For all the New York Giants' defensive problems last season -- and there were plenty of them -- they were able to create turnovers. The Giants were tied for sixth in the NFL last season with 28 takeaways. One of the worst statistical defenses in NFL history also managed to tie for eighth with three defensive touchdowns.
That is pretty much where the positives end. The Giants defense was a total mess in 2015, to the point where the offense scored 49 points in a midseason game against New Orleans and New York still lost. The Giants allowed an average of 420 total yards per game, worst in the league. They allowed 299 yards passing per game, also worst in the league.
So what did the Giants do this offseason? They went out and bought a defense. They spent more than $200 million to retool an awful unit.
The Giants signed defensive end Olivier Vernon, guaranteeing him $52.5 million. They added cornerback Janoris Jenkins. They snagged Damon Harrison. They re-signed defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. And they even added smaller pieces such as linebackers Keenan Robinson and Kelvin Sheppard and cornerback Leon Hall. They later selected cornerback Eli Apple out of Ohio State with the 10th overall pick in the draft.
The Giants defense has a ton of new pieces for 2016, with as many as five new starters. With the infusion of talent (and almost by default), the unit should be greatly improved after finishing 32nd out of 32 teams last season in total defense. Really, there is nowhere to go but up.
And that's where the Giants defense appears headed. It's just a matter of how high.
New York Giants Defense/Special Teams
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 33 sacks, 366 points allowed and 87 fantasy points
Over or under: Over on sacks, over on points allowed, under on fantasy points. This still won’t be a top defense. The Giants are more likely to be middle of the pack this season than in the top 10. They still have a gaping hole at middle linebacker (one of the most important spots on the field) and are paper thin on the defensive line. They’ll allow their fair share of points and finish in the bottom half of the league in that category. But they will be much better at getting after opposing quarterbacks -- which does help their fantasy value -- and should still be able to create turnovers. Vernon’s pressures and quarterback hits last season indicate he’s in for a breakout year. Being in the backfield that much, sacks are bound to come in bunches. Pierre-Paul should also be able to produce more than the one sack he had last season in eight games. Really, the Giants don’t need to be a great pass-rushing team to top ESPN’s projection of 33 sacks. There were 23 teams that had more than 33 sacks last season. So if they’re even an average pass-rushing team, the Giants will hit the over in that category. Still, this remains an average defense that should produce 80-85 fantasy points and might be a good spot start depending on the matchup. They could even surprise you with a return touchdown -- Dwayne Harris had two last season. Still, they’re not an every-week option.
