Big Blue View
Seth Weissman asks: Why do you think the Giants cannot stop the run? Is it just that they don’t have enough talent on the line (other than Dex)?
Ed says: Seth, that question comes up again and again and again. I don’t have a definitive answer. The Giants are 31st in the league, giving up 5.9 yards per rushing attempt. They give up 9.5 rushing first downs per game, 28th. They give up 177.5 rushing yards per game, last in the league.
Aside from Dexter Lawrence, I don’t believe any of their interior defensive tackles are better than adequate run defenders. Kayvon Thibodeaux is a forceful, strong edge defender. Abdul Carter and Brian Burns are more athletic, maybe not as sturdy setting the edge. As many tackles as Bobby Okereke makes, I am not sure how impactful he is at this point.
You need the cornerbacks and safeties, too, and I’m not sure the Giants are getting what they need there. Cor’Dale Flott is 175 pounds, and he isn’t going to hold up against tight ends or pulling linemen.
I am not a defensive expert or a film junkie, but when you listen to Giants defenders speak I am not sure they are assignment-sound, either. Each player has a responsibility, a run fit, on every play. I’m not sure they all fully trust each other to handle their individual roles, and that leads to guys taking chances and trying to do more than their own jobs.
Dan Kantor asks: I’m curious how James Hudson will be treated by the coaches on a day-to-day basis now. Let’s say he’s in the doghouse. Let’s say he doesn’t start the next game, and we don’t see him unless injuries force him onto the field. How do the coaches treat him every day? Do they treat him like any other player who doesn’t get many snaps – trying to coach him up and reminding him to “stay ready”? Or do they give him the cold shoulder? I’m sure he knows by now that he messed up. I’m just wondering if being in the doghouse simply means less playing time, or if it actually comes with being ignored and given dirty looks.
Ed says: Dan, it is hard to see how Hudson gets back on the field any time soon. That said, if he is going to be on the roster what good does it do the coaching staff to ignore him? He is part of the roster, and as such the coaches are not doing their jobs if they just shun him. They signed him to a two-year contract for a reason, though at this point I doubt he sees that second season with the Giants.
*Seth Friedman asks: Many of us were shocked by the unprofessional behavior and sideline demeanor of James Hudson this past Sunday. Despite NYG handing Hudson a 2 year contract this past off-season, his performance has totally failed the eye test. Given that NYG might want to...
