I think that last year's defensive line was all about Osi. If he was on his game then they dominated. Strahan was a step (and probably a half) slower than in his prime and that was with more prep time than he would have had this year. He was successful in small spurts last year due to his natural talent and the emphasis on Osi on the other side.
As the main guy this year, I don't think he would have been as successful as Giants fans would expect. Plus, for 8 million bucks??? Cmon, it was clearly a reactionary move by the Giants that they will be happy he refused in the long run.
The key for this year is Justin Tuck. If he emerges than the Giants' defensive weakness (secondary) will not be as exposed because opposing quarterbacks will be pressured. If not, it will be a long year for those who bleed Giant blue. I know Tuck is fast, but he is pretty slim and may be injury prone when facing the biggest and strongest of an opponent's offensive line. I doubt he will start every game this year.
Yaros
I hear how you think that Strahan wouldn't have a great year, but he was the guy who rallied the troops when they needed it, he carried the team, he was a leader and when he was called on to lead, he led. Who will lead the team this year?
ReplyDeleteWell, defensively I think Antonio Pierce already started to become a very strong and vocal leader towards the end of the last season (he led the "us against the world" underdog theme). On offense, Ely will hopefully take more control as the fear Shockey put into him has disappeared. He will never be loud, so someone else will need to take that role if it is needed.
ReplyDeleteYaros
not to diminish osi umenyuras signifigance, but 6 of his 13 sacks came in one game.
ReplyDeleteIm not a giant fan at all, but the giants had one of the best Dlines in football last year. Osi was if not the best DE in the league last year, one of the best and the best player on the giants, however Strahan is a HOFer and has been consistant throughout his carrer, he is better than any player that has ever played for the Jets. He did it last year and with Tuck as Tuck came up huge in big spots last year in the playoffs. Yes Strahan did some work on the side but he had a great year last year without camp, he could do it because he is one of the greatest DEs of all time.
ReplyDeleteThe giants got it done last year something the jets havent done in 40 years (getting to a AFC title game in 98 doesnt equal getting it done). Each came through in the clutch. There were times were Strahan was the one getting it done and Tuck also. Im sure if Jet fans would stop drinking the coolaid they would rather have a retired Strahan and Tuck over Shawn Ellis.
Losing one of the best DEs is huge and it will hurt the giants however Strahan wouldve helped and Tuck i think will match his stats from last year.
The giants did make the playoffs the past three years and no reason why they still wont. After all they are the defending SB champions they deserve the respect of Jet fans who show no one respect except for their 4-12 losing, second hand team who hasnt done anything in 40 years
I agree that Strahan is better than any Jets lineman ever. But who cares, he isn't as good now as he was and is not worth 8 million. Also, the Giants honestly got lucky last year and have almost zero chance of repeating. That doesn't mean the Jets are better than them! Because I bash the Giants doesn't mean I am drinking Jets Kool Aid.
ReplyDeleteYaros
the biggest flaw in your logic is the assessment of tuck's ability to handle other team's best linemen. with strahan - even at less than the player he once was - tuck would then be the one dealing with single coverage against a lesser tackle, no different than last season. also, it would have allowed kiwanuka to float between edge blitzer/passing down DT like last year, which was incredibly effective. that's why they needed strahan to replace osi.
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