“Based on what we’ve been through so far on the field, we’ve got a ways to go to improve. I’ve got a ways to go to improve, so I think they understand. Our offense is doing a pretty good job out there, so we’ve got ways to improve, and we’ll keep working, so nobody really thinks about last year.”

If you’ve played any sport, you’ve likely heard a coach say, ‘It doesn’t matter what happened last time,’ or even 'last year' like Graham did. And that’s the right mindset to have. Everything goes back to square one, and the Giants’ defense is now on the map. So offenses will likely be trying to adjust accordingly.

But Graham can’t deny the talent and cohesion that his defense has already entering camp. Leonard Williams coming back as well as Lorenzo Carter's return from injury helps the pass rush. The secondary is virtually untouched with Adoree’ Jackson giving it an even bigger boost. And Blake Martinez, the Giants’ leading tackler last season, anchors the middle. It’s a solid core of impact players with more young ones around with tons of potential.

Azeez Ojulari, the Giants’ second-rounder that has seen a lot of first-team reps due to some injuries early in camp, is one of those young players that has a high ceiling.

“Azeez is a diligent worker, smart and he’s taking it all in right now,” Graham said. “Obviously, it’s a new league for him. It’s a new -- not a new position, but just different for him a little. But he’s been working really hard listening to the vets and then the thing that shows up when he gets out there on the football field with his pads on, he knows how to play football, which is a positive. He’s physical. He’s hard to move. He plays with his hands and I’m excited to keep working with him.”

While Ojulari is soaking in his new scheme, many are already adapted to what Graham wants. It isn’t a specific playbook scheme either, as Graham noted: “I’m not a big fan of playbooks because it’s all based on what they take from us.” He’d rather let the coaching and fundamentals do the talking on gameday.

That kind of defense only works when there’s chemistry among the players, and Graham is seeing a stark difference from implementing his defense last season for the first time and now.

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