The New York Giants are seeking ways to invigorate their pass rush after a sluggish start to the 2026 NFL season. Through two games, the Giants have recorded just seven quarterback pressures—tied for the fewest in the league—and a single sack, putting them near the bottom of NFL defensive rankings. Their offensive opponents have consistently released the ball quickly, limiting the Giants’ ability to generate pressure.
Reviewing the speed at which opposing quarterbacks unload the football illustrates the challenge. The Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and the Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford completed passes within an average of 2.75 and 2.63 seconds, respectively, over the first two weeks. The Giants are preparing to face the Tennessee Titans and their second-year quarterback Cam Ward, who holds the ball slightly longer with an average release time of 2.97 seconds, according to NextGenStats. Edge rusher Abdul Carter expressed cautious optimism, noting that Ward’s longer hold provides more opportunities for pressure, but stressed the need for relentless effort.
“It’s tough because every offense schemes to get the ball out fast, often chipping or double-teaming,” Carter said. “But we can’t get discouraged.”
The Giants’ situation is further complicated by the potential absence of Brian Burns, who recorded 16.5 sacks last season but is currently nursing a sprained ankle. Should Burns remain sidelined, Kayvon Thibodeaux is expected to start, while Chauncey Golston’s versatility on the inside and outside linebacker Arvell Reese’s pass-rushing skills may receive greater emphasis, especially on blitzes. Reese, a rookie linebacker, has shown enthusiasm for blitzing opportunities, described by inside linebackers coach Frank Bush as an instinctive, aggressive play style.
The Giants have blitzed on just 18.8 percent of defensive snaps, ranking 26th in the NFL, a statistic the coaching staff may look to adjust moving forward.
Performance struggles among the team’s edge rushers, who collectively command a $62.6 million salary cap hit—second only to the Pittsburgh Steelers—may also be a factor in the slow start. Adjusting to life without defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, has affected the pass rush dynamics. Lawrence’s interior play commanded frequent double teams, indirectly aiding edge rushers. Without him, opponents are now able to allocate blockers differently, often double-teaming rushing edges with support from the center and an interior lineman.
Outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen acknowledged that elite pass rushers often face double-team pressure and must win more than just single-matchup battles to be successful. “Great pass rushers have to win two-on-ones,” he said, noting that the Giants continue to explore schemes to overcome those challenges.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson praised the tactical adjustments by the Rams, who employed maximum protection schemes to assist Stafford’s rapid release, illustrating a broader league trend defenses face. The Giants responded in Week 1 by deploying packages featuring four speed rushers, underscoring their determination to find more effective ways to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Head coach John Harbaugh emphasized the critical role the pass rush plays for the team’s identity and success. “Getting to the quarterback is a game-changing opportunity,” he said. “We’re very determined to get that done.” The Giants will look to translate that determination into improved pressure in the weeks ahead.