I picked the Giants to win the NFC East before the season because I thought their pass rush would be the most dangerous weapon in the division.
New York has started 3-1, and we still haven’t seen their pass rush at full strength. But they are getting closer.
Osi Umenyiora returned Sunday and recorded two sacks a forced fumble. Jason Pierre-Paul has played like a Pro Bowler this season. Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger had JPP recording five pressures against Arizona; he also had a huge pass defensed on the final drive.
The Giants are still waiting for Justin Tuck to be 100%, and Mathias Kiwanuka hasn’t made a huge impact so far. But Chris Canty, Linval Joseph, and Michael Boley have upped their play this year. Sub Dave Tollefson had two sacks against Arizona.
Add it all up, and this group has potential to be special. They are 3-1 and haven’t played their best yet. That has guys like Antrel Rolle feeling pretty optimistic after the season’s first month.