Giants Pass Rush Eyes Cam Ward's Slow Release as Brian Burns' Status Hangs in the Balance

As the NFL season hits its stride on September 26, 2026, the New York Giants find themselves at a crossroads. A 1-1 record might look respectable on the surface, but the underlying numbers tell a different story: a pass rush that has mustered just one sack and seven pressures through two games—tied for the fewest in the league. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Giants are banking on a matchup-driven rebound this week against the Tennessee Titans and second-year quarterback Cam Ward, whose 2.97-second average release time ranks among the slowest in the NFL, per NextGenStats.

A Quarter-Second of Hope

After chasing Dak Prescott (2.75 seconds) and Matthew Stafford (2.63 seconds)—two veterans who dissect defenses with rapid-fire precision—the Giants finally see a quarterback who holds the ball. "Cam Ward actually holds the ball, so we might have a couple more opportunities," edge rusher Abdul Carter told reporters. "The main thing is we have to stay relentless." That relentlessness has been a hallmark of Carter's mentality since he declared in the preseason that "this team goes as far as we go" as pass rushers. But through two weeks, the results haven't matched the bravado. The Giants' seven pressures are tied for the fewest in the NFL, and their single sack ranks 31st, ahead of only the Miami Dolphins.

Brian Burns' Ankle Adds Uncertainty

The potential absence of star edge rusher Brian Burns, who is nursing a sprained ankle after a 16.5-sack campaign in 2025, compounds the challenge. Burns was seen being helped off the field in Week 2 against the Rams, and his status for Sunday remains up in the air. If he can't go, Kayvon Thibodeaux would step into a starting role, Chauncey Golston's inside/outside versatility becomes even more critical, and rookie linebacker Arvell Reese could see increased blitz opportunities. "Any time you ask [Reese] to hit somebody, his eyes light up," inside linebackers coach Frank Bush said. "When we blitz, in his mind, he can affect the game that way. It's not a lot of thinking. Just straight line. If I can whoop this guy's ass, I've got a chance."

Facing a Familiar Foe in Carmen Bricillo

Adding another layer of intrigue: Titans offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo held the same position with the Giants in 2024-25. He knows the tricks of the trade for Burns, Carter, and Thibodeaux. "Our pass pressure is something that we lean on heavily," head coach John Harbaugh said. "It's a big, big part of who we are and who we need to be because of the talent that we have there. So, getting to the quarterback and getting guys down, that's something that's a game-changing opportunity for us. So, yeah, we're very determined to get that done."

Adjusting Without Dexter Lawrence

The Giants' slow start may also stem from adjusting to life without Dexter Lawrence, who was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals and commanded a league-high double-team percentage on the interior. "Look, we are going to get double-chipped on the edge and they can turn the center to one inside piece, so they can really get three double-teams on any pass rush," outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen said. "That's always going to be there. Everyone says you have to win your one-on-one matchup. Well, great pass rushers have to win two-on-ones. We can be productive in those moments dealing with two-on-ones. We can work games and schemes, so it all matters."

Staying the Course

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is preaching patience. "Sacks come in bunches," he said, echoing a mantra that Carter buys into—after all, Carter tallied 3.5 sacks in the final five games last season following an 11-game drought. "I'm not going to try to chase plays and do things outside the scheme," Carter said. "To get my first one Week 2 compared to Week 13 last year was a good feeling. The last thing you want as a pass rusher is to not have a sack and it's just on your mind, on your mind, on your mind." Ward has been sacked an NFL-high 60 times over the last two seasons, offering a prime opportunity for the Giants to break through. "We got pressures, but we want sacks," Harbaugh said. "Sacks are game-changing plays. They're like turnovers. I do think it's about relentlessness. I also think it's about sometimes just getting the quarterback down when you get him in your hands. Sometimes it's about scheming up a free runner. So, it's any kind of different number of things." The Giants will accept any and all changes—and a quarter-second might just be the catalyst they need.