This Sunday night, all eyes will be on the new Met Life Stadium as the (8-7) Giants host the (8-7) Cowboys, with the winner earning both the division title and final playoff spot. Three weeks ago, in the two teams first meeting, the Giants pulled off a miraculous 12-point comeback in the final 5 minutes to stun the Cowboys 37-34.
This week, all of the media attention will be focused on Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and his bruised right throwing hand. According to Head Coach Jason Garrett, X-rays on Romo’s hand were negative. Romo himself has already told the media he will play. Even though second string quarterback Jon Kitna is on injured reserve, the Cowboys have chosen not to sign another veteran quarterback to backup Romo, and instead will rely on third year quarterback Stephen McGee to be Romo’s primary backup.
The key matchup of the game will be between Giants quarterback Eli Manning and the Cowboys secondary. In the final five minutes of the first meeting, the Cowboys were simply unable to stop Manning, who finished the game 27-40 for 400 yards and two TDs. Even with the Cowboys past inability to stop the Giants, the Cowboys defense remains confident. According to outspoken Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan, the Cowboys are playing for a championship and “couldn’t be in a better spot”. Ryan also said his defense will have a great gameplan and be “getting after it” this week in practice. It is time to see if Ryan can put his money where his mouth is and develope a scheme to stop the Giants Sunday night.
The winner of this Sunday night’s NFC East Championship game will be able to celebrate more than just the New Year. They will have an NFC East Championship, the opportunity to host a playoff game, and bragging rights for an entire year.
