Memory Lane - 1976 NY Giants Preview

Head Coach Bill Arnsparger will be entering his third year with the Giants and into a brand new stadium,Giants Stadium, at The Meadowlands, New Jersey. Another new feature for the Giants will be the bruising fullback Larry Csonka (HOF). The Giants, not the Dolphins, signed him for around $2 million over three years. He was one of many NFL free agents from the demise of the WFL.

The Giants posted a 5-9 record in 1975. On offense, the Giants now have a power running back but the other ten players may not be in the same class as Csonka. In 1975, almost half of the roster had two years or less pro experience. Veteran QB Craig Morton, a Super Bowl V starter with the Cowboys, will be going into his third year with the Giants. One time All-Pro TE Bob Tucker will be catching passes while the rest of the receiving corps are journeymen. Blocking for the Giants might be a problerm since they gave up thirty sack in 1975.

Defense, Arnsparger was Don Shula’s defensive coordinator during their championship years. But so far the defense hasn’t responded as he would have liked. Last year the Giants defense couldn't get to the QB, only 17 sacks in 1975. DT John Mendenhall had some injuries last year, and DE Jack Gregory anchor the defensive line. LB’s Brian Kelley and Brad Van Pelt and the secondary is inexperienced, it appears the defense may have the same issues as last year.

1976 Draft additions: LB Harry Carson (HOF)

Giants 1975 Rankings:

Tot Yds Off: 22

Tot Yds Def: 21

Tot Pts Scored: 23

Tot Pts Against: 17

1975 Results:

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