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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Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

1. Eli Manning

No matter what else goes well or poorly for the New York Giants, the outcome of this game rests squarely on the shoulders of quarterback Eli Manning. Following his underwhelming performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Manning needs to bounce back strong.

Fortunately for the Giants, Manning knows a thing or two about stepping up against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Giants and Cowboys are an even 12-12 during the Manning era, which means bragging rights will be on the line. Since dropping five consecutive games to the Cowboys between 2013 and 2015, however, the Giants have regained momentum.

New York defeated Dallas 27-20 in Week 7 of the 2015 season and secured a 20-19 road victory over the Cowboys in Week 1 of the 2016 campaign.

Manning failed to produce a touchdown against Dallas in 2015, but he threw for three during Week 1 of 2016. He completed just under 68 percent of his passes for 207 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, including the game-tying touchdown with 6:13 remaining.

Randy Bullock technically decided the game with the extra point, but it was Manning who did what he does best by marching the Giants down the field and putting clutch points on the board.

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This time around, Manning will need to be even better.

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