The New York Giants are back on the practice field as they prepare for Sunday’s matchup with the Chicago Bears, looking to clean up penalties, improve tackling, and find consistency on both sides of the ball after three straight losses.
On Thursday, media heard from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, and special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial, who each discussed areas of emphasis heading into Week 10.
Kafka: Jaxson Dart ‘doing a really good job’ making decisions
Quarterback Jaxson Dart’s yards per passing attempt (5.8) against the San Francisco 49ers was his lowest since a 5.1 average Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. Was Dart, with a terrific 1.7% interception rate, too risk-averse against the 49ers?
“I think there’s a fine line there, and I think Jaxson’s playing pretty fast in terms of decision making, which is really good,” Kafka said. “What it allows for is it allows for those underneath receivers to kind of get some catch and run, right? So, sometimes when you’re designing plays on third down or first, second down, there are shots down the field where if they have it, they’re going to shoot it, and Jaxson’s giving those guys opportunities. If it’s not, and if a certain defender, whether you’re reading a flat defender or high-lowing a certain defender, if that guy gets depth, you check it down fast and now we’ve got to catch it and rely on catch and run. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you’re close and maybe we go for it on fourth down. That’s the part of playing quarterback that I think Jaxson’s doing a really good job with.”
Bowen: Struggling Giants’ defense has ‘got to be better’
The Giants have given up 105 points over the past three weeks. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen didn’t mince words about the unit’s recent struggles.
“Obviously not good enough on Sunday — really these past three weeks,” Bowen said. “We’ve got to be better. We’re working hard at it.”
Bowen said the run defense and red zone performance remain major points of emphasis.
“We had some opportunities in the red zone, got them to third down, and weren’t able to get stops,” he said. “We’re finding ways from a technique and scheme standpoint to put guys in better positions.”
Bowen acknowledged that teams have attacked the edges of the Giants’ defense more frequently in recent weeks.
“Yeah, we’ve seen an uptick in perimeter runs,” Bowen said. “It’s something we’ve got to address — getting hats to the ball, wrapping up, and not letting runs bounce outside.”
Despite frustrations, Bowen said he was satisfied with his players’ effort against San Francisco.
“I felt like they battled,” Bowen said. “We’ve just got to start faster and finish late. They ran the ball a bunch there at the end — we’ve got to find ways to get it stopped.”
Brian Burns’ leadership shining through
Bowen credited Brian Burns for setting the tone both on and off the field.
“He’s been a total pro since he got here,” Bowen said. “He’s got a knack for getting to the quarterback, finding the football, and leading by example. You can’t say enough good things about him — ultimate team guy, ultimate competitor.”
Bowen also defended defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence following outside criticism, praising his unselfish role in the trenches.
“Dex does a lot for us,” Bowen said. “He’s taking on double teams every week. He’s battling and trying to lead us out of this. I love Dex — I’m glad he’s one of us.”
Bowen added that getting Cor’Dale Flott and Jevón Holland back in the secondary could open up more flexibility schematically.
“That definitely comes into play,” Bowen said. “When those guys are out there, it allows us to do a little more.”
He also singled out safety Dane Belton for carrying his special teams success over to the defensive side.
“Dane’s done a really good job since he’s been in there,” Bowen said. “He’s taking what he’s done on special teams and bringing it to defense — that’s what you want to see.”
Ghobrial: Graham Gano, Younghoe Koo decision not yet made
Placekicker Graham Gano has a herniated disc in his neck, meaning Younghoe Kooe might be elevated from the practice squad to kick against the Bears.
“We’ll take it to the very end of the week,” Ghobrial said. “Koo’s kicked really well, and we’d have confidence in either guy.”
With cold and windy conditions expected in Chicago, Ghobrial said the team has been preparing through outdoor and wet-ball drills.
“As much as we can replicate that, those reps are invaluable,” he said. “Any kicker we put out there will be ready.”
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