Russ Reveals First Impression of Giants Defense

The New York Giants signed quarterback Russell Wilson with an eye towards the playoffs. It’s ambitious, of course, but with jobs on the line, the Giants must be competent, if not competitive in 2025.

Wilson elevates the floor of this roster, weaponizes receiver Malik Nabers, and adds an adult to a quarterback room that badly needs his experience. New York’s fate won’t fall entirely on the offense, though. Upgrades to the defense have made the unit potent and overwhelmingly likely to improve upon the five interceptions it found a season ago.

On Monday, Wilson revealed his first impression of the Giants defense and how it could be up to the task in a pivotal 2025 campaign.

“I think, first of all, every great defense starts with a defensive line,” Wilson began. “I think our defensive line is one of the best in the National Football League. The opportunity to add more guys and everything else, but just the ability for guys to get to the quarterback, that's the name of the game. Who can stop the run? Who can get to the quarterback? I think that's the reality of it.

“I think the linebackers that we have, the best in the game. Guys that can fly around, really get to stopping the ball carriers from getting plus yardage. I think our secondary and the additions that we've had too… I know Tae Banks is a young, talented guy, and I think he's really looking forward to this year and rising up to the occasion in a great way.”

Wilson’s first point is a matter of principle. Yet, it fits well with New York’s strengths. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is among the game’s superstars and edge rusher Brian Burns isn’t too far behind him. Kayvon Thibodeaux took a step forward in Year 3.

The strength of this defense is the biggest reason why Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter isn’t the overwhelming consensus pick at No. 3.

Wilson also made sure to shout out the embattled first-round pick Banks, who gave him his rightful No. 3 soon after his arrival.

“It just takes a team effort,” Wilson said. “I think the great thing about this game, it takes all 11 on offense, takes all 11 on defense, takes all 11 on special teams. The most important part to the offseason is the bond and the relationships and how fast can we put all those pieces together in an effective way to be as effective as possible come Sundays.”

New York’s run defense still projects to be an issue, but with a top pass rush (that could soon be even more explosive) and a new-look secondary, Wilson’s optimism is justified.