The New York Giants have made a significant change to their coaching staff. Don ‘Wink’ Martindale has been replaced as the team’s defensive coordinator by former Tennessee Titans’ assistant coach Shane Bowen. This decision, which was announced on February 5, is seen as a move towards a “Patriots-like” defense, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The Giants have also begun discussions with other Titans staffers who worked under Bowen. However, there is some conflicting information about the future of the Giants’ defensive staff. While Fowler reports that the team is talking to Bowen’s assistants, Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com has been told that the Giants plan to keep most, if not all, of their current defensive staff under contract with Bowen.
Regardless of who makes up his staff, Bowen is expected to implement a defense that is based on a 3-4 scheme but can vary depending on the game plan, as explained by Connor Hughes of SNY.tv. Bowen’s defensive units with the Titans have been compared to those of the New England Patriots, focusing on taking away opponents’ strengths and forcing them to rely on secondary options.
This coaching change is particularly significant for Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who has previous experience with the Patriots. Daboll has worked as an assistant in New England and has seen firsthand the success of Bill Belichick’s opponent-specific defensive strategies. Bowen’s simplified system, inspired by Belichick, could potentially improve the Giants’ defensive performance, which has been lackluster under Martindale.
Despite their aggressive blitzing approach, the Giants’ defense has struggled this season. They ranked 26th in points allowed and 27th in yards allowed. Additionally, they gave up an average of 5.6 yards per play, including 4.7 yards per rush. In contrast, Bowen’s Titans defense was known for its stinginess, particularly in the red zone. They ranked seventh in red zone defense in 2021 and improved to first in both 2022 and 2023.
Bowen’s expertise lies in pass rush, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. He has been praised for his work with players like Harold Landry, who showed significant development under Bowen’s guidance. Overall, Bowen is regarded as a skilled teacher and a specialist in pass rush techniques.
With these changes, the Giants hope to improve their defensive performance and establish a more effective and disciplined unit under Bowen’s leadership.
New Coordinator Gives Hope to Giants Outside Linebackers
In a turn of events that has Giants fans buzzing, the team has brought in a new coordinator who is expected to help Harold Landry III reach new heights in the sack department. This is certainly good news for the Giants’ outside linebackers, who have had their fair share of ups and downs this season.
One of the highs for the position group was the breakout season enjoyed by Kayvon Thibodeaux. According to PFF NY Giants, Thibodeaux recorded impressive numbers in 2022 and 2023, with 39 QB pressures and 4 sacks in the former, and 43 QB pressures and 13 sacks in the latter.
However, there were also some issues that led to the dismissal of position coach Drew Wilkins. This decision reportedly exacerbated the brewing rift between the new coordinator and Martindale, as reported by Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
While the new coordinator, Bowen, is known for his affinity for the pass rush, it remains to be seen if he can improve the team’s sack totals. According to Nick Falato of SB Nation’s Big Blue View, the Titans’ sack totals under Bowen were not exactly awe-inspiring. In 2021, they recorded 42 sacks (10th), with Harold Landry leading the way with 12. In 2022, the number dropped to 39 (18th), with Denico Autry recording 8 sacks. And in 2023, they bounced back with 45 sacks (16th), with Autry notching 11.5.
Despite the modest stats and the Giants missing out on other top candidates, Bowen is expected to make a positive impact on the team’s sack numbers. The Giants only managed to record 34 sacks this season, a number that Bowen is determined to improve. However, some doubt whether he can adequately replace Martindale, given his lackluster numbers as a coordinator.
The Giants had initially interviewed Dennard Wilson, former defensive backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens, for the position. However, Wilson ultimately decided to join the Titans instead, leaving the Giants searching for other options. Another top candidate, Bobby Babich, also turned down the Giants’ offer in favor of a promotion with the Buffalo Bills.
The Giants’ search for a defensive coordinator was further delayed when they failed to land their top targets. This has caused some concern among potential candidates, who are wary of the pressure to show progress after a disappointing season.
Now, it is Bowen’s turn to try and form a working relationship with Daboll and improve the Giants’ underperforming defense. Only time will tell if he can succeed in this daunting task.
James Dudko is a sports contributor who covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens.