New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese (52) celebrates after blocking a pass, Sunday, October 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
Arvell Reese is clearly coming into his own, as the New York Giants’ rookie linebacker continued to wreak havoc on his opposition in Sunday’s 36-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Ohio State product led Big Blue with nine tackles, added a tackle for a loss, had three passes defended, and was vital in both of his team’s interceptions.
“He was all over the field again,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He played great. He may get a game ball yet for defensive player of the game. He had an interception, numerous tackles, he’s taken off.”
With the Giants down 14-6 in the first minute of the second quarter after the defense had been run over in the opening 15 minutes, the No. 5 overall pick of the 2026 draft got to Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett, hit his arm, and altered his deep pass intended for Marvin Harrison Jr. The shortened attempt was picked off by Greg Newsome II.
On Arizona’s ensuing drive, he made an open-field tackle on running back Tyson Allgeir on a 3rd-&-8 to force a punt, then helped shut down Harrison on the following possession to force a second-straight three-and-out.
New York’s stand, fueled by Reese, got the Giants back into it. Jameis Winston finally found the Giants’ first touchdown since Week 2, when Jaxson Dart was still healthy, finding Malachi Fields from 12 yards out.
Down two, Reese was at the right place at the right time as Brissett’s short pass intended for Harrison was deflected by defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and right into his arms to give the Giants possession on Arizona’s 35-yard line. Two plays later, New York was in the lead when Winston hit Malik Nabers for a 25-yard score with 2:24 left in the half.
The Giants have recorded an interception in four straight games to start a season for the first time since 1993, and they own first place (3-1) in the NFC East for the first time this late in a season since Dec. 11, 2016. It is also the first time they have started a season 3-0 at home in 18 years.
“We’re in a good position for four games in, but it’s only four games in,” Harbaugh said. “We could play so much better, and that’s what we’ll be chasing.”
For more on Arvell Reese and the Giants, visit AMNY.com
