So how do we match up with the cowboys?

find out in a few weeks, no?

Dallas has an advantage in special teams
Defensive coaching is likely a draw
Offensive coaching is likely a significant advantage to the Giants
Head coaching is an advantage to the Giants
Dallas probably still has the better roster, although the gap has closed.

Just how much has our OL improved? Dallas has a very good DL.

28-6

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last time Dallas went to the Super Bowl, Daniel Jones wasn't born yet.

If we can handle Lawrence and Paraons - I like our chances.

but I feel like this is going to be a coming out party. Statement win. This is a well coached team and I expect them to be prepared. They have the corners and they have a full stable of monsters along the DL. Jones is in command.

I'm oddly confident in this. I also reserve the right to change my mind 6 times before September 10th.

...difference this year will be the ability to attack the entire field passing. Their corners jump everything and we couldn't take advantage as much as we should have.

In comment 16167049 Trainmaster said:

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Dallas has an advantage in special teams Defensive coaching is likely a draw Offensive coaching is likely a significant advantage to the Giants Head coaching is an advantage to the Giants Dallas probably still has the better roster, although the gap has closed.

Good summary. This is going to be a Captain Obvious game: whichever QB plays better, that team will win.

We have so many changes in our offense and defense, we are a different team than last year. We have so many new weapons and the coaches to use them creatively. Dallas is so used to beating us down at the LOS (Rick has a point, especially with our evolving OL), but if we can handle that, we will surprise them again and again on offense. We will score on them repeatedly: can they handle that?

Wink always seems to find a way to keep us competitive on D. If he trusts the new guys he puts on the field, I trust that we will do OK or better.

But can we do it all in our first game of the season with so many changes and new starters on offense and defense? As to special teams, who knows right now? Still, I think the coaches will really be pointing for this one, a conference game against a huge rival: we will find several ways to surprise the overconfident Cowboys.

can hold off Dallas' D...the last few years, they've been giving our OL fits. Their offense will get some points, if they could give Jones some time, and do a better job for Barkley...

In comment 16167109 barens said:

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can hold off Dallas' D...the last few years, they've been giving our OL fits. Their offense will get some points, if they could give Jones some time, and do a better job for Barkley...

100% agree, and it is that obvious.

Neal was owned badly last year. This had a great affect on what Jones could do. Jones had to do a lot of improvising because not only Neal stunk, but so did most not named Thomas.

If we can keep those guys away from Jones and allow our new speedy receivers a chance to run, I think we will take them. If the protection is similar to last year, we probably lose again.

So which is it?

and their OL line typically pushes our Front 7 around, even sometimes with their reserves.

When we see a change in the above then we can assess other matchups.

This year when Lamb lines up he will be getting more one on one coverage. The addition of Cooks and Gallup looking much better one year removed from his injury will make defenses more honest. Defenses won't be able to focus on just Lamb. Lamb should have his best season of his career.

Martin not being in camp is not a concern. He is a veteran and will be ready for week 1.

Diggs has benefitted with the addition of Gilmore. Gilmore has been working with Diggs on his technique and preaching patience. This will make Diggs a better CB. Another player benefitting from the Gilmore acquisition is Lamb. Lamb has commented that Gilmore is the smartest CB he has ever faced. Gilmore tells Lamb what he is going to do by his alignment and the formation. Gilmore is also telling Lamb what he should do when CBs try different techniques on how to counter them. Gilmore and Cooks have been great leaders in the short time that they have been with the team. Coaches on the field.

As for Waller running free, we'll see. The Dallas defense is very good at every level, not the best, just very good. But when those parts play together I think Dallas will have the best defense in the NFL this year.

As for week 1 my only concern with Dallas is recently they have not played well opening week. I believe this has to do with their starters getting very little to no playing time in the preseason. I hope this changes this year and every starter plays some in the preseason.

until proven otherwise. People like to focus on how overrated the Cowboys are. And that may be so. But we are worse than them until proven otherwise due to this.

