NY Giants Defensive Renovations Draw Doubt in New Analysis

Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen should be excited for the chaos he could create in the backfield with his upgraded defensive front that features four talented pass rushers. However, there is no denying that the Giants' secondary is still being viewed as the weak link of the entire operation. 

The back end has long been marred by inexperience that likely factored into Filece’s decision to hold the Giants’ whole crew off of his top-10 ranking despite all the talent on the line of scrimmage that’s been drawing attention.

Last season, their coverage woes were on full display as they ranked 28th in coverage grade (52.9) and allowed an average of 210.6 yards through the air to opponents. Their miserable statistics in the deep field included 23 passing touchdowns allowed and only five interceptions, which landed at the bottom of the sport. 

In addition to being highly unproductive in slowing down the elite receiving threats across the league, the secondary doesn’t have a fully established core to round out the starting lineup. 

New cornerback Paulson Adebo is slated to command the No. 1 corner role as a premier press coverage defender who thrives at playing aggressively and getting his hands on the pigskin. 

Besides that position being filled, the Giants have yet to figure out who’s going to earn the other perimeter spot with Adebo, setting up an important camp battle between Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott, both incumbents who’ve dealt with their well-noted struggles in coverage.  

Then there is the question of how they’ll deploy their thin safeties group headlined by veteran free agent addition Jevon Holland and second-year prospect Tyler Nubin.

The team drew some positive contributions from Nubin early on last season, but his skills have yet to reach their full potential amid an ankle injury that ended his debut after 13 games.

The goal for the Giants' secondary has to be twofold as the 2025 campaign draws near. They need to establish a stronger identity around their new veteran players, who will be tasked with mentoring the young pieces. The overall production from the group must improve for the Giants to gain more respect from their competition. 

It’s extremely hard to beat many teams in the modern NFL when a defense isn’t disrupting passes and getting their hands on the football to take it the other way.

Sacking the quarterback is always great for stalling drives, but often the biggest way to flip the script of a game —and of an entire season —is by forcing turnovers at the most crucial moments. 

The Giants didn’t put enough pressure on their opponents in 2024, and that is a significant reason why one could argue for leaving them out of the top-10 list before the season begins. 

Their schedule is even more challenging this time around, making improved ball instincts an even more crucial element in giving the franchise a decent chance of competing against premier offensive attacks and being taken seriously.