As fellow writer Rich Resch pointed out middle linebacker Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely with a bulging disc in his neck. Chase Blackburn will start in his place, backed up by second year pro Jonathan Goff. Blackburn has not started at MLB since 2005 but has replaced Pierce in a few games due to injury and it’s Chase’s most experienced position. Pierce is the QB of the defense and he will be missed, but Chase does have plenty of experience in this system and should be able to make all the calls.

The injury calls Pierces future as a Giants into question. Pierce is 31 and has one more year on his contract. While he gets the defense lined up and is excellent at playing head games with opposing QB’s he has also lost a step and struggles in coverage (fans love to point out what seems to be a bit of a gut). Blackburn is 26 and also has one year left on his contract, but is looked at as a solid backup and a special teamer more then anything else. Second year pro Jonathan Goff (5th round pick in 2008) has shown flashes in his limited time, including some big hits on special teams, but he has yet to play in the base defense and show he can be the leader Pierce is (course we won’t know until he plays)

As a unit the linebacking core is the oldest, and it is in need of an overhaul. There is a chance that Clint Sintim, Jonathan Goff and Michael Boley/Bryan Kehl are the answers for next year, but for now Blackburn, Clark/Sintim and Boley will get the nod.