New York Giants' rookie defensive end, Abdul Carter, is poised for a massive breakout performance against the New England Patriots in Week 13.
The New York Giants, after starting the 2025 NFL season with a 2-10 record, are now set to take on the current No. 1 team in the AFC, the New England Patriots, on Monday night.
While many fans have quickly written off the Giants to win in Week 13, the organization will greatly benefit from the return of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Despite missing the last two games, the offense under interim head coach Mike Kafka averaged 23.5 points per game without the star rookie.
However, Dart’s return is not the only thing fans should be excited for against the Patriots.
New England quarterback Drake Maye has recently emerged as a frontrunner for the MVP Award this season, but the highly-touted playmaker will be without his star left tackle, 2025 first-round pick Will Campbell, during Monday night’s primetime matchup.
With Campbell out, this presents a perfect opportunity for New York’s front four on defense to have an advantage over an injury-riddled Patriots offensive line. Veteran EDGE rusher Brian Burns currently ranks No. 2 in sacks this season with 13, putting him in an excellent spot to continue his strong season.
In addition to Burns, 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter could also be a key piece of the defense on Monday, while also having a much-needed breakout performance.
Carter, after being selected with the No. 3 pick in last year’s draft, has been underwhelming in 2025.
In 12 games this season, the 22-year-old rookie has recorded 27 tackles and half a sack. Part of the reason for this rough showing this season has been due to Burns’ incredible season, as he is the primary rushing threat against opposing offensive lines.
To truly determine how well Carter has played this season, it’s important to take a deep dive into his stats.
Sure, Carter has yet to record a solo sack this year, but the former Penn State standout has still generated pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Carter ranks 9th in quarterback hits (11), 19th in quarterback hurries (26), and 26th in total pressures (38), according to PFF.
In order for the young defender to have a breakout performance on Monday night, it’s clear that Carter must do a better job of finishing when pressuring the quarterback. Week 13’s contest is the perfect time for him to achieve this goal.