Even if it’s not any better than last year, and it should be better than last year simply due to player progression/development. Add in the likes of waller, Campbell and the rookie center and there’s no reason to think the offense isn’t improved. Let’s say it matches the second half run of 2022 throughout 2023. That’s an above average offense and one that shouldn’t turn it over too often and one that should control the clock to some extent and one that should run the ball at clutch moments. In short, it should be good. Not a stretch to believe that.

The key is the defense. On paper, the D is a lot better than the average or random snap shot from 2022. Of course on paper doesn’t always manifest exactly the way we all want it to, injuries and what not, but we have more outs or numbers than last year. Notably, a full year of Thibs and Ojulari. A full year of a real live and legit MLB. A full year of live and adept bodies next to Lawrence/Williams. The front 7 on paper looks good to me. Maybe even great but let’s be fair and allow for some injuries and just call it good. The secondary is very good on paper but again, let’s be fair and say it’s good.

Even allowing for some bad luck here and there, the team looks good on paper. We have a lot of answers now, a lot of guys we can count on to make plays. It’s a more confident and comfortable roster in my view. Everyone seems to know their place and the players aren’t afraid to fail.

Also, we’ve seen this staff do good to great things with rookies or young unproven players. We’ve seen them do good things with players pulled off the scrap heap. I don’t think it’s unfair to assume this rookie class sees many players contribute and fast.

There’s so much volatility and shit that can go wrong so EVERY team is saying the same shit right now— good health. Who knows what the record will be but if things shake out in relatively decent fashion, we are going to be fine in 2023 and beyond. I think we’re finally in a good place. Maybe the path isn’t as linear as we hope but all in all we should be compete over the next few years. And that includes within the nfc east and especially Dallas. We’re going to be a problem for them. The party is over. No more cake walks when playing nyg.

We could have won both games last season vs. Dallas with a play here & there.

NYG will give them more trouble and probably win a game. Philly might need to come back a little bit even if nyg are a step better. Thing is nothing is a certainty. We saw how quick the late 2007 into 2008 giants faded as 2009 marched into October. Things can and will turn on a dime in the NFL. Just when you think a team is elite things change. Sometimes it isn’t even a notable injury. Just teams wearing down or losing that edge.

And stop the run. They will win so w receiving battles but their offense is not scary at all.

Seeing what Dabs And Kafka can scheme w better talent this year should help. OL vs their DL is huge

Game 1's are a little unpredictable and the Giants have a lot of new pieces on both sides. Not always so easy having everyone on the same page.

Whoever stones the other teams run game and wins the turnover battle probably wins.

the rb is a star already and may be on the brink of super star if he has an even better 23 campaign. Pollard is a legit player. They let zeke walk for good reason. They have a better player waiting to carry the load.

Dallas isn’t going away without a fight. Giants will have to earn it but seem poised to do so. People make it sound like Dallas is bad and the qb is a joke. Reality says otherwise.

I remember going to an opening night game against the boys when we all believed the giants had turned the corner and we would win. Lt and Simms were both there (I think they were both added to the ring of honor that night} and Emmitt smith had a dislocated shoulder and would not be his usual threat.

I also remember everyone leaving at half time because Dallas was killing us. This game really scares me. With that said it would be a GREAT WIN.

While I am desperately holding onto the waning days of summer, I can hardly wait for this season to start. I want to see more of what this team does in the coming games, though I know it doesn't mean that much until the season actually starts. But, I am very encouraged in what we've seen so far in camp and with this coaching staff having a season under its belt against the NFCE, I think the Giants will be commpetitve. At the very least, I think the Giants will split with the rest of the division, and it will be a tough division this year.

I think that we have less talent than the Cowboys overall.

BUT I also feel like we have a huge advantage in coaching. Not only do I believe that Daboll is ten times the coach McCarthy is, but we have the benefit of more continuity and likely a better, more inspired culture.

I actually think we win and the latter factor is a big reason why.

that could be a big help for containing Lamb, he has feasted on the Giants with 500 yards in 3 years already. PFF had him as their #1 slot WR last year, adding Brandin Cooks will only push him there more, doubt he'd follow the rookies outside much. Banks and Hawkins running sprints with Cooks and Gallup sounds a lot better, I'm interested to see if that's the alignment who they give Cooks and who they give Gallup.

