As players get bigger, stronger and faster coupled with rules of the
game being in constant change, conventional wisdom suggests
that players from different eras cannot be compared. However, I
have decided to defy that notion.
Considering that the New York Giants’ greatness spans
multiple generations, the task becomes even more challenging.
Today, I have taken on the daunting task of compiling an All-Time
Giants team. When it comes to tradition and success, the Giants
have a compelling legacy. The modern day fans point to the
dominance of the 1986, 1990, 2007 and 2011 Super Bowl
winning teams that made mincemeat of its foes. The 1986 and
1990 teams were great while the 2007 and 2011 teams got hot at
the right time. There also had years in the Super Bowl era that
were wretched. Before the Super Bowl era, the Giants had isolated
times of dominance, winning four NFL championships, including
three in the 1940s.
There are some rigid criteria in making this team. The player
needed to have played at least four seasons as a Giant. Since
the free agency era began 30 years ago, that standard needs to
be in place. Two-year rentals don’t make this list. Being in the
Hall of Fame is the first consideration coupled with impact on the
franchise. The number of All-Pro seasons are a top consideration
with longevity also helping immensely. While I understand it is
hard to compare eras, I’m not going to convolute this discussion.
Generational reminders
All eras matter. Being on an NFL or Super Bowl winning Giants
team does not get you a hall pass on this team. Winning or losing
eras, all high-level performers get considered.
To further the challenge, we are constructing the roster in two-deep
format, which means some worthy players get left off the list. So,
before you make a case to put someone on the list, ask yourself,
“Who do I take off the list at that position?”
OFFENSE
QB -- First team: Eli Manning. Honorable mention: Phil Simms.
The case for and against the recently retired Manning being
inducted into the Hall of Fame is equally strong but he is likely to
be enshrined someday. Though the Giants were 117-117 in his
career starts he owns numerous franchise records, was a four-time
Pro Bowler and quarterbacked the franchise to a pair of Super Bowl
upset wins over the New England Patriots. Though the Giants
defense grabbed the headlines, Simms evolved into a solid
passer throughout his career. Simms was an All Pro for the 1986
Super Bowl champions and if not for an injury ending his season
in 1990, which also ended in a Super Bowl title, Simms might be
in the Hall of Fame.
RB -- First team: Frank Gifford, Tiki Barber. Honorable mention:
Rodney Hampton, Joe Morris.
Gifford was one of the most versatile players in NFL history. In 13
seasons, he compiled 3,609 yards rushing but caught 367
receptions for 5.434 yards before it was en vogue for running
backs to catch a high volume of passes. Gifford was an eight-time
Pro Bowler, six-time All Pro and in the Hall of Fame. Barber is
knocked by some for retiring while a high-level performer. Barber
went from being labeled as a third-down/change of pace backer
to franchise’s all-time leading rusher and second in receptions.
Though he’s not in the Hall of Fame, he is worthy of such
consideration. Three of Hampton’s eight seasons were interrupted
with injuries but was the Giants bellcow from 1991-1995 with
five consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. Morris was a central figure
in the Giants offensive identity of having a punishing ground
attack. Morris was at his peak in the 1985 and 1986 seasons,
the latter ending in a Super Bowl. It could be only a matter of
time before current Giants running back Saquon Barkley works
his way to this list.
FB -- First team: Tuffy Leemans. Honorable mention: Ken Strong.
Leemans and Strong were very similar in that they played both
running back and fullback and were accomplished receivers, both
enjoyed Hall of Fame careers. Leemans was a two-time All Pro in
eight years as a Giant. He led the NFL in rushing in 1936 and was
a huge reason the Giants became NFL champions in 1938. Strong
had three different stints with the Giants and besides running back
skills, he was an accomplished blocker, kicker and kick returner.
WR -- First team: Odell Beckam Jr., Amani Toomer. Honorable
mention: Homer Jones, Kyle Rote.
Beckham Jr. is the most talented receiver in franchise history.
