The New York Giants defense had a disappointing 2023 year, finishing 26th in points allowed. To improve the defense, new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was hired.
Speaking this week about the process of reassembling the defense, Bowen made it clear that he wants his defense to be known for its hard-hitting style of play under him.
“I hope it’s going to be speed and aggressiveness,” Bowen stated on the team website during an interview with former Giants center Shaun O’Hara. No matter what plan we have or anyone else’s, there will be many of them, but in the end, I want to make sure our guys are lined up, know what to do, and can play quickly and aggressively. I wish to make the most of their potential. I don’t want their overthinking to paralyze them before the ball is even snapped.
“Everyone is present for a purpose. God has given them the abilities to be at this place. I want to be certain that both they and we can make the most of that skill set. However, hopefully, it will be quick and forceful, as you can see.
Bowen comes to New York from Tennessee, where he spent six seasons, the last three as DC. Bowen’s Titans defense ranked first in the league in red-zone scoring last year, and notably through his three seasons as DC the unit surrendered the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL.
He’ll attempt to replicate that success with the Giants, as stopping the run game proved to be a notable issue for them in 2023. Opponents recorded 140 or more rushing yards in seven games, and New York finished the season 29th in rush yards allowed and 30th in rushing TDs surrendered.
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