A lot, on this site and elsewhere

He’s whooped our ass every time we’ve faced him since 2016

gives me indigestion.

Imagine if Boston Scott were 25 lbs lighter and quicker.

In comment 16167373 cjac said:

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A lot, on this site and elsewhere He’s whooped our ass every time we’ve faced him since 2016

That’s some barometer, haven’t most QBs?

Daks pay is a big reason why he “sucks”. Obviously he’s not a bad QB but he’s had about as perfect conditions you can have to start your nfl career and he chokes a lot. Let’s hope that continues.

In comment 16167083 bw in dc said:

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In comment 16167049 Trainmaster said: Quote: Dallas has an advantage in special teams Defensive coaching is likely a draw Offensive coaching is likely a significant advantage to the Giants Head coaching is an advantage to the Giants Dallas probably still has the better roster, although the gap has closed. Good summary. This is going to be a Captain Obvious game: whichever QB plays better, that team will win.

Dallas beat us with their ground game last year. I think our front 7 is greatly improved and the Dallas offensive line isn't what it used to be.

I like our chances against them.

In comment 16167378 BlackLight said:

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gives me indigestion. Imagine if Boston Scott were 25 lbs lighter and quicker.

Me too, I was hoping the Giants would take him, mostly so someone else in the division wouldn’t be able to. One of those players who plays with a big heart, which is someone I don’t want on Dallas.

People saying Dallas hasn’t improved overall aren’t facing reality. They added another veteran corner in Gilmore who’s an all-pro, and Banks at WR for more speed. Who did they lose that will make them worse?

Dalton Schultz has been a big part of their offense for years at TE, and their 2nd rounder is on the NFI list with plantar fasciitis, has missed the whole offseason, and "no timeline" yet to return. Could end up being a pretty big hole if their 4th rounder from last year doesn't step up.

In comment 16167056 PatersonPlank said:

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And yet they win 10+ games every year.

In comment 16167165 LauderdaleMatty said:

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And stop the run. They will win so w receiving battles but their offense is not scary at all. Seeing what Dabs And Kafka can scheme w better talent this year should help. OL vs their DL is huge

False narrative on Dak. He's had a 90+ QB rating 7 of his 8 years. 166 TDs, 65 INTs. Suck is definitely the wrong word.

both our losses were one score games.

We lost 20-28 on Thanksgiving in Dallas; a game we actually led at halftime. Barkley was banged up. Hodgins had just joined the team 3 wks prior. Richie James led us in targets.

Below is a partial list of the players we now have that didn't play in the Thanksgiving game, either due to injury or not being on the team.

Players who didn't play due to injury:

Bellinger
Neal
Adoree
McKinney
Bredeson
Beavers
Shep
(I won't count Wandale bc he won't play wk 1 either)

Players we've since added:

Waller
Campbell
Hyatt
Okereke
Nacho
A'Shawn
Banks
Screamin' Tre Hawkins
Crowder/Beasley

Between the players who were hurt and the new additions, that's a lot of talent added to the team that lost a 1 score game in dallas in Nov of '22.

Obviously stopping the run is paramount. Okereke, Nacho and A'Shawn, et al should help there. And Waller, Campbell, Hyatt, et al should help us score more than 20 pts.

Maybe the cowboys have added some talent, but I don't think it compares to what we've added. They added 29 yr old WR, Cooks, whose stats were comparable to Slayton's last yr.

CB Gilmore was really good, but he's turning 33 (about a week after we play them). He was DPOY 5 yrs ago, but has been trending downhill since. He was voted to the pro bowl in '21, obviously based on his name, bc he only started 3 games. Would we be excited about adding a 33 yr old CB (bc he was great 5 yrs (and 4 teams) ago)?

I also think our STs will be better. According to reports, Gillan is getting better at downing inside the 10 (yay!) and whoever we have returning, will probably be an upgrade over last yr (we have so many more options now).

With the versatility of new players, our O will also have an element of surprise we haven't had in years. Lastly, I think we also have an edge in coaching.

