The Giants will look to win their second consecutive game when they welcome the Dallas Cowboys to MetLife Stadium for a battle on Thursday Night Football.
After starting the season with two losses, the Giants were able to get into the win column this past Sunday in Cleveland when they defeated the Browns, 21-15. On the other sideline, the Cowboys dropped their second straight game at home, this time falling to the Baltimore Ravens, 28-25.
"It's a division game, so there's more emotions to it," left tackle Andrew Thomas told reporters Monday. "To play meaningful football in December, you have to win the division games. So, it's definitely going to be a top-notch matchup, and we're excited about it."
Following Thursday's game, the NFC East rivals will meet for the second time two months later when the Giants travel to Dallas for a Thanksgiving Day matchup.
Here are five storylines to follow in the Week 4 matchup on Thursday Night Football.
Quick turnaround
The Giants did not have a lot of time to enjoy Sunday's win in Cleveland. As soon as the team landed back in New Jersey Sunday night, the coaches immediately went to work to start preparations for Thursday night's game against the Cowboys. Despite the familiarity between the division rivals, head coach Brian Daboll admitted it's a race to get fully up to speed on such a quick turnaround.
"As play callers, you're pretty honed in on who you're playing that week. So, there's a lot of catching up to do," Daboll told the media Monday. "We met after we got off the plane yesterday and did some things last night, we were here early. A lot of catching up to do. New defensive coordinator, same offensive coordinator, (Cowboys Head) Coach (Mike) McCarthy, but new defensive coordinator, Coach (Mike) Zimmer. Some of the guys stayed here last night. Other guys got in pretty early, so we're catching up. We'll be caught up, but with these short weeks, there's not much time. You need a lot of it. You need all the time you can."
This week's game marks the second consecutive year the Giants and Cowboys will meet at MetLife Stadium for a matchup in primetime. Of course, the two teams faced off in last year's season opener, a game that saw the Giants fall 40-0 and lose Andrew Thomas for the entire first half of the season. While last year's game might be in the back of some players' minds, Daboll reminded everyone that last year's outcome has no bearing on this week's game.
"I think each individual person is motivated by different things," the head coach said. "And my main focus is getting ready to play this team, 2024, the team that's just played these first three games. Different players, different schemes, making sure that we're prepared. Doing a good job in our walkthroughs, in our meetings, in our communication. But our focus is on task at hand."
"For me, personally, I don't hold it too much," safety Jason Pinnock added. "I'm a person every game I act like it's the Super Bowl for me, for myself. It's the Super Bowl. But, of course, you do remember. I think everybody will remember home opener being beat like that on primetime TV. But, again, as far as our defense, I think it was 17-0 before we hit the field. Never get too high, don't get too low about the situation. Just ready to go."
View rare photos from the historic rivalry between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboy quarterback Don Meredith (17) is tackled after an 8-yard run in the second quarter of Sunday's game at the Cotton Bowl against the New York Giants September 24, 1967. Making the tackle are Giant Linebackers Bill Swain (52) and Vince Costello (57). (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle directs a last minute shift in strategy as the big Giants line engages the Dallas Cowboys, Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/Ruben Goldberg)
New York Giants right end Aaron Thomas (88) tries hard but fails to catch pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton in second quarter of game with the Dallas Cowboys at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 16, 1968, New York. Unidentified Cowboy pacing Thomas also failed in his intercepted attempt. The Cowboys won, 28-10. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Cowboys fullback James Stiger (40) wasn't stopped by Giants Defensive back Jim Patton (20) in a play in the fourth quarter of their game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas October 12, 1964. Stiger slipped from Patton a grasp and sailed through the air for a 11 yard gain. Coming in on the play is defensive Giants back Andy Nelson. (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle the hero is used to receiving attention and adulation wherever he goes. Here admiring young fans escort him from the field after a victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/Ruben Goldberg)
First quarter of NFL game in Yankee Stadium, on Dec. 6, 1960 in New York. (AP Photo)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach (12) grimaces as he is hit hard by New York Giants defensive end Fred Dryer (89) and safety Tom Longo (44) after making short gain in second quarter of their game in Dallas, Tex., today, September 27, 1970. (AP Photo)
Y.A. Tittle, quarterback of the N.Y. Giants, directs a last minute shift in strategy as the Giants line crouches to engage the Dallas Cowboys, Nov. 12, 1963. (AP Photo/Ruben Goldberg)
Dallas Cowboys George Andrie (66) during a game against the New York Giants on September 27, 1970 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 28-10. Craig Morton played for 11 season all with the Dallas Cowboys and was a 5-time Pro Bowler.(David Durochik via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Craig Morton (15) turns to handoff as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan (55) and safety Cliff Harris (43) run in pursuit during an NFL game in Flushing on October 12, 1975. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 13-7 in Shea Stadium. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Cliff Harris (43) of the Dallas Cowboys is upended returning a punt by the New York Giants during the second quarter at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 13, 1971. Making the tackle is the Giants' Ralph Heck (55). In the background is Cowboy Claxton Welch. The Cowboys routed the Giants 42-14. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants defensive end George Martin flips Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach for a loss in the fourth quarter of game, Nov. 5, 1979 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Tough pressure by the Giants almost gave them a victory, but the Cowboys won 16-14 on a last minute field goal. