There is a really strange disconnect happening in East Rutherford right now and that was never more evident than on Thursday when New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen fielded questions from reporters.
Specifically, Bowen was asked about the dip in production for veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke, who was on a superstar trajectory in 2023 but has fallen off considerably this season.
In his first year with the Giants, Okereke recorded 149 tackles (92 solo, 11 for a loss), six QB hits, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
Through 12 games this season, Okereke is well off that pace, recording 93 tackles (47 solo, six for a loss), two QB hits, 2.0 sacks, and no interceptions.
“I think he’s been good. He’s been solid for us. Leader. Runs the show for us. Gets guys lined up. Makes plays when they’re there for us. He’s done a good job lately here attacking the football,” Bowen said of Okereke. “He’s taking advantage of opportunities to get his hands on the football and use his length.”
Bowen was pressed about the statistical discrepancy, which is likely due to an altered defensive role counter to the style of play under Wink Martindale, but admitted he was clueless when it came to the actual numbers.
In fact, Bowen was so detached from what Okereke had done in 2023 that he inquired with members of the media and asked that they inform him.
“Honestly, I don’t really know,” he said. “How dramatic is it? Is it like dramatic, dramatic?”
The answer flustered Bowen.
“Solo tackles is pretty dramatic?” he asked. “I think he’s flying around and being productive when he’s out there. He’s doing everything we ask of him.”
It’s not unheard-of that coaches and coordinators can’t rattle off exact box score statistics but Bowen seemed to have zero clue about what Okereke did just a season ago. You don’t have to have an eidetic memory to know the veteran’s production is way down, especially when evaluating the film.
Bowen should have studied the players he was inheriting and at least recognized to some degree where the bar for production had been set. The fact that he had no idea and relied upon members of the media to inform him is concerning. And it only adds to the compounding number of bad optics this Giants team is mounting under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.