Toomer, however, is the most productive. Beckham Jr. brought
baggage that outweighed the passenger as the franchise traded
him to Cleveland. However, there is no denying Beckham Jr.’s
talent, three-time All Pro in five years and second in franchise
history in receiving yardage. When it comes to longevity and
production, there’s not a better receiver in franchise history than
Toomer. Though he never achieved All Pro or Pro Bowl honors,
he holds 17 franchise records. Toomer appeared in two Super
Bowls, including the 2007 championship team. In six seasons
as a Giant from 1964-1969, Jones was a lethal deep threat,
averaging a whopping 22.6 yards per catch. Jones was a two-
time Pro Bowler. Rote was drafted as a running back but
transitioned into being one of the best receivers in franchise
history. Rote was a four-time Pro Bowler in 11 seasons and
member of the 1956 NFL champions.
TE -- First team: Mark Bavaro. Honorable mention: Jeremy
Shockey.
Bavaro and Shockey did not have decade-long careers but they
were both very impactful and in different ways. Bavaro was a
stone faced killer. Shockey rhymes with cocky. Bavaro had the
look that resembled Sylverster Stallone’s hit movie titled “Rambo.”
Bavaro was equally skilled as a receiver and in-line blocker. He
was also a ferocious runner after the catch. He was a two-time
Pro Bowler and member of two Super Bowl teams. Bavaro
remains the only tight end in franchise history to eclipse 1,000
yards in a single season. Shockey later played for the New
Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers but played his best
football as a Giant. Shockey was brash but was a four-time Pro
Bowler in six seasons as a Giant.
OT -- First team: Rosevelt Brown, David Diehl. Honorable
mention: John Elliott, Brad Benson.
At this position, you could easily start with Brown and stop there.
In 13 seasons, Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and
six-time All Pro. He was also a member of the 1956 NFL
champions. He only missed four games and was a huge reason
the aforementioned Gifford ascended to stardom. Diehl was a
durable starter from 2003-2013, starting 156 of 160 games with
one Pro Bowl and one All Pro season. He also showed the ability
to move from left to right tackle, which is not easy. He played
every line position except center. Elliott spent eight seasons as a
Giant and though he made just one Pro Bowl, the late 1980s/early
1990s Giants were a far more formidable rushing team with him
in the lineup. Elliott was one of the underrated keys to the 1990
Giants winning the Super Bowl. Benson saw many peaks and
valleys from 1978-1987 but witnessed the mountain top in 1986
with the Giants Super Bowl winning team.
OG -- First team: Chris Snee, Doug Van Horn. Honorable
mention: Len Younce, William Roberts.
Snee, who played 10 years with the Giants including two Super
Bowl winners, was perhaps the best guard in franchise history.
Snee was a Pro Bowler four times and an All Pro in 2008. Snee
opened up many holes for Barber and Ahmad Bradshaw and
provided top-flight protection for Manning. Van Horn did not get an
All Pro or Pro Bowl recognition in his 12 seasons (1968-1979) but
deserves ample points for longevity and reliability, starting 157 of
a possible 172 games. Younce was a smart and versatile player in
his six years as a Giant. Younce was considered one of the best
guards in the NFL in the 1940s. Roberts was a late bloomer
playing 11 seasons for the Giants, including two Super Bowl
champions. Roberts opened many holes for O.J. Anderson for
the 1990 Super Bowl champs. Roberts earned Pro Bowl honors
that season.
C -- First team: Mel Hein. Honorable mention: Bart Oates.
Hein played from 1931-1945 and was an eight-time All Pro, four-
time NFL All-Star and played for two NFL champions. That feat is
impressive in any era. Hein dominated his opponents on the way
to a Hall of Fame career. Oates was equally adept as a run and
pass blocker. He was a vital figure on the Giants offensive line
from 1985-1993, starting 125 consecutive games. Oates was a
five-time Pro Bowler (three with the Giants and two with the San
Francisco 49ers). Oates also played for three Super Bowl teams,
two with the Giants and one as a 49er.
DEFENSE
DE -- First team: Michael Strahan, Andy Robustelli. Honorable
mention: Osi Umenyiora, Leonard Marshall.
