Giants’ once-NFL-leading sack pace is grinding to a halt

It always seemed like the Giants’ success on defense, particularly with their pass rush, was not going to last.

And it turns out, it didn’t. They started off leading the NFL in sacks with 35 in the first eight games. Dexter Lawrence was the league leader with nine sacks in seven games. However, the defense couldn’t keep up the pace, and the Giants have only managed one sack in their last three games.

Despite facing double- and triple-team blocking, Lawrence has not recorded a sack in his last four games. Consequently, the Giants have dropped to fourth in the league in team sacks with 36, trailing the Broncos (44), Texans (42), and Vikings (38).

The Cowboys, with Dak Prescott and now Cooper Rush at quarterback, have allowed 30 sacks this season, ranking 13th in the league.

Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) has been ruled out, meaning veteran Chris Hubbard will start at left tackle. The 33-year-old, acquired during the season, struggled in losses to the Steelers and Commanders, leading to an offensive line shuffle. CB Deonte Banks (rib) is listed as questionable.

The upcoming matchup features the Giants’ 30th-ranked run defense (allowing 147.9 yards per game) against the Cowboys’ 31st-ranked rushing offense (82.5 yards per game). The Giants have struggled defending the ball in the air, with issues down the field becoming apparent last week. 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 when playing on Thanksgiving on the road against the Cowboys, losing 30-3 in 1992 and 28-20 in 2022, which was Brian Daboll’s first season as head coach.

“It’s a privilege to play on Thanksgiving,’’ Daboll said. “I remember sitting there with my grandfather and watching the games on Thanksgiving when there’s only a couple of them. But I’ve participated in this game on Thanksgiving in my career quite a bit. It’s always a privilege.’’