Giants Pass Rush Aims to Capitalize on Titans QB's Slower Release Amidst Injury Concerns
With a less hurried opposing quarterback and a key defender sidelined, the Giants' defensive line looks to improve its low sack total.
The New York Giants' pass rush, which has struggled to generate sacks through the first two games of the season, aims to find an advantage against the Tennessee Titans' quarterback Cam Ward, whose average release time is notably slower than previous opponents. Ward holds the ball for an average of 2.97 seconds, compared to the 2.75 seconds for Dallas's Dak Prescott and 2.63 seconds for the Rams' Matthew Stafford. This slight difference could provide more opportunities for the Giants' edge rushers.
"Cam Ward actually holds the ball, so we might have a couple more opportunities," said edge defender Abdul Carter. "The main thing is we have to stay relentless." Carter, who previously stated the pass rushers' performance dictates the team's success, acknowledged the unit's slow start with only seven pressures and one sack through two games, ranking 31st in the league.
Adding to the challenge is the potential absence of Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns, who is reportedly sidelined with a sprained ankle. Burns, who recorded 16.5 sacks last season, would leave a significant void. His potential absence would elevate Kayvon Thibodeaux to a starting role, increase the focus on Chauncey Golston's versatility, and bring rookie linebacker Arvell Reese more into the pass-rushing equation on blitzes.
"Our pass pressure is something that we lean on heavily," said head coach John Harbaugh. "It’s a big, big part of who we are and who we need to be because of the talent that we have there. So, getting to the quarterback and getting guys down, that’s something that’s a game-changing opportunity for us. So, yeah, we’re very determined to get that done."
The Giants have also faced offensive schemes designed to get the ball out quickly and have been subject to chipping and double-teams. "Everyone says you have to win your one-on-one (matchup). Well, great pass rushers have to win two-on-ones," noted outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen. "We can be productive in those moments dealing with two-on-ones. We can work games and schemes, so it all matters."
Despite the slow start, the coaching staff is focused on the potential for sacks to come in bunches. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson emphasized the need to get the quarterback off-schedule, something they struggled to do against the Rams in Week 2 after successfully employing a four-speed rusher package against Dallas in Week 1. "Everybody wants more sacks — no one more than me," Bullen said.
Ward has been sacked an NFL-high 60 times over the past two seasons, a statistic the Giants hope to exploit. "Sacks are game-changing plays. They’re like turnovers," Harbaugh stated. "I do think it’s about relentlessness. I also think it’s about sometimes just getting the quarterback down when you get him in your hands. Sometimes it’s about scheming up a free runner. So, it’s any kind of different number of things."
The Giants' pass rush, which also has to adjust to the departure of Dexter Lawrence who previously commanded significant double-teams, is looking for a breakout performance to impact games. "When we blitz, in his mind, he can affect the game that way. It’s not a lot of thinking. Just straight line. If I can whoop this guy’s ass, I’ve got a chance," said inside linebackers coach Frank Bush about Reese. The team hopes to capitalize on any advantage, including Ward's release time, to improve their sack total and overall defensive performance.