Helping a foe make history isn't ideal. When it comes in a loss, it is even worse. That is the situation for the Los Angeles Chargers following their narrow loss to the New York Giants in Week 4 of the NFL season.
The Giants got after Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert all game long, and that metrics backed that up, too. New York garnered a new franchise high for their defense in the victory, and the Bolts are partially to blame.
The Giants recorded their highest pass rush win rate since the stat began in 2017. That statistic finished at 68% this weekend against the Chargers. Losing star OT Joe Alt to injury certainly helped New York reach this sort of success, but the Bolts needed to find ways to protect Herbert more effectively.
The Giants recorded a Pass Rush Win Rate of 68% on Sunday, that’s their highest Pass Rush Win Rate in a game since the metric was introduced in 2017.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 29, 2025
That’s now back to back weeks where the 4 man rush vs LA has posted a pressure rate over 60%. Two very good DLs but yeah…not sustainable.
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 28, 2025
Herbert has played like an MVP candidate when given a semblance of time in the pocket so far this season. You cannot expect sustainable success from him or the running game, which impressed often against New York, going forward if these sort of numbers stick around.
The Giants have one of the most talented DL groups in football, but there is no excuse for Herbert to take 26 QB hits over the past two matchups. Simply cannot happen if you want to keep him healthy and effective.
Rookie pass rusher Abdul Carter was arguably the key cog in the Giants' DL success, too. He was all over the place, and seemingly nobody on the offensive line for LA could slow him down enough to keep him off of Herbert.
Huge day for the Giants — an even bigger day for Abdul Carter.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) September 28, 2025
• 9 (!!!) total pressures
• 5 QB hits
• 4 hurries
• 26.5% pressure rate
~ 93.1 pass rush effectiveness grade
Quickly becoming one of the top young pass-rushers in football
The Bolts must look to the free agent market, as well as the trade market, for another piece along their offensive line. Joe Alt's sprained ankle could keep him out multiple weeks, and that may be debilitating if the same players get opportunities going forward for LA's offensive line unit.
Not to mention, Mekhi Becton missing time inside has made a difference as well. The first two games were steps forward for the OL that had a fair share of issues last year, but the last two games have been nightmare fuel for Herbert and the rest of his playmakers.
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