If you don't force a turnover this year, you might be walking the plank. New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has introduced a new addition to Big Blue's defense that won't even take the field this year but could be added motivation.
Bowen has introduced a "turnover chest" to the Giants' defense this offseason, an idea inspired by his son's tee-ball team coincidentally named, the Pirates. When a player forces a turnover, the ball is deposited in the chest. It's an incredible idea and fans are already loving the new celebration.
He told the media after practice about the idea behind the chest and why he is emphasizing forcing turnovers. Year one as the Big Blue's defense coordinator did not go as anticipated, but the chest could help unlock the defense's true potential.
“We got to get better at takeaways,” Bowen said. “Somehow got the idea of piracy, violent, attacking to steal possessions or goods, right?"
How often will we see the Giants' turnover chest in 2025?
If there's one thing the Giants' defense struggled with last season, it was takeaways. The G-Men were 28th in 2024 in the league with 15 forced turnovers and just five interceptions.
Well, Big Blue addressed their lack of turnovers and addressed several defensive needs. The Giants added Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland to their secondary, and if their pass-rushing unit wasn't already stacked, they drafted Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander.
One unexpected name stealing the show at OTAs is fourth-year safety Dane Belton, who has recorded three interceptions, including a pick-six, in six practices thus far. Holland and Tyler Nubin are expected to be the team's starting safeties, but Belton is making a case to at least make the 53-man roster come roster cuts.
The Giants' front seven will include Carter, Dexter Lawrence II, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Brian Burns. If that doesn't have opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks up at night, I don't know what does. Alexander has a chance to start next to Lawrence II on Big Blue's defensive line.
Who would have thought the Giants' defense would have a Spider-Man in Burns, Darth Vader in Carter, and collectively be called the Pirates? Let's hope the Giants' defense is prepared for every opposing offense or enemy they encounter, and their chest will not just be full of gold but turnovers.