New York Giants: The Giants’ pending UFA’s – Part one, defense
By Ed Stein
2018 Performance
Last year’s defense was in the bottom third of the important statistical categories.
Run Defense: 1898 yards (20th)
Pass Defense: 4044 yards (23rd)
Total Defense 5942 yards (24th)
Points Allowed: 412 (23rd)
To be honest, the New York Giants defense didn’t scare anyone. Dynamic offensive teams like the Kansas City Chiefs can overcome a poor defense. In the waning days of Eli Manning‘s career, Pat Shurmur doesn’t have that luxury.
Earlier, I used the term “all things even.” In reality, all things are not even. There are intangibles such as dedication, compete level and heart, to name a few. I like to refer to a part of Al Pacino’s speech in Any Given Sunday:
"“The margin for error is so small. I mean one half step too late or to early you don’t quite make it. One-half second too slow or too fast and you don’t quite catch it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They are in ever break of the game every minute, every second. On this team, we fight for that inch…”"
Who did the New York Giants have on their 2018 defense that they want to bring back into the foxhole with them in 2019, to fight for that inch?
I broke the UFA’s into three categories that roughly answer the above question as no way, maybe, and YES!
Thanks for your service
Don’t expect these players to return to the team. Their contributions last year were minimal. In other words, thanks for coming and good luck in your future endeavors.
Tony Lippett, cornerback, 26 – He had a decent 2016 with Miami, but didn’t impress in New York this year as a mid-season signee.
Nathan Stupar, outside linebacker, 31- The Giants signed him just before opening day, following his release from New Orleans. He’s a decent spare linebacker/special teams player, but a very replaceable cog.
John Jenkins, defensive line, 29 – Often inactive, Jenkins only played in seven games.
*Linebacker Connor Barwin was released last week