New York Giants: Players Who Need To Step Up Against Dallas Cowboys

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the huddle with wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) and wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) and tight end Will Tye (45) during the game at AT&T Stadium. New York won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the huddle with wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) and wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) and tight end Will Tye (45) during the game at AT&T Stadium. New York won 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jamie Collins (51) tackles New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jamie Collins (51) tackles New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Running Backs

The New York Giants earned the Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, but the formula for success was unsustainable. Dallas dominated time of possession 36:43 to 23:17, which placed far too heavy a burden on the Giants’ defense.

In order to defeat the Cowboys in Week 14, the Giants will need running backs Rashad Jennings and Paul Perkins to keep the chains moving and the clock rolling.

Dallas has one of the most explosive and star-studded offensive units in the NFL. Dak Prescott, Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley, and Jason Witten create an efficient passing attack, and Ezekiel Elliott is the league’s leading rusher.

The Giants don’t need Jennings and Perkins to match Elliott’s production, but that duo must be able to move the chains and gain positive yardage.

New York is currently No. 31 in the NFL in rushing yards per game and No. 27 with just five rushing touchdowns. It has just one rushing touchdown over the past five games and generated just 56 rushing yards on 14 carries against Pittsburgh.

Shane Vereen could return against Dallas to help the passing attack, but it’s Jennings and Perkins who will need to step up between the tackles.