″, 238 pounds, run a 4.39 40, and not have a role for him to thrive in. The versatility he brings via rushing the passer, dropping back in zone coverage, or playing man-to-man defense can only add more unique advantages to a unit that needed his style of play to begin with back in 2020. The positive for Simmons is that he won’t be asked to be the savior of the linebacker group now that the Giants have added players like middle linebacker Bobby Okereke to handle every-down duties. Martindale will have the freedom to use Simmons as he sees fit to give the defensive unit any advantage possible. The most important season for Isaiah Simmons is right in front of him, now he has to seize the opportunity.

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Main Image: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Sanchez

Steven Sanchez

Steven Sanchez is a Writer/Contributor for lastwordonsports.com. Steven previously wrote for East West Football Network, covering betting odds, league schedules, and team by team breakdowns. He was born in Queens, NY, but currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and three-month-old son. Steven is also tri-lingual in Spanish, English, and Football lingo.

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