Giants’ defensive struggles raise concerns ahead of Thanksgiving clash

The New York Giants have found themselves in a precarious position as they head into their Thanksgiving matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. After a promising start to the season, where they led the NFL in sacks with 35 through the first eight games, the Giants’ defense has hit a wall. With only one sack in their last three games, the team’s defensive prowess is under scrutiny.

Declining performance on the pass rush

Dexter Lawrence, who was a standout performer early in the season, leading the league with nine sacks through seven games, has seen his effectiveness diminish. Facing double and triple-team blocks, Lawrence has not recorded a sack in his last four outings. This decline has contributed to the Giants dropping to fourth place in team sacks, now trailing behind the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Minnesota Vikings. The inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks has raised alarms about the sustainability of their defensive strategy.

Offensive line challenges and injuries

As the Giants prepare for the Cowboys, they are also dealing with significant injuries on their offensive line. Veteran Chris Hubbard is set to start at left tackle due to Jermaine Eluemunor being ruled out with a quad injury. Hubbard’s previous performances have been less than stellar, leading to concerns about the Giants’ ability to protect their quarterback effectively. The offensive line’s struggles have compounded the team’s issues, making it difficult to establish a rhythm on offense.

Thanksgiving game history and expectations

Historically, the Giants have struggled in Thanksgiving games against the Cowboys, holding an 0-2 record in road matchups. Head coach Brian Daboll expressed the significance of playing on Thanksgiving, recalling fond memories of watching the games with his grandfather. As the Giants prepare for this crucial game, they must address their defensive shortcomings and find a way to contain the Cowboys’ offense, which has also faced its challenges this season.

With the Giants’ 30th-ranked run defense allowing an average of 147.9 yards per game, they will need to step up against a Cowboys rushing offense that ranks 31st, averaging only 82.5 yards per game. The outcome of this game could hinge on which team can overcome its defensive issues and establish a more effective game plan.