**Can Shane Bowen Make All the New Pieces on Giants’ Defense Fit?**
Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen showed up to his media session Thursday looking energized — and who could blame him? He’s got a bunch of new defensive weapons to work with this season.
The Giants used their No. 3 overall draft pick on edge rusher Abdul Carter and added defensive tackle Darius Alexander in Round 3. They also picked up some experienced help in free agency — including corner Paulson Adebo, safety Jevon Holland, and defensive end Chauncey Golston, among others.
“I’m really excited about the new guys,” Bowen said. “They’ve come in acting like pros, working hard, and already showing leadership — especially the vets. It’s helping set the tone for the younger guys.”
And he should be pumped — every position group on defense looks deeper and stronger than last year. But with more talent comes more pressure. Bowen wasn’t exactly the fan-favorite hire after Wink Martindale left. He came in after a run with the Titans, and there were some doubts.
Even though defense wasn’t the team’s biggest issue last year, co-owner John Mara wasn’t thrilled with how it looked — especially after they ranked 21st in points allowed. “I’m tired of watching teams go up and down the field on us,” Mara said bluntly back in January. So, GM Joe Schoen upgraded the roster. Now it’s on Bowen to make it all work.
Still, Bowen says he’s not feeling pressure — just motivation. “I’m driven by the guys. My job is to get them ready, help them improve, and win. That’s what fuels me every day.”
### Three Guys, Two Spots
One of the big questions? How Bowen’s going to manage the playing time between Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Brian Burns. You’ve got three edge rushers — and only two starting spots.
“It’s a good problem to have,” Bowen said. “Three really talented guys. We’re still figuring out the best way to get our top 11 guys on the field.”
One option could be moving Carter off the edge at times — he played some off-ball linebacker at Penn State before last season. But Bowen says they want to develop him at the edge, where he was drafted to dominate.
“There’s definitely versatility with Abdul. And maybe with Burns too,” Bowen said. “But we want to make sure Abdul learns what it takes to thrive as an edge guy in this league.”
### Adapting the Scheme
Some critics say Bowen wasn’t flexible enough with his defensive scheme last year — especially considering he inherited players built for Martindale’s more aggressive style. This year, with new personnel, the spotlight is on whether he can adapt.
“That’s part of coaching,” Bowen said. “You’ve got to put guys in positions where they’re most comfortable and effective. We’re always looking to evolve.”
### “Be a Damn Pirate”
Turnovers were a huge weak spot last season. The Giants were second-to-last in interceptions and ranked 28th in total takeaways. That’s something Bowen wants to flip fast.
“We’ve got to be better at taking the ball away. Twelve of the 14 playoff teams were in the top half of the league in takeaways. That’s not a coincidence.”
To drive the message home, the defense has even introduced a “turnover chest” — something inspired by Bowen’s son’s T-ball team, which is hilariously named the Pirates.
“It’s about stealing possessions — just like pirates steal treasure,” Bowen said. “I tell the guys all the time: ‘Be a damn pirate.’ We’ve got to find ways to take the ball.”
Shane Bowen’s Big Blueprint: Can the Giants’ D Click Into Place?
