Giants Sack Attack: What Heat This Defensive Line Is Going to Bring This Season
The New York Football defensive line is ready to take on anything this season. The Giants have taken the time during the offseason to build the ultimate trio and give the Giants the defensive identity that they have been looking for. They have three edge rushers vying for the same starting role this season, and there can only be two. The Giants are poised to crack the top ten defenses this season. Each of the defensive players is prone to do something amazing on the field and prove to Big Blue that they have what it takes to make sure that their opposing teams don’t make the plays they are trying to make with the ball down the field.
The Giants have Brian Burns, who has always had a fantastic run whenever he can play. Last season, he made his debut with New York, and he was pretty much one of the only ones, besides Dexter Lawrence, who was ending the plays. The Giants left many unnecessary openings, which caused them to have one of the biggest reasons they went 3-14. Burns recorded eight and a half sacks and led the Giants with a 14 percent pressure rate. Not the greatest, but then again, it was only him and very few others taking down opposing quarterbacks.
Kayvon Thibodeaux showed a lot of potential last season, but he couldn’t pull through in many areas. He had a total of five and a half sacks in 12 games. Thibodeaux also suffered a wrist injury that put him out for several games, affecting how he plays and helping the Giants last season. Before the injury occurred, he was playing decently. He sank in his numbers because he could not pull through and make the plays. The Giants even contemplated putting him on the chopping block this season to go back onto waivers or even trading him elsewhere. Training Camps have been eye-opening for him to get in there and show them what he can do. The explosiveness that this edge rusher brings adds more pressure to the rush.
Abdul Carter, the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has joined the Giants. He already makes the defensive line look stacked despite the season not even starting yet. Carter has already impressed the coaching staff with everything he has done in training camp. This rookie has already impressed coaches in camp with his versatility and athleticism. In his days at Penn State, he made 12 sacks and received All-American honors, putting him at the top of the Giants’ list.
Now it's up to the coaching staff to put in who they want to start. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen knows he has a significant problem putting any of these three in. He has been enjoying it and trying to figure it out during the off-season. Bowen may put Burns in most of the snaps, Thibodeaux 65 percent, and then Carter will rotate in and out to ensure the pressure varies. This trio will benefit especially with the support of Lawrence, Darius Alexander, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Chauncey Golston, who will all help sharpen up the Giants' defensive line with a strong build altogether.
Having these three players has already made analysts question and rate the Big Blues' defense as a top-three contender for the season. All three can pressure the team, giving it the elite sacks they want. They all know how to cause disruption and put a lot of pressure on their opposing quarterbacks. Having these three in a regular rotation will bring in fresh limits and keep down each one of their wear and tear on their bodies. They will also have improved coverage with the additions of Jevon Holland and Paulson Abedo; everything will be more effective for this defense.
If Carter can live up to his rookie caliber and be explosive, there should be no issues with this defense. The Giants will have a Big Blue wrecking crew. New York is in a good position already, especially with these three coming together to make things happen. For the first time in a while, the Giants will be an elite defensive team, and it is something everyone can look forward to this season. The Giants are ready for their first preseason game, which will take place on August 9th.
