New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke is brimming with confidence this season. He's thrilled about what he’s seen from the defense this spring, especially with the addition of fellow linebacker Brian Burns. Okereke believes Burns has the potential to push the team over the top.
- “He could be a game-changer. He's an electric athlete—fast, physical, silky when he pass rushes. He can take over games,” Okereke told the New York Post. *
There's a big transition happening as they move from Wink Martindale's defensive style to Shane Bowen's. But Okereke is optimistic about the change. He mentioned that the new approach in 2024 will bring more structure, allowing the team to play faster.
- “Wink was my guy, I loved him. But Shane is an incredible defensive coordinator. He's very smart, he has a very bright football mind, and I'm glad he’s my defensive coordinator,” he said. “I think we're going to have a lot more rules, a lot more process of decision-making that's going to allow us to play fast.” *
Once everyone settles into Bowen's system, Okereke is confident that they could be one of the top defenses in the league—dominant, even.
- “Imposing. Imposing of our will. Imposing of our physical dominance. Yeah, we're just going to take over,” Okereke said, adding that they could “easily” finish as a top-5 defense. *
Regarding Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni mocking the Giants by suggesting he stole their best player (Saquon Barkley), Okereke had a witty response.
- “I still see Dexter (Lawrence) and (Andrew Thomas) on the field, so I think we're good,” he said with a laugh. “(Having Dex) makes my job a lot easier. He takes up two, three blocks at a time, and allows me to just go run and hit.” *
The Giants are set on proving themselves this season. Okereke emphasized the team's grit and determination.
- “The 2024 New York Giants are going to be a tough, gritty, dominant team. We have no false pretenses. No one's coming in here thinking we're hot (expletive), we're going to earn everything we get, and we're going to work hard every day.” *
The Giants' defense, led by Okereke, is undoubtedly eager to make the Eagles and Sirianni pay this coming season.
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