Former NY Giants OL Justin Pugh set to have his hands full

Pugh vs. Williams a key matchup

Justin Pugh will likely have to face Leonard Williams for much of Sunday’s game. Unfortunately for Pugh, the matchup comes at a time when Williams has established himself as one of the leagues most disruptive defensive lineman.

Williams is currently in the top 10 in the league in three huge categories: QB hits, sacks, and tackles for loss. Further, the Giants as a team are in the top 10 in sacks, racking up 32 so far.

Williams has been on fire over the Giants last five games, and is a big reason why the team is where they are. He’s racked up 5.5 sacks, having at least one in every game outside of the Giants victory in Week 10 over the Philadelphia Eagles.

But even in that game, he proved his disruptive abilities. He had five QB hits, which was a season high until Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, where he had another five QB hits to go along with 2.5 sacks. He has 17 QB hits during the past five games.

Those hits matter. Even if the quarterback gets rid of it before Williams can get to him, the hits stay in the quarterbacks head. Each time he sees Williams, he’s likely to throw it away quicker, less accurate, which can help the defensive secondary make a better play on the ball.

In addition to keeping the quarterback on the turf for much of the past five games, Williams has also blown up opponents ability to run. He’s had 14 tackles over that stretch, five of which were tackles for loss. He’s also recorded a fumble recovery.

When teams can’t run the ball, they’re bound to drop back and make up the yards through the air. Williams not only stops the ground game but disrupts the pass game with his constant pressure. PFF’s current grade for Williams is a 79.9.

As effective as Williams has been over this stretch, he’s had help from his fellow D lineman.

On the other side of the line is Dexter Lawrence, who’s also ranked as a 79.9 from PFF. He currently has six QB hits, three sacks, and 36 tackles, four of which are for losses.

In between the two powerful ends sits the Giants 2020 nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year, Dalvin Tomlinson. He has eight QB hits, 1.5 sacks, and 37 tackles, five of which are for losses. PFF has him graded as a 72.

Together this line also faces a huge test, as the ever-dynamic Kyler Murray has the ability to make even broken plays scoring opportunities. But he’s been dealing with a shoulder injury that’s impaired his ability to run the ball. Since hurting his arm in Week 11, he has only rushed the ball five times in each game — all tying his season low.

To get to Murray, though, the Giants D line, led by Williams and company, will have to get through Justin Pugh. If Williams is able to put Murray into the ground as he has to the last five quarterbacks he’s faced, the Giants will solidify their names as one of the fiercest defenses in the league.