ARLINGTON, Texas — All along, it didn't look like the Giants' success on defense, specifically with their pass rush, would be sustainable.
As it turned out, that was not the case.
They led the NFL in sacks through the first eight games with 35. Dexter Lawrence led the league through seven games with nine sacks. The defense hasn't been able to keep up that pace, and the Giants have only had one sack in their past three games.
Lawrence, with double and triple teams against him, has not had a sack in his past four games. 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, using Dak Prescott and now Cooper Rush at quarterback, have allowed 30 sacks this season, 13th in the league.
Jermaine Elimonor (quad) has been ruled out, meaning veteran Chris Hubbard will once again start at left tackle. The 33-year-old, who was selected during the season, started in a loss to the Steelers and Commanders and struggled, prompting a change in the offensive line. … CB Deonte Banks (rib) is listed as questionable.
This is a meeting between a team that can't and another that can't either. Next, the Giants' 30th-ranked defense (147.9 yards allowed per game) goes up against the Cowboys' 31st-ranked rushing attack (82.5 yards per game). … Defending the ball in the air has been an issue for the Giants and the issues on the field last week were evident. Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield completed 8 of 10 passes for 172 yards on throws of 10 or more air yards.
The Giants are 0-2 on Thanksgiving on the road against the Cowboys, losing 30-3 in 1992 and 28-20 in 2022, Brian Daboll's first season as head coach.
“It's a great honor to play on Thanksgiving,” Daboll said. “I remember sitting there with my grandfather and watching the games on Thanksgiving when there were only two games. But I've been to this game on Thanksgiving the most in my career. It's always a privilege.”
