Newly-acquired MLB Jon Beason may be key to Big Blue's future

Giants fans get their first look at newly-acquired linebacker Jon Beason tonight against the Bears in Chicago.

Last Friday, the still-winless Giants obtained Beason from the Carolina Panthers for a conditional late-round pick in an effort to upgrade their linebacking corps. It’s a low-risk gamble for general manager Jerry Reese.

If Beason, 28, returns to form, the Giants have a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker on their roster and a possible anchor to their defense. If not, they’re out a late-round draft pick. Big deal.

The Giants are going against a Bears team that has transformed itself from a defense-first team into an offensive juggernaut. The former Monsters of the Midway are averaging 29.0 points per game (fourth in the NFL) under new coach Marc Trestman, who replaced the popular and successful Lovie Smith.

Quarterback Jay Cutler and wide receivers Brandon Marshall (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) and Alshon Jeffery (6-foot-3, 216 pounds) spearhead the offense. Running back Matt Forte keeps the chains moving and tight end Martellus Bennett is a key contributor.

The Giants’ banged-up secondary is facing a daunting challenge. The unit will be without starting cornerback Corey Webster and top reserves Jayron Hosley and Aaron Ross, who is on the injured reserve list.

Can the Giants finally get into the win column tonight? Does Beason have anything left? We’d like to know what you think.


(nj.com)