3 Cowboys X-Factors Against Giants in Week 1

2. Stephon Gilmore 

The Cowboys had one of the best defensive units in the NFL last season, but the team's passing defense left much to be desired down the stretch. 

Including the playoffs, Dallas surrendered an average of 262.8 passing yards in its final six games. If they would've allowed that throughout the entire season, they would've ranked third-worst in the league. 

That's why it was a no-brainer to go out and acquire veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore to play opposite Trevon Diggs. After all, the four-time Pro-Bowler has been named first-team All-Pro twice since 2018 and was even named the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

At the same time, it's important not to forget that Gilmore is turning 33 years old in just over a week. Even though all players age differently, it's worth noting that fellow CB Richard Sherman became injury-prone and fell off around the same age. 

I don't think Gilmore is at that point yet, but the Cowboys need him to be the elite defender they think he can be. The Giants had one of the worst passing attacks last year and they didn't exactly improve that much over the offseason, making this the perfect matchup for the former 2012 first-rounder to prove himself. 

If Gilmore helps Diggs shut down the Giants' pass-catchers, I see the Cowboys winning by a wide margin.