The Giants’ version of the “New York Sack Exchange” will take aim at Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
The Giants (2-4) enter the NFC East divisional contest against the Eagles (3-2) with a league-leading 26 sacks, just eight fewer than they recorded in the entire 2023 season. It’s their highest total through six games since Lawrence Taylor and Co. had 30 in 1985.
A different Lawrence drives the Big Blue pass rush these days: Two-time Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence leads the way with seven sacks. Three teammates have three sacks apiece and 11 Giants have at least one.
The Giants sacked Joe Burrow four times in Sunday night’s 17-7 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, including two by linebacker Azeez Ojulari.
It was the fifth consecutive game New York’s defense has allowed 21 or fewer points, but also the fifth time this season that the New York offense has scored 21 or fewer points.
No NFC team is putting fewer points on the board this year than the Giants with 16.0 per game.
“There’s things that are improving in areas, but the ultimate goal is to score points and finish drives and take care of the ball,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said this week. “Our inability … to generate explosive plays, whether that’s through the run or through the air, is not where I want it to be right now.”
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will be facing a Philadelphia defense with two rookie starters in the secondary in first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell and second-rounder Cooper DeJean.
They were targeted a combined eight times in last weekend’s 20-16 home win against Cleveland and allowed just three completions for 23 yards and no first downs.
It was the fifth start for Mitchell at cornerback and the first start of his career for DeJean, who suited up at nickel corner. They helped to limit the Browns to just 144 yards through the air and combined for nine tackles, plus a half-sack by DeJean.
“I felt prepared,” DeJean said of his first NFL start. “There were no nerves — a little bit of butterflies and excitement building up to this. Once you get out there and make that first hit, it all slows down for you and it felt good.”
After finishing 31st in the league in passing defense last season (252.7 yards per game), Philadelphia has improved to 21st (218.4) through five games this season.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Giants, makes his return to MetLife Stadium, where he spent his first six seasons. He has 574 yards from scrimmage with five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) in five games this season.
“I don’t expect a great reaction,” Barkley said. “I don’t expect to be booed; I look at it like this: The Philadelphia Eagles and New York football Giants probably played in over 200 games. This rivalry was there before me, and it’s going to be there after me.”
Three Eagles starters missed practice on Wednesday: tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring), left tackle Jordan Mailata (hamstring) and defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle). Mailata is expected to miss multiple weeks. Cornerback Darius Slay (knee) was limited.
Rookie receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) was a limited participant for the Giants on Wednesday. Linebacker Brian Burns (groin), punter Jamie Gillan (hamstring) and Lawrence (hip) did not practice, but Lawrence told reporters, “I’m playing.” Burns also indicated he expects to play Sunday.
New York confirmed Wednesday that left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) is out for the season.