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Wilson is one of the only reliable players in the "back seven" of the Giants' defense, so his loss would be a really big one. I really hope that the Giants' scouts are already closely observing college games looking for linebackers and a secondary (and a big-time running back and left tackle...you never know if one of them might fall into your lap) because what the Giants had on the field last week was putrid and I see no reason to assume it will get a lot better. Better? Yes. A lot better? No, unless the pass rush gets so good that even mediocre players can do the job behind them. Can Kiwi learn to play in space? That isn't clear, but he sure couldn't do it against the Cowboys. Is Pierce solid in covering receivers and strong at the point of the run? Absolutely not, and don't throw his stats at me. I've watched him closely for two seasons and am here to tell you that this will never be a great defense with him at MLB. His being selected to the Pro Bowl was a joke. Is Mitchell's experience (on a weak KC defense and for coaches who didn't try to sign him) enough to overcome his B-grade talent? I don't think so and firmly believe the Giants should get Wilkinson, DeOssie and Blackburn a lot more playing time because they could do at least as well as Mitchell and Pierce. And even an uneducated fan can see that the defensive secondary is in dire straits. Not enough talent or speed. Reese has to build through the draft and get some blue-chippers and some depth. With the exception of Kiwanuka, Ross (maybe), Wilkinson and DeOssie (maybe) and Wilson they don't have the building blocks around. The offense could get them to the Super Bowl in a few years, but not with this defensive team. These guys are a disgrace to the Giant tradition. Grier, Modjezleski, Robustelli, Tunnell, Huff, LT, Carson, Banks, Lynch, et. al must be dying when they see this mess.

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Fan for 55..we've played 1 game and you know who can play and who can't. Let's worry about draft choices after the season is over. The Giants will be in the playoff hunt right down to the end of the season.

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Steif, I've been saying this same thing for months. I'm not judging just from the Dallas fiasco. The Giants have weak linebackers (Pierce, Mitchell) and a poor secondary, and you can't win in the NFL with a weak defense. I AM already looking to 2008-2010 when, if we have a few good drafts that emphasize defense might make for a great team. This offense is going to be very good (although I think they still need a top running back and do not think Jacobs is the answer). So I would give guys with real promise (Wilkinson, Blackburn, DeOssie, Ross) a lot of playing time this season. If this team sneaks into the playoffs it will be based purely on a ferocious pass rush that covers up the deficiencies of the back seven on defense. In any case, they won't get deep into the playoffs so should see what they've got on their depth chart and give chances to young players with a lot of upside, like those noted above. I never write off a season, but I'm also not going to romanticize myself into thinking this is a good team. Good offense? Yes. A QB who is a lot better than most critics will admit? Yes. An offensive line that has the potential to be extremely good? Yes. A good defensive front? Yes (and by the way, why move Kiwi back into the line when Justin Tuck could become an All-Pro at end?). But that back seven on defense is terrible. It was terrible last year and only was upgraded a little this year. I happen to think Pierce is the most overrated player in the league and is a terrible MLB. Mitchell was released by a team that doesn't have a great defense, so what does that tell you? Wilson is good. Webster seems talented and should get time on the field. Ross has upside so should play, certainly by the fourth or fifth game. Butler has the body but seems lost out there. McQuarters is decent but nothing special. But get Wilkinson, Blackburn and DeOssie on the field. They need the experience and observing them could help Reese establish draft priorities. In today's NFL you have to build through the draft. Reese gets that, but it shouldn't take three drafts to become competitive. He needs a great second draft. If he gets it, watch out for the Giants in 2009 and thereafter. They should be a Super Bowl competitor. Anyway, while I'll be rooting for wins all season, I am also going to be assessing the players and hoping we see some real future potential in a few positions because this team is only 5-6 good young players away from being a really good one.

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