When free agency began in March, the New York Giants wasted little time in going after some of their targets. Among them was Olivier Vernon, who would ultimately sign the largest defensive end contract in NFL history; a five-year, $85 million deal.

With big money comes big expectations, but Vernon insists he’s as motivated as ever. In fact, with training camp only a week away, he’s already gotten much of the playbook down and feels things are really beginning to come together defensively.

“I feel pretty good,” Vernon told Giants.com. “It was just a matter of time, getting used to everything, the calls and scheme. It’s moving smooth right now. Everybody is working together and everything is going fast. You don’t want to go out there thinking too much. Feeling great right now.”

As good as Vernon is feeling individually, he’s feeling equally as optimistic about the defense as a whole. A unit he believes can be as great as they want to be.

“The chemistry is building right now,” Vernon added. “It’s building blocks right now and you have to build that foundation. Have it keep going into training camp after these few weeks off and take it from there. Sky is the limit.”

One of the reasons Vernon believes the ceiling is so high for Big Blue’s defense is the leadership and creativity of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who had received similar praise during his first stint with the Giants from 2007-2008.

“With Spags, he does a great job of being creative,” Vernon added. “A lot of creativity in the play calling that he does. Guys like it, having some kind of swag to it. Spags does a good job of that and having everyone catch on and understand the defense and what’s going on.”

“Swag” is what the Giants defense was most certainly missing a season ago and something that has been absent for quite some time. They’ve lacked any true identity and haven’t been legitimately successful on a large scale since the 2008 season.

With Spags now back for a second season (as part of his second stint), coupled with the additions of talented defensive players, maybe Vernon is right. Maybe this New York Giants defense will finally return to the sort of Wrecking Crew that is historically associated with this team and their championships.