THE POST ’ S ALL-TIME GIANTS DEFENSE
The Giants are one of the NFL’s signature franchises, with a history filled with memorable moments and great players. The Post’s Paul Schwartz picks his all-time Giants defense:
DE Andy Robustelli.
Played in an incredible eight NFL Championship games and selected to seven Pro Bowls. Incredibly durable — missed one game in his 14-year career. Enshrined in Hall of Fame in 1971.
DE Michael Strahan.
He holds the franchise record with 141.5 sacks (fifth-most in NFL history) and 216 games played in a 15-year career, culminated in him hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Gap-toothed, big personality star was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 (when he had NFL-record 22.5 sacks). Enshrined in Hall of Fame in 2014.
DT Rosey Grier.
Massive man (285 pounds when players were not as big as they are now) was a three-time All-Pro and anchor of a stellar defense. Went on to fame in Los Angeles as part of Rams “Fearsome Foursome’’ defensive line.
LB Lawrence Taylor.
Generational player who changed the way offenses directed their blocking schemes. NFL MVP in 1986, when he had 20.5 sacks. Man oh man, was it fortunate the Saints picked George Rogers No. 1 in 1981. Enshrined in Hall of Fame in 1999.
LB Sam Huff.
He was the first NFL player to ever adorn the cover of Time Magazine and was the subject of a CBS TV special entitled “The Violent World of Sam Huff.’’ He never forgave Allie Sherman for trading him to the Redskins. Enshrined in Hall of Fame in 1982.
LB Harry Carson.
He played his entire 13-year career in blue, made seven consecutive Pro Bowls and nine altogether as he shepherded the Giants from dark days to glory days. Tackling machine, proud, dignified team leader. Enshrined in Hall of Fame in 2006.
LB Jessie Armstead.
How about an eighth-round pick becoming a five-time Pro Bowler? Ball-seeking and ferocious, he tackled anything that moved and his excellence in 2000 helped propel the Giants to the Super Bowl.
CB Erich Barnes.
Made four Pro Bowls in his four seasons with the Giants and had 18 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and four TD returns in 56 games. Intimidating tackler, too.
CB Dick Lynch.
In 1963, he led the NFL with nine interceptions, scored seven career touchdowns on returns and played in four NFL title games. Younger Giants fans grew to know and love him as a colorful radio analyst.
S Jimmy Patton.
Product of Ole Miss was a five-time firstteam All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler and had 52 career interceptions, second-all time in franchise history. Spider Lockhart also deserves consideration here.
S Emlen Tunnell.
First AfricanAmerican player signed by the Giants turned out to be one of their all-time best players. He holds the franchise record with 74 interceptions and 261 punt returns. Earned nickname “offense on defense.’’ Enshrined in Hall of Fame in 1967.