Cowboys, Giants Do Battle
The Dallas Cowboys Host New York in Playoff Game
The Dallas Cowboys host the New York Giants this afternoon, taking their 13-3 seasonal record in their quest to reach the NFC championship game.
The Giants – who have already lost twice to Dallas this year – will definitely have their work cut out for them. Although New York has played solid football of late, while the Cowboys’ offense seems to have stalled out recently, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo once again has his favorite receiver back – Terrell Owens.
Let’s look at this match-up…
Cowboys Offense Versus Giants Defense
First, Dallas tallied 45 points against New York during their first regular season meeting. QB Tony Romo has hurled eight touchdown passes against the Giants in their two regular season meetings, but has tossed a scarce few of late. Yet joining Owens is former All-Pro wide receiver Terry Glenn, who missed most of the regular season. CBS Sports reported this afternoon that season-long starting Dallas running back Julius Jones will sit, so the Cowboys will count on Marion Barber to carry the running game. Either way, the Dallas offensive line has played very well against New York this season.
New York’s defense must keep Romo in the pocket and have to have an extraordinary game from defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umeniora. Giants corner Sam Madison is questionable, although third-year cornerback Corey Webster has played well in Madison’s stead. Weak side linebacker Gerris Wilkinson has also played well in the absence of Kawika Mitchell (sprained knee), who may or may not be available.
Giants Offense Versus Cowboys Defense
The biggest question by far for New York is how quarterback Eli Manning will perform. Unlike big brother Peyton, Eli is a decidedly hot-or-cold QB. At times he plays like a potential Pro-Bowler, but he’s prone to lose his cool, get rattled and make rookie type mistakes. He does have his top wideout Plaxico Burress back at full strength, and Burress has scored five touchdowns against Dallas in Texas during his career. The 6-foot 6-inch receiver is quick and difficult to cover. Yet the Giants loss of tight end Jeremy Shockley is a bad blow to their offense. On the ground, they’ll count on Ahmad Bradshaw and the hefty Brandon Jacobs on the ground.
The Cowboys defensive secondary, predominantly corner Anthony Henry and free safety Ken Hamlin have their work cut out for them covering Burress. Their pass rush is dependent upon the performances of linebackers Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware, along with fellow linebacker Bradie James.
Best guess: Cowboys 35, Giants 21.
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