Giants rushing output drops to 95 yards per game after 165-yard Week 1 opener

Ed Werder notes Dallas ranks last in NFL rush defense.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

First game was against Dallas, worst rush defense in the NFL. Via @WerderEdNFL on X

What happened: New York opened the 2026 regular season with 165 rushing yards against Dallas in Week 1, per Patricia Traina. Since Week 2, the Giants have averaged 95 rushing yards per contest while experiencing a drop in first-down rushing efficiency.

Why it matters: Ed Werder pointed out that the Week 1 benchmark came against a Dallas unit that ranks worst in the league against the run, a unit previously flagged as setting the ceiling on a 2026 title bid. Sustaining offensive balance after a 27-27 Week 5 tie with Washington depends on improving early-down ground production against stronger defensive fronts.

By the numbers: New York Giants rushing production: 165 yards in Week 1 vs. Dallas (32nd in NFL rush defense); 95.0 yards per game from Week 2 onward.

What to watch: New York looks to improve its first-down rushing efficiency heading into its Week 6 regular-season matchup.

Sources

@WerderEdNFL 2026-10-17T03:52:25.986685+00:00

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