On Thanksgiving, the New York Giants play host to the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Brian Daboll’s team is plagued by a whole series of injuries. Against the nasty Cowboys defence, the 47-year-old will have to come up with a creative plan, as he has so often this season – and he will probably rely on the last remaining offensive pillars to do so.

Munich – “What’s behind the magic of Brian Daboll”, headlined “The Athletic” recently. The 47-year-old has earned a reputation as a magician.

One who finds a way out of almost impossible situations. One who stands up to seemingly overpowering opponents. One who, injuries and honestly individual quality notwithstanding, has led the New York Giants to a 7-3 record.

Daboll must lead his cronies into their next battle in the NFC East on Thursday and a heavyweight awaits in the Dallas Cowboys.

Brian Daboll: “Cowboys will be a good test”

“They have quality on offense, defense and special teams. They score a lot and don’t allow much. The Cowboys will be a good test,” Daboll is quoted as saying on the team website ahead of the game.

In the game, the former offensive coordinator will have to do without a whole host of companions.

The offensive line is missing a number of starters, including first-round pick Evan Neal. The already thin receiving room will rely on a mix of Darius Slayton, Kenny Golladay, Richie James and Isaiah Hodgins. Rookie Wan’Dale Robinson is out for the rest of the season.

Injury to Wan’Dale Robinson “hurts “

“Robinson played great for us,” Davoll said, citing nine catches for 100 yards in the last game. “Obviously an injury like that always hurts.”

So the head coach, in his first year in the position, must again find new ways to put a functional offense on the field. So far, he’s managed to lose stability to the Giants offense for long stretches, despite numerous injuries and, honestly, a lack of quality in some spots.

The Giants have collected just under 20 points per game and just under five yards per play so far. Neither of these are top values by any means, more like lower midfield, but considering the circumstances, definitely worth mentioning in a positive way – for comparison: Last year, the Giants ranked 31st in each of those years.

Daniel Jones as ball distributor

The improved offensive structure benefits quarterback Daniel Jones in particular. The former first-round pick’s career so far has been anything but straightforward, with injuries and numerous coaching changes repeatedly putting obstacles in his path.

Under Daboll, he operates mostly in the role of ball distributor. Daboll uses motion on over 50 per cent of his snaps, and every third pass snap contains play action. This keeps defenses on their toes and allows Jones to make quicker decisions because of a variety of “simplified” plays.

“I feel comfortable in the offense. We’re all pulling together,” Jones announced before the season.

Nearly 60 percent of Jones’ passes fly no further than nine yards through the air. One of the highest figures in the league. He’s completed just under 87 percent of his passes in that area of the field so far, for just over 1,000 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions.

Daniel Jones: Hardly any vertical passes

Vertically, though, Daboll rarely lets him off the leash, due in part to a lack of quality receivers and a shaky offensive line.

Jones has thrown just 13 passes for 20 yards this season, the lowest total in the league by far. The 25-year-old is all the more frequently involved in the running game. Jones has already amassed 437 yards on foot, the most in a single season in his career.

Saquon Barkley as X-Factor

Against the Cowboys, the running game could become one of the most important factors. Dallas poses a dangerous pass rush and the secondary regularly causes turnovers. However, the Cowboys defence allows an average of 4.7 yards per run, one of the highest in the league.

Running back Saquon Barkley, the star of the offense, should get some opportunities to showcase his talent. The 25-year-old averages 4.5 yards per run and almost three yards on his own after first contact with an opponent.

Against the Cowboys, Daboll is likely to rely on his few remaining supports – and perhaps he will be able to conjure up an ace or two from his sleeve.