Bettcher: Giants ‘D’ still learning A-B-C’s
James Bettcher’s Giants defense was supposed to feature exotic blitzes and aggressive schemes — unpredictability that players were raving about in the spring and summer. That has yet to be the case, but there is a reason for that.
“Every time you start over and you’re putting a scheme in, you never go to ‘Z’ before you hit ‘A,’ ” the first-year defensive coordinator said Friday before practice.
Bettcher said it is a matter of building the defense, getting everyone familiar with his system, before it gets more complicated. It was what he did while in Arizona.
“I think there is a growth process when you come in Year 1 and you’re starting, working through things,” Bettcher said. “We want to build this thing on concrete ground. We want to build on playing with good fundamentals and playing hard. Those things are much more important than scheme.”
The Giants are ranked 17th in total defense, allowing 358 yards and 27 points per game. It should be noted that Bettcher had been without arguably his best defensive player, outside linebacker Olivier Vernon, until the most recent game against the Eagles.
➤ Coach Pat Shurmur didn’t rule out new wide receiver Corey Coleman, the former first-round pick of the Browns who was signed to the practice squad Thursday, from being active Monday night against the Falcons.
“We brought him here because we felt like he’s got a future,” Shurmur said. “He’s very talented. He’s fast, he’s a good receiver. He’s been a couple places already and we’re kicking the tires on him with the idea he’s got a future.”
The Giants are Coleman’s fourth team this year. The Browns, during training camp, traded him to the Bills, who cut him. Coleman, 24, wound up with the Patriots, but was waived again. In two seasons with Cleveland, Coleman made 56 receptions for 718 yards and five TDs. ➤ Wide receiver Jawill
Davis (concussion) didn’t practice Friday, which could open up a spot for Coleman on the active roster. Left tackle Nate Solder (neck) and wide receiver Russell
Shepard (neck) remained limited, while Vernon (ribs) practiced fully.