NFL
By: Greg Rector
Dallas Cowboys (4-3) versus N.Y. Giants (2-6)
The bye week is over. The defensive line was bolstered with the addition of Michael Bennett, for a conditional 7th round draft pick. The nagging injuries have had time to heal, and the push to win the NFC East starts in earnest with the 2nd game of the season against the Giants.
The last trip to New Jersey was an absolute horror show. There cannot be a repeat performance. Once again the Cowboys face a team they know they are much better than. Hopefully being a Monday night game, the Cowboys come out fired up. They control their own destiny and need to play like it.
In week one they played about half the game and handily took care of business. This is no longer an Eli Manning-led Giants offense, Daniel Jones, has become the starting quarterback, so for the first time since 2004, there won’t be any Eli “Struggle Face,” moments. The Giants offense goes through Saquon Barkley, and shutting him down will be no easy task. Bend but don’t break, and limit the damage he can wreak. Remember the havoc the defensive line caused the Eagles before the bye? That happens again against a rookie QB, and the defense can be a real factor. I always rant about it, and always will, when you cause mistakes be it fumbles or interceptions, life for the offense is so much easier. The rotation for the line will be interesting to watch, let’s see how Bennett fits in with Marinelli’s schemes.
Offensively the Cowboys have to deal with Leonard Williams, whom the Giants acquired in a first-ever trade with the Jets. He was a big factor 3 weeks ago, can he duplicate that though with a healthy Cowboys offensive line opposite him? We’ll see how that goes. The Giants defense is giving up just under 400 yards a game, however, so expect to see Zeke being fed plenty early on. If they can’t stop the run the Cowboys will be well on the way to a 4-0 divisional record. Prescott had his way in the passing game week one, and I don’t see that changing. The targets are healthy and should have a very good game against a secondary that isn’t all that impressive. The biggest key is not beating yourself with penalties and turnovers.
Prediction: Cowboys 35 Giants 20
You can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
