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4 reasons the NY Giants will stun the Cowboys on Thanksgiving

By Zak Musso

Daniel Jones of the Giants after throwing a TD pass to Lawrence Cager in the first half. The Houston Texans at the New York Giants in a game played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 13, 2022.The Houston Texans Face The New York Giants In A Game Played At Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj On November 13 2022
Daniel Jones of the Giants after throwing a TD pass to Lawrence Cager in the first half. The Houston Texans at the New York Giants in a game played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 13, 2022.The Houston Texans Face The New York Giants In A Game Played At Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj On November 13 2022 /
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Sep 18, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrate after Carolina Panthers turn the ball over on downs during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) celebrate after Carolina Panthers turn the ball over on downs during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The NY run-stoppers

The Giants defensive line is the key to Thursday’s game. During the Giants loss to the Cowboys in late September, Big Blue was shredded on the ground, allowing 176 rushing yards. The Cowboys feature a run-first offense, and both Cowboys RBs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have killed the Giants in recent years.

The key difference between Week 3’s loss and Thursday’s game: Leonard Williams. Williams, an All-Pro defensive lineman, missed the Week 3 loss to Dallas with an injury, but he will be on the field during Thursday’s contest. The combination of Williams and Dexter Lawrence, who PFF has ranked as the NFL’s second best interior defender, one spot ahead of Aaron Donald, have formed a formidable duo that has shut down opposing offenses.

Don’t discount the fact that Giants veteran inside linebacker Jaylon Smith is returning to Dallas for the first time since being released by the team last season, and he will likely play with a massive chip on his shoulder. In addition to Smith, Kayvon Thibodeaux loves the national stage, and will make big plays off the edge.

The Giants run defense had an uncharacteristically horrible game against Detroit on Sunday, and you better believe they will be itching to get back on the field Thursday to show America what they are really made of.

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