Are there any Giants players who concern you?
After assessing the X-factors for the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, we now turn our attention to the New York Giants. Depending on what happens in Week 1, the Cowboys could be looking at improving to 2-0 or looking to avoid a dreaded 0-2 hole. Thankfully, for the Cowboys, they’ll have a ten-day break to prepare for the Giants. Although the Giants have been largely awful since their last Super Bowl victory in 2011, they are an enigmatic group heading into 2024.
Exactly, who are these New York Giants? Led by Brian Daboll, they managed to win a road playoff game in 2022 versus the Minnesota Vikings. Since then, it has seemingly come crashing down. Daniel Jones, who started that game against the Vikings, was released by the team midway through last season and the team completely mishandled the contract of Saquon Barkley, effectively steering him to rival Philadelphia.
For the Giants, their fans’ apathy may be at an all-time low and the Cowboys have crushed their divisional foe, winning nine of their last ten meetings. Yet could the Giants turn the tide against the Cowboys this season? Here are the three X-factors that could help the Giants get the win in Week 2.
Russell Wilson
The Giants have had erratic quarterback play for nearly a decade. As Eli Manning declined, the Giants had a hard time saying goodbye to the two-time Super Bowl MVP, and as a result, the plan to replace him felt haphazard. Daniel Jones was chosen as the heir apparent and never lived up to the expectations that came with replacing Manning, let alone being an above-average quarterback in New York. With Jones gone, the Giants brought in Russell Wilson to serve as the team’s starting quarterback this season. Tommy DeVito and Jameis Winston are on the roster but you get the sense they are backups at best. Jaxson Dart was the team’s top draft choice and likely New York wants to take it slow with Dart and not throw him out under center too soon.
What does Russell Wilson have left? Although he doesn’t have the mobility he used to, he’s still very good at throwing the ball deep downfield and paired with Malik Nabers, that could be a difficult pairing to deal with. Speaking of Nabers, he has been disgruntled with his involvement in the offense. A more veteran quarterback like Wilson should be able to get Nabers the ball plenty to his liking. That said, Wilson’s passing numbers have decreased in each of the past three seasons. Also, the offensive line for the Giants has been a playground for opposing teams. The Giants have allowed 270 sacks over the last five seasons, which is tied for the worst in the NFL in that span. It will be a major “if”, but if New York can keep a clean pocket for Wilson, Dallas needs to make sure he doesn’t beat them with his arm.
Theo Johnson
Outside of Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, the Giants are desperate for weapons to emerge in their passing game to open the offense. The team had high hopes for Jalin Hyatt, but the speedy receiver has only mustered 31 receptions in two years and hasn’t scored a touchdown. Maybe the Giants need to focus more on the intermediate passing game over the middle of the field versus the vertical one Russell Wilson is accustomed to. Enter Theo Johnson.
Theo Johnson caught this 35 yard seam pass for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Overall, he had a rough game…still, this is the second week in a row where his size, leaping ability, and catch radius up the seam were assets. pic.twitter.com/VVrGXJlhlF
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) November 3, 2024
Johnson is a big target with impressive speed for his size. At 6’6”, 259 lbs., the former Penn State Nittany Lion clocked a 4.57 40-yard dash time at the scouting combine in 2024. Johnson runs good routes and can make difficult catches because of his huge hands and large catch radius.
Last season, Johnson was the Giants fourth-leading receiver in terms of yards and fifth on the team in receptions. He also had four plays last season of 20 yards or more. Per Player Profiler, Johnson averaged 2.2 yards of separation per target in 2024. Johnson doesn’t command a lot of targets but if the Cowboys overcompensate in slowing down Malik Nabers and overlook Johnson it would be to their detriment. Johnson has the traits and talent to be a threat in the red zone and make impactful plays to alter the game.
Paulson Adebo
The Giants have had their struggles in the secondary for a few years and have tried to remedy that with free agency. Somewhat recently in 2021, the Giants tried to solve their cornerback woes by signing Adoree Jackson to a large contract and that didn’t pan out. The Giants have gone back to the piggy bank once again, signing Paulson Adebo from the New Orleans Saints. Adebo cost the Giants a pretty penny (three-year, $54M contract). It’s a big risk for the Giants since Adebo hasn’t garnered any career awards up to this point and only played in seven games last season after suffering a season-ending injury to his femur.
The Giants need Adebo to pan out because the Giants don’t have much experience behind him. They are also looking to develop Deonte Banks on the opposite side of Adebo. The reason why Adebo is an X-factor for the Giants is because before his injury he was ascending and was on pace to set career-highs in tackles, interceptions, and passes defended. Adebo is a tall corner who likes to press receivers off the line of scrimmage. Expect a lot of jawing back and forth between him and George Pickens. The Cowboys need to avoid making mistakes in his direction because he will make them pay for it. He’s got soft hands for a defensive back and plays the football very well.