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach (12) is chased by New York Giants defensive end Jack Gregory (81) during an NFL game against the New York Giants Oct. 10, 1976, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys seems oblivious to the presence of New York Giants Henry Reed behind him during the second quarter of Sundays game, Dec. 13, 1971, New York. Staubach threw three touchdown passes to lead the Cowboys to a 42-14 win over New York. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants Ottis Anderson (24) is hit by Dallas Cowboys Ken Norton, left, and Eugene Lockhart, right, in this Dec. 1989 photo in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 9, 1984. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Mark Bavaro, left, grabs a Phil Simms pass in front of the Dallas Cowboys Vince Albritt in the first quarter of the game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 2, 1986. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Gary Hogeboom (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall for a loss of ten yards in the third quarter, Nov. 4, 1984 at Irving, Texas. New York won the game 19-7. (AP Photo/Nuri Vallbona)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms celebrates his 53-yard pass to Lionel Manuel in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Irving, Texas, Nov. 4, 1984. (AP Photo/LK)
New York Giants running back Joe Morris (20) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 38-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor rushes upfield against the Dallas Cowboys November 6, 1998 in New York. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett, right, is hauled down by the New York Giants Carl Banks in the first quarter at Giants Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 6, 1985, East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Earnest Gray (83), a New York Giants wide receiver grabs a pass from quarterback Phil Simms during the second period in Texas Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1984. Everson Wall (24) of the Cowboys was unable to prevent the 18 yard pass completion to the sidelines. The Giants beat Dallas 19-7. (AP Photo/DGB)
New York Giants tackle Brad Benson (60) prepares to block during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys in East Rutherford on October 30, 1983. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 38-20. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett (33) can't elude the grasp of New York Giants defensive end Curtis McGriff (76) during second half action in Texas Stadium in Irving, Sept. 28, 1981. The Giants held Dorsett to 70-yards for the day and stopped his 100-yards or better per games at three. The Cowboys still played well enough to defeat the Giants 18-10. (AP Photo/Ron Heflin)
New York Giants wide-receiver Johnny Perkins sprints down the side lines during second half action Sunday September 28, 1981 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Perkins (86) caught a pass from quarterback Phil Simms and was stopped by Dallas Cowboys safety Michael Downs (26). The Cowboys defeated the Giants 18-10 to win their fourth straight game. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
Dallas Cowboys running back Lincoln Coleman (44) is in the center of a free-for- all with the New York Giants at the end of the first half Monday night, Nov. 7, 1994 in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys won, 38-10. -- (November 8, 1994.)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) celebrates during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the Meadowlands, East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 18, 1999. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 13-10. (AP Photo/NFL Photos/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Pepper Johnson tries to stop Dallas Cowboys Emmitt Smith during the first quarter of their match up at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Sept. 13, 1992. Johnson was able to hold the charging Smith to just one yard on the play. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) gets some much needed protection from Doug Reisenberg (72) as he blocks Dallas Cowboys Tony Casillas (75) during the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 13, 1992. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Anthony Wright (2) hits the ground after being sacked by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan in the fourth quarater Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000 in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) and New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, watches his coin toss, as do officials and New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys players before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, left, crosses the goal line for a touchdown before Dallas Cowboys safety Keith Davis pushed him out during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants players including Shaun O'Hara (60) and David Diehl, right, celebrate after Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scored the wining touchdown on a 1-yard run against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. The Giants beat the Cowboys 21-17. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants cornerback R.W. McQuarters (25) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terry Glenn (83) in the end zone during the final seconds of the fourth quarter of an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. The interception ended the Cowboys' final drive and sealed the Giants' 21-17 win. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) beats Dallas Cowboys linebacker Akin Ayodele, right, to the end zone as Toomer scores a touchdown on a 52-yard pass play in an NFC divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber (24) fumbles the ball as he is hit by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan in the first quarter of an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. The Cowboys recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer races 52 yards against the Dallas Cowboys for a touchdown in the first quarter in an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants fullback Jim Finn carries a pass from quarterback Eli Manning for 15 yards in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys to give the Giants sole possession of first place in the NFC East, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Cowboys cornerback Terrence Newman tries but can't stop Finn's run. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens (81) tries to get around New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25), right, and Sam Madison (22) after a reception during the second quarter of NFL Football in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates his touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys by standing on the Cowboy's star in the end zone in the third quarter of their football game in Irving, Texas, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe (11) is sacked for a loss of six yards by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) in the 2nd quarter of their football game in Irving, Texas, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006. (AP Photo/L.M. Otero)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) pull in a 50-yard touchdown pass in front of Dallas Cowboys safety Patrick Watkins (25) in the first quarter of their football game in Irving, Texas, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006. (AP Photo/L.M. Otero))
