ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys scores a touchdown over Eli Apple #24 of the New York Giants in the first half of a game at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

In the throes of a lousy 3-13 season for the New York Giants in 2017, at least the team thought they had seen the last of Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.

As much as the Philadelphia Eagles are the team nemesis for the New York Giants, Witten became the individual nemesis. In typical Witten fashion, his erstwhile “final” catch against Big Blue was a 20-yard touchdown grab from Dak Prescott, on Dec. 17, 2017, according to Pro Football Reference.

Then Witten spent 2018 away from the field, but not the NFL, as he was an analyst for Monday Night Football. The combination of a tepid television debut and missing the game he loved, brought Witten back to the ‘Boys.

But now he’s back, and that can’t be good news for the New York Giants.

While Giants fans shouldn’t be jumping up and down in support of Witten’s return, there’s a lot to consider. First, Big Blue has experienced such team turnover that he won’t recognize many defensive faces. Part 2 comes with the limited stature that Witten now has in the offense in Big D.

Per ESPN:

“Witten’s role might not be what it was when he was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times in his 15 seasons, as the Cowboys will look to play him in at least a slightly reduced role after he played close to 100 percent of the snaps in each of his previous campaigns.”

Maybe the hex is with the Dallas Cowboys tight end position, rather that specifically about Jason Witten himself. Youthful Blake Jarwin had seven catches for 119 receiving yards and three touchdowns for the Cowboys in a 36-35 win over the G-Men on Dec. 30, 2018.

Maybe defensive coordinator James Bettcher will be able conjure up a game plan to tamp down both Jarwin and Witten next season. Witten’s return may not be the magic elixir for the Dallas Cowboys, but the New York Giants need to guard against Witten pulling out magic against Big Blue.