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HOT TOPIC
There have been reports that the Giants are going to convert to a 3-4 defense this season. There have been an equal number of reports denying that report. There have been explanations offered both pro and con, but perhaps the most telling explanation is this:
At times, all 4-3 defenses are 3-4, and at other times, all 3-4 defenses are 4-3. In between it is the discretion of the defensive coordinator and head coach.
So when teams refer to a defensive lineman as a nose tackle, that doesn't instantly signify a 3-4 defense is being planned. On the other hand, a nose tackle is the kind of player (body build, talents, agility, strength) who would flourish in a 3-4 front; hence, when the defense utilizes that alignment, he's the man in the middle.
A veteran nose tackle once explained his position (and his team played 3-4 all the time): "It's easy," he said. "To be a perfect nose tackle, you have to be as strong as two guys, love getting hit from both sides by very angry offensive linemen and never get any credit except for being part of a defense. I love it."
For the most part, it's true. The nose tackle in a 3-4 front must take the brunt of the initial blocking because the linebackers -- invariably the two inside guys -- are supposed to be free to track down the player with the ball.
So the Giants, who lost their "nose tackle" when Kendrick Clancy bolted to Arizona as an unrestricted free agent, replaced him last week with the 6-foot-3, 335-pound Junior Ioane, last seen as a Houston Texan. To quiet objections to his position, yes, it is true that he played defensive end on occasion in Houston. It is also true that he played defensive tackle in a 4-3 and nose tackle in a 3-4. All that proves is his versatility.
The Giants envision him as a nose tackle, which doesn't necessarily mean they are plotting a conversion to the 3-4 front. But it does mean they are going to use it a lot more than they did last year.
In 2005, the Giants played a 3-4 front, or something like it, about 40 percent of the time. This year, you might expect to see more, perhaps as much as 60 percent. They have apparently realigned their defense to become a pass-rushing machine -- they have two Pro Bowl defensive ends (Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora). They have the newly-signed linebacker LaVar Arrington, a strong-side linebacker. They drafted Mathias Kiwanuka in the first round, and his claim to fame is as a pass-rushing defensive end. They have Justin Tuck, drafted in the third round last year -- and guess what? Right, he's a pass-rushing defensive end.
Furthermore, coordinator Tim Lewis likes to blitz with a safety (usually Gibril Wilson) or a cornerback (identity to be determined since both are going to be new this year).
As Player Personnel director Jerry Reese said, only half-jokingly: "Let's put 'em all on the field and rush 'em all."
That is easier done with a 3-4 front.
PLAYER NOTES
--Former Giant DE Bob Taylor (1963, 1964) died earlier this week in New York City from complications arising from colon cancer surgery. He was 68 years old and was a ninth-round draft pick in 1963 out of Maryland State. Taylor saw action in the 1963 NFL championship game (the Giants lost to Chicago, 14-7).
--With the signing of free agent QB Rob Johnson, the Giants appear on the verge of waving goodbye to their current backup, Tim Hasselbeck. He was the backup to Eli Manning last year, taking that job from Jesse Palmer (now with San Francisco). But there are still reports that the team isn't satisfied with this nominal upgrade, and the names Jay Fiedler and former Giant Kerry Collins continue to surface.
--One of the areas slowly building into a top unit is the offensive line, and a breakdown is in order. RG Chris Snee may well be on his way to Pro Bowl stature in this, his third season. RT Kareem McKenzie, the highest-paid lineman on the team, showed solid improvement as the season progressed (his first season since signing on from the AFC New York Jets). LT Luke Petitgout, despite too many false start penalties, is an experienced performer. LG David Diehl has started every game since his rookie year in 2003 while playing three different positions. C Shaun O'Hara, another veteran, plays smart if not with power.
--Offensive coordinator John Hufnagel and head coach Tom Coughlin are busily installing new pass patterns to take advantage of the speed and moves of their second round draft pick, Sinorice Moss (5-8, 185). Look for him to be the third receiver on the field -- but on the field a lot.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--CB/KR Lamont Brightful (not tendered as RFA).
--CB Terrell Buckley (not tendered June 1).
--RB Michael Cloud (not tendered June 1).
--LB Roman Phifer (not tendered June 1).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--TE Visanthe Shiancoe (tendered at $721,600) was a third-round pick out of Morgan State three years ago and while his athletic abilities never let him down, he just hasn't picked up the position.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--WR Tim Carter: UFA; $2M/2 yrs, $500,000 SB.
--QB Tim Hasselbeck: UFA; terms unknown.
--OG Lewis Kelly: UFA; terms unknown.
--RB/KR Chad Morton: UFA; terms unknown.
--WR/KR Willie Ponder: RFA; $721,600/1 yr.
--WR David Tyree: RFA; $7.5M/5 yrs, $1.5M SB.
--CB Frank Walker: RFA; $721,600/1 yr.
--OT Bob Whitfield: UFA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--LB LaVar Arrington FA Redskins; $49M/7 yrs, $5.25M SB.
--CB Jason Bell: UFA Texans; terms unknown.
--S Will Demps: UFA Ravens; 5 yrs, terms unknown.
--S Quentin Harris: UFA Cardinals; terms unknown.
--DT Junior Ioane: FA Texans; terms unknown.
--QB Rob Johnson: FA; terms unknown.
--CB Sam Madison: FA Dolphins; $7.4M/4 yrs, $2M SB; 2006 cap: $1.4M.
--CB R.W. McQuarters: UFA Lions; $6M/3 yrs, $2M SB.
--G/C Grey Ruegamer: UFA Packers; $750,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB; 2006 cap: $465,000.
--LB Brandon Short: FA Panthers; terms unknown.
--TE Boo Williams: FA Saints; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--S Brent Alexander (released).
--DT Kenderick Allen: RFA rights terminated/Packers; terms unknown.
--CB Will Allen: UFA Dolphins; $12M/4 yrs, SB unknown.
--DT Kendrick Clancy: UFA Cardinals; $8.1M/4 yrs, SB unknown.
--LB Jay Foreman: UFA Saints; terms unknown.
--LB Barrett Green (released).
--LB Nick Greisen: UFA Jaguars; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--CB Will Peterson (released/failed physical).
--WR Jamaar Taylor (retired).
--OG Jason Whittle (released).
--S Shaun Williams: UFA Panthers; 1 yr, terms unknown.
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
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