Giants vs. Buccaneers: 5 Things We Learned

Nov 9, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Giants defensive end Damontre Moore (98) speaks with a teammate during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Giants Still Haven’t Figured Out The Pass Rush

I had those nice things to say about Pierre-Paul…

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the rest of the defensive front. Once again, the Giants failed to register a sack. What’s even more impressive about the Giants’ ability to create so many turnovers is how they do it with such a poor pass rush. Even when the Giants forced Jameis out of the pocket, it seemed like no one was there chasing him down. All year, the defensive line has given quarterbacks way too much time to throw, and the line doesn’t really threaten their pocket security too much either because they hardly hit the QB. That’s not a good combination—it leads to confident quarterback play and a carved up secondary. And all year, the Giants’ secondary has been getting carved up. Jason Pierre-Paul’s return will help, but it won’t be enough. Someone else along the d-line needs to step up and the Giants still haven’t found that player(s) yet.

It doesn’t help that Johnathan Hankins suffered a pectoral injury on Sunday either—he’s proven to be the team’s best interior rusher. But right now, it can’t get much worse for this defensive line than it already is now, even if Hankins’ absence is for an extended period. Steve Spagnuolo needs to figure out something with the team’s front seven because they just have not found a way to produce.

Next: A Running Back Committee Can Work