If the season opener is a battle of the defenses, the Giants should have the decided advantage. They are intact and ready to improve on last year’s resurgence, while the Cowboys are, well, something of a mess.
Dallas lost a key starter when linebacker Anthony Hitchens went down with a knee injury that might have cost him the first half of the season. It is an absence that should not be minimized, considering Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, said Hitchens “probably had the top five, if not the top player, in terms of the camp he had.’’
Defensive lineman David Irving is suspended, as are two reserve linemen, Randy Gregory and former Giants draft pick Damontre Moore. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis (hamstring) likely is out as well.
The Giants’ defense in 2016 was at its best in the two-game sweep of the Cowboys, allowing two touchdowns in the two games, and this year’s group, the same cast of characters, is certain the best is yet to come.
“I think everybody knows what’s at stake, but for the main part, we spent a year together,” cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie said. “We’re bringing back mostly all the pieces, and we spent a lot of time together and we jell well. The few preseason games that we did all play together, I think it was kind of lights out. Went out there and did what we’re supposed to do. But you’ll be a little bit hungrier come Sunday.’’