defense

2024 Opponent Preview: New York Giants, Week 12

17/06/2024 Raymond 0

Following a 2022 playoff campaign, the Giants faltered in 2023 but will see QB Daniel Jones return from injury and have strengthened their edge rush, offensive line, and receiving corps. With 12 weeks until the first airing of Monday Night Football in 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have already started their regular season. As those dates approach, we examine each team the Buccaneers will face, focusing today on the Giants, whom Tampa Bay will play after their Week 11 bye.

In 2023, the Giants regressed to a 6-11 record, tying for the sixth worst in the NFL. Their season began poorly, highlighted by a 40-0 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week One. The Giants’ struggles continued with a 1-5 start, punctuated by multiple significant losses. Despite some wins, including a game led by backup QB Tyrod Taylor, the Giants’ season was marred by injuries, including a torn ACL for Daniel Jones.

The Giants made significant moves in the offseason, securing the sixth pick in the 2024 draft and adding notable players like LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers and Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns. They also revamped their offensive line, signing former Packers guard Jon Runyan and former Raiders tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Running back Devin Singletary joined the Giants, replacing Saquon Barkley, who signed with the Eagles. Additionally, the Giants fortified their defense with former Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and several rookies, including Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin.

Significant departures included Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney, who joined the Eagles and Packers, respectively. Tyrod Taylor moved to the Jets, while other players found new homes across the league. The Giants also saw coaching changes, bringing in Shane Bowen as the new defensive coordinator and promoting Mike Kafka to assistant head coach.

Key questions for the Giants include whether Daniel Jones can solidify his role as the long-term franchise quarterback and how the defense will perform with new additions and a new coordinator. Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract, faces a crucial season to prove his worth. The defense, bolstered by Burns and other key players, aims to improve significantly under Bowen’s direction, moving away from the blitz-heavy schemes of former coordinator Wink Martindale.

QPR concern not over despite £1m-a-year Stoke City deal: View

13/06/2024 Raymond 0

With two years remaining on his contract, securing him with QPR until the end of the 2025/26 season, it’s suggested that the club would demand a fee of £5-7 million for Jake Clarke-Salter’s services this summer. Despite Stoke City’s recent acquisition of center-back Ben Gibson, QPR should still be concerned about the Potters’ interest in Clarke-Salter.

Given the rigors of a full season, it would be a significant challenge for any club to manage with just three center-backs. Stoke often plays with two center-backs, leaving them with only one player to cover both positions. Considering the likelihood of injuries and suspensions throughout the season, this situation would put them at a high risk of selection issues. Hence, it would be prudent for the club to bring in another central defender to alleviate the pressure on their current options, providing more flexibility for rotation and reducing the risk of unwanted absences.

Under-the-radar Patriots defense ready to take leap forward

23/05/2024 Raymond 0

The New England Patriots focused on maintaining a strong defense this offseason, despite significant roster and coaching changes. They re-signed safety Kyle Dugger to a four-year extension, allowing him to concentrate solely on football. Dugger expressed optimism about the unit’s potential, saying, “If I’m being honest, I don’t really see a ceiling for the group.” The Patriots also rely on second-year players, including Christian Gonzalez and Keion White, to elevate the defense. Head coach Jerod Mayo emphasized the potential for significant improvement in their second year, stating, “We are looking for those guys to make a huge jump.” Meanwhile, cornerback Marcus Jones highlighted the importance of unity and continuous improvement during OTA’s.

BREAKING: Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Former Baltimore Ravens Veteran Starter Before 2024 Season

12/05/2024 Raymond 0

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently finalized a deal with Anthony Averett, a defensive back with prior experience as a starter for the Baltimore Ravens, marking a strategic move to reinforce their secondary. Averett, who participated in the Steelers’ rookie minicamp on a trial basis, showcased his skills and dedication, leading to the team extending him a one-year contract. This signing comes as the Steelers seek to augment their defensive depth following the release of defensive backs Keanu Neal and Patrick Peterson earlier to manage salary cap space.

Packers Named Top Destination for Former Defensive Player of The Year

01/05/2024 Raymond 0

The Green Bay Packers have invested heavily in revamping their secondary during the offseason, but their efforts might not be complete yet. Despite making significant moves in free agency, such as acquiring safety Xavier McKinney and adding versatile playmaker Javon Bullard from Georgia, concerns persist about the depth at cornerback, particularly in a defensive scheme that places a premium on strong secondary performance.

Utah Jazz season awards: Defensive Player of the Year

01/05/2024 Raymond 0

Despite the Utah Jazz’s struggles on defense this season, individual standout performances deserve recognition. Walker Kessler emerges as a key player in this regard, earning the title of Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season. His consistent defensive contributions, highlighted by impressive stats such as 2.4 blocks per game and 8.4 rebounds per game, underscore his importance in protecting the paint for the Jazz. Despite any perceived offensive regression, Kessler’s defensive tenacity and potential for growth within the team’s system make him a valuable asset for the future.