Following a challenging 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 revitalizing the unit. In discussing the process of rebuilding the defense, Bowen emphasized his desire for hard-hitting, aggressive gameplay to become the trademark of his defense.
“I’m hoping it’s going to be speed and aggressiveness,” Bowen stated in an interview with former Giants center Shaun O’Hara, as reported by 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 brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Tennessee Titans, where he spent six seasons, the last three as defensive coordinator. During his tenure, the Titans’ defense excelled in several areas, including red zone scoring, where they ranked first in the league last year. Additionally, under Bowen’s leadership, the Titans’ defense consistently performed well against the run, surrendering the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL over his three seasons as defensive coordinator.
Now with the Giants, Bowen aims to replicate this success, particularly in addressing the team’s struggles against the run during the 2023 season. New York’s defense faced challenges in stopping the run game, allowing opponents to rush for 140 or more yards in seven games. The Giants finished the season ranked 29th in rush yards allowed and 31st in touchdowns surrendered on the ground. Bowen’s expertise and track record will be pivotal as the Giants seek to shore up their run defense and improve overall defensive performance.
“You think run game, you think physicality, you think toughness, and that’s what we want to be at all levels. 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 scrimmage, and then in that regard, if it is a pass, you’re already on your way.”
Pass rusher Brian Burns is expected to lead the defensive effort in his first season with the New York Giants. The two-time Pro Bowler joined the team last month via trade from Carolina, making him the most significant defensive acquisition for the Giants this spring.
“The initial thing is the explosiveness,” Bowen remarked about Burns. “Off the ball, his first step is elite now. I think the lateral movement, the athleticism, you see all that. He’s a very sudden player. The length, the size — like I didn’t realize how big he was until he walked in the building.”
Bowen envisions Burns forming a formidable trio with Kayvon Thibodeaux, who recorded 11.5 sacks in his sophomore season, and Dexter Lawrence, a two-time Pro Bowler in the last two seasons, to anchor the Giants’ defense along the 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 for hands-on work with his new team starting Monday when the Giants open up their offseason workout program.