After a long-awaited offseason, Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season has finally arrived. The NY Giants prepare for their first test on Sunday night at home against the hated Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys have continuously had Big Blue's number over the last few years, as America's team has won nine of their last 10 meetings with the G-Men. The Giants are also 6-8 vs. the Cowboys when they face off on Sunday night. This means a season-opening victory is crucial for the Giants to carry last season's success into the new year.
We can expect plenty of the Giants' stars to be out on Sunday night to help Big Blue record an upset. With that said, let's take a look at four New York Giants who must step up their game for this one:
4. Pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari
Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari has a lot of pressure on him to succeed heading into the 2023 season. The third-year pass-rusher was on the verge of a monster breakout year in 2022, but injuries got in the way.
Last season, Ojulari accumulated 5.5 sacks, forced three fumbles, and made 14 combined tackles in seven games. The then second-year outside linebacker was on pace for 13.5 sacks if he did not suffer multiple injuries.
Now, ahead of his third professional season, Ojulari is in line for a massive 2023 campaign, which likely includes double-digit sack totals. The 23-year-old stud showed Big Blue Nation what he was capable of, and now the expectation is for him to eventually develop into one of the league's best threats off the edge.
Azeez Ojulari breakout szn is upon us 🫡 pic.twitter.com/umNBb6R3Tj
— 𝙻̷𝚞̷𝚜̷ 📯 (@Theylovelus) August 28, 2023
We can expect Ojulari to make his presence known on Sunday night and create significant problems for the Cowboys' offense and veteran quarterback Dak Prescott. It's time for Ojulari to ball out and do so in primetime.