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe, rear during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 17-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Dallas Cowboys running back Julius Jones hangs on to the ball while being tackled by New York Giants' Nick Greisen during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005 in East Rutherford, N.J. Jones finished the game with 74 rushing yards and 88 receiving yards, but the Giants won 17-10. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, front, celebrates after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe, left rear, during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Cowboys guard Larry Allen is behind Strahan. The Giants won, 17-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Kendrick Allen celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning calls an audible during he fourth quarter agaisnt the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night, Jan. 2, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 18 of 27 passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Giants to a 28-24 win. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Brent Alexander reacts as he carries the ball after intercepting Drew Bledsoe's pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-10 victory over Dallas, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, right, shakes hands with New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants' 26-10 win in Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. (AP Photo/L.M. Otero)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) crashes over Dallas Cowboy cornerback Terence Newman (41) as Cowboys linebacker Bradie James (56) tries to make the stop in the 4th quarter in Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. The Giants won, 26-10. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
New York Giants' Visanthe Shiancoe celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Dallas Cowboys running back Eddie George (27) and New York Giants safety Gibril Wilson (28) get into a shoving match after George picked up 24-yards on a running play in the 1st quarter in Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants corner back Frnk Walker (41) knocks the pass away from Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson (19) in the end zone in 1st quarter at Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. The Giants won, 26-10. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants Ike Hilliard (88) dives over the goal line for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys, in Irving, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, left, shakes hands with New York Giants coach Jim Fassel, prior to the game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday Sept. 15, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000, as Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis (98) gives chase. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys' Troy Hambrick (42) is tackled by New York Giants Will Peterson (24) during the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Sept. 15, 2003. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Brian Mitchell, right, grabs Dallas Cowboys' Zuriel Smith, center, as he carries a punt return in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday Sept. 15, 2003. Giants' Quincy Monk (93) and Cowboys' Randal Williams are at left. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, right, breaks away from Dallas Cowboys safety Tony Dixon as he runs for a 60-yard gain during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ron Dayne (27) scores a touchdown on a four-yard run during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Dayne gained 80 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Giants beat the Cowboys 37-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Thabiti Davis, right, blocks a punt by Dallas Cowboys punter Micah Knorr during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 4, 2001, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Cowboys 27-24 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Tiki Barber (21) pushes off Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dexter Coakley (52) in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, in Irving, Texas. The Giants won, 21-17. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks runs for the end zone during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The New York Giants celebrate after defeating the Dallas Cowboys 37-34 after an NFL game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webstern celebrates in front of the Dallas Cowboys following a failed field goal attempt by the Cowboys in the final seconds of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. The Giants won 37-34. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The New York Giants celebrate after Dallas Cowboys' Dan Bailey, center, had his field goal attempt blocked during the final seconds of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. New York won 37-34. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs scores the winning touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. New York won 37-34. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants' Eli Manning during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Kevin Boss, left, fends off Dallas Cowboys' Bradie James during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs scores a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys' Anthony Spencer looks on during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
