ARLINGTON, Texas — For a long time, it didn't seem like the Giants' success on defense, especially the pass rush, could be sustained.
As it turns out, that wasn't the case.
They led the NFL in sacks with 35 through the first eight games. Dexter Lawrence led the league with nine sacks through seven games. The defense hasn't been able to maintain that pace, with the Giants having just one sack in the past three games.
Lawrence hasn't committed a sack in the last four games because he's been blocked by double and triple teams. As a result, the Giants fell to fourth in the league in team sacks with 36, behind the Broncos (44), Texans (42) and Vikings (38).
The Cowboys, with Dak Prescott and current quarterback Cooper Rush, have allowed 30 sacks this season, 13th most in the league.
With Jermaine Elemunah (quad) ruled out, veteran Chris Hubbard will once again start at left tackle. The 33-year-old, acquired during the season, started in losses to the Steelers and Commanders, but struggled, prompting a shift in the offense. … CB Deonte Banks (ribs) is listed as questionable.
This is a meeting between teams who can't and teams who can't. Next up, the Giants' 30th-ranked run defense (147.9 yards per game) will face the Cowboys' 31st-ranked rushing offense (82.5 yards per game). … Defending the ball in the air has been an issue for the Giants, and last week the problems down the field were evident. Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield completed 8 of 10 passes for 172 yards on throws of 10 air yards or more.
The Giants are 0-2 on the road against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, losing 30-3 in 1992, Brian Daboll's first season as head coach, and 28-20 in 2022. .
“It's an honor to play on Thanksgiving,” Daboll said. “I remember sitting there with my grandfather and watching the game when there were only a few Thanksgiving games. I’ve been involved quite a bit, which is always a privilege.”
