New York Giants First Quarter Season Grades
Run Defense Grade: A
Sep 24, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) is stopped by New York Giants strong safety Brandon Meriweather (22) and New York Giants defensive end Cullen Jenkins (99) during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Talk about a night and day difference. Last season, the Giants were embarrassing defending the run. They were the third worst team stopping the run in terms of yardage, and gave up the most yards per carry at 4.9. But, they have done a total 180 in this area for 2015.
The Giants are currently the best team in the NFL in defending the run. They are giving up only 69.8 yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry, which are elite numbers. They have given up only two scores on the ground as well, as the Giants run defense has been stout no matter where they are on the field.
Those numbers are impressive because the Giants have faced off against multiple hot running backs already this season and teams that like to run the ball. Every team the Giants have faced off against this season have been in the top half of the season in rushing, as the Cowboys, Falcons, Redskins and Bills rank 15th, 12th, 1st and 6th respectively in rushing yards. They also shut down Matt Jones and Karlos Williams after monster games heading into their meetings with the Giants.
This has been the best job that Steve Spagnuolo has done. He knows that his team is struggling to get pressure in the passing game, so he has made sure they are dominant in stopping the run. They have succeeded, as their defensive ends are all strong against the run. Even with injuries keeping the Giants from having their unit together as one this season, they are getting strong performances as everyone is stepping up. Devon Kennard has been on the best players on the defense, and it is even more surprising the success they are having as Jon Beason has not been near 100 percent yet.
Kerry Wynn has been strong as well getting a lot more playing time than originally expected. Also, having Meriweather and Collins, two guys who like to play the run in the secondary, helps immensely as they are able to stop opposing runners from getting to the second and third levels. Amukamara and Rodgers-Cromartie also excel in run defense in addition to be strong cover corners; Amukamara is actually second on the team in tackles, which is similar to what Terrell Thomas used to do when he was roaming in the Giants secondary.
The Giants may not have big name players, but their scheme works. They are focusing on gang tackling with high energy and effort, becoming a sound tackling team as a whole to make up for whatever they lack in individual talent.
This has been by far the biggest surprise for the Giants this season, and the grade reflects that. This shouldn’t be a fluke either, as they should only improve once they get players like Robert Ayers back from injury and continue to replenish their depth. Also, if Jason Pierre-Paul returns, anything he provides is a bonus.
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