What was the second-most anticipated game (behind the opener) in the New Giants (Meadowlands) Stadium kicks off at 4:15 PM this Sunday between the Cowboys and Giants. Before the season even began Giants fans were already circling November 14th for what was expected to be a division influencing game against a heated, and highly competitive rival. This game was supposed to be a big test for the Giants, especially after the infamous Eli signature in the opener at the new Cowboys Stadium infuriated the Boys; they made it clear they would like nothing more than to return the favor in their first game in the Giants new house.
Unfortunately, as so often is the case in the NFL, that incredible matchup that had tickets going at a premium is not the game the game we will see this Sunday. The Cowboys, at 1-7, are off to one of the worst starts in the history of their franchise and have seemingly given up on the season and avoided contact while being absolutely demolished in their last two games. The losing attitude became so pervasive that despite Jerry Jones commitment to keep moribund head coach Wade Phillips in place through the end of 2010 he was dismissed this past Monday, leaving former heir-apparent Jason Garrett to pick up the pieces.
Unfortunately for the Giants they are now not without their own issues. Their aging offensive line, one of their strengths back in 2007 when they won the Superbowl, has begun to break down and deteriorate. Injuries to Center Shaun O'Hara, Tack David Diehl and backup Center Adam Koets will force reserve Shaun Andrews and newly activated Kevin Boothe into starting action, with Guard Rich Seubert moving over to center. While the Giants were able to maintain continuity last week while shuffling their line up in Seattle, this will be a much taller challenge with Demarcus Ware starting across from this group. Look for the Giants to employ some extra protect schemes to keep Ware, who would likely love to avenge the Giants knockout of Tony Romo on Eli. The game will certainly test the Giants O-Line depth, but given how poorly the Cowboys have played they will likely get away with it for this week at least.
Now on to predictions. With Steve Smith unable to play and the O-Line shuffled yet again I expect the Giants will struggle a little bit on offense.
Giants 24
Cowboys 13
Friday, November 12, 2010
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I think without Smith the Giants are going to go with a lot more two TE sets with Beckham and Boss. And if you combine that with the fact Bear Pascoe is a tight end playing fullback, they have a few extra blockers.
ReplyDeleteThe Giants need to work on establishing the run. Once they did that in the first match-up, the Cowboys were done. They had to drop more guys into the box and it opened up things for the WR to decimate the Cowboys secondary. I'm hoping for the same thing on Sunday.
This has all the makings of a classic trap game, but I have faith Coughlin will find a way to keep his troops from looking ahead.