Giants defensive coordinator calls out ‘traitors’ for lack of effort vs. Saints

· New York Post

Dennard Wilson sounds like he is on the cusp of benching Benedict Arnold.

No, the Giants didn’t acquire a new defensive player with a famous English name, but he has a term for players who gave less than full effort during the surrendering of 34 consecutive points to the Saints in a 34-27 loss.

Giants Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson speaks at a press conference as the New York Giants practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

“We confront it like we confront everything,” the defensive coordinator said Thursday. “I look at guys that don’t run to the ball and I call them ‘traitors’ because they are traitors to the defense. At the end of the day, when you have a traitor to the defense, you either have to make adjustments to get them off the field and get somebody else on the field, or they have to correct their behavior. Last week was one of those things where we did not — on every play — run to the ball. It was unacceptable. This week, when you see them out there, they will be running around 100 miles per hour.”

The Giants missed 13 tackles against the Saints, according to Pro Football Focus. Wilson did not name names.

The most egregious film is all the widespread jogging after missed tackles by Jason Pinnock and Jevon Holland on the Alvin Kamara screen for a touchdown.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs after a catch for a 31-yard touchdown against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“We’re not happy — I’m wasn’t happy — with our effort running to the ball,” Wilson said. “We put some stuff on tape that wasn’t characteristic of the New York Giant defense. It’s unacceptable and it will be changed.”