FThe New York Giants are just days away from kicking off the 2023 NFL season against the Dallas Cowboys under the lights on Sunday Night Football. The primetime stage is fitting for the storied NFC East rivalry.

As the game inches nearer, the Giants look to be heading into week one with a clean bill of health. The same cannot exactly be said for the Cowboys. Because starting offensive lineman Tyler Smith is in jeopardy of missing the season opener.

Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury that his put his status for week one in jeopardy. Obviously, that would be a big blow to the Cowboys offense, especially considering who is on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

New York is led by Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams up front in the interior of the defensive line. That duo creates problems for any offensive line – especially a unit that isn't at full strength.

Which would make things difficult for Dallas when attempting to establish the run inside. Creating running lanes and winning at the point of attack will be key in that regard – with or without Smith.

I don’t want to play Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams without Tyler Smith, y’all

— Mauricio Rodríguez (@MauNFL) September 5, 2023

Even if Smith is able to go, he very likely won't be at full strength. Which is why the Giants must take advanage. Not only with the duo inside, but with the front seven as a whole.

Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is a young player on the rise. New York traded for former first-round selection Isaiah Simmons, too, and the early returns are that he is an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.

Martindale is already regarded as one of the most creative defensive minds in the game with his use of different blitz packages and personnel. Therefore, the Giants' best path of winning is likely exploiting where the Cowboys are weakened.

Cowboys: Multiple starters to miss practice before Week 1 Giants game

They’re on a footrace versus time.

Featured image via Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports