A New Mindset for Takeaways
Playing like pirates has become a daily goal for the New York Giants’ defenders. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen introduced this unique mindset during organized team activities, where takeaways are now symbolized by placing the ball in a treasure chest.
This inventive approach is part of Bowen’s plan to improve on a rough 2024 season, in which the Giants ranked 28th in the NFL with only 15 takeaways.
“You’ll hear our guys say it. I say it ad nauseum: ‘Be a damn pirate,'” Bowen said Thursday, via team transcript. “We got to find ways to get the ball. And, again, you get what you emphasize. We’re making it a priority this year to make sure we find ways to get the ball.”
Rebuilding from a Disappointing Season
The Giants finished 24th in total defense during their 3-14 season, averaging only 0.9 takeaways per game and ranking 31st with five interceptions. With those struggles in mind, Bowen and the front office have added reinforcements, including No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter and free agent defensive backs Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland. The return of a healthy Dexter Lawrence is also expected to help.
“We’ve got to be better forcing takeaways,” Bowen said. “Got to get the ball away. Twelve of the 14 playoff teams were in the top half of the league taking the ball away.”
“We got to do better job of that, making sure we don’t miss opportunities to catch them when they’re there, don’t miss opportunities to try to attack the ball when they’re there, matching the hand, whatever that might be. That’s a big area of focus for us right now.”
Gimmicks and Motivation
Though the pirate theme may seem gimmicky, Bowen is committed to any method that can shift the defense’s mentality after last season’s hardships. And despite speculation, he insists he isn’t focused on job security.
“I wouldn’t say pressure,” Bowen said. “I’m driven by the guys. My job is to get these guys ready to go out there to execute at the highest level, to maximize their potential, and to perform and ultimately win.”
A Family-Inspired Turnover Treasure
The idea of the treasure chest came from a personal source, Bowen’s son. “Oh, the chest,” Bowen said. “So, my son, it’s his first year of T-ball and he’s on the Pirates. So, we… Again, the main thing is emphasizing takeaways. We got to get better at takeaways. Somehow got the idea of piracy, violent, attacking to steal possessions or goods, right?”
As the Giants embark on the 2025 season, they’ll do so with a pirate’s mindset. Hunting for turnover gold, defending with aggression, and celebrating every steal as if it were buried treasure.