The Giants have an embarrassment of riches on the defensive
line and linebacker. From Lawrence Tayler to Michael Strahan,
the Giants were blessed with two of the best defensive players in
NFL history regardless of position. Strahan was dominant against
both the run and pass. Strahan recorded 141.5 career sacks,
including the single-season record of 22.5 in 2001. Strahan is a
Hall of Famer, seven-time Pro Bowler and retired as a Super
Bowl champion. Nine of Robustelli’s 14 NFL seasons came as
a Giant, where he was an All Pro six times and a Pro Bowler on
five occasions. Robustelli also played for two NFL champions.
Though Umenyiora was adept against both the run and pass,
his forte was rushing the passer. He was a great compliment
opposite Strahan, making All Pro once and Pro Bowl on two
occasions. Umenyiora also played for two Super Bowl champions.
Marshall was perhaps the Giants best defensive player not
named Lawrence Taylor. Marshall was a menace as a pass
rusher and a strong leader. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and
played for two Super Bowl champions.
DT -- First team: Arnie Weineister, Rosie Grier. Honorable
mention: Jim Burt, Jim Katcavage.
Weinmeister meets the minimum requirement to make this team
as he was a Giant for four seasons and was All Pro each time.
Weinmeister brought toughness to the Giants. He was great
against the run, a solid pass rusher and a Hall of Famer. Grier
played for the Giants from 1955-1962, his 284 pound frame was
huge for his era. He was a remarkable defensive tackle as he
earned All Pro honors three times and Pro distinction twice. He
recorded 44.5 career sacks. Burt went from undrafted free agent
to eight year contributor for the Giants. Burt’s style of play defined
the term “bull rusher.” Though he was serviceable as a pass
rusher, Burt’s forte was stuffing the run. He earned Pro Bowl
recognition in 1986, which ended with the Giants winning the
Super Bowl. Katcavage had an underrated 13-year career with
the Giants. He was All Pro and Pro Bowl on three occasions
each. He recorded 96.5 career sacks.
OLB -- First team: Lawrence Taylor, Brad Van Pelt. Honorable
mention: Jessie Armstead, Carl Banks.
No defensive player in NFL history could control a game like
Taylor, who was a nightmare for opposing offenses. Taylor was
equally ferocious as a pass rusher and run defender and
relentlessly competitive. Though he was controversial on and
off the field, the Hall of Famer’s achievements speak volumes:
NFL MVP in 1986, two-time NFC Player of the Year, two-time
NFC Player of the Year, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the
Year, 10-time Pro Bowler, eight-time All Pro and two-time Super
Bowl champion. Van Pelt was versatile enough to play both
inside and outside. He was an outstanding pass rusher and
solid against the run. Van Pelt was a five-time Pro Bowl and
recorded 20 career interceptions. Banks was often
overshadowed playing opposite Taylor but still carved a great
niche for himself. Though he only earned All Pro and Pro Bowl
recognition once, he was deserving of much more. Banks
played on two Super Bowl champions. Armstead was like a
Swiss Army Knife with his ability to dominate at both inside
and outside linebacker. Armstead played nine seasons for
the Giants. He was a Pro Bowler five times and All Pro on
four occasions.
ILB -- First team: Harry Carson, Sam Huff. Honorable
mention: Pepper Johnson, Gary Reasons.
Carson was one of the best all-around linebackers of his
generation and brought tremendous leadership. Carson was
savvy in diagnosing opposing offenses and was a ferocious
tackler. Carson was a nine-time Pro Bowler and was twice
named All Pro. Carson was a vital contributor to the 1986
Super Bowl champions. Huff was not just an inside linebacker,
he was a middle linebacker and one of the first to thrive in a
4-3 defense and was the first rookie to start in an NFL
championship game. Huff went on to have a Hall of Fame
career with five Pro Bowls and two All Pro seasons. Reasons
was often overshadowed by Taylor and to a lesser degree
Carson and Banks. While he never earned Pro Bowl
recognition, he had many outstanding performances. He was
more of a jack of all trades than a master of one. Johnson
was drafted in 1986 and became a solid rotation player who
morphed into a star. Johnson was versatile against the pass
and run. Johnson played on two Super Bowl champions.
CB -- First team: Dick Lynch, Mark Haynes. Honorable
mention: Mark Collins, Jason Sehorn.
