Throughout the first two preseason games for the New York Giants, newly acquired linebacker Alec Ogletree has displayed an inability to drop into coverage. Teaming up alongside B.J. Goodson provides the Giants with two run-stopping specialists in the middle of the field.
Despite Ogletree’s value in the run game, his coverage skills are below par. Over the past few days, DC James Bettcher has presented several different looks to give the veteran LB a better chance at containing opposing tight ends and running backs.
Giants’ LB Ray-Ray Armstrong offers more value to Ogletree in coverage:
Ray-Ray Armstrong, who was cut by the 49ers after ranking second on the team with 54 tackles, is the secret to success for Alec in coverage.
Being released by his former team has aided him in his conquest to offer value toward an organization that presents an opportunity. The Giants happen to be that team, and Armstrong has taken the challenge by the horns.
The first two preseason games for Armstrong have been stellar. He’s recorded 72 defensive snaps at left inside linebacker – 29 in run support, one as a pass rusher and 42 in coverage. So far, he has a 47.9 NFL rating when dropping back into coverage. That’s the second-best rating among the Giants’ linebacker and defensive backs.
According to Forbes:
“It helps a lot,†Armstrong said of playing safety in college. “Playing safety, you have to cover a lot of skill guys, guys with speed and great in space and moving to linebacker, it’s pretty much tight ends and running backs.â€
An interception in last week’s game against the Lions has earned the veteran a week with the first team nickle defense. Playing alongside Ogletree offers a solid balance of run support and coverage in the middle of the defense.
“(Alec) Ogletree is the leader of that defense, but he can’t do it by himself,†Armstrong said. “If I see something that needs to be corrected, I’m going to speak on it. We all need to be accountable and hold each other to that standard.â€
Having two outspoken leaders at linebacker is essential for the 3-4 defense to operate correctly. It seems as if Armstrong has all of the tools to be a perfect compliment next to Ogletree.