The New York Giants Defense’s Positive, Negative, and Ugly Aspects
We examine the aspects of former defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s strategy that were effective and what would require modification by a new defensive coordinator.
Many had predicted that under Martindale, the Giants would become primarily a man-to-man club, and while they did play a lot of men, they also used a variety of other covering schemes. Some of the ambiguous coverages led to interceptions.
In other instances, it made quarterbacks hold the ball longer, which led to misthrows, sacks, or pressures. The number of players who would remain in close proximity to the football during a pass was among the most remarkable aspects. The quarterback was compelled to make tight-window throws even though they did not always make the tackle.