New D-Coordinator Sheridan Scheming For 2009 Season

           Over the past two seasons the Giants have built an imposing presence along the defensive line that has paved their way to the postseason. An aggressive scheme implemented by recently departed defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had opposing quarterbacks waking up bruised on Monday mornings. Coach Spags left to take the head job with the Rams and leaves a unit bolstered by the return of defensive end Osi Umenyiora in the hands of his former linebackers’ coach Bill Sheridan. General Manager Jerry Reese gave Sheridan some new toys to play with through free agency with the additions of Chris Canty, Michael Boley, Rocky Bernard, and CC Brown. Although the new defensive coordinator intends to keep many schematic elements the same, it’s worth watching how the players respond to his decision to coach from a box. One of the trademarks of Spags defense was his ability to interact and get the most out of his players during the game.

            As mentioned above, Bill Sheridan could not have inherited a better group of players. The Giants have 8 or 9 starting quality lineman with size, speed, and versatility. Question marks only exist at the bottom of the depth chart for the secondary, but there are plenty of intriguing prospects to fill those roles. Beyond that, it will only be a matter of personnel groupings and how to get all of his play-makers on the field at one time. Several summers ago when working with four rush ends (Kiwanuka, Tuck, Strahan, and Umenyiora), as well as a premiere pass rushing linebacker in LaVar Arrington, the Giants found ways to get all rushers on the field in obvious passing situations. With the versatility of Justin Tuck and Chris Canty to play end or tackle, and the attacking style of rookie linebacker Clint Sintim, Giants fans should expect to see some interesting formations on obvious passing downs.

            Although it seems like a played out topic, real questions arise about how the Giants offense will change without a “true #1” receiver. Realistically, the Giants will probably operate similar to the Patriots teams of the early 2000’s when Tom Brady would spread all over the field. In terms of personnel and scheming, a player to keep an eye on will be TE/H-Back Travis Beckum. The third rounder out of Wisconsin has great straight line speed, but doesn’t seem to like to block anyone. He can be effective running seam routes and should be instrumental in opening up the outside passing lanes. It seems that the Giants will line him up all over the formation: in the backfield, in the slot, perhaps even split out wide. The Giants will probably stray from their predominantly two tight end sets. While they will remain a power running team, they will find ways to get their various young receivers on the field. There should be more 3 and 4 receiver sets, perhaps even some 5 wide.

            While many of the core principles will stay in place on both sides of the ball (pressure the quarterback on defense and wear down defenses with their power running game on offense), the Giants should get creative with personnel groupings. They have great depth along the defensive line and a stable of young receivers chomping at the bit to get touches. Bottom line, the 2009 Giants will play an exciting brand of football on both sides of the line of scrimmage.