The New York Giants' defense has largely been unimpressive through the first two weeks of the NFL season, but the pass rush is still poised to be among the league's best. Dexter Lawrence has done Dexter Lawrence things, first-round rookie Abdul Carter has made a fast impression, and Brian Burns is tied for fourth in the NFL with 3.0 sacks.
For a struggling 0-2 Giants team, that front is the one undeniable strength. New York is set to host the winless Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football in Week 3 in a daunting home opener. Squaring off with Patrick Mahomes II is one problem, but Big Blue could have a shot in this one if they take advantage of their deep pass rush room and see more of the same fearless Russell Wilson we got in Dallas.
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Even without Rashee Rice and potentially Xavier Worthy, Kansas City still has the edge. They have a real opportunity to combat New York's defensive line by virtue of first-round rookie Josh Simmons, who has dazzled thus far.
Josh Simmons could be Abdul Carter's kryptonite in Week 3
It was a shock when Simmons even managed to fall to the Chiefs with the 32nd pick, as many people deemed him the best tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, a torn patellar tendon ended his season early and damaged his draft stock.
Through two weeks, the Ohio State product has logged a 60.2 PFF grade, but Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman suggested that Simmons shined in Week 2 against the Eagles. The 22-year-old allowed no pressures against Philadelphia's stout defensive front, while his 86.3 pass block grade from Week 2 was the best by a rookie tackle in a game this season
As Mahomes' blind side protector, it's likely that the San Diego native will see the face of Burns or Carter for the majority of the evening. Interestingly enough, Simmons and Carter are familiar with one another from their Big Ten days, making this matchup a continuation of a budding rivalry.
The former Penn State star is still searching for his first career sack, and the All-Big Ten tackle could be the only one standing in his way. If Simmons continues his dominance, the Chiefs’ line could give Mahomes the clean pockets he needs to dissect a vulnerable secondary that has been ranked dead last in football thus far.
In his first primetime game of his career, he has an opportunity to continue making a statement as he looks to continue establishing himself as Kansas City's left tackle of the future for the two-time MVP, and help make Shane Bowen's future in New York even murkier.