Michael Boley: A Future Hero for the New York Giants' Defense

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The New York Giants' defense has been known for their pass rushing ability. The defense has been known for its great defensive ends, Osi Umenyiora, Antonio Pierce and Justin Tuck who have led the team in sacks over the past two years.

Antonio Pierce has held down the line-backing corps, but during this off-season the Giants have added another weapon to their defense; this weapon is former Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Michael Boley.

Michael Boley is a 26 year old, 6'3", 223-pound linebacker out of Southern Mississippi has five years of experience in the NFL. In 2008, Boley had 73 tackles, one interception, nine pass deflections, and was key to the Falcons playoff run last year. This loss severely hurts the Atlanta Falcons defense, but this addition adds a new factor for opposing teams to think about when facing the Giants.

The addition of Boley to the Giants' defense is giving them another experienced linebacker. Last season the Giants' line-backing corps consisted of Bryan Kehl, Antonio Pierce, and Danny Clark. Last season 200 tackles. Boley will be replacing Kehl at the starting weak side linebacker spot where he will replace Kehl’s 35 tackles with his 73.

The aspect of having another experienced linebacker adds a new facet to the Giants Strategy. The Giants can now add even more blitz schemes and blitz the linebacker more. Boley is also a great pass defender.

While playing the Eagles last year, the Giants struggled to defend Brain Westbrook when he ran receiving routes. Boley could be vital in the defense of Westbrook this year.

The Giants have improved their defense this year with the additions of Canty, Boley, and Bernard. They filled all their weak spots from last year, but Boley may be the best addition made by the Giants this off-season. Boley has a long career ahead of him, and he adds all sorts of aspects to the Giant’s defense.

Boley will be key in the success of the Giants this season, and if his career stays on the track that it is currently on, he will be a future hero for the New York Giants.

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