It’s time for another football season to begin for the Dallas Cowboys, and that means it’s time for five questions with the enemy. Ed Valentine of Big Blue View joins us for Week 1.
Blogging The Boys: So tell us about the big change – John Harbaugh. What is the feel around his hire?
Big Blue View: Harbaugh has brought credibility, standards, and expectations to the organization that have not existed since Tom Coughlin was head coach. There is optimism because of the way this team has worked, because everything
has been very intentional, and because Harbaugh brings the feeling that the floor has been raised.
BTB: It seems like Malik Nabers will play, how do you think he will perform?
BBV: It is impossible to expect Nabeers to be the player he was in 2024 right from the jump. If he plays, the hope would be that his presence alone opens up the offense for others. I would assume that he will play a limited number of snaps, if he does play.
BTB: Do you think there will be a jump up from Jaxson Dart this season? Are you confident in his play?
BBV: I do think Dart will take a step forward. Winning and becoming the best player he can be means a lot to him. That should go without saying for professional athletes, but there are a lot of guys in pro sports who are just collecting paychecks. Dart is not one of them. Am I confident in his play? Yes, but he is a second-year QB making his first Week 1 start. There will be mistakes.
BTB: Tell us about the defense. What are the strengths and the weaknesses?
BBV: Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson says he wants the defense to be “unapologetic.” This will be a more aggressive defense than the Giants have had the past couple of seasons, and will get up in the face of receivers and press — whether in man or zone. No easy releases.
Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese make a big difference in the middle of the field, and I am expecting a huge year from Abdul Carter. The biggest question mark will be whether or not they have enough defensive line depth.
BTB: How do you see the game playing out and who wins, final score?
BBV: I am picking the Giants, but I know that’s a homer pick and I even said in our weekly staff picks that I should know better given recent history. Still, it will be an emotional night with a lot of 9/11 remembrances. The Giants have had an excellent summer and should be better prepared to begin the season than they have been in recent years. I think the Giants sell out to win this one. They have to travel to the West Coast to face an angry Rams team in Week 2.
Thanks to Big Blue View for the knowledge.
What’s your take on the Giants?
