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 /

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Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Olivier Vernon

The likes of Romeo Okwara, Owa Odighizuwa, and Kerry Wynn will attempt to replace Jason Pierre-Paul at defensive end. Devon Kennard could also get snaps at the position based on his history of playing both end and linebacker at USC.

No matter who steps in for Pierre-Paul, the New York Giants are going to need Olivier Vernon to continue to produce at an elite rate.

The last @Giants player to record a sack in six straight games was @michaelstrahan in 2003. @oliviervernon54 has a chance to do it Sunday.
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) December 8, 2016

Any time a defensive end is mentioned in the same breath as Michael Strahan, you know they’re doing something right. In Vernon’s case, he’s recorded 7.0 sacks over the past five games after tallying one in the previous seven.

For all of the talk that he wasn’t worth the money, Vernon has developed into one of the most productive defensive ends in the NFL.

Against the Dallas Cowboys, Vernon will have the unenvious task of attempting to get to Dak Prescott. Not only is Prescott big and difficult to wrap up, but the Cowboys have one of the greatest offensive lines of all-time.

If the Giants are going to win this game, they’ll need Vernon to extend his streak to six games and keep Prescott under constant pressure.

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