The New York Giants significantly improved their linebacker group last season after signing Bobby Okereke. The veteran stabilized the biggest vulnerability on the Giants’ defense from the previous year, albeit the improvement failed to yield more wins.
In the first episode of Hard Knocks, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen mentioned the importance of the linebackers in his system. Bowen said his base defense is three down linemen, two edge defenders, two linebackers, and four defensive backs. Head coach Daboll seemed eager to show GM Joe Schoen Bowen’s impressive run defense statistics.
If the linebacker position is the fulcrum of Bowen’s defense, the Giants are in solid hands with Okereke and Micah McFadden.