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Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 08: New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during the National Football League pre-season football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets on August 8, 2019 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 08: New York Giants free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during the National Football League pre-season football game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets on August 8, 2019 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

31. New York Giants

2018 Review: In their first go-around under new defensive coordinator James Bettcher, Big Blue didn’t look much better than it did in 2017. There was slight improvement in some areas but the team still ranked 24th in the league in total defense and allowed more 20 or more points in all but two games. It was also interesting to note that during the season general manager Dave Gettleman dealt defensive tackle Damon Harrison and cornerback Eli Apple to the Lions and Saints, respectively. The Giants’ pass rush was limited to a disappointing 30 sacks.

2019 Key Additions: While GM Dave Gettleman used two of what proved to be three first-round draft choices on this side of the ball (DT Dexter Lawrence and CB Deandre Baker), the Giants didn’t really address the past rush this off season – with the exception of Markus Golden. He played for coordinator James Bettcher in Arizona, as did veteran safety Antoine Bethea. Big Blue also added safety Jabrill Peppers via their dealings with the Browns.

Analysis: It will be extremely interesting to watch how the Giants try to generate a pass rush this season. How much can the team count on Golden and can 2019 third-round pick Oshane Ximines make an impact as a rookie? The addition of Lawrence could mean good things for a run defense that allowed 118.6 yards per game (20th in the NFL). This unit’s strength appears to be the secondary. But Bethea, Janoris Jenkins and company will need help.

Next: No. 30

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