The New York Giants will look vastly different in 2024 than in 2023 but no change will be as noticeable as the move at defensive coordinator. So let’s take a look at what we can expect to be different.

We’ll start with the core philosophy. Shane Bowen was brought in from the Tennessee Titans to replace Wink Martindale as defensive coordinator of the Giants after an ugly breakup. Martindale earned a reputation for being one of the most aggressive play-callers in the league.

How aggressive was he? In 2023, only the Minnesota Vikings called more Cover 0, and only the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys called more Cover 1 than the Giants.

Straight-up man-to-man defense isn’t a very sustainable approach to defense in the modern NFL. Offenses are far too creative, both pre- and post-snap and skill position players are just too dynamic.

Martindale’s thought process appeared: “Let’s press at the line of scrimmage to slow receivers down temporarily and hope that we get to the quarterback before they can get the ball off.” It favors pass-rush and aggressiveness over coverage.

Bowen’s approach is about as opposite as possible. Coverage on the back end is the priority while trying to generate a pass rush using methods outside of blitzing, like creepers, also known as replacement blitzes and stunts.