FOXBOROUGH - During the three OTA practices that have been open to reporters thus far, the performance of the defense has stood out.
While it’s not surprising this time of year, with the defensive usually ahead of the offense, members of the unit sure look like they’ve embraced the new system and can’t wait to put it on the field in actual games.
That will come in time, but for now, the group has done a good job frustrating Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs and the rest of the offense.
In two of the three sessions, the defense has had the upper hand, with the offense finally getting up off the mat during Monday’s session.
De facto defensive coordinator Zak Kuhn, who’s been at the helm while Terrence Williams deals with a medical issue, told reporters he was pleased with how the players have progressed with all that’s being asked.
“I think they’re doing a great job of buying into our style as a defense and our identity as a team,” Kuhr said. “We have a great blend of veteran guys and young guys. These veteran guys have been coaches on the field as well.
“As far as the system [goes], everybody runs Cover 2, everybody runs Cover 3, everybody runs man (coverage). It’s more about our style, our identity as a team. I think they’re doing a good job buying into that, and I think we’re seeing that with every practice.”
Kuhr, who was a defensive assistant with the Giants last season, has had to deal with players being limited (safety Kyle Dugger) and others (corner Carlton Davis) not showing up to all of the voluntary workouts.
But he’s kept the group afloat in Williams absence. Having worked with both Mike Vrabel and Williams in Tennessee, Kuhr knows what’s expected. He said he’s merely serving as an “extension” of Williams.
Already, the group, which has talent sprinkled throughout all three levels, has created expectations.
Time will tell if they meet them.
It’s unknown just how long Williams will be away. In the interim, Kuhr seems to be doing just fine. He enjoys the process of coaching, which is something that got him in the business originally.
“I love the game. I love the passion,” he said. “I love how hard it is, the strategy of it, the violence and physicality of it. The challenges. I mean, to get 11 people on the same page and also trying to get each of those 11 to achieve their own goals while achieving a team goal, I just love the challenge of that.”