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New York Giants: 2nd Half Thoughts

Some thoughts heading into the second half of the season.

As the Giants prepare for their all so important second half of the season, here are some thoughts as we move forward.

Offensive Line: This is a much-improved group that has made strides since its early season disasters. Although they can still improve, the pass blocking has been better. Credit can be given to Coach Pat Flaherty for getting finesse, patched up group of linemen together and playing up to their potential. Barring any injuries, this will be the group that the Giants will lean on heading into the second half. Center Jim Cordle has been solid and Will Beatty continues to get better. Rookie Justin Pugh has been a bright spot all season.

Linebackers: Had it not been for a under the radar trade for All-Pro Jon Beason, this group and the defense as an entirety would be as much to blame as any other position for early season troubles. Beason has brought an edge, leadership, athleticism and skills that the Giants have lacked since Antonio Pierce. The Giants will rely heavily on the free agent to be Beason for the rest of this season and hopefully, beyond.

According to the NFL, “The Giants defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. The 17 points during that span came on a field goal at Chicago (10/10) a punt return for a touchdown vs Minnesota (10/21), and a fumble recovery for a score after a high punt snap at Philadelphia (10/28). This is the teams longest such streak since one that lasted 15 quarters from Oct 23-Nov 20, 2005.

Looking beyond the number of points the Giants give up per game, most of the points have come off turn over’s and special team let down’s. Number one cornerback Prince Amukamara has played exactly like a number one. He very quietly gets noticed as a premier cover corner and his tackling has also been excellent for the defense. Trumaine McBride has stepped in nicely for Corey Webster. Antrel Rolle and Will Hill have backed up Beason with tough leadership and freakish talent. It’s apparent every week Hill plays why the Giants stuck by him throughout his troubles. He will be counted on going forward.