NFL
By: Greg Rector
Hello Cowboy Nation and welcome to Cowboys corner, your home for weekly previews and analysis of Americas team. Week One see the Dallas Cowboys open their 2019 season against their usual opponent the New York Giants.
Keys to the Game: With Ezekiel Elliott expected to only get between 17-25 plays after no pre-season work due to his holdout, the onus will fall on Dak Prescott to be as effective as he was in the second Giants game last year. Thankfully he has even more weapons. Jason Witten returning and Randall Cobb, give him two excellent safety valves to keep drives alive. Travis Frederick returns to the offensive line as well. Amari Cooper and a vastly improved Michael Gallup, will face a secondary that can be beaten. Expect rookie RB Tony Pollard to have at least one big play as well. He was impressive in pre-season as a runner, considering his college days he was much more of a receiving threat.
Defensively the Cowboys are committed to going for the football much more this season. They will have their hands full with Saquon Barkley, the biggest threat the Giants have by far however the Giants receiving corps isn’t scaring anyone. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esche should continue to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The added speed and depth at all three levels will make them an elite defense if they continue to get takeaways.
Variables: What if Eli struggles early do the Giants turn to their 6th overall pick Daniel Jones against a division rival? That would make for a huge story. As for the Giants front office claims of improvements, sorry I’m from Missouri, you’ll have to show me. These games are usually close however I don’t see it this time. The Cowboys have weathered the Zeke holdout and will be determined to show the rest of the league they are even better.
Cowboys 30 Giants 17
