There’s one thing for certain in regard to the New York Giants‘ defense, it’s a hell of a lot better than it was in 2017. With depth on the defensive line and the linebacker corps being bolstered by new acquisition, Alec Ogletree, things seem to be heading in the right direction for a unit that ranked 28th in points allowed per game last season.
But despite Ogletree making an entrance filled with expectation and excitement, third-year man B.J. Goodson has been quietly making a name for himself in training camp. After a stellar week one performance against the Dallas Cowboys in which Goodson racked up 17 total tackles in 2017, his season was hit by the injury bug. The Clemson product displayed a keen ability to locate running backs in traffic and hunt down crossing tight ends. His presence was missed, but he will have a chance at redemption in the campaign ahead.
How has B.J. Goodson impressed in New York Giants training camp thus far?
https://twitter.com/JordanRaanan/status/1024044513625616387
8/ Good practice today by B.J. Goodson. He blasted a running back coming out of the backfield and was very active in coverage as well. If Goodson stays healthy, I think the inside duo featuring him and Alec Ogletree will be something special.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) July 30, 2018
His underrate speed and athleticism has provided a spark to the defense this offseason, and standing alongside MIC linebacker Ogletree, Goodsoon seems to finally be comfortable in his natural role. Making the move to the 3-4 defense allows the run stopper to play closer to the line of scrimmage and confuse offenses with his movement off the ball.
Defensive coordinator, James Bettcher, will use his two middle linebackers to disguise the defense and bait the quarterback into making a mistake. We should expect to see a lot of darting north and south in an attempt to convince the opposing signal caller of who’s blitzing, or not.
Two fellow beat writers are saying something similar – if he’s healthy, the Giants will have a productive linebacker in the run-stopping and pass-rush game. He’s a workhorse that knows his play dictates the flow of the game and the overall success of the defense.
In regard to the new scheme, Goodson stated:
“Honestly, for me, it doesn’t matter what type of defense it is. Scheme doesn’t really matter to me,†Goodson said on Sunday. “Line up, and I have an offensive lineman in front of me, the ball behind the offensive lineman, win against the man I’m against, and make the tackle.â€
Although Goodson only played in seven games last year, there was a fair bit of optimism and talent left on the field. We should see his potential finally begin to blossom once September hits.