The NFL regular season is back! That means our ‘5 questions’ segment with a writer who covers the New York Giants’ opponent that week is also back. This week, David Halprin of Blogging The Boys answers our questions.
Ed: What is the biggest difference in this Dallas team from last year to this year?
David: It better be the defense. Last year was a nightmare for Cowboys fans as the offense was cooking while the defense was sabotaging the season. This offseason has been mostly about fixing that part of the team and it started with the hiring of DC Christian Parker and moving to a base
3-4 scheme. The personnel turnover on that side of the ball has been huge and the Cowboys used all manner of acquisition (trade, FA, draft) to bring in a new look on that side of the ball. It has to be better this year, but to what degree it will be is the big unknown.
Ed: It seems like every year there are massive expectations around the Cowboys, some of which are probably media-driven. Every year it seems they underperform those expectations. Why can this year be different?
David: I think the reason there is optimism in Dallas is a few different factors. One, the complete revamp of the defense discussed above. Next is the lack of drama this offseason, and a real dedication to business instead of flash. That’s Brian Schottenheimer’s influence. The Joneses seem to be giving Schottenheimer a lot of leeway to do what he wants, and the moves made this offseason seem to reflect that. The Cowboys hiring a youthful DC who wasn’t previously connected to the club in some way (Christian Parker) is another breaking of norms. The offseason has just felt different for Dallas with the Joneses being noticeably less buzzworthy.
Ed: The Giants had two chances to draft Caleb Downs. They took Arvell Reese and Sisi Mauigoa instead, and are very happy with their choices. Reese looks like a star, and Mauigoa could be a long-term fixture on the offensive line. Ten years from now, no matter how good Reese and Mauigoa are, will Downs have made the Giants regret not selecting him?
David: I’ll hide behind legendary coach John Harbaugh on this one: “Big fan, big fan,” Harbaugh said of Downs. “We favor Hall of Fame safeties, so if we have a chance to draft a potential future Hall of Fame safety in Caleb Downs, that would be just fine with me.” Seriously though, I think the answer will be yes, it was a mistake to pass on him. Everything about him to this moment in time screams generational player. His teammates, his coaches, through college and now the pros, just rave about him. Here’s the caveat: I’ve never seen him in a real NFL game. Maybe his skills don’t translate somehow, but that seems like a small possibility. I think the likelier path is an unbelievable career.
Ed: What is your biggest fear about this Dallas team?
David: I am a big believer that Christian Parker is going to make our defense at least serviceable and able to help the offense some. But the offensive tackles holding up against strong pass rushes is a concern (especially missing guard Tyler Smith to help out). Both starters, Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele, have been in competition for their jobs this offseason, and consistency, along with injury issues for Guyton, make both players question marks. The Giants pass rush should be a serious test for them.
Ed: Why do you think Dallas will win? What will have to happen for the Giants to pull off the upset?
David: I think that Dallas will win because their offense is going to score points and the defense has looked significantly better in the offseason than it did last season. The Cowboys should be a more balanced team this season and not have to solely rely on offensive heroics. The recipe for a Giants win likely starts with beating the Cowboys pass blocking and disrupting Dak Prescott’s timing. Containing CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is tough unless you stop the problem earlier in the play. Pressure Prescott without blitzing, then don’t turn the ball over. That’s a good plan for the upset.
