Before the start of the season, the New York Giants looked like a vaunted pass-rush on paper. This past Sunday, they finally started to show what that monster of a lineup could actually look like against what some thought was one of the top teams in the league.
The G-Men’s front got after Justin Herbert early and often, making him uncomfortable all game long. Brian Burns continued his path of destruction, and he was not alone. Kayvon Thibodeaux looks like a different player this season. Rookie Abdul Carter had his way with the Chargers’ offensive line. And Dexter Lawrence got back to being the Dex we all know and love.
The big question: can they keep it going?
Giants’ pass-rush gave sneak peak at what's to come
Burns has been on a tear this year, and if the trend continues, he’ll be a First-Team All-Pro. In 17 games last season, he had 8.5 sacks, eight passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
Through just four games in 2025, he already has five sacks, three passes defended, and one forced fumble. He’s been a game-wrecker and a menace for opposing offensive lines, currently tied for fourth in the NFL with 20 pressures.
Thibodeaux, in a contract year, is proving the Giants need to keep him around long-term. His on-field play has taken a massive leap, while his numbers aren’t jumping off the stat sheet. He has 2.5 sacks, just three away from his total all of last season, and looks quicker, faster, and stronger. His presence in the run game has also stood out, consistently setting the edge and collapsing inside gaps.
It was only a matter of time before one of the best interior defenders in football broke out. Lawrence had been relatively quiet this season, but against the Chargers, he reminded everyone why he’s still elite. He brought constant pressure, collapsing the pocket time and time again and forcing Herbert to play off-balance. Lawrence also had a huge interception midway through the game, nearly turning it into a touchdown.
While fans (and Lawrence himself) wanted to see him score, it was just good to see a smile on his face again. He continues to eat double teams and forces opposing lines to leave three other game-wreckers in one-on-one situations.
Carter, despite only having 0.5 sacks so far, led the league in pass rush win rate this past week and has already racked up 19 total pressures, including 11 quick ones. He’s been living in opposing backfields. If he starts finishing those pressures, he’ll quickly become one of the league’s top edge rushers.
The rookie is just getting started and already looks like a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The Chargers’ offensive line was awful last week, and once Joe Alt went down, it was open season on Herbert. Carter lined up all over the front and looked unstoppable.
With the next opponent being the winless New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Big Blue has a legitimate shot at its first back-to-back wins since 2023. With several Saints linemen potentially out, Shane Bowen’s defense should have another opportunity to feast. Spencer Rattler won’t have much time to operate if this group continues to play like it did against the Chargers.
Yes, New York has the hardest schedule in the league. But if they go into New Orleans with this defensive momentum, set the offense up in good field position, and capitalize on those chances, the season could turn. If they leave Louisiana sitting at 2-3, anything can happen the following week in a primetime divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.