Quote:
Originally Posted by The Goat
I almost started a thread to ask how ya'll think our d-line now compares to other teams' d-line, but then I remembered this old thread.
I think we'll be in the top five in terms of tackles made by d-lineman, sacks and pressure on opposing QBs. I think we could be the best actually. I continue to expect a breakout by Monty, and now i wonder if seeing Al dominate up close will provide the motivation Monty needs to be that kind of player. (I'm far from an expert but I think the biggest thing holding Monty back from that kind of elite status is his motivation). Kedric gets better every year too, though his improvement is expected to be more gradual. Carter will benefit enormously from Al's presence. Ultimately I think we'll get the LDE situation handled adequately. Last but not least I think Griff plays like a warrior (again) this year.
... I know the Giants own a lot of big names and talent on their d-line, but it's worth remembering their d-coordinator, Bill Sheridan, has only 4 or 5 years in the NFL and this is his first shot at the position. Also worth a mention that Canty, who some of you shamefully coveted  , hasn't been groomed in the 4-3. I don't see the G-men as the preordained best d-line group out there... |
I don't know about sacks, but pressures and run stopping tackles I definitely think we will be top 5. Unless AH just doesn't motivate, but he has talked the right way so far, and I expect he will vastly improve the inside of the line, which translates to no more 4th qtr's where the opponent can just run the clock down.
As for the Giants, I think they will have all the media hype Dallas did last year. But I expect them to fizzle, unless their draft is above average. Their offense is not improved, (and I don't expect Plax back) and they brought two guys in who have had off-field issues. Like you said their D-Coordinator is new and now he has 7 egos to balance. Remember, before their SB run, the Giants often struggled with internal strife, I think that returns with a vengeance this year.