‘This Feels Different’: Dexter Lawrence’s Strong Words Hint At A Major Defensive Shift For The Giants Under Charlie Bullen

‘This Feels Different’: Dexter Lawrence’s Strong Words Hint At A Major Defensive Shift For The Giants Under Charlie Bullen

The New York Giants’ season hasn’t gone according to plan, but with five games remaining, a sudden shift on the defensive side has injected much-needed energy into Big Blue. Following the dismissal of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the Giants have turned to an internal voice — and according to their defensive cornerstone, it’s a move that already feels different.

Defensive line star Dexter Lawrence II didn’t sugarcoat the moment. “It’s weird,” he said. “The league is a weird business.” NFL reality often hits fast, and Bowen’s exit was another example. But Lawrence quickly pivoted from the shock of change to the opportunity it brings, emphasizing that at some point, teams have to act — and move forward.

That forward motion now belongs to Charlie Bullen, the Giants’ interim defensive coordinator. Bullen isn’t an outsider parachuting in midseason. He’s been in the building, coaching the defensive line, and that familiarity matters. “He’s been around the defense, so we’ve heard his voice,” Lawrence explained. “It’s been a smooth transition.”

The excitement in the locker room is palpable. As Lawrence described: “You can feel the shift already. Charlie’s been here from the start, so nothing’s forced — it’s just fast, aggressive football. Guys are flying around, playing free, bringing that defensive swagger back. I love the plan, and there’s real belief growing in this Giants defense right now.” This encapsulates exactly what fans and teammates are noticing — a fresh energy and a simple, confident approach that players are buying into.

Under Bullen, the message is clear: play fast, play aggressive, play free. Lawrence emphasized it’s about returning to identity and instinct. “He’s allowing the guys just to fly around and be players,” he said. “He’s teaching that aggressiveness, that defensive swag that we should have.” It’s language Giants fans haven’t heard enough this season — and desperately want back.

Even with the postseason out of reach, the mindset hasn’t faded. “With five games left,” Lawrence said, “it’s about playing with your all, playing for each other.” That belief can define a locker room long after the standings are forgotten.

Physically, Lawrence is in a good place, too. No new injuries, steady recovery, and full focus on finishing strong. For the Giants, that combination — leadership, health, and renewed belief — could be the start of something special.

It may be late in the season, but if Dexter Lawrence is this energized, the Giants’ defense just found a reason to fight — and a voice worth listening to.