There have been enough words about disgust and disappointment for one week in regards to whatever you want to call that performance by the New York Giants in their Week 1 loss. It was sloppy, from kickoff to final whistle.
But, with eyes set on moving forward, the G-Men now turn their focus to the Dallas Cowboys in the second week of the 2025 season. One of the key detriments to the first loss of the season might have just been granted a blessing in disguise before one of the biggest rivalry games in all of the National Football League.
Russell Wilson's performance was not exactly what fans had in mind after a perfect preseason. The hype has been building and surrounding this team like a cloud of fresh air, that this abysmal franchise might actually be able to play meaningful football for the first time in forever. But 17 for 37 for 168 yards is something you would see from the Daniel Jones era.
Did a pivotal Cowboys loss potentially turn the Giants' misfortune around before their big matchup?
Key Cowboy defensive injury opens up world of possibility
This week's report on Cowboys star corner DaRon Bland going down in practice on Monday might have turned the tide in this game. Bland, who led the league in interceptions during the 2023 season with nine, is expected to miss a number of weeks with a foot injury.
Source: #Cowboys CB DaRon Bland sprained his right foot in practice Monday and is expected to miss multiple games. This injury unrelated to surgery on his left foot last year that forced him to miss 10 games.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) September 10, 2025
This is where the Giants' luck starts to change, namely with Russell Wilson. It was evident in the first week against Washington that the offensive line was not giving their veteran Quarterback any chance to scan the field. This locked up star wide receiver Malik Nabers, as well as Wan'Dale Robinson, from getting any kind of momentum with Wilson, ultimately hindering the Giants' chances of victory.
Of course, the all-pro cornerback in Trevon Diggs is still back there to cover Nabers, but that is where the mismatch could happen with Bland's replacement. The Cowboys have yet to announce who will be stepping in, but behind Bland is Reddy Stewart. Stewart, who has only appeared in a total of 2 NFL games, once last season for the Chicago Bears, and then appeared in Dallas' first game this season, does not have a lot of experience.
Head Coach Brian Daboll, offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, and Wilson must go on an all-out assault on the young corner. Hopefully, to the point that Nabers could find some kind of separation from Diggs in what could be a heavyweight title fight between the receiver and the corner.