REPORT: Giants’ defensive playbook has been ‘expanded’ this offseason

“I interviewed more than 20 members of the defense at Media Day, and all of the returning players expressed how the playbook has been expanded with the influx of talent this offseason,” Schmeelk wrote.

“It is easy to imagine the variable fronts Bowen can use with all the defensive linemen and edge rushers, but I am curious to see how he is going to use the secondary.”

In the secondary, veteran CB Paulson Adebo and S Jevón Holland are the standout additions. The defensive line also receives a boost with rookies Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander.

The Giants’ defense should be more creative in 2025

If there was one criticism of Bowen that stood out last season, it was the lack of creativity in his defense. His scheme was often described as “vanilla” as the Giants frequently sent a four-man pass rush and seldom sent any creative blitz packages.

That narrative should change this season. With more talent in coverage and one of the best defensive lines in the league on paper, Bowen will have the freedom to send a wide array of different blitz packages.

Last season, the Giants ran man coverage 28.1% of the time (ranking 11th in the NFL). They ran zone coverage 63.7% of the time (21st). Those coverage splits could change this season as Bowen adjusts the scheme to match his new personnel.

An expanded playbook should come as exciting news for Giants fans. With more tools at his disposal, Bowen is working to find the best ways to maximize his talented defense. There is potential for the Giants’ defense to be an elite unit this season.