New York Giants’ Run Defense: The Road to Redemption in 2025
If there’s one area that has haunted the New York Giants’ defense over the past season, it’s been their struggles stopping the run. Ranking 26th against the run in 2024, they allowed a brutal 4.6 yards per carry and gave up 7.6 first downs on the ground per game. Numbers like those make it nearly impossible to consistently win football games in the NFL.
But here’s the twist—this year, things feel different. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is determined to flip the script, and the players are echoing that same commitment. With some encouraging preseason signs and the return of a few crucial pieces, the Giants may finally be on track to shed their “soft against the run” reputation.
Injury Setbacks That Changed Everything
Let’s rewind for a second. Down the stretch last season, the Giants’ defense wasn’t just underperforming—it was undermanned. Their All-Pro defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence, missed the final five games due to an elbow injury. Losing Lawrence wasn’t just losing a player; it was losing the anchor of the defensive front, the guy who eats double teams and makes life easier for everyone else.
And the bad luck didn’t stop there. Linebacker Bobby Okereke, who had been playing some of his best football, ended up on injured reserve. That left Micah McFadden, the team’s leading tackler in 2024, without his running mate in the middle. Injuries are part of the game, but the Giants felt it in the worst possible spot—right where they were already vulnerable.
Preseason Progress: A Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Fast-forward to this summer. In their first two preseason outings, the Giants showed some signs of life against the run. Against the Buffalo Bills, they clamped down to just 2.3 yards per carry. Then, against the Jets, they allowed 4.3 yards per attempt on 33 rushing attempts. That’s not perfect, but it’s right in line with where Bowen wants his unit to be.
“I think it was improved. I do,” Bowen said after the Jets game. “Our goal is normally to keep it around 4 yards per attempt. There’s still room for improvement, but you could see flashes of what we want to be.”
And that’s the keyword—flashes. Preseason is all about ironing out kinks, testing depth, and laying the foundation. For Bowen, the message is clear: build consistency, not just moments of dominance.
Bowen’s Blueprint for Stopping the Run
So, how does this defense get better when the real games kick off? Bowen outlined a pretty straightforward plan:
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Consistency in technique and fundamentals. No more getting sloppy on gap assignments or losing leverage.
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Winning at the line of scrimmage. Attack first, control creases, and don’t let backs slip through.
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All 11 guys playing their part. Run defense isn’t just a defensive line job; it’s a total-team effort, from corners setting the edge to safeties cleaning up.
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Adapting to different schemes. Week-to-week game plans will vary. Washington’s power-heavy run game in Week 1 won’t look anything like what the Jets threw at them in August.
“When we’re pressuring, sometimes the movement stuff can get a little loose, and that creates space,” Bowen explained. “We’ve got to be sharp with our fundamentals. Every week brings a different challenge, but if we keep our technique solid, we can handle it.”
It’s coach-speak, sure, but it’s also the formula. The Giants don’t need to reinvent the wheel—they just need to execute better than they did in 2024.
McFadden: The Quarterback of the Run Defense
If there’s one guy who has truly embraced the challenge, it’s Micah McFadden. Last season, he led the team in tackles and proved he’s got the toughness and instincts to hold down the middle.
But McFadden knows it takes more than one guy.
“Run defense takes everybody,” he said. “When one guy isn’t in the right place, it can be the difference between an explosive run and a stop at the line. It’s about fits, communication, and making sure every player handles their 1/11th. That goes a long way.”
That “1/11th” mindset is exactly what Bowen preaches—everyone has a role, and if just one piece breaks down, the whole thing collapses.
Why Health Will Make or Break This Unit
Here’s the reality: the Giants’ run defense isn’t going to improve just because of schemes and pep talks. Health will be the biggest factor. Getting Dexter Lawrence back in the lineup is huge. Pair him with Okereke and McFadden, and suddenly you’ve got a strong spine down the middle of the defense.
Without those guys, the Giants are asking backups and rotational players to handle starting-level responsibilities against some of the league’s best backs. With them, the unit looks much more formidable.
And let’s not forget the ripple effect. A healthy Lawrence means edge rushers like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns can pin their ears back and rush the passer more freely, knowing the middle isn’t a liability. Everything connects.
The Stakes Are High in 2025
The Giants can’t afford to repeat 2024’s mistakes. Opponents know exactly where to attack—pound the ball, wear the defense down, and control the clock. If New York doesn’t fix its run defense, it doesn’t matter how much the offense improves, or how dangerous the pass rush looks.
On the flip side, if they can get this right, the Giants become a much tougher out. Force teams into third-and-long situations, unleash the pass rush, and suddenly Bowen’s defense has teeth.
Key Takeaways
To wrap it all together, here’s what to watch for as the Giants try to bounce back:
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Dexter Lawrence’s return – He’s the X-factor for everything.
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Micah McFadden’s leadership – Can he elevate the whole unit with his mindset?
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Bobby Okereke’s health – Getting him back changes the dynamics at linebacker.
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Consistency in fundamentals – No more breakdowns that turn five-yard runs into 20-yard backbreakers.
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Preseason momentum – The flashes need to turn into four quarters of disciplined defense.
Final Word
The Giants have been kicked around on the ground long enough. This season, they’ve made it clear that stopping the run isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity. With the return of key players and a renewed focus on discipline, Bowen’s defense has the chance to finally close those running lanes and put opposing offenses on notice.
For New York, the formula is simple: get healthy, stay disciplined, and play as one unit. If they can check those boxes, this defense might just surprise a lot of people in 2025.
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