Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants have a defense that needs something extra in 2013 and I think the addition of Dan Connor makes perfect sense for a club looking to get back into the NFL postseason.
Entering his sixth season in the league, Connor is known for his five seasons with the Carolina Panthers where he racked up 136 tackles as a third-round pick in 2008. Connor brings a versatile dynamic to a defense that was lacking underneath Perry Fewell last season. In his first season with the Dallas Cowboys, Connor played in 14 games and he made a big impact starting at two different positions in 2012.
Connor is the definition of a well-versed, experienced and wily veteran as he has suited up for four different defensive coordinators — he has also seen time in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense. This year, the Giants are going to be running a 4-3 scheme that appealed to Connor, who said “ I wanted to get back into a 4-3 look” upon signing with the team.
Hopefully, this move can improve a Giants defense that has been the victim of a few veteran free agents leaving this offseason. The Giants lack ability at the middle linebacker position which is where the former Panther said he prefers to play. This move should give New York the depth that they dearly missed last season; When Sean Lee went down for the Cowboys last year, Connor stepped in and started five games at MLB.
At 27-years-old Connor is far beyond his years and I think his priceless experience may put a young Giants defense over the top.
