The New York Giants have believed all offseason long that new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is capable of fixing their defense. The unit was one of the league's worst last season, especially against the run.
But with Wilson and some roster reinforcements in place, there is a growing belief that the defense can at least be good enough to not drag the rest of the team down. Fans are bought into the offseason hype built around linebacker Arvell Reese and second-year edge defender Abdul Carter.
In the Giants' Week 1 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, it will quickly become obvious whether Wilson has made enough of an impact this offseason. Dallas could have one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL, headlined by its elite wide receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. It's not exactly the first test that most defensive coordinators would ask for.
Giants DC Dennard Wilson faces massive challenge against Cowboys
The Giants have added to their defensive roster this offseason, especially in the front seven. DJ Reader and Shelby Harris will hold down starting spots on the interior of the defensive line, while Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese will take over the two starting off-ball linebacker roles.
Still, the defensive roster isn't talented enough to be scheme-proof. Wilson will need to consistently put his players in positions to make plays and outduel opposing offensive coordinators if the Giants' defense is going to be significantly better than it was in 2025.
Whether he can do so will quickly become obvious against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Dallas had one of the league's most efficient offenses in 2025, and that was in the first season under a new coaching staff. They finished fourth in the NFL in EPA per play. While they didn't add any major pieces to the offensive roster this offseason, it would be fair to expect some growth from the unit in its second year under offensive-minded head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
With Dak Prescott throwing to one of football's most dangerous wide receiver duos and an efficient running game to lean on, the Cowboys' offense is on track to be one of the NFL's best again.
Wilson doesn't need to shut the Cowboys out to prove that he's the man for the job, but he needs to hold his own. If the Giants get blown out in the opener, it will be the first sign of a long season.
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