New York Giants Flashback: Steve Spagnuolo’s First Time As DC
Steve Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants from 2007-2008, before taking the head coaching job with the St. Louis Rams in 2012. Spagnuolo was officially named the next defensive coordinator for Big Blue earlier this week; lets relive the last time he was the defensive coordinator.
Spagnuolo believed in rushing the passers from a 4-3 defense. The pass rush was the signature of his defense. The defensive ends were undoubtedly the stars on his defenses, which is why the Giants had the most sacks in 2007 and the 6th most sacks in 2008.
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The 2007 season ended in the most majestic way possible, a Super Bowl championship that was won against the undefeated New England Patriots. Spagnuolo’s name was put on the map as a big time coach in the NFL.
By using his great outside pass rushers to get great inside pass rush on Tom Brady, he stopped an offense that broke records all season long.
Both seasons in which Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator saw a top 10 ranked NFL defense. In 2007 the Giants ranked 7th overall giving up 305 yards per game. In 2008 the Giants defense ranked 5th overall giving up only 292 yards per contest.
The Giants may not have the same talent on defense as Spagnuolo enters his second stint as the defensive coordinator, but the concept remains the same. With a great pass rush, fueled by stunts and a handful of well timed blitzes, the defensive line will set the tone for the entire defense. Expect a revival of the defense in New York under defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.