The New York Giants hired their next defensive coordinator. This comes after two years of someone who famously left on bad terms. Don “Wink” Martindale fit initially, however, how it ended will be what a lot of fans remember. Regardless, the new sheriff in town worked under someone with arguably a bigger personality and more authority. Since he made it at his last stop, he can make it in the Big Apple!
New York Giants New Defensive Coordinator
The defense needs help Shane Bowen has his work cut out for him. But he has plenty of knowledge to lean on. His last coaching stop was with Mike Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans. Brian Daboll is his new boss, but that alone should ease concerns possibly leftover from the last New York Giants DC.
Despite being limited on offense, the defense remained the highlight of the team. Most stats hovered near the middle of the league. While that may not sound impressive at first, it is on a deeper look. The Titans were constantly under duress from their offense. Specifically from their quarterback position, it wasn’t good enough this year.
Shane Bowen is the new defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
Here’s a pretty cool Cover 5 playcall to give us an idea on how he runs a defense.
pic.twitter.com/4D0WmZoEYl— ????? (@BrianDabollMVP) February 5, 2024
Luckily, Bowen has experience overcoming below-average QB play. With the Houston Texans, he was a defensive assistant. During those years the defenses number one in 2016. Additionally, they remained at the top in several categories for the 2017 season. However, this came with limitations at the quarterback position. Brock Osweiler, Tom Savage, Taylor Heinicke, and T.J. Yates are names who graced the QB room. Although their public reception would be mixed, in general, it’s fair to say that these are not considered dynamic game-changers. But this should prepare him for life with the New York Giants.
Current Position Of The New York Giants
Unfortunately for Bowen, he is facing a likely undermanned offense to pair with again. At the moment, the New York Giants have Tommy DeVito or Tyrod Taylor. Although both can win you some games, both can also spell trouble for their team. It remains to be seen if the franchise elects to go in a different direction, either through the draft or otherwise.
Shane Bowen has been the Titans DC since 2021. His units have been very good against the run, #1 in EPA/Play against the run. However, struggled against the pass, #26 in EPA/Dropback pic.twitter.com/G1lQLCgUjf
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) February 5, 2024
Meanwhile, the defense is once again supposed to be the focal point of this team. Despite their struggles, they do have some talent. However, it has not translated to stable good play or team cohesion. Firstly, Deonte Banks had a good run of play during his rookie season, he will look to improve in his second year. Also, their former first-round draft pick, Kayvon Thibodeaux continues to be an emerging star in the NFL.
Although the New York Giants forced a league-high 19 turnovers, it wasn’t enough. Regardless of how many times they took the ball away, at critical times, they let up big plays or missed assignments. Ultimately this led them to give up the seventh most points per game at 23.9. Bowen will be tasked with drastically improving this!
Philosophy He’s Bringing To the New York Giants
Bowen gave great insight during an early season interview last year with the Titans. The reporter asked him specifically about communication and defensive playcalling, but what he says speaks exactly to what the New York Giants are missing without him.
I think that’s something that goes unnoticed sometimes…There’s a sense of comfort that comes with that, where we’re not panicked. And that’s a big thing on defense…When you’re out there panicked, the outcome usually isn’t very good, right?
Unfortunately, this was very much noticed. Too often a miscommunication here, and a mental mistake there resulted in busted coverages. Luckily for the New York Giants, they hired someone who can address these issues head-on. He’ll need to also fix these problems in a hurry, as the NY media market can turn on you in a hurry!
For More Great Sports Content
Gabriel Enjoys all things sports! Football, soccer, basketball, volleyball. You name it! Huge fan of the Nebraska Huskers and New England Patriots. Even bigger advocate of running the football!
Follow him on Twitter at @BigTenGabriel, and follow us @TotalApexSports. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL sports, click here!