UPDATE - NY Giants: Can Vernon Live up to Expectations

tagthebird.com

New York Giants fans are itching to find out what Olivier Vernon can do for this defense that has been in need of some major improvements over the last few years. Pro-Football Reference ranked them 30th in all team defense last season.

Drafted by the Dolphins in 2012, the Giants acquired Vernon during this year's free agency and gave him a huge payday.  He contracted 85 million over five years with 52.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid defensive end in the NFL.

According to the New York Post, Vernon has been seen doing extra drills well after practice has ended.  Could it be because he knows he's under pressure this season?  I think it's just in his nature to work hard since he displayed this kind of work ethic while in Miami too.

When told about all the pressure he would be under this upcoming season, he simply said, "I'd be a fool not to believe that.  As long as I stick to my game plan, i'll be alright."

As we approach the season's halfway point, some will debate as to whether or not Vernon is living up to his contract. With just 1 sack recorded this season, during a week 3 loss to the Washington Redskins, many will say he's not.  He brings on a lot of pressure and is not bad at stopping the run, but I'm sure the front office was hoping he'd perform much like his 2013 season with the Miami Dolphins.  He recorded 11.5 sacks that season; now that's more like it.  

I'd like to stay optimistic but it's hard to do when the defense currently ranks 19th overall.  They allow an average of 20 points per game and 361 total yards.  Not bad from where they were last year, but not good enough, considering the money spent. 

Rookie Wagon: Training Camp Week 1 Report

csnphilly.com

So it's been a little over a week since training camp has begun and i've checked in on the rookies to see how they're making out.

1. Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Goff seems to be doing okay but not good enough to maintain the starting spot we were sure he would secure as the first overall draft pick.  Undrafted QB, Case Keenum has him beat for the moment.  According to CBS Sports, coach Fisher causally named Keenum at the top of the depth charts and stated, "[Keenum] made some really good throws." and "That's what you expect out of your starter."  Don't forget to watch the Hard Knocks this season; they will take us into the Rams locker room throughout camp and the preseason.

2. Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Wentz is looking sharp in camp and is particularly good when throwing fades.  That doesn't change coach Pederson's beliefs on the advantages of keeping his first year QB on the bench this season.  As long as Bradford keeps his head above water in camp, we should expect Wentz to sit out this year.

3. Joey Bosa, DE, San Diego Chargers
As much as Chargers fans would like to see Bosa in camp, he is still holding out.  Bosa's team and the Chargers organization can not come to terms on two details of his rookie deal, the offset language and deferred payment of a signing bonus.  Remember, the NFL is a business, and a major one!

4. Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Elliot seems to be picking up the playbook pretty well but he unfortunately tweaked his hamstring on 8/2.  According to media sources he will likely sit out a week during camp.

5. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ramsey has been quite impressive during camp dispute doubts that he'd even be ready for camp due to a torn meniscus that happened in May.  He has a great work ethic and should be fun to watch throughout the games ahead.