Looking ahead as the New York Giants prepare to enter a new season, there’s an unprecedented wave of optimism surrounding the team’s defensive unit. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the Giants have made significant strides in bolstering their defense, which ranked 24th last season. High-profile signings combined with superstar drafts have invigorated the squad. With a roster full of talent across the board, many experts are looking for a groundbreaking year to come.
And at the tip of the spear is All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, who is leading the charge in every sense. He thinks this season’s roster is the most skilled bunch he’s been a part of since joining the Giants in 2019. The group is flush with rising stars and established superstars. Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns paces a solid group along with top-five draft pick Kayvon Thibodeaux. They join a defensive line that is quickly becoming one of the best 10 units in the league.
Last season the Giants’ defense was consistently torched by opposing run games. They were second to last in the league, allowing an average of 136.2 yards per game. This year aims to be different. Whether this team was serious about returning to being a top-tier defense could easily be told by their off-season picks. The Giants last year traded for defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris and cornerback Paulson Adebo to a three-year, $54 million deal. Plus, safety Jevon Holland boarded the big-money express with a three-year pact that could net him $45.3 million.
The Giants added depth through the draft, selecting lineman Darius Alexander in the third round and edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick. These moves reflect a serious commitment to improving their run defense and pass rush. They’re hoping to improve further upon what was the second-best group of edge rushers in the league last year according to PFF.
Here, Bowen expresses confidence in his team and their preparedness as they near Week 1.
“Yeah, going into Week 1, I think it’s … make the plays you’re supposed to make” – Shane Bowen
Bobby Okereke came to the Giants as an early-down thumper, middle linebacker, at $10 million-per-year. He followed Bowen’s lead by talking about needing to control the run game.
“Obviously we know our pass rush is going to be lethal, so playing dominant in the run game, that’s definitely the expectation” – Bobby Okereke
And the buzz in and around their locker room is electric. And players can’t wait to show everyone how much better they’ve gotten since last season’s campaign ended. Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr. should be an important returnee on the line. He commended the overall depth and talent on this year’s squad.
“As far as the depth and talent, by far [the best I’ve been on]” – Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr.
Lawrence said leadership and communication stand out as essential elements that might raise their performance this season. And if they play up to that potential, he thinks amazing things are possible.
“We could be anything we want to be, honestly. And that’s not a cliché to say for me because I’m looking at it, I’m watching it, I’m going through tape, I’m hearing conversations, I’m seeing leadership” – Dexter Lawrence II
The Giants’ defense is hell bent on improving on the stat sheet. More than that, they want to be the backbone of this team. The athletes’ focus on outstanding performance is inspiring, and they have very high expectations set for themselves.
“The expectation is the defense being the staple of the team” – Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr.
The Giants have a great roster and have made some improvements internally. It’s time for them to channel all their preseason buzz into some real action. As they prepare for their next games everyone will be watching with bated breath. Now, they’ll have to turn that potential into performance on the field.
Leave a Reply