In the months and weeks leading up to the 2019-2020 season, also known as the National Football League’s 100th season, the New York Giants continuously stressed to questioning media and fans their team-wide goal of being a competitive football team while rebuilding the weak spots in their roster. As Big Blue kicked off their season with their biggest rival, the Dallas Cowboys, various moments in the game and the final score showed otherwise.

Following an exciting first drive that resulted in a touchdown, the Giants were manhandled by Dallas who simply took advantage of their defense, especially the cornerbacks, and quickly ran up a 35-10 score. It seemed as if the Cowboys were running at a different speed and level than the Giants, whose offense would only tally on one more touchdown.

The New York Giants’ coaching staff did not employ the right scheme throughout the game that could have changed the outlook of the game.

From the start, the cornerbacks were put in a position and coverages where they were vulnerable to getting beat by the Cowboys’ talented receiving core, and that really showed. Coming off an offseason where some of the biggest and most talented defensive players were traded or let go, it was the first time that some of their guys were asked to go up against respectable offensive talent in the first game of the season.

Additionally, the Giants’ defense posed no threat to the stat sheet of Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott,.With a complete lack of a pass rush, he was able to move freely in the pocket until teammates or spaces opened up, the latter of which resulted in big runs that torched the defense.

There were times during the game when the Giants were knocking on the door of the endzone, with the chance to make the game interesting, yet the ball was not placed in the right hands to convert.

Anyone who watched remembers well the 4th and 1 mishap on the Dallas 7-yard line.

What is the main gist of giving this short recapitulation of the Giants’ Week 1 shortcomings one might ask? Well it is to make the point that the remainder of their season and how successful it is will depend on employing the right scheme that will make them competitive.

The New York Giants—despite having one of the most eventful offseasons in the league which saw numerous stars leave for different teams—have one of the game’s best running backs in Saquon Barkley still holding down the backfield. His ability is unmatched, and he can use his footwork and speed to turn small plays into big runs and find the hole that advances the drive.

Saquon Barkley will most likely be the Giants’ biggest weapon offensively this season, so without completely running him into the ground, they must put him to use in their game to game scheme.

The New York Giants have the talent and schedule, despite what the experts and critics say, to rally some wins. If they have that goal for this season, then it all starts with having the right game plan and making the right calls.