Giants: One major storyline for New York that people are ignoring
The New York Giants made plenty of changes during this offseason. Many would say they made a plethora of impact acquisitions. They'll have a handful of new starters between their offense and defense. One major question mark does remain, though. Who will step up in the place of Julian Love in the secondary? Love was […]
The New York Giants made plenty of changes during this offseason. Many would say they made a plethora of impact acquisitions. They'll have a handful of new starters between their offense and defense. One major question mark does remain, though.
Who will step up in the place of Julian Love in the secondary?
Love was a consistent tackling force for New York, but they did not retain him. Now, they'll have to look at how they will replace his production. Love was their leading tackler a season ago, totaling 124 of them.
Adam Rank, of NFL Network, discussed the hole that Love's departure leaves for the Giants as well.
Love was far and away the leading tackler for the Giants last season — his 124 total was nearly 40 more than next-closest player, Jaylon Smith — and he signed a free-agent deal with the Seahawks during the offseason. It was one of those moves that's not going to make a ton of headlines, but it could have a huge impact on this team moving forward. He was a difference-maker in run support. The Giants will be looking for somebody out of a group that includes Xavier McKinney and Dane Belton to take over.
Giants fans and media alike have high hopes for McKinney. He's flashed at times over the past two years, so it does make sense. He's a different type of player than Love, though, so we will see how he produces. Belton showed glimpses of making a major impact in his rookie year. If he continues to develop, he can be very useful for the Giants defense.
The most likely candidate to lead the team in tackles could be new linebacker Bobby Okereke. It's possible that he hits triple digits just like Love – albeit in a different way from the LB spot. He totaled 151 and 132 tackles in his last two seasons in Indianapolis.
Okereke needs to be a leader for New York. The Giants need that from him going forward, too. There's reason to believe that he will fill a major hole on their defense.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
