Defensive Notes
Michael Strahan’s decision to remain retired might be just as well for the Giants defense. Unlike Brett Favre, who had apparently at least been considering returning since a month after he retired, Strahan has appeared as if playing football was the last thing on his mind. The Giants have switched Mathias Kiwanuka from linebacker back to defensive end, a move that has basically been anticipated ever since they switched him in the first place. They’ve also added end Jerome McDougle from Philadelphia, who defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is familiar with from his days in Philadelphia. Now the Giants appear to be OK at defensive end – it’s linebacker where they’re worse off, with Danny Clark and Gerris Wilkinson slated to start alongside Antonio Pierce. That could be a problem.
Shawne Merriman intends to try to play this season, with two torn ligaments in his knee. He’s decided not to have the recommended reconstructive surgery, which would end his season – for now, anyway. We’re not confident he’ll make it through the season, and we can’t help but wonder if the Chargers’ team defense might not be better off with a fully healthy Jyles Tucker – who the team just gave a new 4-year contract – than Merriman. It’s reasonable to think that at best, Merriman won’t be a full-time player this year. With Merriman either sidelined or playing hurt, San Diego’s defense looks less fearsome, and Merriman is essentially undraftable in IDP formats.
Other news and notes:
- The Jaguars have finally got top pick Derrick Harvey under contract. That’s good news for their defense, but he probably won’t make an impact right away – might not even play that much. It’s not the same as JaMarcus Russell holding out from the Raiders a year ago, but it’s not realistic to think Harvey could be lining up on defense for anything more than a few snaps in week 1, either. Still, the team obviously liked the guy after trading up to the 8th spot to take him, and he’s finally signed. We like Jacksonville’s defense, and Harvey should end up being a valuable part of it before too long.
- We don’t like to overrate exhibition performances, but it’s hard to ignore what Carolina has done this preseason. Through three games the Panthers are 2nd in both sacks and interceptions – this after being one of the league’s worst teams in both categories a year ago. Julius Peppers (coming off his worst season) looks poised to have a very good year, and linebackers Thomas Davis and Jon Beason should both be very good. And the schedule looks favorable, with a slew of what figure to be either anemic (Kansas City, Atlanta), sack-prone (Arizona, Detroit) or both offenses dotting it. If you like to wait until the last rounds for your defense, Carolina is one to consider.
- Watching highlights of Jets preseason games, you might think Brett Favre is the only noteworthy component. But in fact, their defense – finally, perhaps, in possession of the players to make Eric Mangini’s 3-4 work – has been very good. Credit new nose tackle Kris Jenkins, who has looked exactly like the disruptive force the Jets have lacked the last few years. And credit Calvin Pace, who had a breakout year with Arizona a year ago, signed a big contract with the Jets, and appears to have amped his game up a notch rather than resting on his laurels. The Jets have steadily climbed our rankings. They could be very good this season.
—Andy Richardson
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