Call me crazy, but I'm pretty confident Giants win, possibly fairly convincingly. It will be a shock to many in the media, but it shouldn't be.

I can understand fans that are feeling optimistic about the Giants this year (and their match-up with Dallas). To me, I am hoping Daboll is the real deal and not a one hit wonder while also actively considering the possibility that things could crumble this year. Daboll had a very encouraging first year, but many coaches have that were not able to match that success again. With proven head coaches you kind of know what you are getting. Another good year for Daboll would answer many more questions about him as a coach.

In comment 16167482 Blue Dog said:

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Dalton Schultz has been a big part of their offense for years at TE, and their 2nd rounder is on the NFI list with plantar fasciitis, has missed the whole offseason, and "no timeline" yet to return. Could end up being a pretty big hole if their 4th rounder from last year doesn't step up.

They still have Ferguson, who is not someone to sleep on.

The one thing that makes me feel good about our matchup with Dallas is that we have the better QB, but make no mistake, they are a talented team, and they've had the edge over us for years. Frustrating.

the fact that "they've had the edge over us for years" doesn't mean squat, imo.

We had a shitty team for about a decade, but that's in the past. It means nothing in '23. The '23 Giants roster and coaching staff is vastly better than any Giants roster and coaching staff since '11, imo.

If anything, I could see the cowpies being over confident, bc they've beaten us so much over the years. In 5 weeks, they're not going to know what hit them.

In comment 16167049 Trainmaster said:

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Dallas has an advantage in special teams Defensive coaching is likely a draw Offensive coaching is likely a significant advantage to the Giants Head coaching is an advantage to the Giants Dallas probably still has the better roster, although the gap has closed.

McCarthy has a .614 career winning rate and .600 in Dallas. He has a super bowl etc. After one year, we are basing our advantage on coaching? Daboll is a good coach, but I don't think how anyone can say at this point the coaching will be in our favor.

In comment 16167612 Dr. D said:

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both our losses were one score games. We lost 20-28 on Thanksgiving in Dallas; a game we actually led at halftime. Barkley was banged up. Hodgins had just joined the team 3 wks prior. Richie James led us in targets. Below is a partial list of the players we now have that didn't play in the Thanksgiving game, either due to injury or not being on the team. Players who didn't play due to injury: Bellinger Neal Adoree McKinney Bredeson Beavers Shep (I won't count Wandale bc he won't play wk 1 either) Players we've since added: Waller Campbell Hyatt Okereke Nacho A'Shawn Banks Screamin' Tre Hawkins Crowder/Beasley Between the players who were hurt and the new additions, that's a lot of talent added to the team that lost a 1 score game in dallas in Nov of '22. Obviously stopping the run is paramount. Okereke, Nacho and A'Shawn, et al should help there. And Waller, Campbell, Hyatt, et al should help us score more than 20 pts. Maybe the cowboys have added some talent, but I don't think it compares to what we've added. They added 29 yr old WR, Cooks, whose stats were comparable to Slayton's last yr. CB Gilmore was really good, but he's turning 33 (about a week after we play them). He was DPOY 5 yrs ago, but has been trending downhill since. He was voted to the pro bowl in '21, obviously based on his name, bc he only started 3 games. Would we be excited about adding a 33 yr old CB (bc he was great 5 yrs (and 4 teams) ago)? I also think our STs will be better. According to reports, Gillan is getting better at downing inside the 10 (yay!) and whoever we have returning, will probably be an upgrade over last yr (we have so many more options now). With the versatility of new players, our O will also have an element of surprise we haven't had in years. Lastly, I think we also have an edge in coaching. Call me crazy, but I'm pretty confident Giants win, possibly fairly convincingly. It will be a shock to many in the media, but it shouldn't be.

The Thanksgiving game NY scored a TD with :08 seconds left to make it a one score game. It wasn’t as close as the score indicated. Without the late TD the score is 21-0 in the 2nd half. Dallas played poorly in the 1st half letting NY hang around giving NY hope for an upset. But once Dallas took control scoring three straight TDs the game was over.

