Despite coming out with a huge win in Week 3 against the Browns, the NY Giants are still off to a relatively slow start to the season. The team is currently sitting at 1-2 and is third in the NFC East entering a massive Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. A win against a rival of this level would not only give the Giants the confidence they need entering the most important part of their season, but it could potentially send Dallas down a spiral if they hit 1-3.
However, in order to do so, Brian Daboll and his team have a few problems they must sort out before they go up against Dallas. Fixing these problems may be easier said than done, but if it happens, the ceiling for this Giants team may be higher than originally thought:
3. End Eric Gray's time as a returner
After consistently letting the team down as a returner in his rookie season, the Giants decided to throw Eric Gray back at the position once again against the Browns and it almost cost the team dearly. Gray fumbled the opening kickoff, allowing the Browns to steal all the early momentum and go up 7-0 before the first minute of the game was over.
The Giants have really struggled to find a consistent kick returner for years now and it's been rather clear that Gray is not the answer at this position. However, they keep trying to give him more chances to make mistakes. We have faith in Gray as a runner, but his time at returner must come to a stop sooner rather than later.
2. Find Jalin Hyatt's role on this team
One of the biggest causes for concern throughout the first two weeks of the season was the lack of legitimate Jalin Hyatt snaps. Despite seemingly getting a much more massive role with the team during training camp, Hyatt saw the field just 14 times against the Vikings and Commanders, seeing just one target.
While the clear answer at outside receiver is Darius Slayton, who has a much more well-rounded game, it's still odd to see Hyatt get such little game time after seeing so much hype in the offseason. The second-year receiver has reportedly been very frustrated with his role and it's easy to see why.
Daboll has to find a way to utilize Hyatt whether it be on the outside or in the slot. The deep threat is too talented to be receiving around 10 snaps a game, especially with how devout of explosive plays this Giants offense is.
1. Stop being so passive on offense
Another area of concern was the complete passivity of the Giants' offense once they took a big lead against the Browns in Week 3, as well as their overall lack of aggression to start the season. While yes, Daniel Jones' complete inability to throw the ball deep has restricted the game plan a good bit, there are ways to be aggressive without throwing it deep.
Against the Browns, New York scored 21 points in the first half, putting together some of the best offensive drives we have seen in the Daboll era. However, once the second half came around, all of the strong play went away and the Browns almost made a significant comeback because of this.
Entering Week 4 against the Cowboys, this lack of aggression cannot continue. This is by far the most talented team the Giants have faced this season despite their record and if New York takes an early lead, Daboll can't take his foot off the gas.