John Harbaugh isn’t waiting for the season to start proving his point. He’s made stopping the run his absolute top priority, and the results are already showing up on the field. Last year, the Giants allowed 5.3 yards per carry, a number that hovered close to historically bad territory according to ESPN. That kind of failure just can’t happen again if the team actually wants to win. Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson know this better than anyone, so they’ve poured their entire camp into fixing this specific weakness.
A New Mean Mentality
The shift starts with the players’ mindset. Harbaugh told Big Blue View shortly after practice that he sees a clear change in how the squad operates. “It’s just technique and mentality,” he said. The coaching staff has pushed hard to get the guys aggressive, demanding a group that is “in our gap but also having … a mean mentality when it comes to the run.” You can see this isn’t just talk by watching the live drills. The players are grinding to earn their spots, and Harbaugh believes they are already on the right path. “We’ve got some goals that we want to reach this year,” he noted.
How much harder can they push?
Reader and Reese Lead the Charge
Veteran nose tackle DJ Reader has been a massive force in the middle throughout training camp. His presence gives the line a stability it completely lacked before. Then there’s first-round pick Arvell Reese. His physical approach has been a major asset, especially during Monday’s practice. Reese’s style held up again in the live drills, bringing a fresh energy the defense desperately needs. According to ESPN, the Giants have achieved significant progress regarding run defense. These two players are the key to the new system, setting the tone for everyone else. “I would give it an A, A-plus for that,” Harbaugh said about the progress. “It’s been really everything.”
More Than Just a Feeling
Harbaugh feels great about where the team stands right now. At the Greenbrier Resort following a recent practice, he informed reporters that he feels loose. He compared the mindset to Marine snipers who must “stay loose, stay focused.” You simply cannot be tight and focused at the same time. The team is moving forward faster than expected. “Well, I think we got a lot better,” Harbaugh said. “That’s probably what we got out of it. We improved tremendously.” He sees the players looking back and realizing the change. “We’re much further along than we were when we started. I think we can look back and say that we’ve come a long way.” This is the kind of progress that wins games. The Giants are finally building a defense that can stop the run.
Sources: Big Blue View, ESPN NFL Dallas
