Patrick Graham and the NY Giants set the foundation for a strong defense in 2020, and hope that familiarity and bolstered talent will give that group a boost
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Patrick Graham lost significant weight this offseason, but the NY Giants’ defensive coordinator’s players believe this is a group ready to make major gains in 2021.
Last season, the NY Giants’ defense — despite rolling injuries at all three levels — finished ninth in total defense, 11th in rushing defense, and only eight teams allowed fewer than the NY Giants’ 22.3 points per game.
Optimism surrounding this group becoming the backbone of a successful campaign is high around East Rutherford, especially after the offseason addition of cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and Leonard Williams returning on a new four-year contract, anchoring the defensive line.
One of the keys to the Giants‘ success is Graham‘s malleability in scheme, seeming to tailor a game plan around his available players and their strengths rather than shoehorn them into a system.
"“He doesn’t put everybody in the same position,” Williams said, following Wednesday’s training camp practice. “He knows what type of tools he has, what type of guys he has, and he puts his players in the best ability to play the best that they can. I think that makes players’ confidence rise and the more confident you are, the better you play.”"
Williams building on last season’s career-high 11.5 sacks, and could be aided by improved secondary play from Jackson, Pro Bowl cornerback James Bradberry and a second year of Graham’s system looking root.
"“Within the second year of any scheme,” NY Giants safety Jabrill Peppers said. “You definitely get more familiarized with it, and you can play much faster. You understand the guys next to your jobs that much more to play to your leverage and know when you can take chances and when you can’t.”"
Familiarity in scheme and improved personnel could help Peppers elevate his game from last season’s 85-tackle, one interception campaign, and make him an impact player both in coverage as well as up near the box against the run.
NY Giants head coach Joe Judge believes Graham is instrumental to the NY Giants’ success and franchise trajectory.
“One of the things that comes across with Patrick as a leader is that he has zero ego whatsoever,” Judge tells FanSided. “It’s reflected in how he works with our defensive staff, ideas are shared throughout he room to put together the game plan and the input he takes from different people, and the adjustments he’s able to make because of the input he takes from other people … A lot of people in this league, that’s not the case.”
Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com, Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL