NFL analyst calls for the New York Giants to cash in on a bet that's been in the making since 2019 but it comes with a caveat
When Ted Nguyen breaks down your football team, you listen. The Athletic's NFL analyst is one of the best in the business, which is why I believe New York Giants' fans should be delighted to learn he listed the Big Blue as one of the five defenses in the league "primed to break out." That's right, […]
When Ted Nguyen breaks down your football team, you listen. The Athletic's NFL analyst is one of the best in the business, which is why I believe New York Giants' fans should be delighted to learn he listed the Big Blue as one of the five defenses in the league "primed to break out."
That's right, Giants fans. Despite concerns of a low-win season, there's something to be excited about and it's the defense.
In all seriousness, though, Nguyen's point starts with a bet the Giants have been building up since they drafted Dexter Lawrence all the way back in 2019: Building a dangerous pass rush.
It's easier said than done and we know the Giants have made some bets that haven't panned out. But this time, they might have all the pieces to make it happen. Here's why Nguyen calls it a pass-rush combo that "will be as dangerous as any in the league:"
The quickest way to ascend defensively is to assemble a fierce four-man pass rush. The Giants have invested heavily in their pass rush over the years. In 2019, they drafted Dexter Lawrence, who has developed into one of the league’s best interior pass rushers, with the 19th pick. In 2022, they drafted Kayvon Thibodeaux fifth overall. Thibodeaux has been inconsistent, but he’s clearly talented and has room to grow.
Last season, they traded for Brian Burns and gave him a five-year, $141 million contract. This year, they picked Abdul Carter third overall. In passing situations, Carter has experience rushing inside as a “spinner” (rushing from a two-point stance from the inside). The Giants’ speed lineup will be as dangerous as any in the league if they can get opponents into passing situations.
– T. Nguyen, The Athletic
Easier said than done but the Giants adding Carter might be enough to finally cash in on what looks like a ferocious four-man pass rush. Now granted, the challenge is stopping the run so you earn the right to pin your ears back and go after the QB.
The secondary also has significant issues, particularly at cornerback, which Nguyen also points out in his article by noting "former first-round pick Deonte Banks has poor technique and gives up a lot of yards."
Hopefully, the pass rush is elite enough to mask some of those weaknesses.
Giants' defensive breakout comes with a significant caveat
Before you start clearing your calendars for January due to the hopes of a playoff trip, the Giants are unlikely to make it to the postseason. Never say never in football, but as Nguyen points out, a good defense is unlikely to be enough to move the needle.
The Giants finished 28th in DVOA last year, but the tools are there to make a significant jump. However, they have the hardest schedule in the league on paper and they need the offense to help get opponents in passing situations.
– T. Nguyen, The Athletic
