Better or worse? Giants’ linebackers

The 2021 New York Giants had a rotating door at linebacker opposite Tae Crowder after the devastating loss of Blake Martinez in Week 3. Martinez was the glue of the Giants’ front seven; he ranked sixth in STOPs among all linebackers in the NFL during the 2020 season.

Replacing the leadership and consistency of Martinez proved to be complicated. Crowder - 2020’s Mr. Irrelevant - is a great story and solid depth option but not a reliable starter, and he assumed linebacker one responsibilities after Martinez tore his ACL.

The 2021 linebacking crew was often out of position in their run fits and were excessively eager in pursuit, leaving cut-back lanes. The Giants signed Benardrick McKinney and…