Though Lynch was a Pro Bowler once in his eight seasons
as a Giant, he was one of the best cornerbacks of his era
while also being underrated, if that’s possible for a player who
twice led the league in interceptions. He recorded 36 career
interceptions. Haynes spent half of his career with the Giants
(1980-1985) and the other with the Denver Broncos (1986-
1989) but his best years came as a Giant. Haynes was a
three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro. He was
instrumental in the 1981 Giants reaching the playoffs for the
first time since 1963. Collins played eight years as a Giant
with just one Pro Bowl but was often tasked with covering the
opposition’s No. 1 receiver and he frequently executed that
assignment quite well. Collins lacked flash but he feared no
one -- including Jerry Rice. Even though he never earned
Pro Bowl recognition, Sehorn was a dominant cornerback
and if not for a horrendous knee injury, who knows where
his career might have gone? He showed enough dominance,
however, to land on this team.
S -- First team: Emlen Tunnell, Jimmy Patton. Honorable
mention: Carl Lockhart, Landon Collins.
Tunnell might be the best defensive back of his era and definitely
the best in the history of the Giants. He retired with 79
interceptions, which was an NFL record at the time of his
retirement. Six All Pro seasons out of 11 and nine Pro Bowl,
say no more. He also played on two NFL champions (1956,
1961). Patton dominated in his 11 seasons (1955-1966),
recording 52 interceptions. He was undersized at 5-10, 180
pounds but made up for it with great intelligence on the way
to five All Pro and Pro Bowl seasons each. Lockhart, who
nicknamed “Spider,” played on some terrible Giants teams but
was a tremendous standout in some forgettable years. In his
11 seasons, he was a Pro Bowler twice. He intercepted 41
passes and recovered 16 fumbles. Collins meets the minimum
requirement, having been a Giant for four seasons and was a
Pro Bowler three times.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K -- First team: Pete Gogolak. Honorable mention: Lawrence
Tynes.
Gogolak deserves first-team honors because of being the
franchise’s all-time leading scorer but he changed the game in
another respect by kicking with his instep. Second-team is a
close call between Tynes and Brad Daluiso but the former gets
an ever-so-slight nod for his clutch kicks in the postseason,
including two walk offs to beat Green Bay (2007) and San
Francisco (2011) in the NFC Championship Game, both road
games.
P -- First team: Sean Landeta. Honorable mention: Dave
Jennings.
These two punters could swing field position battles at a time
when it was critical. If the Giants offense was struggling, Landeta
could bail them out with the infamous “coffin corner” punt to put
the opposition buried inside the 20-yard line having to face a
menacing defense. Landeta was an All Pro three times in nine
years as a Giant. Jennings leads the Giants in career punting
yardage and averaged 41.7 yards per punt. He was also a Pro
Bowler four times in 11 seasons.
RETURN -- First team: Dave Meggett. Honorable mention:
Tunnell.
Meggett was a nice change of pace running back but as a
returner, he was Hall of Fame level. He had eight returned kicks
(kickoffs and/or punts) for touchdowns. Meggett was a three-time
All Pro and two-time Pro Bowl. He could flip field position in a
hurry. Besides being an all-time great safety of his era, Tunnell
was a dangerous returner, averaging 8.6 yards on punt returns
with five touchdowns and 26.4 on kickoffs with a touchdown.
HEAD COACH -- First team: Steve Owen. Honorable mention:
Bill Parcells.
The fans under 50 would pick Parcels but Owen is the all-time
winningest coach in franchise history with 153 wins in 24 seasons
with three NFL championships. Owen originated the “Umbrella
Defense.” The secondary was likened to an umbrella with four
deep defensive backs representing the umbrella’s spokes.
Parcels took over in 1983. He also brought the 3-4 defense
and a winning culture back to the Giants. Parcells coached New
York to two Super Bowl championships. Though the Giants were
blessed with great talent on defense, Parcels played a role in
that development.
TEAM: 1986. This choice is not even close. The Giants went 17-2
and demolished the 49ers (49-3), Redskins (17-0) and Denver
Broncos (39-20) on the way to winning their first title in 23 years.
The Giants reached the mountain top with a bone-crushing
defense and running game along with an efficient pass game.
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