After a disappointing 2023 season for the New York Giants defense, which saw them finish 26th in points allowed, new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has been tasked with turning things around.
In discussing the process of rebuilding the defense, Bowen highlighted his desire for hard-hitting gameplay to be the hallmark of his unit.
“I’m hoping it’s going to be speed and aggressiveness,” Bowen stated in an interview with former Giants center Shaun O’Hara, via the team website. “Regardless of scheme — everybody’s going to have scheme, we’re going to have plenty of scheme — but I want to make sure our guys are lined up, they know what to do, and they can play fast and aggressive ultimately. I want to maximize their abilities. I don’t want to paralyze them before the ball is even snapped by overthinking.
“They’re all here for a reason. God has blessed them with the skillset to be here. I want to make sure we can maximize that skillset and they’re able to maximize that skillset. But hopefully [it will be] fast, aggressive, you’ll see some violence from us and ultimately guys making plays.”
Bowen, who arrives in New York from Tennessee, where he spent six seasons, aims to replicate his success with the Titans’ defense. Under his guidance, the Titans ranked first in the league in red zone scoring last year, and over his three seasons as DC, the unit surrendered the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL.
However, Bowen faces the challenge of shoring up the Giants’ run defense, which struggled mightily in 2023. Opponents rushed for 140 or more yards in seven games, and New York finished the season ranked 29th in rush yards allowed and 31st in touchdowns surrendered.
“To stop the run, you think physicality, you think toughness, and that’s what we want to be at all levels,” Bowen emphasized. “I was blessed with some really good players down there [in Tennessee], no different than we are here, but the guys bought into it. They took ownership of it. And it’s unique. It’s great to stop the run, but you better be able to affect the quarterback just the same.
“So, finding that balance and just [having] the attacking mentality where we’re getting off the ball, trying to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage, and then in that regard, if it is a pass, you’re already on your way.”
Bowen sees pass rusher Brian Burns, acquired from Carolina via trade, as a key figure in this defensive overhaul. He believes Burns’ explosiveness and skillset will complement players like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence, forming a formidable front line.
“[Burns is] an impressive looking dude, but skillset-wise, being able to pair him up with what we’ve got with KT [Thibodeaux] and obviously Dex in there being able to push the pocket, I think there are a lot of complements to all those guys when they’re going to be in there together.”
Bowen will have his first opportunity to work hands-on with his new team when the Giants open their offseason workout program.
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