N.Y. Giants: Linebacker; Jerry Reese Adds Another Weak Link In The Chain

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Jerry Reese Adds A Questionable Linebacker To This Low Priority Unit.

The defense didn't play that badly last week.  For three quarters, they provided the offense with ample opportunity to score points.  But the offense wouldn't acquiesce.  The game then got away after a third quarter Kansas City punt return for a touchdown.  Two Alex Smith touchdown passes came with 5:00 minutes left in the game to make it a misleading 31-7 victory.

Collectively, the line backing unit had perhaps their best game of the season.  Mark Herzlich and  Spencer Paysinger led the team with seven solo tackles each.  Paysinger also recorded the Giants only sack.  Jacquian Williams made two tackles.  The ever disappointing Keith Rivers however, did not register a tackle Sunday and is only averaging two tackles a game.  Entering last season, the Giants  traded a fifth round selection to acquire Rivers, who has never performed up to expectations.

After offseason free agent acquisition Dan Conner was lost for the season in Week One, Jerry Reese picked up Allen Bradford, formerly of Tampa, off waivers.  Bradford made one tackle against the Chiefs.  Yesterday, Jerry Reese finalized a deal for another reinforcement.  He sent a late round 2014 draft pick to Carolina for linebacker Jon Beason.

Jon Beason, 28, was a rookie in 2007, and between 2008-2011 made three straight Pro Bowl appearances.  During the 2011 season, he tore his Achilles tendon.  Then last October, he underwent micro-fracture surgery on his knee.  Beason was benched this season after a series of poor performances.  Ironically, Chase Blackburn was signed by Carolina as a free agent during the offseason, and wound up outplaying and replacing Jon Beason on the field.

What good will Beason be to the Giants?  At a minimum, he'll keep a functioning unit on the field.  The Giants entered the season undermanned at linebacker, with a minimal number as it was.  They went into the Chiefs game with five.  Jerry Reese just increased their number to six.

Jon Beason is clearly struggling while returning from injuries.  He may need considerable time in order to become an impact Pro Bowl player again, if he ever does.  That's why nothing about this acquisition should make Giants fans any more hopeful heading into Week Five.  Time is just something the Giants can least afford.

On a side note, Jerry Reese's lack of attention, or concern over the years at linebacker is finally coming back to haunt him.  Without a pass rush, there is no Plan-B on defense.  Lets face it, the Giants totally lucked out when Chase Blackburn left his living room to make an impact.  Otherwise, massive salary cap problems prevented Jerry Reese from retaining Blackburn and the underwhelming Michael Boley.




Mike.BTB