As fun as exotic play calls and trick plays can be, sometimes you need a bit of old-fashioned, no-nonsense coaching to get the job done. That's exactly what New York Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is bringing to the table.
Big Blue's defense was nothing short of atrocious in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, allowing an early lead that even J.J. McCarthy's heroics couldn't overcome. Wilson saw a lack of effort from his unit, and he wasn't about to let it slide.
Wilson gave his defense a much-needed reality check heading into a crucial Week 7 game against the Houston Texans.
""I look at guys that don’t run to the ball and I call them ‘traitors’ because they are traitors to the defense. When you have a traitor to the defense, you either have to make adjustments to get them off the field and get somebody else on the field, or they have to correct their behavior.""Dennard Wilson, via NJ.com
Dennard Wilson calling Giants defense out proves things are different under John Harbaugh
Calling your own players "traitors" has to carry some weight in team meetings. Even for something as seemingly insignificant as not taking a good pursuit angle on a backside run, no player wants to be called out for working against his own team.
But Wilson isn't wrong about the Giants' lack of effort against the Saints. Per SumerSports, New York missed 14.1% of its tackles against New Orleans. They allowed an average of 3.53 rushing yards after contact per attempt, which was the third-worst rate in the league. Defenders simply weren't rallying to the football, breaking the first rule that defensive coordinators teach.
Under previous regimes, this lack of effort might have been swept under the rug. But John Harbaugh and his staff aren't about to give their players a free pass, no matter what the score is. That kind of winning culture has been instilled since Harbaugh's first grueling training camp practice, and he isn't letting up now.
Heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Texans, the lack of effort will need to be corrected. Houston is a talented and physical team that will take advantage of any lapse from its opponents. If a Giants defender is lazy in coverage, C.J. Stroud will make them pay.
The Giants need this win as badly as any. Their current lead in the NFC East is far from secure, especially without Jaxson Dart leading the way. Wilson's defense will need to be at its best to support J.J. McCarthy on their way to their fourth win of the season.
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