This Sunday, the New York Giants travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys in their season opener.
The Giants have a lot to prove this year after losing some major pieces on both sides of the ball. There are three major things the Giants need to do to win the game — let’s take a look.
Stop the run
After a staunch holdout, the Cowboys finally agreed to terms on a contract extension with last year’s league leading running back, Ezekiel Elliott. Last season, Zeke rushed for 1,434 yards and six touchdowns, and even though he held out and didn’t go to training camp or play in any preseason games, it’s safe to say he wasn’t twiddling his thumbs in Cabo. There is no indication that he is slowing down, especially with rookie Tony Pollard breathing down his neck. Pollard is a threat in his own right, on the ground, in the air and as a kick return man.
The Giants’ loss of Landon Collins and Olivier Vernon impacts the defense in a big way. Dave Gettleman has done his best to revamp the defense via the draft and free agency, but it’s too early to tell how effective they will be as a group. James Bettcher addressed this issue on Thursday, saying that it’s going to be a group effort and while Zeke’s game readiness is in question, everyone knows he’s going to get his touches.
Last season, Zeke recorded 78 yards and a touchdown in his only appearance against the Giants. He didn’t play the final game of the season while resting for the playoffs. Being able to stop, or at least slow Zeke down will be a huge factor in the outcome of the game.
Protect Eli
Eli Manning is the centerpiece of the Giants offense. Some may say it should be Daniel Jones, but until Manning falters, he’s going to be the guy. In order for the offense to be 100% effective, Manning needs to be 100% healthy, which means his line needs to protect him from huge hits.
Last season, Manning was sacked 47 times, sixth-most in the NFL and the most sacks he’s ever taken in a single season. If the Giants want any shot at doing anything this season, protecting Eli has to be at the top of the list. This week that may prove difficult as Mike Remmers has been out with an illness. He did return to practice, but his game status remains uncertain.
If Remmers can’t go on Sunday, Chad Slade will fill in at right tackle. Pat Shurmur and Mike Shula may have to move some players around as the game progresses if Slade can’t fill Remmers’ shoes, but a big key to winning this game is making sure that Eli stays healthy.
Avoid Turnovers
Last season, Eli was responsible for 15 of the team’s 16 turnovers. He threw 11 interceptions and fumbled the ball seven times, four of which were lost. During the preseason, the Giants threw three interceptions and fumbled the ball eight times, four of which were lost. Dallas led the NFL this preseason with 11 takeaways.
The Cowboys offense is too good to allow them to be on the field more than necessary, so the Giants offense needs to ensure that they aren’t turning the ball over. The more time the offense spends on the field on Sunday, the more likely the Giants can pull off a win. Eli needs to make sure his decisions are solid and his receivers need to make sure they don’t allow the ball to land in the hands of the defense.
