This Sunday, the Giants travel to Dallas to play their most hated Rival, the Dallas Cowboys. Before the season started, this would’ve been a prime matchup of two teams that have playoff hopes. That claim can still be made about the Cowboys, however, the Giants haven’t come close to making that a reality for their side. They’ve started the season 2-7, ending all hopes at another playoff run in 2023. Their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, tore his ACL last week against the Raiders and is now out for the season. The offense also has only scored over 17 points once all season. The Cowboys have one of the most talented rosters in the league. For the Giants to stay in the fight and compete with Dallas, they have to be meticulous and play a specific way.
How the Giants Can Stay Competitive Against the Cowboys
Saquon, Saquon and a Little Bit More Saquon
Considering that the Giants lost Daniel Jones for the season, they must now start to get creative with how they execute their offense. The best player on that side of the ball by a wide margin has to be running back Saquon Barkley. Since the Giants started dealing with quarterback injuries earlier this season, they’ve turned to Barkley to help garage some offensive chunk plays. He’s done that in spurts but has been asked to do a lot. Against the Jets in week 8, Barkley ran the ball 36 times. That’s the most rushes he’s had in his entire career.
The Giants might have to use Saquon just as much if they want to have a chance against the Cowboys. Earlier this year though in their first matchup, the Cowboys did a very nice job of limiting Barkley to only 51 yards on 12 carries. Using Barkley in the screen game might be an option for the Giants and their new quarterback Tommy DeVito. If they can get him out in space, then he can use his quickness and shiftiness to avoid defenders. Even using Barkley out wide as a receiver could provide DeVito with another weapon in the downfield passing game. Anything that can get Barkley more involved and in the game plan should be considered against the Cowboys.
Let Tommy DeVito Throw!
The Giants were dealt a bad hand last week in Las Vegas, as many thought the return of Daniel Jones would bring good things. However, that was shortly lived and the Giants had to turn back to undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito. Playing his college career at Syracuse, DeVito played well for the Orange. In 2022, he threw for 2,397 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. He wasn’t regarded as a great downfield thrower and isn’t the type of athlete you see starting on Sundays these days. That is why DeVito went undrafted, the Giants though did see something in him which is why they signed him as an undrafted rookie.
Fast forward to week 10 of his rookie season. He’s now starting his first career game in Dallas against the Cowboys. That has to be a pressure situation for the young QB, but last week proved he can hold his own in certain situations. While DeVito did through two ill-advised interceptions against the Raiders, he calmed down and led the Giants to their only touchdown drive of the game. With a good week in practice and him able to take the first-team reps in practice, DeVito should have a better showing this Sunday. He will have to contend with a ferocious Dallas defense, but if he can play mistake-free football, the Giants can stay in the fight.
Pressure, Brought to You by the Big Blue Pass Rush
The strength of this Giants team for the last month or so has been its defense. It’s kept them in a lot of games this season. It’s also created an identity they’ll have to lean into for the rest of the season. The focal point of that defense has to be their defensive line. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has been a stud going back to last season. He was a solid player his first couple of seasons, but a switch has been turned. Lawrence has now become one of the best interior defenders in the entire league. Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux has also been coming into his own. In the first nine games of the season, he’s reached 8.5 sacks putting him among the league’s best.
They must now contend and face off with the Cowboys offensive line, which is regarded as one of the league’s best. A line that consists of the likes of Zach Martin, Tyron Smith, and Tyler Biadasz. All of those players have made at least one Pro Bowl in their career. The Giants’ defensive line will have to come to work Sunday hungry and ready for a challenge. They know the offense won’t be the star of the show, they will. That is why they must bring the pressure all day. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale might have to dial up some blitzes to bring that pressure home. When they do, the Giants have to capitalize and make Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s day a nightmare.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – USA Today Sports
