New York Giants: Time to pay attention to defense

After being ridiculed through the first two games of the season, the New York Giants are .500, coming off a hard-fought victory in Buffalo, NY.

More from New York Giants

Last year, the Giants were laughably bad on defense, especially in the run game. The team was routinely beat, and entering this year, the defense was considered a major weak spot on this team. New York was supposed to win with an “unstoppable” offense, but low and behold, it’s the defense that has kept the Giants alive in the NFC East.

Also on Spin Zone: 2015’s most untradeable players

New York is the best in the league against the run, which is something nobody could’ve predicted before the season started. The Giants are the only team in the league to give up less than 70 yards — 69.8, officially –rushing per game.

The Giants have only had one game — Atlanta — without forcing a turnover. In the three other games, the Giants forced at least two turnovers. This unit has been incredibly opportunistic, and its not an exaggeration to say it’s night and day from last year.

Against Buffalo, Devon Kennard made an exceptionally athletic interception, and Prince Amukamara — pay that man — teamed up with Landon Collins to strip Robert Woods of the ball.

“There’s no Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora or Justin Tuck. There’s also no JPP, but a devoid of star power hasn’t hindered this defense.”

However, the most impressive thing from a defensive perspective was a tremendous goal-line stand. The Bills were sniffing the end zone, and for four-straight plays the Giants defense held its ground. It was an incredibly impressive feat, as the Giants refused to budge during a series that very well could have proven to cause a shift of momentum.

The series was set up by a lapse in coverage, but the Giants made up for the mental mistake with aggression. That’s been the story so far for this Giants D: Bend, don’t break.

Look, I’m not going to call this defense reminiscent of 2007’s group, but it’s time it starts getting some respect. There’s no Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora or Justin Tuck. There’s also no JPP, but a devoid of star power hasn’t hindered this defense

What this defense does have, however, is a group of unheralded, hungry players.

Second-year man Kerry Wynn was fantastic against the run in Buffalo. Undersized cornerbacks Trumaine McBride and Jayron Hosley have played well thus far. Uani’ Unga has two interceptions, which is tied for second-most in the league. The aforementioned and unheralded Kennard has developed into a quiet star. 5-10 fullback — yes, fullback — Nikita Whitlock has gotten snaps on defense, and he’s been impressive, too. Robert Ayers Jr. has undergone a career resurgence in New York, and he’s emerged as the Giants’ best edge rushers.

The Giants are getting production from players who usually fly so low on the radar, they seldom even register as a blip.

From a diluted, four-game sample, it appears that New York Giants football is back. At the very least, it seems like the team is on its way to once again being synonymous with tough defense. Not great, not elite, but damn tough.

Amukamara’s forced fumble is indicative of that. On the play, Amukamara simply wanted it more, as he ripped the ball away from Woods’ arms.

Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants free safety Landon Collins (21) makes a tackle on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Woods (10) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Giants beat the Bills 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive captain Jon Beason, arguably the unit’s most well-known player, knows the defense doesn’t need a big-name player to find success.

“It’s been done before, no-name defense,” Beason said, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. “We’ve got some journeymen, some guys who’ve been around. But we’re just buying into a mentality spearheaded by our defensive coordinator and position coaches, and guys are doing it collectively.”

Beason’s statement is abundantly true, as Spagnuolo deserves much praise for what he’s been able to do with this unit. He’s been innovative and creative with the pieces he’s been dealt.

Even if the defense begins to slip, it’ll likely bounce back and refuse to break. That might be the mantra for the rest of the Giants’ season.

Follow me on Twitter: @DisdierSports

Next: New York Giants: Will they sign any veteran receivers?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/New York Giants