Dallas Cowboys Week 5 opponent preview: New York Giants

The Cowboys are now falling into must win territory this week.

By Terence Watson @Watson703 Oct 7, 2020, 9:30am CDT

The Cowboys defense failed them once again which has now led them to a 1-3 record after the first quarter of the season. While the offense has been able to dig the team out of the holes made by the defense, they haven’t been able to close the deal except for the game against Atlanta. What is it going to take for the defense to right the ship? Maybe this game against the Giants could give them a boost in confidence. So let’s take a look at the Cowboy week four opponent.

New York Giants

2019 Record: 4-12

Last Meeting: 11/04/19 Cowboys 37 – Giants 18

Head Coach: Joe Judge

Key Additions: CB James Bradberry, RB Dion Lewis, LB Blake Martinez, RB Devonta Freeman, S Logan Ryan

Key Losses: WR Cody Latimer, OL Mike Remmers, RB Saquon Barkley (Injury), WR Sterling Shepard (Injury), S Xavier McKinney (Injury)

Biggest offensive strength and weakness

The Giants biggest strength was their main offensive weapon, Saquon Barkley, but with him out for the season with an ACL injury, the success of the Giants offense now depends on second-year quarterback Daniel Jones to pick up the slack. Jones will lean on his pass catchers Golden Tate, Darius Slayton, and Evan Engram to keep the Giants in games. The Cowboys will also see a familiar face across from them in former head coach Jason Garrett who is now the Giants offensive coordinator. Look for Jones and Garrett to attack the Cowboys secondary early and often.

Jones may have some trouble finding his receivers thanks to the Giants biggest weakness on offense, their offensive line. So far this season Jones has been sacked 14 times. The lack of time in the pocket has also led to Jones throwing five interceptions and three fumbles. If the Cowboys can generate any type of pressure on Jones they have a great chance of winning this game.

Biggest defensive strength and weakness

The Giants defense has been a lot better than the were a season ago thanks to the additions made in the offseason. Linebacker Blake Martinez and safety Logan Ryan have helped solidify the middle and back end of this defense. Yet, the Giants strength lies in the middle of their defensive line manned by Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence who have combined for 37 tackles, three sacks, and seven quarterback hits. They will be facing off against Cowboys rookie center Tyler Biadasz and left guard Connor Williams, bad news for this Cowboys offense. Look for these two to attack Biadasz and Williams all game.

The Giants may have two talented safeties in the secondary but their corners are still a weak link on this defense. Great news for the Cowboys who have the current passing yards leader in Dak Prescott and receivers Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and the emerging CeeDee Lamb. The Giants corners are going to be in for a long game this Sunday.

X-Factors

On offense, the biggest x-factor that will determine the Giants success will be their offensive line being able to keep Jones upright so they can use their passing game to open up their running game led by the recently signed Devonta Freeman.

On defense, it will be if Williams and Lawrence can win their battles against Biadasz and Williams. If they can it does two things, it slows down the Cowboys passing game and will slow down Ezekiel Elliott as well.