In preparation for the 2006 NFL season, the Giants evaluated another defensive responsibility with the release of CB Will Peterson. With the addition of RW McQuarters and Sam Madison, the Giants ended the reign of the two Wills in their defensive backfield. While Will Allen was not re-signed due to his incompetence against some of the best WRs in the NFL, Will Peterson was released for other reasons. With a bright future and a promising rookie season, Peterson was unable to stay on the field for most of his Giants career, which ultimately culminated in Peterson appearing in fewer than three games in the 2005-06 season.

After the embarrassing loss at the hands of the Carolina Panthers, which exposed the defensive weaknesses of the Giants’ backfield, which was their depth, the Giants have essentially cleaned house in the backfield. Will Allen, Will Peterson, Brent Alexander, and thankfully Terrell Buckley are no longer on the team. The Giants addressed these defensive responsibilities by signing Sam Madison, RW McQuarters, Will Demps and Quentin Harris. Will Demps will nicely complement Gibril Wilson, a budding impact player at safety. Demps is considered one of the smartest and hardest-working players in the NFL, a perfect fit for the Giants and Tom Coughlin’s system. Although Brent Alexander provided great leadership skills at safety last year, his age and lack of mobility hurt the Giants’ coverage, which will instantly improve with the signing of Demps.

Sam Madison will immediately assume the role of the Giants’ No. 1 CB. Madison is an established veteran who will immediately provide more turnovers for the Giants, something Will Allen couldn’t. Allen was always better than any team’s No. 2 WR, but he was often considered a weakness compared to a team’s No. 1 WR. Giants fans can only hope Madison picks off a couple more balls than Allen was able to, which was very little. Corey Webster will likely take over the role of #2 CB, as he showed some signs of promise in his rookie season. RW McQuarters and Curtis DeLoatch are also not bad CB #3 and #4 for the Giants.

For the Giants to go deep into the playoffs and even win the Super Bowl, they will rely heavily on defensive backs. His load will be lessened with the addition of LaVar Arrington, who is considered one of the best linebackers and pass-rushers in the game. Add him to the mix of Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan, two Pro-Bowl defensive ends, and you’ll have the best pass rush in the entire NFL. With the upgrades made to the Giants’ front seven, there are no excuses this year for the DBs as they need to step up for the Giants.