Giants’ Keys to Success: Week 10

Entering Week 10 in the NFL, the Giants have ripped off 5 straight wins. Currently, Big Blue ranks high in two big statistical categories. The Giants lead the NFL in total defense, allowing 250 yards/game up to this point (80 rushing,170 passing) . Manning, Nicks, and Bradshaw along with the rest of the offense is averaging 401 yards/game and are sitting at number two in the NFL.

Then we have the stats that aren’t so aesthetically pleasing. The G-Men rank in at dead last in the return game this season. They are only averaging 17.5 yards on kickoffs and 22 yards on punts, we have yet to see a return for a touchdown. In eight games the Giants have managed to turn over the ball 22 times (11 INTS, 11 FUM). Yet, their is a silver lining and that being 19 takeaways putting the differential to -3 on the season.

With the (6-2) New York Football Giants hosting the (1-7) Cowboys this afternoon in East Rutherford, many people believe this will be a cakewalk for the G-Men. Although the Cowboys have fallen short of expectations this year, to say the least, the Giants have to play Big Blue Football to secure this win. Here are some keys to success for the Giants this week:

• Take Lead Early: The Cowboys placed Jason Garrett as interim head coach earlier this week which could give them a spark.  The Giants have to be sure they score early and and often keeping the Cowboys” ego bruised and battered.
• Establish the Run: The Giants are banged up on the O-Line, Koets is out for the season and Diehl and O’Hara are trying to get healthy.  Andrews and most likely Boothe will be stepping in this week and looking to prove their worth.  The makeshift O-Line needs to step up and open some holes for the run game while protecting Eli in the pocket against Ware and the Dallas D.  Establishing the run always opens up the pass, this will be interesting to watch this week.
• Special Teams: As mentioned above the Giants special teams unit this year has been nothing to rave about.  Last time these two teams met, Dez Bryant ran one back for the Cowboys.  The Giants’ special teams needs to prevent the big play today.  It also would be nice to see Will Blackmon and the return team show some life
• Spread the Ball: Steve Smith is out this week with a partially torn pec so the focus for the Cowboys will be on shutting down Hakeem Nicks.  If Eli and the Giants can spread the ball out today and get Manningham and Boss involved along with Ramses Barden and Duke Calhoun, it will be a long day for the Cowboys.

The Giants entering the second half of the season are approaching the meat of their schedule.  They still have 5 division games to play, including todays game.  In order for the G-Men to prove they belong in the conversation as the NFL’s best they need to come out today,overcome injuries, and resume their dominant style of play on both sides of the ball.

Prediction: Giants 34 Cowboys 20