Optimism season is over

Until Week 1, every offseason rep can be spun as progress. The opener against Dallas ends that grace period for the Giants.

“reality sets in quickly in Week 1”

Two hyped NFC East teams

Both the Giants and Cowboys reshuffled coaching staffs and rosters this offseason. Sunday night is the first honest read on either one.

The case: ground and pound

New York's route to a win is controlling the pace on the ground. That means early-down runs, long drives, and a clock that keeps Dallas off the field.

Dallas can't stop the run

The Cowboys ran one of the league's worst run defenses last season, giving up 0.05 EPA per rush attempt.

Preseason brought no fix

Under new coordinator Christian Parker, Dallas allowed 4.8 rushing yards per attempt in the preseason, fourth-highest in the NFL, for an EPA of -0.23.

Third downs on the ground

Opponents converted 60% of third downs against Dallas when they ran the ball, tied for the ninth-worst mark in the league.

They paid for the run game

New York drafted right guard Francis Mauigoa and signed fullback Patrick Ricard, two moves aimed squarely at blowing open holes.

Skattebo leads a crowded backfield

Cam Skattebo returns from injury as the projected lead back, with carries also going to Najee Harris, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.

Runs cover for the passing game

Staying ahead of the sticks takes pressure off a passing attack that may not have Malik Nabers available.

The case against: run defense

DJ Reader, Shelby Harris and Chauncey Golston start up front, but what sits behind them is the worry.

Gashed all preseason

The Giants gave up 232 rushing yards this preseason, fifth most in the league, at 3.6 yards per carry, seventh-highest.

Beaten before and after contact

PFF had New York sixth in yards allowed per rush before contact at 1.57, and second in yards after contact at 2.02. Both ends of the play broke down.

The depth is the problem

Reader and Harris sat out the summer, but they won't play every snap. The backups who posted those numbers will have to spell them.

“It's knowing that they won't play 100% of the defensive snaps”

One break, one worry

Dallas is likely without left guard Tyler Smith for 4-6 weeks with a thumb injury. Shelby Harris, meanwhile, landed on the injury report with a knee issue.

Openers have been brutal

New York is 1-5 in season openers since 2020. Every loss came by two scores or more, and the last three ended without double-digit points.

Prediction: Giants 27, Cowboys 24

John Harbaugh has drilled the team to be ready for a three-hour grind, body and mind. New York beats Dallas twice in a row for the first time since 2016.

“That changes this week in a squeaker.”