The New York Giants are in trouble on defense ahead of clash against Vikings

By 
·October 6, 2019
New York Giants, Giants, NYG, Ryan Connelly

Sep 22, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants inside linebacker Ryan Connelly (57) is congratulated after recovering a fumble against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants could be in big trouble on defense against the Minnesota Vikings, primarily at the linebacker position where they are down three starters. Ryan Connelly tore his ACL last Sunday against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter, after tallying a sack and interception in the contest.

The New York Giants lost a key contributor on defense:

Connelly has emerged as the team’s top linebacker, and losing him will be significant to the quality of the unit. The Wisconsin product had earned 20 combine tackles, ten assisted, one sack, and two interceptions. He has been stellar in every facet of the game and developed very quickly. His instinctual play and ability to shoot gaps are two attributes that make Connelly a serviceable starter for the foreseeable future.

He will return next season and hopefully be able to pick up right where he left off. In the meantime, the New York Giants have Alec Ogletree and Tae Davis on the roster, both of which will miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. That will leave backup David Mayo to be the featured player in the middle of the defense for the Giants. After being cut by the San Francisco 49ers on August 31, Mayo was picked up just three days later.

“When the Giants called, I was pretty excited,” he added, per the NY Post. “It was a good fit and I was happy to come.”

It is expected that Mayo will be the MIC linebacker and controller of the defense. He will be communicating with the defensive coordinator James Bettcher and relaying calls to his teammates, a task that was formally held by Ryan Connelly.

“I’ve done it plenty of times. I’m comfortable with it,” said Mayo, who had eight tackles against the Redskins. “I feel good about calling plays and setting the fronts and all that stuff. If it’s me, I’ll be ready.”

While mayo has experience being the communicator of the defense, he is still new to the unit and is not the first option. This could result in porous play in the middle of the field for Big Blue, and I imagine the Vikings utilizing their talents to expose that deficiency.

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