Giants: 3 new additions who can make the difference in Week 1

The Giants are hoping that their offense can stack up against a formidable Cowboys defense in Week 1. If Big Blue does earn the big Week 1 win, Waller will undoubtedly play a big role in securing the victory.

A massive upgrade to the Giants’ linebacker corps

Big Blue addressed their massive weakness at the linebacker position this offseason by signing former Indianapolis Colts LB Bobby Okereke in free agency. Okereke totaled a career-high 151 combined tackles in 2022 and should serve as an immediate upgrade for New York’s run defense.

In 2022, New York possessed one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. They surrendered an average of 144.2 rushing yards per game, ranking 27th in the NFL. Inversely, the Cowboys rushed for 135.2 yards per game, ranking ninth in the NFL. Slowing down Dallas’ running game will be key to earning the victory in Week 1.

Additionally, the Giants have another newcomer in the linebacker corps after trading for Isaiah Simmons at the end of the preseason. Simmons may not be the tackle-stacking run-stopper that Okereke is, but he is still a versatile defensive weapon that could make an impact as a blitzer.

Slowing down Dak Prescott with an upgraded secondary

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is on a 10-game winning streak when facing the Giants. Big Blue has not beaten Prescott since 2016. In those 10 games, Prescott has totaled 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions. The odds are not in New York’s favor in Week 1 with Prescott starting for Dallas. If the Giants want to earn the win, they need their newcomers in the secondary to slow down the Dak attack.

Rookie cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins III are expected to be the Giants’ two starters in Week 1. Veteran Adoree’ Jackson is expected to move into the slot. With Banks and Hawkins being rookies and Jackson having never played in the slot before, New York’s secondary is filled with inexperience.

Banks is preparing for his regular-season debut with a fearless mindset. The first-round draft pick needs to rise to the occasion and play his part in slowing down a loaded Cowboys receiving corps. Across his 33 coverage snaps this preseason, Banks was targeted four times, surrendering 0 receptions and a 39.6 passer rating allowed, per Pro Football Focus.

Hawkins, a rookie sixth-round pick, has earned his spot with the starters after an extraordinary training camp. “He has surpassed anything I would have imagined at this point,” Giants defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said to the New York Post. Hawkins will need to continue his excellent play into the regular season to help the Giants slow down Prescott and the Cowboys.