The New York Giants versus Dallas Cowboys is one of the classic rivalries in the NFL. Dallas leads the all-time series with a 62-45-2 record. With both teams in the top four in the NFC, fans should expect another great match-up. In the first game of the season, the Giants won a 20-19 thriller. Below, I provide my three keys to the game in this Week 14 Preview.
Can the Giants Contain Dak Prescott?
The loss of Jason Pierre-Paul will significantly hamper the Giants’ ability to get to Dak Prescott. Pierre-Paul is not only a Pro-Bowl pass rusher, but also one of the best at containing quarterback runs. Through 12 games, rookie sensation Dak Prescott has run for over 200 yards and five touchdowns. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan points out that Prescott is running more and more often. This is somewhat surprising given how effective the Cowboys’ offensive line has been in providing Prescott time in the pocket to throw. Be on the lookout for a “spy”, with Devon Kennard as a likely option.
Who Guards Jason Witten?
Another week, another tight end shredding the Giants secondary. Ladarius Green had a monster performance last week, with six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. His score came against blossoming safety Landon Collins, who allowed Green to get behind him. On another play, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was matched up with the tight end, just missing an interception. I previously advocated for Spagnuolo to use Rodgers-Cromartie against tight ends. I would expect that strategy to continue.
Jason Witten has killed the Giants for years, and Witten did just that in the first matchup. He caught nine passes and converted key third downs, while providing a security blanket for the young quarterback. A lot has changed since then, with Ezekiel Elliott becoming more of a focal point for the Cowboys offense during their 11 straight wins. Still, I would count on Witten irking Giant fans forever.
Will Eli Spread the Wealth?
The lack of balance on the Giants’ offense is glaring. Now it is starting to have an impact on the locker room. Victor Cruz needed a meeting with coach Ben McAdoo to address his lack of targets. At the same time, Cruz tells the NY Post’s Paul Schwartz that he is “not a disgruntled employee.” This comes one week after Sterling Shepard was also not targeted. Perhaps Eli Manning’s inability to spread the ball to each of his receivers has more to do with the play calling than the team wants to let on. McAdoo seems resigned to this incompetence, recently saying, “We are who we are.”
Prediction: The Giants will blow their cushion and are faced with having to win two of their final three games.