Blogging The Boys
Are there any Giants players who concern you?
After assessing the X-factors for the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, we now turn our attention to the New York Giants. Depending on what happens in Week 1, the Cowboys could be looking at improving to 2-0 or looking to avoid a dreaded 0-2 hole. Thankfully, for the Cowboys, they’ll have a ten-day break to prepare for the Giants. Although the Giants have been largely awful since their last Super Bowl victory in 2011, they are an enigmatic group heading into 2024.
Exactly, who are these New York Giants? Led by Brian Daboll, they managed to win a road playoff game in 2022 versus the Minnesota Vikings. Since then, it has seemingly come crashing down. Daniel Jones, who started that game against the Vikings, was released by the team midway through last season and the team completely mishandled the contract of Saquon Barkley, effectively steering him to rival Philadelphia.
For the Giants, their fans’ apathy may be at an all-time low and the Cowboys have crushed their divisional foe, winning nine of their last ten meetings. Yet could the Giants turn the tide against the Cowboys this season? Here are the three X-factors that could help the Giants get the win in Week 2.
The Giants have had erratic quarterback play for nearly a decade. As Eli Manning declined, the Giants had a hard time saying goodbye to the two-time Super Bowl MVP, and as a result, the plan to replace him felt haphazard. Daniel Jones was chosen as the heir apparent and never lived up to the expectations that came with replacing Manning, let alone being an above-average quarterback in New York. With Jones gone, the Giants brought in Russell Wilson to serve as the team’s starting quarterback this season. Tommy DeVito and Jameis Winston are on the roster but you get the sense they are backups at best. Jaxson Dart was the team’s top draft choice and likely New York wants to take it slow with Dart and not throw him out under center too soon.
What does Russell Wilson have left? Although he doesn’t have the mobility he used to, he’s still very good at throwing the ball deep downfield and paired with Malik Nabers, that could be a difficult pairing to deal with. Speaking of Nabers, he has been disgruntled with his involvement in the offense. A more veteran quarterback like Wilson should be able to get Nabers the ball plenty to his liking. That said, Wilson’s passing numbers have decreased in each of the past three seasons. Also, the offensive line for the Giants has been a playground for opposing teams. The Giants have allowed 270 sacks over the last five seasons, which is tied for the worst in the NFL in that span. It will be a major “if”, but if New York can keep a clean pocket for Wilson, Dallas needs to make sure he doesn’t beat them with his arm.
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