NFC Game Of The Week
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Giants: In a season where many didn’t expect much from them, by far, they have exceeded expectations. You could even say they’ve over exceeded in a way. There is nothing flashy about this football team. I see a group that plays downhill while running the football, having the Quarterback control the clock and the defense getting off the field by making key stops when necessary. On Sunday against the Detroit Lions, that was the worst I’ve seen them look all season long. Saquon Barkley couldn’t get much of anything going on the ground and Daniel Jones threw the football a total of 40 times, which is out of his element. I guess you can say the Giants’ running game was shut down because Saquon was held to 15 carries and 22 yards rushing. They couldn’t run the football because the Lions built up a big lead early on and to get back into the game, throwing the ball is crucial at that point because you need big plays in a hurry. I want to discuss the Quarterback if I can for a second. Everyone has criticized Daniel Jones since he’s come into the league. Yes, he has struggled at points of his career, but he’s living proof that coaching does indeed make a difference. This is no disrespect to Joe Judge, but a coach with a background in Special Teams can’t develop a Quarterback. This year, I’ve seen a completely different Quarterback this year. He’s delivering for his team in more ways than one in the clutch and most importantly, he’s taking much better care of the football this year whereas in years past, he would gift wrap the football to the other team consistently. Today, they’re at JerryWorld for a big-time showdown in the division.
Cowboys: Alright, so I need to know. Who exactly are they? Are they the football that built up a 14-point lead in Green Bay, then when they had the lead, they got away from what put them ahead in the game which was running the football? Or are they the team we saw thoroughly dominate the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis? I’m still trying to figure them out and that might be crazy to say, especially around this time of the year when you begin to see the pretenders and contenders. Week 11 was the best I’ve seen them look in a really long time. They were dominant at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football, and I saw them play with some anger which I loved to see because I know they heard all the chatter about their downfall in Green Bay the previous week. Many of you have heard me say this when I talk about the Dallas Cowboys and they’re at their best when they are playing with balance. When they ran the football first, that makes life so much easier for Dak Prescott. They will win games if he throws the ball between 25 and 30 times per game. Anything over that is a recipe for them to lose. Let’s just admit the fact he’s not the type of Quarterback like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen that can take games over with their arms. Dak is a game manager. As good as he was on Sunday against Minnesota, I need to see him do this more consistently and when it matters such as December and even further in the playoffs. I also think they need a true number one receiver because they don’t have one. If they were to get Odell, that changed the dynamic of their entire offense and team. They return home for a divisional tilt with the Giants today.
Giants X-Factor: Leonard Williams– I’ve raved about this Giants Defensive Line all season long. Azeez Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the edges, then Dexter Lawrence creating havoc from the interior. We can’t forget Leonard Williams at all. He’s quite the presence from the interior. Leonard is just as stout in stopping the run as he is applying pressure on the passer. Even if he isn’t sacking the Quarterback, he’s doing something to affect him such as collapsing the pocket, getting in his presence and making him hesitate to throw the ball. I expect this New York defensive front to be active early.
Cowboys X-Factor: Michael Gallup– He’s such a difference maker when healthy. Michael has become Dak’s safety valve of some sorts. This is who Dak will target when he needs that target to move the chains. He’s so technically skilled when he’s on the field and he’s that reliable target for the Quarterback. I consider him the Tyler Lockett of the Dallas offense. Michael can stretch the field, the short routes and he’s dangerous in space with the ball in his hands.
Final Thoughts: These two teams met back in week three. At that time, Cooper Rush was the Quarterback for the Cowboys. We were also figuring out who the Giants were then as well. Months later, here we are and this time, Dak is playing. Keeping an eye on Micah Parsons is the first key for the Giants. Know where he is always and neutralize him. Also, the Giants must get this running game going. It won’t be easy against this Dallas defense, but when Saquon has it going, the Giants are a tough out. As for the Cowboys, continue to feed Tony Pollard the football. He’s become the explosive element for the offensive attack. This is the number one passing defense in the league and the Giants will have their trouble in the passing game.
Prediction: Cowboys 28, Giants 20
