The New York Giants’ defense faces a critical test in their Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys as they aim to stop their rival’s potent rushing attack. The Giants have struggled against the Cowboys in recent meetings, managing just one win in their past 12 games. Last year, the Giants were unable to contain the Cowboys’ rushing attack, conceding 176 and 169 rushing yards in their two losses. This has been a season-long struggle for the Giants, prompting them to revamp their defense in the offseason.
The Giants brought in several new faces to address their defensive issues, emphasizing their desire to stop the run. Inside linebacker Bobby Okereke, the team’s most-expensive free-agent signing, acknowledged the Cowboys’ strength in running the ball, praising their offensive linemen and running backs. Okereke believes that if the Giants can successfully halt the Cowboys’ rushing attack and force them to become one-dimensional, they will greatly improve their chances of winning the game.
Last year, the Giants had Tae Crowder, Austin Calitro, Justin Ellis, and Nick Williams starting in key defensive positions against the Cowboys. However, none of these players are currently on an NFL roster, except for Williams who is a journeyman. In the second matchup, the Giants opted for an extra defensive back on the field, starting only Jaylon Smith at inside linebacker. Smith, however, failed to make the New Orleans Saints’ roster this summer, and his NFL career is hanging by a thread.
The Giants’ struggles in stopping the run were evident last season when they allowed an average of 5.2 rushing yards per attempt, among the worst in the NFL. This prompted the team to trade for hybrid linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons and sign veteran defensive linemen A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches in hopes of strengthening their defense. Despite the absence of Ezekiel Elliot, the Cowboys still possess a formidable rushing attack with Tony Pollard and one of the top offensive lines in the league.
Dexter Lawrence, a star player on the Giants’ defensive line, acknowledges the team’s emphasis on improving their run defense and is eager to prove themselves on the field. Lawrence believes that the ability to stop the run is essential as it creates opportunities to pressure the passer. Alongside Okereke, the Giants will rely on their new additions to turn their defense into a strength and counter the Cowboys’ rushing attack.
In summary, the New York Giants’ overhauled defense faces a critical test against the Dallas Cowboys as they aim to stop their rivals’ potent rushing attack. The Giants’ struggles in recent games against the Cowboys highlight the importance of improving their run defense. The team has brought in several new players to address this weakness and emphasizes the significance of halting the run to set themselves up for success. The Cowboys may no longer have Ezekiel Elliot, but they still pose a formidable rushing threat. The Giants’ success in stopping the run will be crucial in their efforts to defeat the Cowboys and reverse their concerning trends.
