Not to be D-nied
New Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher has brought more than just a 3-4 scheme; he’s brought an all-in, pedal-to-the-metal attitude, fostering completion and detail on enough little things to add up to big improvement.
Even without being able to see Bettcher, he’d be easy to pick out. His voice can be heard over the clamor of practice and his high-octane style is clear.
“I can’t ask my guys to bring energy if I’m not,” Bettcher said. “It’s the same thing with our position coaches that are doing such a great job. We’ve got such a great group of coaches that coach [Pat] Shurmur has assembled here on the defense, each of the positions. I can’t ask them to bring energy if I’m not going to bring it.
“I learned a long time ago what you emphasize is what you get, and that seems so elementary but it’s the truth. And we’re just going to emphasize the details, emphasize the energy and physicality it takes to play this game, and if it’s not good enough, we’re going to be honest about it in the room, talking to ourselves. And if it’s great, we’re going to recognize that as well.”
So far, strong safety Landon Collins has been great, Bettcher saying they’ve used him in the box, up high, down low and outside, on the line of scrimmage and coming from the line of scrimmage, and he’s “embraced” all of it. They still have to figure out who will start next to him at free safety and find a nickel corner.
“I love the competition that’s going on,” Bettcher said. “I think there’s great competition going on a lot of places, but two positions being the safety spot and outside at corner being the third corner, maybe even the starting nickel.”
The Giants cycled through four different free safeties last week, Darian Thompson, Curtis Riley, Andrew Adams and Michael Thomas in order. On Monday, Riley returned to practice after missing several days with a sore hamstring, and was listed atop the first unofficial depth chart. ➤ Receivers Sterling Shepard and Travis Rudolph, corners Donte Deayon and William Gay, linebacker Thurston Armbrister and tight end Ryan O’Malley all missed practice. ➤ Veteran cornerback Teddy
Williams’ quest to stick on the Giants’ roster will be put on hold, as he requested and was granted his release to deal with family issues.
Williams, 30, has been away from the team the past few days. Rather than tie up a roster spot or force the Giants to place him on the reserve list — meaning he could not play in 2018 — Williams decided to part ways with the team, with the hope he can return once he resolves his personal situation with his family.
His representation, DEC Management, sent out a tweet stating “Everyone affiliated with the Giants organization and especially Dave Gettleman have been absolutely incredible to us. Can not thank them enough on behalf of Teddy and his family.’’
Williams has 36 games of NFL experience on his résumé, playing for the Colts, Cardinals, Bears, Jaguars and Panthers.