Giants could use more of a pass rush from the outside
Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks runs against Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants during the first half at Lumen Field on October 30, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. Credit: Getty Images/Lindsey Wasson
GIANTS SEEK AN EDGE ON EDGE
The Giants have one of the league’s top interior defensive line duos in Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams, but they could use more pass rush pressure from outside – like what Dallas gets from DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons.
The leading candidate to help there should be rookie first-round draft pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, who in eight games has one sack and three quarterback hits.
Asked what advice he can offer Thibodeaux, Williams said, “As a leader, as a vet, and someone who’s been through the process, I probably could do a little bit better job of seeing what’s going on and trying to help Kayvon where I can.
“I haven’t really seen anything specific, so I can’t really point out anything specific. Overall, I think he’s definitely a hard worker and I’m sure whatever he’s having success at it is going to grow and whatever he’s struggling with is going to get better.”
BLUNT TALK ON PUNTS
Punter Jamie Gillan has averaged under 41 yards per kick in three of his past four games, including some notably short ones, such as a 25-yarder against the Lions last weekend that led to a Detroit touchdown.
“Jamie’s had a couple that I know he’d like to have back, but he’s working at it,” coach Brian Daboll said. “We just need to do a little bit better in that area.”
NOTABLE INJURIES
GIANTS
Out: TE Daniel Bellinger (eye), OL Josh Ezeudu (neck), OL Jon Feliciano (neck), CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee), OL Shane Lemieux (toe), CB Fabian Moreau (oblique), OT Evan Neal (knee/illness); Questionable: DB Dane Belton (clavicle), WR Richie James (knee), OL Tyre Phillips (neck), DB Jason Pinnock (jaw), OT Andrew Thomas (illness).
COWBOYS
Out: LB Anthony Barr (hamstring); Doubtful: DE Tarell Basham (illness), DT Jonathan Hankins (illness); Questionable: DE Dante Fowler (illness), CB Kelvin Joseph (illness), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (foot/illness), DT Osa Odighizuwa (knee), LB Micah Parsons (knee/ankle), DT Neville Gallimore (illness), S Donovan Wilson (illness).
Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.
