The Giants believe their defense has improved since last season. The Commanders are their chance to prove it.

The Giants will find out quickly if their maligned defense actually improved this offseason or just got fresh paint on the same, worn-out car.

Their first task in Sunday’s season opener? Slowing down Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year who led his team to last year’s NFC championship game.

No sweat, right? In fact, it’s the opportunity the Giants defense wants to prove they’re a better unit. A unit that added a turnover chest this offseason to incentivize to a group that had a franchise-low five interceptions last season.

“We wouldn’t want it any other way, especially after the year they had last year,” cornerback Dru Phillips said. “We’re coming in with a new team as well. You’re going to find out real fast but we’re excited.”

Games aren’t won or lost with words. The Giants know Daniels’ dual-threat ability all too well after the Commanders won both meetings last season.

Daniels should be better in Year 2 and the Giants know it. Linebacker Brian Burns said as much last week, noticing how the game slowed down for him last season. Phillips added teams can throw Daniels different looks yet he still finds a way to make plays.

“We’ve seen now what he can do but he’s still the same player, he still gave everyone problems last year,” he said. “It’s still the same task at hand so it’s exciting to go against a quarterback like that because you don’t know what they can bring each day. It’ll be exciting.”

This isn’t just about Daniels. It’s about the defense making a good first impression after it was called out by president/CEO John Mara following last season. It’s about showing that the $136.5 million spent this offseason on defensive upgrades was worth it.

If cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland are impact players who cost nearly $100 million combined, they must help the secondary contain All-Pro Terry McLaurin and newly added Deebo Samuel to make Daniels’ day difficult.

If cornerback Deonte Banks wants to keep his starting job? Prove it that battling Cor’Dale Flott for the job made him better. Of course, that depends who starts, since both were listed as starters opposite Adebo on the unofficial depth chart.

If the pass rush is supposed be special, then Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence need to set a tone. They need to put hits on Daniels and not let him escape without feeling their pressure.

Of course, there’s one more person in that group. Linebacker Abdul Carter won’t have to be great in his first NFL game. But it won’t hurt if introduces himself to Giants fans with a sack or a few quarterback hurries.

Most importantly, the Giants need to stop the run. That was their biggest weakness last season, and Lawrence’s presence for 12 games didn’t make things any better. So memo for new defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris and the Giants linebackers: this is where you prove your value.

Daniels’ best asset is escaping the pocket, keeping plays alive and taking off for big gains. He avoided big hits despite his slight frame. That’s where this defense needs to be effective. Keep Daniels’ legs from doing damage despite his arm being just as effective.

“He’s a dynamic football player, he’s accurate, he’s good under pressure, he’s good in situations,” coach Brian Daboll said. "He can bring his team from behind, he gives his players opportunities to make plays in the passing game and he’s unique in the running game, the way they utilize him.”

Sure, the Giants’ offense will draw attention Sunday with Russell Wilson. But if this team wants to improve, the defense needs to make a statement too. Show that Burns, Lawrence, Thibodeaux and Carter can be a four-headed monster up front that scares opposing quarterbacks.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke needs to remind fans of the player he was in 2023, not the struggles he showed last year. Even more, show that this secondary can make plays and keep Daniels from making them eat their words.

“From what we have on paper and what we’ve shown in practice, we can do a lot,” Phillips said. “We’re just trying to do the best that we can each and every day.

They’ll get their chance Sunday. Either they’ll prove it stopping Daniels or Daniels will use them as a springboard to keep the Giants looking up in the division.

By Evan Barnes

evan.barnes@newsday.comevan_b

Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.