D-line Major Source of Strength

D-line Major Source of Strength

- Ken Palmer

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Steve Spagnuolo likes what he sees from his defense when the game is on the line.

When last season the Giants would have wilted, this year’s group finds a way to dig deep and stand up.

“I think the character of the guys we have and the competitiveness of the guys we have out there make a huge difference. I see it in their eyes,” said Spagnuolo, the defensive coordinator. “They don’t flinch when they get out there. I hope that’s confidence in what we’re doing but I think it really resonates because of the guys that we have. The quality of guys.”

Jason Pierre-Paul has a wish for all opposing quarterbacks, in particular the one they faced last Sunday: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

“Hopefully Cutler holds the ball too long,” Pierre- Paul said. “Then he’ll have me and OV to deal with.”

JPP and OV, also known as Giants teammate Olivier Vernon, have spent this season getting used to seeing themselves as one. During a phone call on the eve of free agency eight months ago, it was Pierre-Paul who helped convince Vernon to take the Giants $85 million and become a defensive end tandem.

They have now emerged as a force, joining tackles Damon “Snacks” Harrison and Johnathan Hankins on a defensive line built to dominate games and force the opposition onto its heels.

How good has the defense been during the Giants four-game winning streak heading into last Sunday’s contest against the Bears at MetLife Stadium?

Star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. gave his teammates on the other side of the ball the best compliment anyone could: “This defense is a Super Bowl defense.”