New York Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson (71) tries to wrap up Dallas Cowboys quaterback Tony Romo (9) during an NFL football game on Sunday January 1, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) catches the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 35-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) leaps over Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) and tight end Evan Engram (88) celebrate a touchdown catch by Engram in the first half of a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes between Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) and free safety Barry Church (42) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct., 19, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) chats with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning after their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 31-14.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) attempts to escape the tackle by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (24) in the first half of a NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, left, runs past Dallas Cowboys' Jeff Heath during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Cowboys 31-14. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, top, scores a touchdown just before the ball is knocked from his hands during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec., 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, left, celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Will Hernandez (71) during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals at the line of scrimmage in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is wrapped up by New York Giants defenders after a short run in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) breaks up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant (88) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson (71) tries to wrap up Dallas Cowboys quaterback Tony Romo (9) during an NFL football game on Sunday January 1, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) breaks loose during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a 18-yard touchdown as Dallas Cowboys safety Will Allen (26) loses his helmet during the second half of aN NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) intercepts a pass in front of Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant (88) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a pass between Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (43) during an NFL football game Sunday, January 1, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in Newark, New Jersey. The Giants won the game, 31-14. (AP Photo/James D Smith)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by New York Giants' Robert Thomas (99) and Romeo Okwara (78) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) drags Dallas Cowboys free safety Barry Church (42) into the end zone for a score as the Giants' Rueben Randle (82) watches during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) runs around the edge during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (24) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 38-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is forced out of bounds by Dallas Cowboys free safety Xavier Woods (25) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) meet at midfield after an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys won 37-18. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts after tackling Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Devonta Freeman (31)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches the ball in the endzone during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) rushes the passer during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Bradlee Anae (56) pressures New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 37-34. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs the ball during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) on the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Dallas Cowboys defensive line during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 37-34. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) on the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) attempts to tackle New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during an NFL game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) breaks up a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and defensive end Aldon Smith (58) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal from the hold of Riley Dixon (9) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during a week 17 regular season football game at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys during a week 5 game in Arlington, Texas on Sunday October 10th, 2021,
Leonard Williams (99)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Devontae Booker (28)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 15 football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 19th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Danny Shelton (75)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Saquon Barkley (26)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 15 football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 19th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Saquon Barkley (26)
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Ben Bredeson (68), Andrew Thomas (78)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones (8)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Darius Slayton (86)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Daniel Jones (8)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Saquon Barkley (26)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) celebrates a tackle during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
Queen Latifah sings the National Anthem before a week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
CB Deonte Banks (25)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) before a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
NYPD, FDNY,PAPD before a week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) before a week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) intercepts a pass during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) during a week 10 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
Deonte Banks, Kayvon Thibodeaux
Nabers, Lamb in WR battle
Malik Nabers has now put together back-to-back dominant outings after his breakout game in Cleveland. The rookie pulled in eight of 12 targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and as impressive as his box score looked, it doesn't do his performance justice. Nabers made several athletic catches, including his incredible grab over Browns cornerback Martin Emerson for a 28-yard gain late in the second quarter. His statistics through his first three games has landed him in the NFL record books, and has also led to him being nominated for Rookie of the Week three times already.
