The Secondary

Last season the Giants got scorched by the big play, and it lead to one of the worst defensive performances the Giants have had in their history. With the departure of James Butler and the season ending injury to Kenny Phillips the Giants were left with Michael Johnson and journeyman C.C. Brown, two men who obviously were not ready for the job. In the off-season this became a top priority with the Giants bringing in top free agent safety Antrel Rolle and veteran depth with Deon Grant. If all goes according to plan the Giants could have one of, if not the best secondary in the NFL.

Last season Antrel Rolle made the switch from cornerback to safety for the Cardinals and responded with his first Pro Bowl appearance. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, because of some contractual issues they released Rolle and the Giants were able to swoop in and pick him up before the Cardinals were able to re-sign him. If Phillips can return healthy and in the form he showed at the start of last season, the Giants could have the best safety tandem in the league. Both players cover a lot of ground and are true ball-hawks. Not to mention their ability to come up and support the run, as sometimes I feel Phillips is a better tackler than most linebackers are.

Seated behind these two is veteran safety Deon Grant, best known for his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A few years ago he hit free agency and the Giants failed to sign him, with Grant signing with the Seattle Seahawks instead. Grant is not the player he once was and is getting up there in years, but has more left in the tank than people give him credit for. He had a down year in Seattle but a lot of his problems came from an inexperienced secondary and a horrid pass-rush. With Rolle and Phillips slated to start, Grant should be able to go out and make plays in nickel and dime packages.

With these three players last years starter Michael Johnson gets pushed down to the bench and fourth on the depth chart. He should see some time in a rotation on dime packages, and also provides pretty good depth for a fourth man. Remember, Johnson played a lot better under Spagnuolo and with Butler by his side. Perhaps he can pick up his play with newly signed defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and the veterans in front of him.

After Last seasons performance the Giants have made sure the safety position will not be a liability. Teamed with the corners the Giants already have the secondary should be a big strength going into the season.

by Evan Slavit at the Sports Fan Blog Network