In what was a down 12 months for the New York Giants, who completed with a 6-11 file, there have been few shiny spots. Poor teaching, underperformance, accidents, and in-fighting dominated most headlines.
However that’s to not say all was unhealthy.
There was the emergence of rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito, who briefly took the league by storm, and there was a season-ending victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
There was additionally the play of linebacker Bobby Okereke.
Signed to a four-year, $40 million contract in free company, Okereke got here in and instantly improved the within linebacker place. He not solely dominated at his publish however raised the play of these round him — most notably Micah McFadden.
For his efforts, Okereke was named the Giants’ unsung hero by Kevin Patra of NFL Community.
It feels virtually like dishonest to call Okereke right here, however the linebacker was snubbed from each awards checklist, getting shut out of the preliminary Professional Bowl rosters and All-Professional groups. In his first season with Huge Blue, Okereke was all around the subject, producing 149 whole tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 21 QB pressures, two interceptions, 10 passes defended and 4 pressured fumbles whereas enjoying each single defensive snap. Stellar in protection and stout versus the run, Okereke was the glue for New York’s protection in 2023. He’ll stay a pressure in 2024 for the staff’s subsequent defensive coordinator.
For these related to the Giants or those that watched them on a weekly foundation, Okereke was removed from below the radar. He was paramount to any success on protection and deserved any and all reward he acquired.
Sadly, as Patra notes, Okereke was handed over for each the 2024 Professional Bowl Video games and the All-Professional Crew. Maybe that does make him an unsung hero.
