Giants’ rookie linebacker named NFC Defensive Player Of The Week

Posted by Admin November 11, 2026 NFL

New York Giants rookie linebacker Arvell Reese has been named the NFC Defensive Player Of The Week.

Reese had an absolutely monstrous game against the Philadelphia Eagles, notching 3.0 sacks, 12 total tackles (10 solo), 3 tackles for a loss, 3 QB hits, and a forced fumble. He’s the rookie since 1994 (when individual tackles were first tracked) to have at least 3.0 sacks and 10 tackles in a game, and just the fourth player to put up these kinds of numbers

While Reese’s performance may not have impressed Pro Football Focus, the rookie linebacker is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s premier apex predators. And he’s a weapon that defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson isn’t shy about unleashing. Wilson’s scheme has quickly evolved to center around Reese and Abdul Carter, devising innovative ways to use them to attack the opposing offense.

“He’s so coachable,” Giants’ Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “We’re bringing him from a lot of different places, and a lot of times he’s picking, or he’s setting the pick, or he’s spying. He does everything. He never gets into that world like, ‘I want to do this or that.’ Or ‘I want to rush the passer.’ Or ‘I want to cover man to man.’ He doesn’t worry about it. He just says, ‘You tell me what to do. What does the defense call for? What’s my job?’ He’s going to be doing it 100 miles an hour every time, and it’s just very, very cool and refreshing to see that, especially in such a young guy.”

While there were questions about the strength of the Giants roster coming into the season, they’ve been racking up awards.

Safety Jevon Holland was voted the NFC Defensive Player Of The Month for September, and WR Malik Nabers was the NFC Offensive Player Of The Month for October. CB Deonte Banks was the NFC Defensive Player Of The Week for Week 4 following his game-winning interception against the Cardinals.

Reese himself was previously voted the Pepsi Defensive Rookie Of The Week after he took over the game in the Giants’ win over the Arizona Cardinals. Reese has also been nominated for that same award again this week.