We have discussed the critical need to have a respected voice who can instill discipline and a high level of play for every teammate on the field. This leadership was clearly missing on the defensive side of the ball last season.
How do we know it was missing? Because players were not held accountable on the field. Because players freelanced. And because a team with enough requisite talent should not have been blown out of so many games and disappeared so badly at the end of the season.
Who is the next leader? Last week Michael Strahan nominated former teammate Justin Tuck as a logical successor to Antonio Pierce. The only problem with the logic… Tuck has to want the responsibility. Tuck’s comfort in taking on the role is obviously in doubt.
Yesterday, Paul Schwartz of the NY Post served up a newcomer as Giants Defensive Leader: Antrel Rolle. Last month Antrel Rolle blamed the turf (and by inference, the Giants’ poor decision to play on the new surface) for Domenik Hixon’s injury. Pete warned that this outspoken behavior can be a good thing for Rolle and the Giants, or it can backfire if he is speaking without the support of his teammates. It is noteworthy to see such a combative stance from Rolle so early. We loved Rolle’s willingness to bring in some truth to this mishap. That Rolle had company in Steve Smith tells us that Rolle did voice player frustration.
Glenn is on record saying that Deon Grant will be one of the leaders this coming season. By its implication, that means Phillips will not be healthy enough to play, because it is highly doubtful that Grant will be a leader without starting.
You do not get leaders from the “if elected I will run” camp. Leaders have it in their genes. If Rolle has any respect at all from his teammates off the field, it is his job to grab. He obviously is not shy and he has the game to get respect on the field. Whoever it is going to be, fill the vacuum and enforce accountability quickly. It is impossible to imagine the 2007 run w/o the leadership and play of Strahan and Pierce. Likewise, it will be impossible for the defense to gel and make a run under Fewell without someone taking charge out there on the field during the game.
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