New York Giants fans have been through a lot over the past few seasons. They have won the least amount of games of any franchise since 2017 with a whopping 12-39 record. For many Giants fans, this was a year of greater hope than in years past due to a strong hearted new coach and a ton of young talent. These roaring flames of hope, however, have fallen to a flicker as Big Blue has found themselves with an 0-3 record and their star running back, Saquon Barkley, is out for the season. It is easy to focus on the negatives in situations like these, but there have actually been a few bright spots on the New York Giants defense this year.
New York Giants Defense Has Bright Spots
James Bradberry
Last year’s defense for the Giants was horrific, ranked 30th in the NFL. This made is glaringly obvious that a lot of changes had to be made, and so there was. Six of the 11 starters on defense this year were not on the team to start last year. One of the biggest additions so far has been cornerback James Bradberry. The Giants acquired the 27-year-old corner from free agency after he played four years with the Carolina Panthers to begin his career. There he was matched up twice a year with elite receivers like Mike Evans, Michael Thomas, and Julio Jones in the NFC South. Through three games in NY, it is clear thatBradberry is the guy Giants fans had hoped he’d be. He has shut down receivers with a league-leading nine passes defended (next highest is five), an interception, and a forced fumble. Big Blue will be very happy to have him around for the next three seasons.
Leonard Williams
Another guy that the Giants were able to keep around was lineman Leonard Williams. Astoundingly, the Giants traded for him last year when they were 2-6 at the halfway point of the season. Even more incredible is the fact that it was the last year of his contract and the rebuilding Giants GAVE UP a third and fifth round pick to get him for those last eight games. If this makes no sense to you, you are not alone. But Williams will remain a Giant for another season at least. After finishing last season without a single sack, the big man is finally playing like the sixth overall pick that he was in 2015. He has looked great with two sacks, 4.5 tackles for a loss, and 13 tackles (only one missed) on the young season. To match those numbers, his athleticism and physicality has been evident throughout the first few games. Big Blue is hoping he can continue this for 16.
Blake Martinez
Inside linebacker Blake Martinez has arguably been the best defender so far for the Giants. He was brought in this off-season as a free agent after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers and playing there for the last four seasons. If you’ve watched this defense this year, then you have noticed Martinez as he is seemingly all over the field and in on every tackle. In fact, he ranks sixth in the NFL in tackles with 30, and has also gotten into the backfield with two sacks and 4.5 tackles for a loss of his own. There are others on this New York Giants defense that deserve a mention for their solid play thus far as well, including defensive backs Julian Love and Logan Ryan, linebacker Lorenzo Carter, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
Is There Hope for the Giants With the Help of the Defense?
There hasn’t been much to cheer for lately in New York in terms of winning football games. Of course, wins are always the goal, but the Big Blue flames of hope could grow again before the season is done. With a second year quarterback in a new system, a first-time head coach, and no preseason, an early season skid was certainly a possibility. On top of that, the teams that the Giants have played are a combined 8-1 to start their seasons. There are bright spots among a lot of negatives for this Giants team, and fans can only hope that there is more as the season rolls on.
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