It’s finally here. The New York Giants have put their 2022 season into the rear view mirror. It’s time to improve and get even further into the postseason. Giants vs. Cowboys. The best matchup for Sunday Night Football.
Now, things haven’t been positive for the G-Men when it comes to facing Dallas. They haven’t beaten them in two seasons. Matter of fact, they haven’t defeated Dallas when Dak Prescott is under center since his rookie season. Talk about a one-side rivalry.
However, things could all change tonight. New York has improved on the defensive side of the ball. Whether it’s a second season with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale at the helm, draft additions (Deonte Banks, Tre Hawkins III), or free agent additions (Bobby Okereke, A’Shawn Robinson, Raheem Nunez Roches), this defense feels different. Oh, and Isaiah Simmons is here too (thanks Arizona, see you in week two).
I haven’t even talked about the offense yet, with the addition of guys like Darren Waller and Parris Campbell for Daniel Jones to throw to. The team has a new center (John Michael Schmitz), who looked great in preseason.
In all, the Giants have a chance to start a season 1-0 for the second straight season. Here’s how they can defeat Dallas.
Feed Darren Waller Early And Often.
Here’s the deal. There’s no one on that Dallas linebacker corps that can handle Waller. Not Leighton Vander Esch. Damone Clark? Devin Harper? None of them. Heck, let them try and see what happens.
We saw the chemistry Waller has with his quarterback. Jones found the tight end early in the team’s second preseason game vs. Carolina, and their success led to an easy touchdown for the Giants on the opening drive.
Say, a cornerback “shadows” Waller some way, some how. Obviously, Stephon Gilmore or Trevon Diggs won’t. Is Dallas going to trust Jourdan Lewis or DaRon Bland? Once again, let them try.
He’s built like a wide receiver. A mismatch for any linebacker who decides to guard him. If Jones can get things cooking with Waller early, watch out. Even if they throw the double-team at the star tight end, someone’s going to open. Ah, the benefits of having a weapon like Waller.
Take Advantage Of The Offensive Line.
Dallas’s offensive line is one of the best in the NFL. Right guard Zack Martin is elite, center Tyler Biadasz is young but is becoming an anchor, and right tackle Terence Steele is also slowly becoming dependable. However, health is the name of the game. There’s an issue the Giants can exploit.
Left tackle Tyron Smith is dealing with an ankle injury and was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday. He is questionable. However, even if he does play, that’s huge for the Giants pass rush.
Adding on to that, left guard Tyler Smith is battling a hamstring injury and looks extremely doubtful to play after not practicing all week. A powerful and explosive guard, he will be strongly missed. Once again, another win for the Giants defense because he’s out.
In all, having both or even just one of those guys out will be good news for the Giants’ defense. One of Azeez Ojulari or Kayvon Thibodeaux should line up on the left side, and we’ll see if they can get to Dak Prescott.
Regardless of who’s on that offensive line, Wink Martindale will send the blitz against them. Taking advantage of the left side of that offensive line could be the key to making life miserable for their quarterback.
Oh, and Tony Pollard running between the tackles? Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, and A’Shawn Robinson will have something to say about that.
Limit CeeDee Lamb
Last season, we saw the Cowboys #1 wideout cause issues for that Giants secondary. He had eight catches for 87 yards and a touchdown in week three, and six catches for 106 yards on Thanksgiving. Prescott depended on him, and the Giants paid the price for it every time.
New York will enter this game with Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins III as the starting cornerbacks. Adoree’ Jackson, who is usually a boundary corner, will mostly line in the slot.
You can talk about Dallas adding Brandin Cooks this offseason all you want. New York will only win this game if they don’t let CeeDee Lamb burn them as he’s done in his career. Whether that means shadowing him with Jackson or trusting Banks or Hawkins to keep up with him, Lamb’s performance will be the difference between losing and winning this game.
Last Thoughts
With the Giants’ weapons on offense and the additions on defense, there’s no doubt the Giants have a chance to get out of the opening week 1-0. Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones will be the keys on offense, whether it’s running the ball or working the pass action. I can see Waller being the most targeted weapon on offense, with guys like Darius Slayton and Parris Campbell behind him.
If the Giants’ rookie cornerbacks hold their own, then the road to victory will be less difficult for Big Blue. It will be close in the end, but I see New York winning their season opener for the second consecutive year.
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