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.