Big Blue View
Good morning, New York Giants fans!
To what lengths will Charlie Bullen go in taking over as interim defensive coordinator of the New York Giants for the remainder of this season?
Well, it was not uncommon to see the 41-year-old Bullen in shoulder pads during Friday practices working fundamental details with Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter in his capacity as outside linebackers coach. Three of the most talented players on the roster would work the bags, going through their paces and Bullen would engage, making sure his teaching points got home.
It is a matter of trust, and when it no longer exists, it is time for a change. Mike Kafka did not admit this on another Bloody Monday for the Giants.
“Nobody knows my team better than I know my team.” That’s how Tom Coughlin explained the risky decisions he made on offense. What he meant was this: I can’t trust my defense. Once Mike Kafka came to that conclusion he fired his defensive coordinator.
• Finishing games: Well, yeah. The Giants’ inability to do this (especially on defense) is the main reason Bowen got canned at 2-10. The Giants have blown a fourth-quarter lead in half of their losses. Yes, they need a head coach who can teach them how to win. They also need a defensive coordinator who can oversee a unit that doesn’t wilt down the stretch.
• Stopping the run: Bowen’s defense was absolutely atrocious against the run, as the Giants went 3-14 last season, before this year’s 2-10 debacle. They currently are last in Pro Football Focus’ run defense ratings, after finishing 22nd in 2024. It’s impossible to win like that.
Defensive lineman Darius Alexander has been nominated for Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week after picking up four total tackles and two sacks against the Lions in Week 12. It was the first two full sacks of Alexander’s NFL career.
He finished the day with three total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, the second time this season he has registered multiple pressures. The third-round...
