Big Blue lacking big D

JAMES Bettcher arrived as the Giants’ defensive coordinator this offseason with the reputation for putting together a defense that use creative ways to rush the passer. Through four games, the team has five sacks and is 31st in the league in sacks per pass play. No one expected this to be a jailbreak but so far, not so good.

Can the reason for this be as simple as not having Olivier Vernon in the first four games? It was Bettcher who in the summer likened Vernon to Chandler Jones, the pass-rush force he had with the Cardinals. Bettcher believed the move from defensive end to a stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4 front would be highly beneficial for Vernon. That unveiling should come this week, as long as Vernon has no setbacks and can finally make his 2018 debut, returning from a high ankle sprain.

There is no other legitimate pass rusher in his prime on the roster. Con

nor Barwin has yet to deliver, and rookie

Lorenzo Carter shows flashes. Another rookie, defensive lineman B.J.

Hill, leads the team with two sacks. Still, the Giants are 12th in the NFL in total defense in terms of yards allowed and, more importantly, are 16th in points allowed. That sounds about right for this defense — middle of the pack.

Bettcher has been aggressive, to a point. He has called blitzes on 29.2 percent of all pass plays, according to Pro Football Focus, the 11th highest blitz frequency in the league. Perhaps he is waiting for Vernon to hit the field before he really lets loose.