The first game NY had everything in their favor, 2-0, at home, Monday night ready to make a statement. But it still wasn't enough. Barkley scored with 6 minutes left in 3rd quarter to put NY up 13-6. Dallas then scored 17 points to put the game away. Gano kicked a late FG, but once again the score was misleading.

Dallas won the 2nd half of both games last year. Late scores by NY made the games seem closer than they were.

There have been multiple mentions of the Gilmore/Cooks acquisitions as being the best moves of the off season. Both players were exactly what Dallas needed on both sides of the ball. So far through training camp they have proven just that. Cooks has helped elevate the passing game and more importantly has been mentoring the WR corp. Gilmore has done exactly the same on the defensive side. I believe that when this season is over the success Dallas has will be because they acquired these two players.

Schoonmaker has been disappointing. Dallas knew of his foot injury, but it has taken longer than expected to heal. He recently had a set back making him miss more time. Dallas is fortunate to have Ferguson and Hendershot from last year to fall back on while Schoonmaker gets up to speed. There is an undrsfted free agent John Stephens who is turning heads. If Schoonmaker doesn't heal in time there is a possibility that Dallas red shirts him this year.

Thanks to 2 Dak pics. Otherwise, it wasn’t that close in several catagories:
Rushing yds (killed us)
3rd downs (they rushed for 1sts in passing situations)
Sacks
Total yds

If we still sux against the run - no change
2022 Team stats - ( New Window )

espec Dallas on offense. We need to see NYG close the gap, same as with Phil.

In comment 16167678 Dr. D said:

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the fact that "they've had the edge over us for years" doesn't mean squat, imo. We had a shitty team for about a decade, but that's in the past. It means nothing in '23. The '23 Giants roster and coaching staff is vastly better than any Giants roster and coaching staff since '11, imo. If anything, I could see the cowpies being over confident, bc they've beaten us so much over the years. In 5 weeks, they're not going to know what hit them.

All good, and I'm not trying to be overly pessimistic, but until they can corral that defensive line, the results won't be different. If Parsons and Lawrence are getting to Jones in under 3 seconds, that's a pretty big disadvantage, don't you think?

Yes, we are much more talented than last season (low bar).
But if you look at Dallas’ roster - I think it’s fair to say they are still the more talented team.
I like our coaching edge but they are a good team.

In comment 16167616 ChrisRick said:

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I can understand fans that are feeling optimistic about the Giants this year (and their match-up with Dallas). To me, I am hoping Daboll is the real deal and not a one hit wonder while also actively considering the possibility that things could crumble this year. Daboll had a very encouraging first year, but many coaches have that were not able to match that success again. With proven head coaches you kind of know what you are getting. Another good year for Daboll would answer many more questions about him as a coach.

That’s fair. What gives me hope with Daboll is how he won last year. By that I mean Daboll and the offense (and defense for that matter) didn’t make it look very difficult. Looking back at mcadoo year 1 and how the giants won in 2016, they really had to pull a lot of games out of their ass via the big play to beckham. Sure that’s nice but how sustainable was it. No running game. Mcadoo was known as this offensive guy and the team barely scored 300 pts and it was on the backs of Eli to beckham and literally nothing else. Yes they added some talent in that 17 offseason but it was bullshit. They added an old fuck in Brandon Marshall and never even came close to addressing the running game and OL. Weak spots stayed weak. Stink got even stinkier. The D played well in 16 and needed to carry the day early on in 2017. Problem was the d wasn’t perfect and once shit started to go south via that brutal 2017 offense, and now without the injured beckham, the D said Fuck this and (virtually) quit.

Mcadoo should give us pause. 2016 into 2017 should scare us. That said, 2022 saw the giants offense actually score pts at a slightly above average clip. And it has addressed the weaker spots and even accentuated the strength. It added the big time young center. Added the wr/te talent too. And the weakest unit, the defense, saw the giants add 2-3 impact veteran FAs along with the first round corner.

Long way of saying I get the fear but do think we’re in a safer place these days. Yes it will come down to Daboll and Jones. I think these guys are true pros. We
May not be legendary good under this regime, way too early to tell, but i think at the very least well be a fun little team. Hopefully we’re a great team.