Now I know what the Dallas Cowboys fans feel like.
At the very first practice of OTA’s this month the Dallas Cowboys lost their star inside linebacker, Sean Lee to a knee injury. This past Thursday, the Giants star inside backer Jon Beason was also carted off to the locker room.
The news spread quickly of Jon Beason’s foot injury, and it felt like a swift punch to the gut.
After years of suffering with below average middle linebackers, Jon Beason gave the Giants life at a position that had been neglected for years. He burst on the Big Blue scene last year and instantly became the anchor in the middle and leader of the defense. This was to be his first full season with the team and…healthy.
Ownership rewarded him with a new contract in the off-season and for the first time in a very long time, the 2nd and 3rd level of the Giants defense seemed stacked. Names like Antrel Rolle, Jameel McClain, Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, Prince Amukamara, Will Hill and Jon Beason made up a long list of play-makers; however during the first two weeks of OTA’s, safety Will Hill had been suspended and cut and Jon Beason was carted to the training room.
The diagnosis was a fractured sesamoid bone and torn ligament in his right foot. The time table unknown, but it will be at least 12 weeks. This development puts the Giants in a unique position.
Linebacker Mark Herzlich is a huge step down from Beason and McClain whom was recently signed from Baltimore was to play on the outside.
What also becomes a problem is football shape. 12 weeks in a boot or cast will not allow N0. 52 to ride a bike or condition himself to hit the ground running come this September. With the departure of Justin Tuck and Jon Beason removed from the everyday grind, leaders ship will missed.
Think leadership is over rated? Look at the difference Jon Beason made the minute he stepped on the field. The defense immediately was better, players were flying to the ball. Antrel Rolle had his best season as a pro because guys like Jon Beason were in front of him allowing him to make plays.
Craig J. Santucci | Managing Editor