Strahan Retires.................

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I think tops in the league. The Giants had a bad secondary through most of last year, but outside of Sam Madison (who is probably a liability at this point), they were a young, vastly improved team in the playoffs.

Based on what I know about young defensive players, the Giants are very likely to carry that performance into this season. Undoubtably, they performed better than any other defense in the playoffs last season, so thats my basis for thinking they are the best team this year.

No way. The Giants had a great playoff run, mostly due to Eli not turning the ball over. Playing the Bucs - no offense, Cowboys - 2nd year of playoff chokes or Jessica's Curse, Packers - Favre back to his old "INTs in critical situations" ways, and Pats - NY played a great game.

Statistically NY was pedestrian or worse last season in Pts Allowed, Yards Allowed, Yards per Play, Turnovers, Passing TDs (12th not bad), Rushing TDs. They were first in sacks, but don't underestimate the attention Strahan brought, allowing Osi & Tuck to get favorable match ups. With Strahan's retirement, I guarantee the sack production falls out of the top ten.

What has NY done to get better in the off-season on defense? They drafted Kenny Phillips who will take a year or two to learn the NFL, another DB in the second and a couple of LBs. No major FAs unless I am missing someone. Strahan is now gone, Madison is a year older and slowing down.

Without digging through depth charts and stats, here are a few teams that are outright better on D than NY: Steelers, Bucs, Patriots, Chargers, Cowboys, Packers, Eagles, Jaguars, Colts.