Giants defense leads NFL in devastating pace; can make history against the Bengals

The New York Giants lead the NFL in sacks with 22 through five games this season. And they have the opportunity to do something that few teams in NFL history have done.

Big Blue has logged five sacks in three of his first five games and (according to NFL Communications) five sacks again this Sunday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. “The Giants will become the third team since 1990 to record at least five sacks in four of their first six games of a season, joining New England in 2019 and Tampa Bay in 2000.”

Should the Giants record six sacks on Sunday night, “They will tie with the 2000 Buccaneers (28 sacks) and the 1998 Seahawks (28) and have the third-most sacks by a team in their first six games of the season since 1990.”

But sacks aren't the only stat where the Giants' defense excels. According to football stats guru Warren Sharp, the Giants have the “best havoc rate” in the NFL this year.

Best Havoc rate in defense

(Rate of plays resulting in sacks, forced fumbles, INTs, TFLs or PBUs)

1.New York Giants
2. Cleveland Browns
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Chicago Bears
6.Detroit Lions
7. Philadelphia Eagles
8. Houston Texans
9. Miami Dolphins
10.…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 9, 2024

“Havoc rate” is defined as “the rate of plays that result in sacks, forced fumbles, interceptions, tackles for a loss, or passes defensed.”

The Giants are led by Dexter Lawrence with six sacks. He's second in the NFL, behind only Detroit's Aiden Hutchinson, who has 6.5.

11 different players have recorded sacks for the Giants this season.