The Giants can't keep asking the secondary to provide every answer to a pass-rush shortage. With Abdul Carter questionable and two defensive backs ruled out against New Orleans, I'd give Darius Alexander a more specific test inside on selected passing downs before automatically adding another blitzer.
The staff hasn't announced such a package. Alexander hasn't earned a broad promotion with four tackles and no sacks in four games this season. He has earned a clearer evaluation than looking at the zero and deciding there is nothing useful to try.
As a rookie, Alexander recorded 3.5 sacks and six quarterback hits in 16 games, with two starts. Those numbers don't establish an interior star, but they do show that his ability to reach a quarterback didn't exist only in a pre-draft projection.
Oct 11, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball under pressure from New York Giants defensive tackle Darius Alexander (91) at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This year's depth chart lists him at defensive end and behind Shelby Harris at defensive tackle. He has one start in his four appearances. The recommendation wouldn't invent an unfamiliar position for him; it would ask the staff to examine a defined rushing assignment instead of using a general increase in snaps as the solution.
On a clear passing down, I'd want to see whether Alexander can help compress the pocket from inside while the edge players attack outside. Keeping four rushers also leaves more defenders available for coverage than sending an additional linebacker or defensive back. The coverage benefit makes the trial appealing, but it doesn't prove Alexander will beat the Saints' protection.
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Friday's final injury report ruled out Colton Hood and Tyler Nubin. Carter's limited return left him questionable with a calf injury. Those absences and uncertainties make the tradeoff behind any extra rusher more important.
The alternative is to keep the sturdier base group on the field, or bring additional pressure when the down, distance and protection justify it. Alexander shouldn't receive passing-down work if he can't execute the assignment, and using him inside cannot become an excuse to ignore the run.
There is no alignment-specific efficiency or independent protection study in this evidence to promise a breakout. Sack totals alone can't tell us whether an individual rush was useful, how quickly the ball came out or which blocker won. The staff has more information than a season line supplies.
What the line does establish is that the current contribution is limited. Give Alexander a narrow job, judge whether he can move the pocket and keep the assignment only if it helps. I'd rather learn something about a second-year lineman than repeatedly spend a coverage defender trying to create the same pressure.
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