Lest it be said one too many times, the Cowboys are 1-4 and in last place in the NFC East. The Giants are 4-2 and tied for first with the Eagles and heading into their first division matchup of the season, on the road, against the aforementioned losing team on Monday Night Football this week.
Now, I love visual aids. I really like what the NFL has done with their preview statistics – it really helps to visualize the advantages/disadvantages for each team in a preview setting. Here’s this weeks comparison via the NFL gamecenter page:
Contrary to what you might hear on the radio or tv about these two teams, the offenses essentially come out in a wash. Dallas has more total yards per game and more conversions for first downs, the Giants have more rushing yards per game and more points per game… it balances out quite well if you ask me. It’s true that the Cowboys have a very talented team in every respect, but the Giants have players that have executed just as well without the same level of appeal and flash that the Dallas players enjoy. My hope is that Monday night, Eli Manning and his young receiving core put up some numbers that make it clear to the whole audience just how under-rated NY really is this season.
In terms of running the football, Dallas has some good players that can obviously control the game if they can establish a rhythm early. The problem is that the Giants have a much better track record this year of running the football consistently well. The Giants are a top 5 rushing attack once again and Ahmad Bradshaw as the featured back is vying for #1 RB in the league in several key stats. While that fact is not as noticed as it could (or should) be… the Giants will be content to run all over Dallas’ run defense if they don’t take it seriously enough. The same is true for the Giants defense if they let down their guard defensively, but that hasn’t really hasn’t been an issue yet this year for the Giants when it’s clear they are out to stop the run.
In terms of the passing game, the Cowboys have the offensive advantage. However, the Giants have had one of the best pass rushing defenses and pass defenses in the league this year — should be interesting to watch what happens. The Cowboys also boast a top 5 pass defense, do the Giants have enough weapons to keep them guessing? In the end, it’s closer than I’d like but I give the Giants defense the edge in this matchup.
My feeling is that the Giants are going up against a team with its back against the wall, at home, and within the division with all the baggage of Eli’s signature still on their locker room wall from last year. The Cowboys are going to do everything they can to win this game… no question about it. If they don’t, their season is kaput.
The Giants though have an opportunity to take a clear advantage within the division if they can beat the Cowboys Monday night. And I’ve asked around, not many people think the Giants can go into Dallas and come out with a win this week. I disagree. The Giants have spoiled so many ‘sure things’ in the past that what’s one more to add to their bill? It’s safe to say that the Cowboys are not going to host their own Superbowl this year… and if the Giants can provide early closure on that notion I’m sure they’re going to do everything possible to make sure that statement can be made truthfully. The Giants offense, defense, and special teams are all coming together – they’re coming off 3 wins in a row, lot’s of momentum to draw upon. The Cowboys, while stacked with talent, have not been able to put a complete game together.
The Giants have, and they win this game on the road in hostile territory Monday night.
Prediction:
30-27 Giants