​Giants defensive line coach Dennis Johnson has made stopping the run a non-negotiable priority for his unit as the 2026 season approaches. With veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader anchoring the interior, Johnson expressed strong confidence in the group’s ability to seize control of the line of scrimmage. “The number one thing we’re gonna do on defense, come hell or high water, is stop the run. That’s what we’re gonna teach, that’s what we’re gonna preach, that’s what we’re gonna get executed. It’s on the walls in meeting rooms, it’s in most of our team meetings, defensive meetings, it’s in my position meeting. That’s where it begins and ends,” Johnson told the New York Post.
“It’s football, right? People try to gain yards, and you’re on defense and trying to make sure they don’t gain yards. What’s the easiest way to gain yards? Just run the ball right down the middle.” Johnson, who joined the Giants in January after a stint in a similar role with the Baltimore Ravens, underscored the critical importance of a stout run defense in today’s NFL. He pointed to Reader’s proven track record as a disruptor against the run, stressing that adding the veteran to the front seven is a pivotal move in rebuilding the defensive line after significant roster turnover.
“He’s very talented and very skillful, and he’s a vet in his own right,” Johnson said. “He has this unique skill set where he’s a physical dude, but he’s seen enough blocks in his career where he has anticipation and can play them a lot quicker than most guys. His eyes move quickly, his hands move with his eyes, and he has that sense to him. He’s gonna command a double-team, he’s gonna win single blocks out there.”
Reader, a 330-pound nose tackle with extensive experience clogging running lanes, is expected to set the tone with his power, leverage, and ability to occupy blockers, freeing edge rushers and linebackers to pursue plays. The Giants’ run defense has long been a concern, and Johnson is determined to turn it into a strength. His approach, rooted in teaching multiple fronts and gap responsibilities, aligns with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s vision.
Reader’s presence provides stability and leadership within the rotation alongside other new pieces, with the goal of forming a formidable barrier that limits yards per carry and forces offenses into more predictable passing situations. As training camp approaches, Johnson’s message should echo throughout the defensive line room: a rock-solid run defense is foundational to success.
With Reader leading the charge, the Giants appear poised to field a more balanced and effective front capable of contending with the league’s premier rushing attacks. 1 / 18 Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13 vs. the Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET. (Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images) This article originally appeared on Giants Wire. Dennis Johnson believes the Giants will emphasize run defense for better SEO. minimum 500 words.