3 problems Brian Daboll must fix to help the Giants beat Dallas

Despite picking up a big win against the Browns in Week 3, the NY Giants are still off to a relatively slow start to the season. The team is currently 1-2 and third in the NFC East heading into a huge matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4. A win against a rival of this caliber would not only give the Giants the confidence they need heading into the most important part of their season, but could also potentially send Dallas into the deep end at 1-3.

However, in order to achieve this, Brian Daboll and his team will have to solve a few problems before facing Dallas. Fixing these problems may be easier said than done, but if it happens, the ceiling for this Giants team could be higher than originally thought:

3. End Eric Gray’s time as a returnee

After the Giants repeatedly let the team down as a returner in his rookie season, they decided to throw Eric Gray back to the position again against the Browns, which almost cost the team dearly. Gray fumbled the opening kickoff, allowing the Browns to grab all of the early momentum and take a 7-0 lead before the first minute of the game was over.

The Giants have had a difficult time finding a consistent kick returner for years, and it’s pretty clear that Gray isn’t the answer at the position. However, they keep trying to give him more chances to make mistakes. We have confidence in Gray as a runner, but his time as a returner must come to an end sooner rather than later.

2. Find Jalin Hyatt’s role on this team

One of the biggest concerns heading into the first two weeks of the season was the lack of legitimate Jalin Hyatt snaps. Although Hyatt appeared to play a much larger role with the team during training camp, he only saw the field 14 times against the Vikings and Commanders, hitting just one target.

While the clear answer is outside receiver Darius Slayton, who has a much more versatile game, it’s still strange that Hyatt is getting so little playing time after receiving so much hype in the offseason. The second-year receiver was reportedly very frustrated with his role and it’s easy to see why.

Daboll needs to find a way to utilize Hyatt, whether it’s on the perimeter or in the slot. The deep threat is too talented to get around 10 snaps per game, especially considering how much this Giants offense relies on explosive plays.

1. Stop being so passive on offense

Another area of ​​concern was the complete passivity of the Giants’ offense after they jumped out to a big lead against the Browns in Week 3, as well as their general lack of aggression early in the season. While Daniel Jones’ complete inability to throw the ball deep has limited the game plan a 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 offense we’ve seen in the Daboll era. But when the second half came, all that strong play disappeared and the Browns almost pulled off a significant comeback as a result.

Entering Week 4 against the Cowboys, this lack of aggressiveness 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.