New York Giants: Will New DC, Players Mean New Attack?

When the New York Giants lost defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to the St. Louis Rams and cut ties with wide receiver Plaxico Burress, it was clear there would be some pretty big shoes left to fill.

What wasn't clear was how they would be filled.

To replace Spagnuolo, the Giants turned to linebackers coach Bill Sheridan. Sheridan was quick to assuage fans' fears that he would be changing his predecessor's scheme, which proved to be quite successful over the past two years.

Sheridan has said that while some new wrinkles will be added, the defensive scheme will largely remain the same.

One thing Sheridan has vowed to do is cut down on situations, primarily in zone dog packages, where down lineman are asked to drop back in underneath coverage. This is a wise decision on the new DC's part, as many of the Giants down guys, especially Mathias Kiwanuka (who Sheridan said will remain at DE), struggled in space.

This new strategy also will allow guys like Kiwanuka and Justin Tuck to do what they do best: rush the quarterback.

Sheridan also said he sees Tuck playing inside on third down, which means a return of the successful Four Aces package. This will get the Giants' four best pass rushers—Tuck, Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyiora, and, most likely, newcomer Chris Canty—on the field at the same time. This package can prove to be particularly effective on passing downs if rookie linebacker Clint Sintim, who Sheridan envisions as a third-down pass rush specialist, is able to make a successful transition to the pro game.

On offense, the biggest change to play-calling due to changes in personnel is likely to come from the departure of Burress. Burress' impact on the Giants' red-zone offense was unmistakable, and how the Giants game plan around Burress' absence could go a long way in determining how successful the offense will be.

To some fans, the Giants addressed the loss of Burress by drafting 6'6" receiver Ramses Barden. While I like Barden's potential and was happy the G-Men drafted him, I'm not expecting him to step in this season to be a true red-zone threat. Burress' red-zone touches could go to tight end Kevin Boss, whose six receiving TDs led the team last year; and Steve Smith, who is considered QB Eli Manning's most reliable target.

Another game-plan change on offense will come in the form of how OC Kevin Gilbride fills the void left by Derrick Ward signing with the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. Ward led all Giants running backs in yards-per-carry (5.6) and receptions (41), and he was second on the team in carries (182) and rushing yards (1,025).

In terms of rushing production, I have a hunch the Giants will turn to Danny Ware. While Ahmad Bradshaw certainly has the skills—he was third on the team last season with 67 carries, 355 rushing yards and one TD—he is always one fumble away from Tom Coughlin's doghouse.

A dark horse candidate is rookie Andre Brown, who received rave reviews after the Giants' rookie mini-camp. Brown, who caught 54 passes the past two years at N.C. State, could help replace the receiving production lost with Ward's departure.

Another interesting change to the Giants' play-calling will be the use of rookie tight end Travis Beckum as an H-back.

The H-back position, coincidentally enough, was created in the 1980's by the Washington Redskins as a way to get another tight end on the field to help block Giants All-Pro linebacker Lawrence Taylor.

If Beckum proves to be a weapon in the receiving game, it's likely that fullback Madison Hedgecock will be the one to suffer, not Boss. I really liked the Beckum pick, and I wouldn't be surprised if he proved to be the most productive rookie on the Giants offense.