Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen wants 'violence' to be trademark of new defense

After a frustrating 2023 season for the New York Giants defense that saw the unit finish 26th in points allowed, new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was brought in to turn things around.

This week, as Bowen discussed the process of rebuilding the defense, he stressed his desire for hard-hitting gameplay to be the distinguishing feature of his defense.

“I’m hoping it’s going to be speed and aggressiveness,” Bowen said 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.

Everyone is here for a purpose. God has gifted them with the abilities that brought them here. It’s important to me that we fully utilize these abilities and that they’re able to do so as well. Ideally, you’ll see us acting quickly and assertively, displaying some intensity, and ultimately, you’ll see our team members making significant plays.

Bowen, who spent six seasons in Tennessee, with his final three years as DC, has moved to New York. Under Bowen’s leadership, the Titans’ defense was the top-ranked in red-zone scoring last year in the entire league. Notably, during his three-year tenure as DC, his unit gave up the least rushing yards per game in the NFL.

He will try to duplicate that success with the Giants, given that halting the run was a significant problem for them in 2023. Adversaries racked up 140 or more rushing yards in seven games, resulting in New York ending the season 29th in terms of rushing yards conceded and 30th for rushing TDs given up.

“When you consider the run game, it’s about physicality and toughness, and that’s what we aim for at every level,” Bowen stated. “I had the good fortune of working with some excellent players in Tennessee, much like we have here, and they fully embraced the concept. They took responsibility for it. And it’s distinct. It’s brilliant to halt the run, but you must also be capable of impacting the quarterback equally.”

Thus, it’s about striking that balance and maintaining an offensive mindset where we’re initiating action, attempting to play on the opposition’s territory. In doing so, if the play turns out to be a pass, you’re already in motion.

Pass rusher Brian Burns will likely be tasked with spearheading this defensive effort in his first season in New York. The two-time Pro Bowler joined New York last month via trade from Carolina as by far the biggest defensive acquisition for the Giants so far this spring.

“The first thing you notice is the explosiveness,” said Bowen. “His first move off the ball is now at an elite level. You can clearly see his lateral movement and athleticism. He’s a player of sudden moves. His length and size caught me by surprise — I didn’t realize how big he was until he walked into the building.”

Bowen sees Burns pairing well with both Kayvon Thibodeaux, who tallied 11.5 sacks in his sophomore season, and Dexter Lawrence, who has two Pro Bowl nods of his own in the last two seasons, to anchor the defense along the front line.

“Burns is quite an imposing figure,” Bowen stated, “However, when it comes to his skillset, matching him with what we already have in KT and of course, Dex’s ability to drive the pocket, I believe they complement each other exceptionally when they play together.”

Bowen will get his first opportunity for hands-on work with his new team starting Monday when the Giants open up their offseason workout program.