5 takeaways from Hard Knocks preview

[MightyGiants]

I think this article is worth reading.  Perhaps the best information is about how they plan to use Simmons

Isaiah Simmons is sometimes called a safety and is sometimes called a linebacker. Just throw all of those titles, positions, and labels out the window.

After being re-signed earlier this year, expectations are that Simmons will play a significant role in 2024.

"In our minds, (he will) be a first- and second-down nickel and then playing 'money' on third-down," Bowen said.

Simmons is going to do a little bit of everything under Bowen

check out the rest here

https://giantswire.usatoday.com/lists/5-takeaways-hard-knocks-preview-featuring-new-york-giants/?taid=66754e243395d60001339a0c&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

[MightyGiants]

You can watch it for yourself!

https://x.com/TalkinGiants/status/1803937603965612175

[LennG]

Simmons could be a game changer in the right system
I thought Wink just didn't have a clue as to how to use him effectively.
I really hope they can use Simmons to become a force on defense.

[Philosophers]

So the base is 3-4-4 but Simmons will play nickel which means it is really 3-3-5, right in those instances?

[Ed Vette]

Simmons could be a game changer in the right system
I thought Wink just didn't have a clue as to how to use him effectively.
I really hope they can use Simmons to become a force on defense.

Nobody has. This is the right approach imo. He's a hybrid, situational player.

[Ed Vette]

So the base is 3-4-4 but Simmons will play nickel which means it is really 3-3-5, right in those instances?

I see it as a 4-2-5. But who knows.

[kartanoman]

Who gives a rat's you know what as to what you call it. Put him where he plays to his strengths and helps the overall Giants' defensive game plan is all that we can ask for.

If Shane Bowen has found a way to do that, and it turns out to work in season 2025, then both Simmons and the Giants will be all the better for it and I will start buying into the potential of a rebirth of Giants' Deee-fense!

Peace!

[MightyGiants]

So the base is 3-4-4 but Simmons will play nickel which means it is really 3-3-5, right in those instances?

Technically

Nickel defense is defined as substituting a LB with a DB (for better coverage ability) in the base defense. When the DB is a safety, it's often referred to as a heavy nickel.  With Simmons having played LB, it's sort of just a matter of semantics if you describe putting him in as just subbing in a better coverage LB or going true nickel (or heavy nickel)

[MightyGiants]

The money linebacker is a recently popular position in the NFL. The money linebacker is an athlete who is smaller than most traditional linebackers, usually closer in size to a strong safety. His most developed trait is his ability to tackle, yet still maintains the range of a safety. He is a capable blitzer, is constantly chasing the ball and is physical at the point of attack. The money linebacker usually stays on the at all times, changing positions to fit the defensive scheme. His primary usage is near the line of scrimmage where you want your top athletes.

Recently the Arizona Cardinals turned former Washington State strong safety Deone Bucannon into an effective money linebacker taking the place of their traditional Sam linebacker spot. Bucannon was very effective at this position and went on the lead the Cardinals in tackles (112) in 2015.

The St. Louis Rams did something similar with Mark Barron, but they utilized him as a Will linebacker. Although, this is closer to how the Carolina Panthers use Thomas Davis than to Bucannon. Bruce Irvin is another similar player but he is used more as a pass rushing specialist.

The money backer position is a popular position in the college game where teams want their athletes close to the ball. Michigan is implementing a new defensive scheme that features Jabril Peppers at the money linebacker position (although they call it the traditional Sam). Michigan State uses Ed Davis and Jon Reschke as money linebackers, and Ohio State used Darron Lee there as well.

So who can the Lions add in the 2016 draft to fill this role? Check out the six players I've identified on the next page.

https://detroitjockcity.com/2016/04/15/detroit-lions-draft-2016-adding-money-linebacker/

[Philosophers]

Technically

Nickel defense is defined as substituting a LB with a DB (for better coverage ability) in the base defense. When the DB is a safety, it's often referred to as a heavy nickel.  With Simmons having played LB, it's sort of just a matter of semantics if you describe putting him in as just subbing in a better coverage LB or going true nickel (or heavy nickel)

I thought Simmons NFL career showed that he is better as an ILB who rushes from that position and chases than more of a coverage player.

[MightyGiants]

I thought Simmons NFL career showed that he is better as an ILB who rushes from that position and chases than more of a coverage player.

While sometimes it's only by a bit, his PFF coverage grade has always been higher than his overall defensive grade.

[Philosophers]

While sometimes it's only by a bit, his PFF coverage grade has always been higher than his overall defensive grade.

Thanks.  Didn't know that.

[President Rick]

good comments, all......I was happy when we signed [then re-signed] him.  It depends on who he's covering..TE, rb, wr.  IMO we have not utilized his abilities well...he's a swiss army knife, so why not throw him out there, confuse the other team, and let the man play football.

[Painter]

Speaking of Isaiah Simmons, I can see him as a valuable situational player albeit with no shortage of playing time. Even though we still see some folks thinking of him as a Safety given his great speed and athleticism, he is on the Giants DC as an ILB behind McFadden. That is essentially the same position he played for 3 years with the Cardinals where he was no more or less productive in 50 games/37 starts than he was last season in 17 games/4 starts playing for Our Heroes.

Whether his role will be any different this year in Bowen's D than it was with Wink's, we will just have to wait and see.

Cheers! 

[nb587]

I think something should be added to the end of what Bowen said.  That is, this is Simmons role - if he makes the team.  I don't think it's a lock that he does.