New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates with Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) after their game against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

How the New York Giants transformed their pass rush

By Anthony Rivardo | Last updated 12/29/22

On the cusp of their first playoff berth since 2016, the Giants can partly trace their turnaround to an improved pass rush and an aggressive defensive scheme under a new coordinator.

With 36 sacks, Big Blue (8-6-1) has already surpassed its 2021 total of 34. (The Eagles lead the league with 61.) Linemen Dexter Lawrence, Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux are at the forefront of the pass-rush transformation.

In 2022, Lawrence has career highs in sacks (6.5), combined tackles (63), tackles for loss (6), quarterback hits (25) and forced fumbles (2). He earned his first career Pro Bowl selection and could make the All-Pro team, too.

Sexy Dexy's pass-rushing prowess from the interior has opened up opportunities on the edge for Ojulari and Thibodeaux, the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. In 13 games, the rookie has three sacks and 12 quarterback hits.

In a crucial Week 15 win over the Commanders, Thibodeaux's game-changing abilities were on full display. He racked up a team-high 12 tackles and a strip-sack touchdown.

Kayvon Thibodeaux on this play:

- Sack
- Forced Fumble
- Fumble Recovery
- Touchdown

Sheesh. pic.twitter.com/lrZk303Yjk
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) December 19, 2022

In 2021, Ojulari set a franchise rookie record with eight sacks. Injuries have limited the second-round pick from Georgia to only six games in 2022, but he has 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Since returning from a calf injury in Week 13, Ojulari has 4.5 sacks in four games.

First-year defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, hired after his firing by the Ravens in January, has made a big difference. During his time in Baltimore, he was renowned for a versatile defensive scheme that included a wide array of blitz packages.

With the Giants, he deploys a similar, blitzing style. New York leads the NFL in blitz percentage, sending extra rushers on 40.1% of its defensive snaps. The next-closest team is the Packers (34.1%).

On Sunday, the Giants' rejuvenated pass-rushing prowess could spell doom for the Colts and their sitting-duck QB, backup Nick Foles. In a Week 16 loss to the Chargers, the journeyman was sacked seven times.

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