EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Steve Spagnuolo’s eagerness to restore the Giants to the heights they enjoyed in his first tenure as defensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 was readily apparent when he met with reporters Tuesday at the start of a mandatory three-day minicamp. So were his limitations.
Spagnuolo’s aggressive tactics with what turned into a ferocious defensive line contributed to the Giants’ stunning 17-14 upset of the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII to close the 2007 season. As he moves into his second stint as defensive coordinator, he acknowledged the difficulty of evaluating players in such a physical sport before they wear pads.