These Two Giants-Cowboys Matchups Will be Key in the Game's Outcome

New York Giants right tackle Evan Neal and cornerback Adoree' Jackson's assignments against the Dallas Cowboys can decide the fate of the game.

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Sep 8, 2023 2:00 PM EDT

In this story:

New York Giants

The New York Giants will host the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday night's regular season opener, hoping to start the 2023 season on the right foot.

The NFC East rivals have several talented players matched up against one another, which will make for some great late-night entertainment. These one-on-ones figure to play a big role in the game's fate.

When the Giants Have the Ball

Week 1 is a great game for those who struggled last season to show their improvements this offseason. That's why Giants right tackle Evan Neal is a headliner in the matchup, as he is likely to take on three-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.

Neal struggled during his rookie campaign, allowing seven sacks and committing six false starts. There have been some whispers of Neal being a bust, and the matchup against Lawrence right out of the gates will only add pressure.

Lawrence has been among the NFL's best pass-rushers since 2017, and his consistent ability to reach the backfield is why he's one of the longest-tenured Cowboys. The 31-year-old recorded 65 tackles (nine for loss), 13 quarterback hits, six sacks, and three forced fumbles last season.

Another reason why this is a matchup to watch is because of Lawrence's dominance over Neal last season. Three of Lawrence's six sacks last season came in Week 3 against Neal.

Neal spent the offseason training with former three-time All-Pro offensive tackle Willie Anderson, who worked with him to find a comfortable stance.

Neal, who takes his job very seriously, refused to lay the blame for his struggles on flipping from the left side (at Alabama) to the right as a rookie or any remnants of the knee injury he suffered midway through last season.

Neal showed improvement during training camp and the preseason and aims to showcase it against Lawrence. But if he struggles once again against Lawrence, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley are in for a rough night.

When the Cowboys Have the Ball

It was surprising to see Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson taking slot/nickel snaps during training camp and the preseason. Still, he played so well that it will probably be a role he sees in select games, starting with this week against Cowboys slot receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Jackson has been solid throughout his six-year career, but injuries have derailed his stats significantly. Nevertheless, his presence when on the field has certainly been felt.

He has only allowed a reception just a little over 50 percent of the times targeted (not including 2020, when he only played three games) throughout his career. That shadowing percentage as the Giants CB1 is better than some of the NFL’s best, including Jalen Ramsey, Pat Surtain II, and Tariq Woolen.

Jackson, who turns 28 on September 18, has taken on another role this offseason as a mentor to the Giants' young defensive backs room that features starting rookies Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins III. However, he has a tough task against Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb on Sunday night.

Lamb is widely considered among the best pass-catchers in the league, and his two trips to the Pro Bowl (in three seasons) reflect that. His ability to make big plays down the field also helps his case in the elite receiver category.

This isn't the first time Lamb and Jackson have faced off, as the receiver won the battle last season on those snaps where he played outside.

If Jackson allows more big plays against Lamb, it's bad news for New York. However, if he showcases his excellent shadowing ability, the chances of the Giants starting the season 1-0 increase immensely.