New DC James Bettcher and his impact on the New York Giants defense
By Sean Dyer
Defensive Line
The New York Giants have a ton of money invested in their defensive line but only three of the four linemen can keep their hand in the dirt in James Bettcher’s 3-4 defensive scheme.
5-technique DE: Jason Pierre-Paul
James Bettcher had Calais Campbell in this role for two of his three seasons in Arizona. Although Jason Pierre-Paul is not as big as Campbell (JPP is 6’5″ 275 lb. compared to Campbell’s 6’8″ 300 lb. frame), JPP shouldn’t have much issue making this transition.
He’ll be lined up in between the offensive tackle and guard instead of across from the tackle but Pierre-Paul has experience rushing inside when he was a part of Steve Spagnuolo’s NASCAR package.
One of the better run defending defensive ends in the game, JPP could show off his talents in a 3-4 defense.
3-technique DT: Dalvin Tomlinson
Frostee Rucker held this role for Bettcher’s Cardinal tenure. Now, it’ll be Dalvin Tomlinson’s job.
It’s tough to ask a second-year player to switch defensive schemes and positions but Tomlinson can handle it. The man had an academic scholarship to Harvard for crying out loud.
Moving from a 4-3 DT to a 3-4 DT is also not too much of a change. Tomlinson’s knack for stopping the run will certainly help with only three down-linemen. He’ll still be asked to plug gaps and control the line of scrimmage.
Nose Tackle: Damon Harrison
Big surprise here. At 6’3″ 341 lb., Damon Harrison is a natural fit at nose tackle.
Rodney Gunter and Corey Peters were Bettcher’s NTs in Arizona. Harrison is a much better player.
“Snacks” should have no issues moving to nose tackle or to a 3-4 scheme as he was the starting nose tackle in the New York Jets 3-4 scheme for three seasons before joining Big Blue.
The best run stuffer in the NFL, Harrison will help Bettcher keep his streak of having top-10 rushing defenses.