New Defense in New York

With a new season comes new challenges, new personnel, and new adjustments to make to your teams scheme. This is no different for the New York Giants.

Like every team the New York Giants are going to have to adjust to different players and different coaches. The biggest challenge that the Giants will have to overcome is adjusting to new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan. After the loss of former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnolo to the St. Louis Rams, Sheridan has inherited the fifth highest rated total defense.

Sheridan has said he will not be changing a lot. One thing that he is looking to change is in the pass rush. Sheridan looks to keep his pass rushers attacking the quarterback where Spagnolo would have them drop back into coverage.

Key additions to the Giants defense has to make Sheridan confident. Osi Umenyiora is making his return after a season ending injuring. Umenyiora was coming off of a great season with 52 tackles and 13 sacks, not to mention a Super Bowl ring.

A slew of other players have been added to the defense, such as Chris Canty from Dallas, Michael Boley from Atlanta, and Rocky Bernard from Seattle.

"You can never have enough pass rushers," Sheridan said in an interview with NFL.com.

So many players get injured in a season that having depth can only help. Depth is just what the Giants have this year. With Sheridan there will be less zone blitzes and more attacking the quarterback. The Giants were sixth in the NFL in sacks last season.

With more pressure on the quarterbacks, coverage will have to step up. Corey Webster is now the veteran defensive back and a lock down defender. Last years first round draft pick Kenny Phillips will have to step up his game as well. Coming from Miami, New York hopes to get the same production from their safety as players like Ed Reed and Sean Taylor before him.

I expect a lot of zone coverage and cover two formations while the quarterbacks are being forced to make quick decisions. Keeping their eyes on the quarterbacks will help this young and athletic defensive backfield to run freely and make for more turnovers.

Expect the Giants to boost their offensive numbers as the defensive keeps them on the field. With depth on the line the defense will be able to make subs in and out, keeping them fresh.