Last Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants pass-rush struggled to do their job. Dak Prescott finished the game without a sack taken and was rarely pressured. For New York, that's not a new development: in 2017, the team finished 30th in sacks, the next year, 31st.
The Giants are all too aware of their struggles and will need to step up for Week 2's matchup against the Buffalo Bills — who allowed zero sacks the week before.
Said outside linebackers coach Mike Dawson, via Howie Kussoy of the New York Post:
“The guys know the sense of urgency to get to the quarterback. This is the ultimate, ‘I see better than I hear.’ It’s time to get there and stop talking about it and go get it done.”
New York isn't devoid of talent, but they are slim on proven commodities after trading away Olivier Vernon in the offseason. Following injured reserve-inducing surgery to Kareem Martin, Markus Golden, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, stands as their veteran pass-rusher.
In 2018, Golden logged 2.5 sacks in the desert, a far cry from his 12.5-sack sophomore campaign, with James Bettcher (now the Giants defensive coordinator) coaching him.
Said Dawson on Golden:
“He’s a guy that’s done it. He’s had success. He’s been in this system. He’s a little bit unique in that way. The intensity, the strength, him getting after the ball is gonna be a big deal for us. He brings great energy. He’s gonna be running, around flying all over the place … and he needs to put it all together and get to the [quarterback].”
Golden may lead the group, but there needs to be more production from the rest of the unit. If second-year Lorenzo Carter and rookie Oshane Ximenes can step up to the plate, New York will reap the benefits.
Follow Us
Subscribe