Despite the absence of quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Brian Burns, the New York Giants have several players the Arizona Cardinals must be mindful of when the teams play on Sunday in New Jersey, especially on defense.
Who are the Giants players to watch?
Safety Jevon Holland
Signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent in 2025, Holland has already accumulated 12 tackles (seven solo), three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and four passes defensed in the first three games of the season.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett said overall, the Giants “are a fast and physical group. They invested a lot into their front, and they're playing every bit of what they are. Then Jevón in the back end. I played with him in Miami (when Holland was selected
in the second round of the draft in 2021) and I had a lot of respect for him then and just seeing how he's the same guy that we all knew that he was going to be flying around making plays on the ball--whether that's a pick or punching the ball out.
“I think they do a really good job of not doing (too) much, but they're playing really well and playing at a really high clip.”
“He’s a beast,” offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “He does a great job reading the quarterback’s eyes. He’s a big, rangy guy back there and he’s a ballhawk. He knows where the ball’s going. You can tell by his preparation. Understanding route trees, understanding where guys are. He’s gonna be over there.
“Jacoby knows that and he’s gonna have to get a feel where he is because that guy’s all over the place. And he’s a turnover machine right now.”
Linebacker Arvell Reese
Playing mostly on the inside in the season’s first three games, this year’s first-round pick could see more snaps on the edge with Burns on injured reserve. Reese has 24 tackles (17 solo/two for loss) after three games.
Head coach John Harbaugh said, “I think you can move him around. It's kind of another bonus for Arvell. A lot of people thought he was an edge guy. He's been on the edge already this year for us, so he'll show up in there. We've got a young guy or two that'll get more of a chance too.”
Harbaugh added, “The thing about him, I think he's starting to kind of cut it loose a little bit. He's starting to feel kind of confident, like he's getting his sea legs, so to speak. He's kind of seen a couple things. He got beat on a couple things in L.A., one or two coverage things. This guy learns from stuff like that. He grows so fast. I think you saw the last game. This kid was all over the field. He was flying around sideline to sideline. I hope he can keep building off of that. I've not seen him take any steps back yet, which is pretty incredible.
“Very coachable, very smart, very football aware. Gets the game.”
Said Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, “I think it's a little give and take. You see the progression from Dallas, you see the progression from the Rams game, and then you see the way he played against the Titans. You can see him growing. The mistakes he made early in the season aren't showing up anymore, and he's playing faster and more decisive.
“Yeah, we can move him around a little bit, put him on the line of scrimmage, but we'll see where it goes. We have other guys that will step up with the absence of Brian, and we know what Arvell can do on the ball and off the ball. So, it's just trying to get him favorable matchups and put him in a position to have success.”
EDGE Abdul Carter
He has the team’s only sack in three games and played all but two snaps in last week’s 12-7 win over the Titans. Asked if that snap count was too high, Wilson said, “No, I think Abdul was fine the whole game. You see his energy, his effort. He played with tenacity throughout the game and he's a guy that prides himself on being able to stay out there. So, for him, he has no wall and he doesn't get tired. He's in great shape. He's a professional and when he's out there, good things happen for us.”
Said Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, “Abdul's only getting better and better. He is a problem and he's playing hard and they've got it going right right now. I’ve got a lot of respect for what they're doing schematically. They're a sharp operation.”
Interior defensive line
Chauncey Golston has eight solo tackles and DJ Reader five. Reader entered the NFL in 2016 and Shelby Harris in 2014.
Said Hackett, “Those guys have been in the league a long time. It’s gonna be a challenge for the guys up front. All five of those guys. You’ve got the experience on the interior, guys that have played 10-plus years and then you got the young guys on the outside that can peel back and rush the passer.”
Running back Cam Skattebo and Company
Many Cardinals had good things to say about the former Arizona State back, but his numbers don’t stand out with 177 yards on 50 attempts (3.5-yard average) and one touchdown.
Najee Harris has contributed 58 yards on 13 runs (4.5 average).
The passing game, even though it’s often said that quarterback Jameis Winston can “sling it,” hasn’t produced early. Winston has completed only 51.0 percent of his passes for 229 yards (4.7 per attempt) with no touchdowns, one interception and a 55.6 passer rating. He’s been sacked five times.
Winston’s favorite target has been tight end Isaiah Likely (15-124-8.3-2). Wide receiver Malik Nabers has 12 receptions for 96 yards (8.0-yard average).
Asked about Skattebo, LaFleur smiled and said. “I'm glad I don't have to tackle him. He's a big boy and our guys know that. I have a lot of respect for his game. I don't know him personally, but he's a load so we have our hands full. You have to get him down and our guys know that.”
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals vs. Giants: New York players to watch in Week 4
