Giants-Cowboys Tests Whether Harbaugh Fixed the Problems

The Giants have a real chance to attack Dallas’ weaknesses, but that only matters if John Harbaugh has actually fixed the problems that buried New York last season: run defense, red-zone failures, late-game execution and discipline. Week 1 gives the Giants a favorable offensive matchup and a brutal defensive test at the same time.Follow on Spotify and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts if you enjoy no-BS Giants debate.Has John Harbaugh actually changed the Giants enough to beat Dallas? The first answer should come from whether New York can stop the run, stay clean situationally and turn offensive opportunities into touchdowns.Drew and Rob start by separating fact from fiction in last season’s 34-17 win over Dallas. The Giants were already leading 16-10 at halftime before the Cowboys pulled key starters, and there are pieces worth carrying forward: Jaxson Dart’s mobility, a committed running game, ball security and sustained drives that keep Dak Prescott on the sideline.The first Giants injury report is unusually clean, with Malik Nabers, Andrew Thomas, Shelby Harris, Theo Johnson and Bryan Hudson all practicing fully. The first depth chart creates its own questions, including Deonte Banks ahead of Paulson Adebo and how Harbaugh plans to use the Giants’ defensive and offensive rotations.Can Matt Nagy take advantage of Dallas immediately?The Cowboys struggled defensively last season, particularly against the run, and their secondary gives the Giants opportunities. Nabers has already produced huge numbers against Dallas, and New York may finally have enough complementary weapons to punish a defense that focuses too heavily on him. Drew expects the Giants offense to have a good matchup — but the unanswered question is what Nagy’s real offense actually looks like after keeping so much hidden during the preseason.Then the concern flips to the Giants defense.New York allowed 145.3 rushing yards per game and an NFL-worst 5.3 yards per carry last season. Dallas averaged 125.6 rushing yards per game, while Javonte Williams ran for more than 1,200 yards. Before Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux can attack Dak Prescott, the Giants have to earn those pass-rush opportunities by winning first and second down.And when Dallas does throw, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens create a major problem for a Giants cornerback room Drew still does not trust. Greg Newsome and Deonte Banks should benefit from more aggressive press coverage, but this is an immediate stress test for the entire secondary.Finally, the conversation comes back to Harbaugh. Physicality, conditioning, accountability and discipline have been the message all offseason. Now the Giants have to show it in an actual game.The episode also covers Dean Lowry, Jihad Ward, new reporting on Darius Slayton, the Giants’ $7.88 million in available cap space, Week 1 NFL picks and a Cam Skattebo quick hit.Merch: https://2giantgoofballs-shop.fourthwall.com/ Support: https://buymeacoffee.com/2giantgoofballs All episodes: https://2giantgoofballs.buzzsprout.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the show