Nabers will have a tough matchup this week as he goes up against Cowboys two-time Pro Bowl corner Trevon Diggs. The 26-year-old corner, who has racked up 19 interceptions in 50 career games, has already registered one interception this season as he moves further away from the torn ACL that cut his 2023 campaign short. While it is only three games into the season, it has become clear that the Giants have full confidence in their rookie wideout, no matter who is lined up to cover him.
"You have to be aware of the people that you're playing," said Daboll. "We certainly have a good one this week that I think will be matched up quite a bit in Diggs, so you definitely have to be aware. But when you have confidence in your skill player offensively, you go ahead and give them opportunities. So, it just means you have to be that much cleaner, crisper on things when you're going against a very good player. There's a lot of teams that do that with their guys, I would say. I don't want to speak for them in their game plan meetings. But like I said before many times, I'm glad we have him."
Across the field, the Cowboys' offense features one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL. CeeDee Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions last season, which he took for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns on his way to being named first-team All-Pro. While limited to just four receptions for 77 yards in last year's season opener, Lamb exploded for 11 receptions for 151 yards and a score in the second meeting between the two teams. Lamb's 52 receptions for 722 yards in eight career games against the Giants are his highest totals against any opponent.
"Tough opponent, really good player," Daboll said Tuesday about the three-time Pro Bowl receiver.
Establishing the run
In last week's win, running back Devin Singletary carried the ball 16 times for 65 yards (4.1 avg.) and a touchdown, which marked the second consecutive week he averaged over four yards per carry. In the Week 2 loss to the Commanders, the veteran back averaged nearly 6.0 yards per carry after he took 16 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown. The 27-year-old also had his best day as a receiver against the Browns as he caught four passes for 43 yards.
It wasn't all good, though. Singletary lost a fumble against the Browns, which was the second consecutive week in which he had a turnover. But Daboll isn't letting those two negative plays completely overshadow all of the good Singletary has done so far this season. The back has forced 17 missed tackles on the year, is averaging 3.93 yards after contact per attempt, and has six runs of 10+ yards already. All of this has led to him averaging 4.7 yards per attempt on the season.
"He's a pro," Daboll said about the veteran back's fumbles. "Yeah. He'll work on that. I've been around him a bunch. So, again, you can't let one bad or two bad plays define a lot of the good things. So, you keep working on your ball security, and he'll do that."
"He's a pro, played a lot of football," quarterback Daniel Jones added. "We have a lot of confidence in him and that's not changing any of our confidence. He's played well, come back and been big time for us. No one's losing confidence in that."
Singletary is faced with a positive matchup this week, as the Cowboys enter Thursday Night Football with the league's No. 32 rush defense in yards, yards per attempt, and touchdowns. In fact, during their two-game losing streak, Dallas has surrendered an average of 232 yards per game against the Saints and Ravens. However, Daboll reminded the media Tuesday that while the numbers might put Dallas' struggles against the run into the spotlight, it's important to keep in mind how the game script each week played a factor in opponents running the ball so much.
"The Cleveland game was kind of touch and go there for a while until the end of the second quarter, the early part of the third quarter," Daboll said. "Then they get up. So, you call games differently based on how things are going in the game. New Orleans got off to a fast start. They were up 35-13 or whatever it was at the half. And the same thing with Baltimore. The unique thing is in the fourth quarter, they scored a bunch of points there to make it a game, 28-25. Baltimore hit a couple third-down conversions, a big one. (Ravens wide receiver Zay) Flowers over there.
