Perry Fewell out, what’s next for New York Giants D?
By Ryan Disdier
For the second time in as many years, Tom Coughlin has lost a significant member of his coaching staff. The New York Giants have decided to part ways with defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.
Despite initial reports that Fewell would remain in tact, reports cames in Wednesday morning that the team had let Fewell go, and it’s for the best. While Fewell’s defense helped win a Super Bowl, it also has looked laughable at times. This year was especially rough, as the Giants were ranked as the worst defense in the league for a few weeks. A good reason for that was due to the unit’s inability to stop the run.
The Giants allowed 350 rushing yards to the Seattle Seahawks. The Giants finished 29th in the league for total defense. Although the Giants defense suffered a myriad of injuries this year, a good portion of the blame still falls on Fewell’s shoulders.
The only time Fewell’s defense finished in the top-10 was in 2013. Below is how Perry Fewell’s defense has finished in terms of points per game, according to ESPN stats.
Perry Fewell's defense rankings
— Giants Daily (@NYGDaily) January 5, 2015
2010: 17th
2011: 25th
2012: 13th
2013: 18th
2014: 22nd
I don't know why he's back with the team..
While Fewell’s defense was filled with problems, some players, particularly Antrel Rolle, wanted to see their defensive coordinator return.
“I have full confidence in Perry and I know what kind of coach Perry is,” Rolle said, per the NY Post. “I know when he’s at his best, and I know when he’s not at his best. I also know how to work with him.”
With the Giants moving forward from Fewell, the big decision they have to make is who they want to bring in to replace Fewell. A guy like Rex Ryan won’t want to be a coordinator, and other high-profile defensive coordinators are already being considered for head coaching jobs.
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I’ve previously mentioned before that a coach like one of Detroit’s defensive line coaches Kris Kocurek or Jim Washburn, or Seattle’s secondary coach Kris Richard would be good candidates. A coach from Detroit would be especially intriguing if the Giants are truly thinking about trying to sign Ndamukong Suh.
It’s also completely possible that the Giants promote from within the organization.
With Fewell out the door, I would be happy to see a change in schemes too. A 3-4 defense could better suit the defense. Both Jon Beason and Jameel McClain have proven they can succeed inside, and Devon Kennard showcased his pass-rushing ability in 2014. Kennard finished the season with 4.5 sacks.
If the Giants were to select an outside linebacker in the draft, then this defense would be on the right track. A player like Shaq Thompson or Vic Beasley would round out a very talented group of linebackers.
However, despite the coaches mentioned, the most popular choice would be former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
“Spags” helped propel the Giants to their Super Bowl 42 victory, and he was known for his fierce pass rush. Spagnoulo left the Giants after the 2008 season to take a head coaching job with the St. Louis Rams. He is currently the secondary coach for the Baltimore Ravens.
Everybody within the Giants organization would welcome back Spagnoulo with open arms, and he would undoubtedly help turn this defense around.