One poor trend the Giants must reverse to knock off the Cowboys

When the New York Giants open the 2023 NFL season Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, they'll be looking to snap a four-game losing streak against the NFC East rival. But, if they hope to do so, they'll have to reverse a troubling trend against "America's Team."  

Both Giants' losses to the Cowboys in 2022 came by one score, but the discrepancy that stands out most is in the sack category. The Cowboys took down Giants QB Daniel Jones eight times over two contests, while the Giants failed to sack Dak Prescott nor Cooper Rush even once. 

The Giants' leaky offensive line wasn't only a problem against the Cowboys. By season's end, only the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans o-lines ranked lower on the Pro Football Focus rankings. Meanwhile, the Giants finished 27th in PFF pass-blocking efficiency. 

Despite the miserable year the offensive line had as a whole, the Giants chose to make minimal changes. The only real shake-up comes at center, where 2023 second-round pick John Michael Schmitz will take over for Jon Feliciano. 

The Giants' defensive line wasn't much better on the other side of the ball. New York ranked 20th in pass rush per PFF in 2022, but they hold much more promise than their counterparts on offense. 

With Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams leading the way, the Giants line could significantly improve this season, especially if Kayvon Thibodeaux builds off a solid rookie campaign and Azeez Ojulari returns to full strength following an injury-filled 2022. 

Anchoring the line, Lawrence and Williams combined for 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 40 QB hits a year ago. Meanwhile, Thibodeaux showed flashes of the player he could blossom into, posting four sacks, six tackles for loss and 13 QB hits. Also, Ojulari added 5.5 sacks despite being limited to only seven games a season ago.

If that group can stay healthy, the Giants have a chance to become arguably one of the more feared defensive lines in the NFC. They can start the upward trend on Sunday night by sacking a Cowboys QB for the first time in a long time. 

If a largely intact offensive line can take a leap forward and the d-line can get consistent pressure, or even a sack or two, the Giants might come away with a much-needed W over the Cowboys. 

If not, they might be doomed to repeat history. The last time the Giants opened the year against the Cowboys, Prescott went off, finishing 25-of-32 for 405 yards with four touchdowns in a 35-17 Dallas victory. 

Oh, and for the record, the Giants didn't sack Prescott once in the loss.