In a heated NFC East weekend showdown, the New York Giants (5-2) will look to send the rival Cowboys (3-3) to the bottom of the standings after their afternoon contest this Sunday. As these heated rivals get set to do battle on the gridiron this weekend, there may be some unfamiliar names that will enter into the fray for both teams.
For the Cowboys, running back DeMarco Murray is out and backup Felix Jones is questionable. If neither were able to go, Phillip Tanner, the pride of Middle Tennessee State University, would get the chance to crack the starting lineup. The biggest player to keep an eye on is Demarcus Ware, who has missed three-straight practices with an illness; however, coaches are “very confident” that Ware will be on the field for action Sunday. If Ware is unable to go, the linebacking unit will take a major step backward with Sean Lee out for the season.
The Giants will also head into game time with some key injuries. Like the Cowboys, the Giants may have questions in the backfield with the foot of Ahmad Bradshaw still not at one hundred percent. When asked about Bradshaw’s status, head coach Tom Coughlin said, “He looked ok…but based on that type of thing, I’m confident.” Safety Kenny Phillips is listed as questionable, but the emergence of Stevie Brown has instilled some confidence among the coaching staff.
Despite the numerous injuries, the Cowboys biggest question is how does Tony Romo rebound from recent struggles. Romo and the Cowboys are 0-3 against the Giants since the newest installment of Cowboys Stadium opened in 2009, where Dallas was defeated by the New York Giants. In the earlier meeting, third-string receiver Kevin Ogletree had the performance of a lifetime with eight catches for 114 yards and two TDs. If Dallas can successfully ride Ogletree again, the field will open up for Dez Bryant and Miles Austin to make plays. The key matchup in this one is the ability of Tanner to take on the front four of New York and open up some play-action passes for Romo.
Eli Manning has thrown his hat into the MVP race with his hot start. Manning’s 12 TD’s and over 2100 passing yards lead an offense averaging over 37 points a game. Part of New York’s overwhelming success is the continued dominance of Victor Cruz. Cruz, most famous for his salsa-dancing celebration after scoring a touchdown, might be tiring out from too much dancing. In seven games, Cruz has seven TD’s and 627 yards receiving, including a game winning 70-yard touchdown pass in the 4th quarter to best RGIII and the Redskins. With the improved health of Hakeem Nicks, the Giants have one of the most dangerous aerial attacks in the entire NFL. The younger Manning will attempt to hover around the lofty averages he has posted thus far, and will improve to 6-2 if able to get anywhere close.
Though the Cowboys lead the all-time series 57-42-2 and beat New York earlier in the opener, do not expect a similar result in this one. “America’s Team” will be unable to repeat their week 1 performance due to the lack of a run game against the elite run defense anchored by Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora of the Giants. In the end, Eli Manning’s ability to spread the ball around to Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks will prove too much for the Cowboys to handle.
If the World Series has taught us anything, it is not wise to bet against “The Giants” at this point in the season.
Prediction: Giants 31, Cowboys 14
Fantasy Performer(s) To Watch:
NYG – Eli Manning (29-42, 309 passing yards, 3 TD’s)
DAL – Dez Bryant (51 yards, four receptions, TD)
