For a long time when you thought of the NY Giants their great linebackers came to mind- Lawrence Taylor, Carl Banks, Harry Carson formed one of the greatest units ever, and in recent years the team had players of the caliber of Jesse Armstead and Antonio Pierce. In recent years the team has de emphasized the position for two reasons, the NFL has become much more of a passing league, and the Giants won their first Super Bowl under Tom Coughlin in large part thanks to their defensive line play. This season the Giants gambled at linebacker and let Michael Boley and Chase Blackburn leave as costless agents- to replace them they essentially just brought in Dan Connor who has been injury prone most of his career (not surprisingly he was placed on injured reserve).
After a disastrous start to the season, the Giants decided to make a trade with the Carolina Panthers for former Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason. While he has been injury prone in recent years (only started 7 games since 2011) and subpar this season he should be a massive upgrade over Keith Rivers (another former first round pick the Giants acquired in recent years). Beason should help the Giants rushing defense (ranked 28th in the NFL) while also providing some much needed leadership. I wouldn't be surprised if the Giants trade WR Hakeem Nicks this month, he is in last year of his deal (Giants choose to pay Victor Cruz first) and he has made some contoversial comments. Nicks could really help a contending team.
While the Giants addressed one weakness by acquiring Beason for a late round pick, they are now weaker on the offensive line after placing Pro Bowl right guard David Snee on injured reserve. The Giants pass protection has been pretty brutal, and their rushing attack completely inept- things could get even worst without arguably the Giants best offensive lineman. The Giants need center Bass to come back and for first round pick Pugh to improve.