The New York Giants may not be Super Bowl favorites in 2025, but they might just lead the league in swagger and stolen footballs.
After a disastrous 3-14 campaign last season, Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is doing everything he can to flip the script. That includes drawing inspiration from his son’s tee-ball team called the Pirates. Now, every turnover at OTAs ends with defenders dropping footballs into a literal treasure chest on the sideline.
And the new defensive motto? “Be a damn pirate.”
Giants Are Embracing the Pirate Life and the Takeaway Battle
The message isn’t just for show. It’s a rallying cry to spark a defense that ranked 28th in takeaways last season with just 15 total: five interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. That lack of production was a huge factor in New York’s bottom-five finish in turnover margin (-8) and overall collapse.
“The main thing is emphasizing takeaways,” Bowen said via a transcript from the team. “We got to get better at takeaways. Somehow got the idea of piracy, violent, attacking to steal possessions or goods, right?”
It may sound theatrical, but the numbers back Bowen’s point. Twelve of the 14 playoff teams in 2024 ranked in the league’s top half in takeaways. The Giants? Nowhere close.
This offseason, Bowen is doubling down. Whether it’s “matching the hand,” stripping the ball, or simply capitalizing on poor throws, he wants every defender on high alert. If you can steal it, do it.
And you better celebrate with the chest when you do.
A Loaded Defense Could Power New York’s Rebound
If there’s hope in New York, it starts with the defense. Despite the team’s awful record last season, the unit wasn’t dead last when it comes to success, ranking 21st in points allowed and 24th in total yards given up. That’s manageable with the right upgrades.
Enter Abdul Carter. The Giants used the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to land the explosive Penn State pass rusher. He joins a front that includes Dexter Lawrence III, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and free agent addition Chauncey Golston.
In the secondary, New York added two proven veterans in safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo. Pair them with former first-rounder Deonte Banks and linebacker Bobby Okereke, and it’s easy to see why Bowen is setting the bar higher this year.
Whether Russell Wilson or rookie Jaxson Dart wins the quarterback battle, it’s likely the defense that’ll carry the early load.
And if the new pirate mantra actually helps the Giants climb back into playoff contention for the first time since 2022, don’t be surprised if eye patches and treasure chests become weekly staples at MetLife Stadium.
After all, Shane Bowen is emphasizing pirate-inspired theft.