NFL Matchup
3 Things for the Giants to win
1. Possess the football. Dallas’ defense is improved but is missing some key pieces in Orlando Scandrick, Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain. Mix it up and pepper Odell Beckham Jr. with targets. Keep those chains moving and keep Dallas’ offense on the sideline.
2. Keep the play in front of you. The Giants defense as a whole is a concern with what is expected to be an anemic pass rush, questionable run defense and inexperienced safety play. Avoid giving up the chunk plays and force Dallas and Tony Romo to make the right decisions and exercise patience. If they don’t you’ll create opportunities for turnovers.
3. Eli Manning has to be sharp. Points and timely defense are likely to determine this one. Eli has to make the plays to keep his team in the game into the fourth quarter in order for the Giants to steal one on the road.
3 Things for the Cowboys to win
1. The offensive line must assert itself. The Cowboys offensive line is extolled as the best in the NFL. The Giants defensive line is a work in progress. Go out and establish the line of scrimmage. Mitigate the departure of Demarco Murray by re-asserting that your “five” can create running lanes for Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden.
2. Dallas will certainly focus their efforts to slow down Odell Beckham. We shall see how they fair, but they can’t afford to relax if the ball doesn’t find the star receiver. Rueben Randle, Larry Donnell, Rashad Jennings and newly acquire Shane Vereen get paid too and they all have the ability to catch the football. Pass defense/pass rush hasn’t exactly been a strength in Dallas in recent years. Do your job.
3. Tyrone Crawford, Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence have to be impactful. Part of the ongoing concerns with the Cowboys secondary is Dallas’ in ability to consistently pressure the opposing quarterback. Given time Eli will dissect the Cowboys’ last line of defense. The aforementioned defensive linemen are young and talented and Dallas is counting on them to be game changers for the duration of the season as well as Week 1.
What to watch for…
The stars are aligning on Sunday night and fireworks are expected particularly with stud receivers Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr. on the field. Enjoy the speed, explosiveness and athleticism from both wide-outs under the lights in prime time.
The Front Office Says…
Strud and Juice – Dallas Cowboys win.
Headley – New York Giants win.
