Giants Sputter Out vs Dallas; Hope to Gain Traction in Arizona

Opening the season at home against their longtime rival Dallas Cowboys, New York looked to show off their offseason acquisitions. Having just made the playoffs last year, many analysts anticipated more good things and came into this game giving the Giants the respect they deserved. After adding much-needed athleticism on both the offense and defense, many of us expected the game on Sunday night to be a classic NFC East showdown. The result was an abysmal 40-0 smackdown from the Dallas Cowboys on all levels: seven sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions (one of which went for a touchdown), and a blocked field goal which was also returned for a touchdown. While not playing great, the Cowboy offense took advantage of opportunities and played a clean, zero-turnover game.

If the Giants want to get their season on track after suffering a loss like that, they need to beat what is believed to be one of, if not THE worst team in the NFL this week. Starting up front with the Offensive Line, the overall play of the group needs to be much better. It helps when you aren't playing against All-Pro Micah Parsons, but allowing seven sacks is simply inexcusable. Notably, the right side of the line, manned by longtime veteran Guard Mark Glowinski and second-year Tackle Evan Neal, needs to be better. Glowinski alone gave up three sacks and five QB pressures, nearly half of the team's total. It all starts with the line in football, and for the Giants to have any offensive success, they must play much better football. Quarterback Daniel Jones was under heavy duress throughout the game, but he has to elevate his team and at least score a point as a forty million dollar per year QB. Jones was pressured on two-thirds of his dropbacks against Dallas, a league-high by far. His play and the line's should improve this week versus a weaker Cardinal defense.

Defensively, the Giants were unable to get to Dak Prescott. Dallas did not allow a single sack for the entire game. At the same time, they stayed stout in the run game and the Giants only managed two tackles for loss. Just like with the offense, it all starts up front with the defense. Out of the Giant's best core pass rushers, only Dexter Lawrence could hit or pressure the QB. NY will most likely be without pass rusher Azeez Ojulari on Sunday, who was mostly ineffective last week yet holds real star potential. Last year's number five overall pick, Kayvon Thibodeaux, has to find a way to make his presence felt. Being held in check to four tackles is not going to cut it in the NFL. The Giants invested in him for his pass-rushing prowess and are relying on it heavily this year to make their defense formidable.

In short, if the Giants want to avoid a cataclysmic start to the season, they must win game two against the Cardinals. This match, like any other, has to be won on both sides of the line. Offensively keeping Daniel Jones upright in the pocket should lead to more success Sunday afternoon. Ensuring they wreak havoc on Joshua Dobbs is just as crucial for the defense. Getting to Dobbs early and often should pave the way to victory.