New York Giants' Shane Bowen 'encouraged' by defensive effort to generate turnovers
The Giants had only 15 total takeaways -- 5 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries -- which was the fifth-lowest total in the NFL last year.
To avoid another such embarrassing performance, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen introduced a "turnover chest" at minicamp this spring.
"We got to get better at takeaways," Bowen said in June, via the New York Post. "Somehow got the idea of piracy, violent, attacking to steal possessions or goods, right? You'll hear our guys say it. I say it ad nauseam: 'Be a damn pirate.' 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."
Bowen believes his team will be better this season in the takeaway department, especially with new faces such as safety Jevon Holland, cornerback Paulson Adebo, and rookie linebacker Abdul Carter.
"Yeah, it was encouraging in the spring. I feel like it's continued here in the (summer). I think we need more. I always think we need more," Bowen told reporters on Wednesday. "But you see the emphasis on being able to punch the ball out. Guys are trying to punch the ball out. Whether we tag off, we thud the runner, then he continues on, and guys are making an emphasis trying to punch it out.
"I feel like we've been able to get our hands, whether we pick them or not. We've gotten our hands on a lot of passes. I think we've got to do a better job up front, being able to get our hands and tip some balls there. But I'm encouraged with where we're at right now with that. Just something we've got to stay on top of. We preach it daily. We show them daily. Big area we need to improve on this upcoming season."
Takeaways are an important part of a team's win/loss equation. The 3-14 Giants were a net -8 in turnover ratio last year. By comparison, the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles were +11.
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