"So, each of them are a little bit different. When you're up that much or down that much, you look at tendencies and things like that. But as the game goes, play callers call things differently based on situations you're in, down and distances, score. So those numbers are those numbers. But I think the games are all different, and you evaluate how they call it."
Getting pressure on Dak
The Giants are coming off their best pass rushing game in nearly a decade and will look to keep the momentum going into Thursday. The defense's eight sacks of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was the franchise's highest sack total in nearly 10 years and tied for the most in the NFL in Week 3. Their 36 total quarterback pressures also led the league last week, according to Pro Football Focus, as nine different players were credited with at least a half-sack. According to Next Gen Stats, nine different defenders recorded multiple pressures, as well. Outside linebacker Brian Burns led the way with seven, a new career-high, while defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence was right behind him with six.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had mixed results in Sunday's loss to the Ravens. While he threw for a season-high 379 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, he completed just 54.9 percent of his passes, his lowest completion percentage of the season. He also added a touchdown on the ground, although he did fumble for the third consecutive game. Regardless of how the last three games have gone, the Giants defense knows just how talented the Dallas signal-caller is.
"He's a special quarterback," Lawrence said about Prescott. "We got to do a good job rattling him and getting to him. He has a quick trigger, so we got to do well in the back end covering, making him look at his second option, third option. We got to do well up front getting to him."
Lawrence added, "He's a big dude. He can run. He likes to sit in the pocket, but when he evades, he's also dynamic throwing the ball down the field. We just got to make sure we keep him in the pocket and bring him down."
It will be important for the Giants to get pressure on Prescott this week. The Dallas quarterback has completed just 13 of 29 passes (44.8 percent) against the blitz this season, the fifth-lowest mark in the NFL. However, those 13 completions have gone for 229 yards and three touchdowns.
While the Giants have been unable to sack Prescott in any of the last three meetings between the two teams, Lawrence is confident the pass rush can buck that trend on Thursday.
"That's going to change," Lawrence told reporters. "I feel like we can get after him pretty good. We just got to hone in on the plan and execute it well."
Slowing down Parsons, Lawrence
The Giants went up against one of the top defenses in the league last week in their win in Cleveland, a unit that features the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett. While Garrett was able to generate some pressure throughout the game, the offensive line was able to keep him from registering a sack of Daniel Jones. After they picked up seven sacks across their first two games, the Browns were only able to sack Jones twice on Sunday. It wasn't necessarily a perfect performance by the offensive line last week, but the protection held up enough to let Jones operate in the pocket, which led to plenty of success in the passing game.
"I think they've played well," Jones said about the offensive line. "We've run the ball well, protected well, it's a good front we played last week in Cleveland and Myles Garrett, one of the best rushers in the league. I thought we did a good job for the most part against him. A lot of confidence in those guys and I think they played well."
Jones added, "It gives you a lot of confidence to be able to see the field and find the open guy, get the ball out of my hands, all those things. Like I said, I have a lot of confidence in those guys."
Things won't get much easier for the O-line this week. One week after facing Garrett, the line will now try to slow down Micah Parsons and the Dallas pass rush. Parsons is off to a relatively slow start with just one sack in three games, although he has racked up six quarterback hits, including five in the season opener. The 25-year-old finished with at least 13 sacks in each of his first three seasons, and has nine quarterback hits six career games against the Giants, the most he's had against any opponent (tied with Washington).
"Dynamic player," Daboll said about Parsons. "He's lined up in a variety of spots. He has the ability to play really any position. Explosive, athletic, tough. He's a hell of a football player. One of the better players in the league. A challenge to block him."
Parsons is not the only talented edge rusher the O-line must keep an eye on. DeMarcus Lawrence comes into this game tied for the team-lead with two sacks on the season. The veteran seems to save his best for the Giants, as the 32-year-old has 12.0 sacks in his 17 games against the division rival. He does not have double-digit sacks against any other team.
