News Article
Published
Oct 22, 2026 at 04:02 PM EDT
The New York Giants enter Week 7 in first place in the NFC East at 3-2-1.
The G-Men are arguably the least impressive of the NFL's current division leaders, however, and are in their position due largely to the uncertainties of the rest of the group.
New York is also coming off of a disappointing home loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 6 (a team that had lost three straight entering the contest) in which it allowed a season-high 34 points.
Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson issued a warning to his unit on Thursday, calling out "unacceptable" behavior and labeling defenders who don't run to the ball as "traitors."
New York's defense ranks 19th in the NFL in points allowed per game (23.3) but has surrendered 85 points over the last three contests versus a more respectable 55 across the first three weeks.
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Wilson is in his first season as the Giants defensive coordinator after spending two years in the same role with the Tennessee Titans.
New York, notably, lost starting cornerback and former first-round pick Greg Newsome to a concussion during the loss against New Orleans and the 26-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday. Newsome ranks second on the team in passes defended with six.
The Giants also cut linebacker Jihad Ward on Tuesday after the 32-year-old posted just one tackle in two games this year. Ward had 8.0 sacks and 22 quarterback hits during his first two seasons in New York in 2022 and 2023, before playing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and Wilson's Titans last year.
The Illinois product had a career-high 22 quarterback hits during the 2025 campaign and tied his high marks in sacks (5.0) and passes defended (four) as well.