Last year, the New York Giants’ defense was erratic under first year head coach James Bettcher. In the first half of the season, they allowed an average of 25.6 points per game and with the offense struggling, it was no wonder they went into their Week 9 bye with a 1-7 record.
Bettcher was charged with taking a defense that had been ingrained in a 4-3 alignment and flip it into his 3-4 scheme. There was some uncertainty at first but before they could get their footing, key players were dealt and other got hurt. It was not a palatable debut for head coach Pat Shurmur or Bettcher.