It's all aboard the pirate ship for the Giants as they sail into a new season with an emphasis on being aggressive, tenacious, and a bit swashbuckling on the field.
This eclectic approach began during the Giants' organized team activities, where defenders celebrated turnovers by stashing footballs in a faux treasure chest. The mastermind behind the fun yet strategic ploy is none other than Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen. Inspired by his son's tee-ball team, aptly named the Pirates, Bowen is keen on using this treasure hunt to fuel a turnaround season after the Giants managed just 15 turnovers last year.
Bowen explained his unconventional approach in a recent press conference, saying, "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? 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 stated with determined flair.
Statistics back up Bowen's focus on turnovers. He cited that 12 of last season's 14 playoff teams ranked in the upper half of the league for turnovers, with even the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, proud owners of a pirate ship in their stadium, not far behind. For the Giants, playoff ambitions hinge significantly on their success in similarly plundering possessions.
Should the Giants channel their inner buccaneer on the gridiron and secure a playoff berth, expect MetLife Stadium to go full pirate haven with eyepatches, shoulder parrots, and perhaps even peglegs making an appearance.
