Giants Defenders Look To Take Advantage Of Titans Qb’s Slow Release With Brian Burns’ Status Up In Air

Could a quarter-second really be the answer to jump-starting the Giants pass rush? 

After facing the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and Rams’ Matthew Stafford — two veteran Pro Bowlers who got the ball out of their hands in 2.75 and 2.63 seconds, respectively, on average over the first two games — the Giants are about to see the Titans’ Cam Ward and the second-year quarterback’s 2.97-second release, according to NextGenStats. 

“Cam Ward actually holds the ball, so we might have a couple more opportunities,” edge Abdul Carter told The Post. “The main thing is we have to stay relentless.” 

It was Carter who said during the preseason that “this team goes as far as we go” as pass rushers. Well, the Giants have seven pressures (tied for the fewest in the NFL) and only one sack (No. 31, ahead of only the Dolphins) through two games, so maybe 1-1 is a fortunate record. 

“We can’t get discouraged,” Carter said. “Obviously, we know that every team we play against is going to scheme to get the ball out quick, chip us and double-team.” 

The possibility that Brian Burns, who is coming off a 16.5-sack season, is sidelined by a sprained ankle adds to this week’s challenge. 

So does facing Titans offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who held the same title with the Giants in 2024-25 and knows the tricks Burns, Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux have in their bags. 

“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.” 

Burns’ absence would elevate Thibodeaux to starting, place an added emphasis on Chauncey Golston’s inside/outside versatility and bring rookie linebacker Arvell Reese’s pass-rushing ability more into the equation on blitzes. 

The Giants have blitzed on only 18.8 percent of snaps (No. 26) through the first two games. 

“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.” 

The slow start by the $62.6 million edges — only the Steelers spend more on the position, according to Spotrac.com — could also result from adjusting to life without Dexter Lawrence (traded to the Bengals) commanding a league-high double-team percentage on the inside. 

“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.” 

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson echoed Carter’s credit to the Rams for max protecting and to Stafford for his quick release. But the Giants aren’t the only defense facing those tactics. 

The Giants’ countermove in Week 1 was to use a package of four speed rushers that resulted in six pressures and a hurried-throw interception. It didn’t work in Week 2 against the run-focused Rams. 

“Everybody wants more sacks — no one more than me,” Bullen said. “We had Dallas more off-schedule [down-and-distance-wise]. You go to L.A., we never really had them off-schedule. That’s a credit to them. They were in control of that game early on.” 

Wilson is preaching the “sacks come in bunches” mentality. The next one could be the one to break down the door. 

Carter buys it because he tallied 3.5 in the final five games last season after 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. 

“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.