The New York Giants asked for permission to interview Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. One day later, they hired Graham to be the defensive coordinator under new head coach, Joe Judge.
Who is Patrick Graham, and what does he offer the New York Giants?
The 40-year-old Graham has a history with the G-Men, as well as Joe Judge, spending time with the New York Giants under Ben McAdoo as the defensive line coach. For four seasons, Graham and Judge worked together under Bill Belichick with the Patriots. The Yale graduate has a history coaching the defensive line and linebackers in New England, with the Giants and a short stint with the Packers before the move to Miami.
What is slightly concerning, however, is that the Dolphins defense was actually worse. Although they did show some promise down the stretch, Miami ranked 30th in total yards against and dead last in points given up per game. Miami also struggled to force turnovers against opposing offenses.
It seems all too important for Joe Judge and the Giants’ brass to hit it out of the park with the next man to lead their defense. Despite the memorable victory over the Pats at the end of the season, is this the answer to the New York Giants’ defensive struggles?
With Miami, Graham implemented a multiple look defense, often bouncing between the 4-3 and 3-4 looks. The current personnel for the Giants may favor a more 3-4 base, but having versatility has been a theme since the hiring of Joe Judge.
One note of intrigue may be how a potential multiple look defense would benefit Leonard Williams, assuming his return. Williams has the ability to play all over the defensive line, which may help his production. Which, in turn, would make that trade of the 3rd round pick a little less painful.