Here’s our first edition of ‘enemy exchange’ of the 2019 season, with our friends over at the Landry Hat.
I reached out to my colleague over at the Landry Hat, Steven Mullenax, for some extra information as we head into tomorrow’s gigantic division clash with the Dallas Cowboys. There are few people more in-tune with what’s going on over there, as Steve is a Pro Football Writer’s of America member and has been covering the team for years. Here’s what he had to say.
1. I’ll start off with an obvious one…how many touches will Zeke get on Sunday? Additionally, are you worried about any kind of hamstring or muscle pull due to not being a part of camp?
SM: I think the flow of the game and how well Ezekiel Elliott runs early will determine his touches. But if there was going to be a game where rookie running back Tony Pollard equals or bests Zeke in touches, it would be this matchup. Injuries are always a concern with a player who misses the entirety of training camp and the preseason. But Elliott has also proven to be a very durable player through his first three seasons.
2. How big of a factor will Randall Cobb be in this offense? Does he figure to just take over the Cole Beasley role, or will his duties be more versatile?
SM: I think there will be games where Cobb could lead the offensive in receptions. But the truth is there are several mouths to feed in Dallas and a limited amount of passes to hand out (especially in a run-first offense). Amari Cooper will get his targets with Michael Gallup, Cobb and tight ends Jason Witten and Blake Jarwin all fighting for the rest. And let’s not forget that Elliott registered a career-high 77 receptions last year, so he’ll factor in the passing game as well.
3. I know you guys have an incredibly well-rounded team, but if you had to point to one weakness that could end up being exploited, what is it?
SM: Beyond an injury taking a starter away, I think most agree that the biggest weakness is at safety. Specifically, Jeff Heath. Xavier Woods appears to be a budding star who should make a name for himself in 2019. But Heath continues to be to one weak link most fans point to in the defense. There is some hope that sixth-round rookie safety Donovan Wilson may ascend to a starting role after recording three interceptions in the preseason. But an ankle injury is going to delay his regular season debut. And at this point, the coaching staff in Dallas simply trusts Heath more.
4. What can reasonable be expected out of Jason Witten this season, particularly against the Giants (who he has torched for over a decade)?
SM: I think we’ll see a vintage Witten-type performance on Sunday. Three to five catches, a couple third down conversions, and a possible touchdown reception. Before he retired, Witten found success using his veteran savvy to find openings in the secondary and through excellent route running. With a year off, Witten should be in the best physical shape he’s been in years. Every player hits a physical wall at some point, and that could come this season for the 37-year old. But in this first game, I expected to see a rejuvenated veteran who can still find success despite his age and declining physical skills.
More from NY Giants News
- Workout clip of Evan Neal training with former All-Pro OT has Giants fans excited
- NFL Draft Schedule of Events: How to Navigate Draft Weekend
- 4 NY Giants who must step their game up in 2023
- This SEC CB at No. 25 overall for the Giants is gaining steam
- When is the NFL Draft?
5. Is your safety group good enough to flourish in this new era of the NFL? Heath has been suspect as best, especially at giving up big plays. How much does the group worry you overall, being the last line of defense?
(I kind of hamstrung Steven here with a double question of sorts, that’s on me)
SM: I talked about this a bit earlier. I think there is a lot riding on the development of Xavier Woods. Heath’s play can certainly be inconsistent, but he is also capable of winning a game for you. Woods must be the more consistent of the two to help stabilize that position. The Cowboys believe he can be an elite safety in the league and have bypassed names like Earl Thomas, Eric Berry and several rookies in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft based on that belief.