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Bullock’s Film Room (subscription)
The Giants have built a very strong defensive line that can rival any defensive line unit in the NFL. Dexter Lawrence is one of the premier defensive tackles in the league, while they also have a stable of edge rushers that all come with significant threats. Brian Burns is one of the more consistent sack artists in the NFL and is the big name on the edge for them, but they also have two younger pass rushers that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Giants used their third overall pick on Abdul Carter out of Penn State. Carter has been often compared to Micah Parsons in play style and he gives the Giants a versatile piece that can rush from multiple spots. In the preseason, we already saw glimpses of the threat Carter brings to the Giants defense.
It’s not just Carter and Burns you have to watch out for on the edge either. The Giants also have Kayvon Thibodeaux that they drafted with the fifth overall pick back in 2022. He had a bit of a down year last season but is a very dangerous rusher in his own right.
Commanders.com
The Washington Commanders’ secondary went through heavy renovations during the offseason, and the group will face its first major test in Week 1 when the New York Giants come to Northwest Stadium: finding a way to contain second-year wideout Malik Nabers.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. wants to let the results speak for themselves, but he believes the group is up to the task.
“We’ve been really sticky [in coverage],” Whitt said. “We’ve challenged in press [coverage] and been more of what I envision of our secondary being.”
Nabers, who led the SEC in receiving yards and receptions while playing with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels at LSU in 2023, presents unique challenges for defensive backs. He has the size (6-foot, 200 pounds) to be physical with players downfield to make contested catches, but he can also run short and intermediate routes as well as pick up yards after the catch. The Commanders got an introduction to that skill set last season in Week 2, as he caught 10 of 18 targets for 127 yards and a touchdown.
Whitt said “we’ll see” whether the Commanders are better equipped to handle Nabers, but it is worth noting that the Commanders built their new secondary with stopping some of the league’s top receivers in mind. Both Lattimore and Amos have a reputation for performing better in man coverage.
Washington Post (paywall)
The Commanders acquired Samuel, who is entering the final year of his contract, for a fifth-round draft pick. Their hope is that he will rebound from a 2024 season hindered by illness and [provide a...
