Outside of a meaningless Week 18 loss to finish out the 2025 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have owned the New York Giants in recent years, and really throughout history. Big Blue has only beaten America's Team twice since 2017, and neither game was won against a Dak Prescott-led group.
But New York made some significant changes this offseason. Not only did they draft a potential franchise quarterback last year who showed flashes of being great as a rookie, but the Giants found an actual adult who may be able to lead what has always been a talented but underperforming roster.
In an attempt to better familiarize ourselves with the enemy, The Landry Hat spoke with Lior Lampert of GMENHQ, FanSided's dedicated Giants site. Lampert shared some in-depth insights that Cowboys fans will want to hear ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Dallas Cowboys do not have an easy foe in the New York Giants this coming season
Q: The Giants made a massive change this offseason by hiring John Harbaugh. How confident are fans that he is the right answer, and how is the new era going thus far?
A: The Tri-State Area has been oozing with optimism ever since Harbaugh arrived, and everything we’ve seen/heard validates the buzz. From longer practices and additional situational drills to a newfound sense of accountability, things already look very different compared to ex-head coach Brian Daboll's program. It's full speed ahead as the Giants embark on a fresh era of football.
Q: Do you have any health updates on Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo or Abdul Carter? What do their prospects look like for Week 1?
A: There haven't been too many encouraging updates on Nabers, making him an all-too-obvious candidate to open 2026 on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The G-Men are understandably slow-playing the star wide receiver's recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus he suffered this past September. Fortunately, though, Skattebo and Carter should be ready to roll come training camp in late July, barring any setbacks.
Q: What does Jaxson Dart need to do to take a Year 2 leap under Matt Nagy, and is he making progress so far this offseason?
Stay the course and trust the process. Dart has everything he needs for a Year 2 breakout, assuming Nabers returns sooner rather than later. Nagy must lean into the 2025 first-round pick’s strengths as an accurate downfield thrower and dangerous dual-threat option. However, striking the balance between play-calling aggressiveness and avoiding unnecessary contact and staying healthy is the coaching staff's top priority.
Q: How does the first-round rookie duo of Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa look so far?
A: Reese reportedly “looks the part” thus far, even physically standing out amongst NFL veterans, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. His elite athleticism has been on display early, and he’s picking up the playbook fast. Similarly, Mauigoa’s size has caught people’s attention in East Rutherford, including former franchise greats like Shaun O’Hara. The rookie offensive lineman is set up to be an immediate starter for an offensive line on the rise.
Q: Are New York fans confident in their replacement plan for Dexter Lawrence?
A: Even if they weren’t, what’s the alternative? Big Blue Nation has no choice but to eat its vegetables on Lawrence’s departure and understand that there is no replacing a player like him. The two-time All-Pro has shown a level of upside that a cast of veterans headlined by D.J. Reader cannot replicate. Hopefully, the improvements elsewhere and a ferocious pass rush will make up for moving on from the man known as “Sexy Dexy.”
Q: What was the biggest or most impactful move that the Giants made this offseason?
A: Fittingly, everything that was said about Lawrence above makes trading him to the Cincinnati Bengals New York’s most impactful offseason transaction by far. He’s arguably been the NFL’s most dominant interior pass-rusher of the decade by several notable metrics. The big fella's absence will be felt in more ways than one, considering the exploitable matchups his efforts provided and his strong leadership presence.
Q: New York has improved, but it isn't a perfect team. What's their biggest weakness that the Cowboys can exploit?
A: Even with Lawrence, the Giants were gashed by the run. They gave up the most yards per carry (5.3) and finished tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns allowed (21) last season. Dallas — and every team — should lean on their ground attack when game-planning against Big Blue.
Q: Do the Giants have a strength that Cowboys fans or those around the league are underestimating and could tilt the balance in the two matchups?
A: As previously mentioned, New York’s OL is trending upward. They have a pair of bookend tackles in Eluemunor and star Andrew Thomas. The established interior duo of Jon Runyan Jr. and John Michael Schmitz welcomes an exciting young newcomer. Moreover, and perhaps most notably, they have continuity heading into the season beyond Mauigoa, who provides a nice talent influx.
The Dallas Cowboys will face the New York Giants in Week 1 on Sunday Night Football at MetLife Stadium to open up the 2026 NFL season. The second of the two matchups between these teams will take place at AT&T Stadium in Week 17.
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