New York Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams celebrates a tackle in 2022 (wikimedia commons)
A big reason for the New York Giants’ success in 2022 was the unrelenting pressure that their defense caused in 2022.
With new additions to the defense and further development from their young core, the Giants should feel confident going into the second season of the Wink Martindale defensive era. With a tougher schedule to face, New York may not be as successful in keeping opponents off the scoreboard as they did last season.
Today, we look at how the Giants will look on defense and if they can reach new heights in 2023.
MORE: Giants’ Offensive Season Preview
Projected Starters:
LDE: A’Shawn Robinson
NT: Dexter Lawrence II
RDE: Leonard Williams
WLB: Kayvon Thibodeaux
LILB: Bobby Okereke
RILB: Isaiah Simmons
SLB: Azeez Ojulari
LCB: Adoree’ Jackson
SS: Jason Pinnock
FS: Xavier McKinney
RCB: Deonte Banks
Will Kayvon Thibodeaux build off his rookie season?
As rookie seasons go, Thibodeaux’s was extremely quiet for a player who was a top-five pick in last year’s draft. Yes, he dealt with his fair share of injuries, but Big Blue needs their young pass rusher to be the dynamic player he was in Oregon.
If Thibodeaux can double or triple his sack total, that would change New York’s defensive strategy and make things harder for opposing offenses. The Giants love throwing pass rushers in waves but having a consistent player that can get pressure on every down will be important in the NFC East.
Thibodeaux could be that player.
What are the expectations for Deonte Banks and other rookie corners?
Banks and fellow-rookie Tre Hawkins III are being strongly considered for both starting outside corner spots with Adoree Jackson moving to the slot. Should that happen, the Giants will be inexperienced going into a new season in the secondary.
That’s not necessarily bad, but should limit expectations for the defense to start the year.
Large corners like…
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