New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys Preview

By Jonathan Solomon | Saturday, October 15, 2005 | ( 0 )

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The NFL's best division, at least record wise, will be on tap for the second consecutive week when the New York Giants (3-1) travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys (3-2) this Sunday afternoon. The Giants are coming off of a bye week, something that the franchise hasn't done well in recent memory to the tune of a 3-13 record. The Dallas Cowboys beat the cream of the crop of the NFC last week in the Philadelphia Eagles and held them to just over 100 total offensive yards. Head coaches Tom Coughlin and Bill Parcells go back a long ways to the 1980s Giants Super Bowl teams and will meet as division foes for the third time.

The focus on the New York Giants has been the emergence of, quarterback Eli Manning as a legit superstar in the league. He has been able to pick apart defenses at will with the help of his weapons. One of those weapons, tight end Jeremy Shockey, signed a new contract with the Giants this week that makes him the highest paid player at his position. Amazingly, the Giants have been able to win without relying heavily on the legs of star running back Tiki Barber who is only averaging 83 yards per game on just 18 rushes per game. That may have to change this week against a Cowboys defense that has regained their confidence. Still, the defense that should be worried most, are the Giants.

Giants' defensive coordinator Tim Lewis has taken shots in the New York media for what is perceived as a soft group. Without a doubt, the Giants have been able to win thanks to an electric offense. With uncertainty in the cornerback position and a bit of a nicked up linebacker corps, their job will not be easy. Will Peterson is still going to doctors to get a confirmation on how serious his back injury is and whether or not he'll have to call it a season. Carlos Emmons is recovering from his knee and is not expected to see a lot of playing time, if any. Gibril Wilson has been attending to his eye, which has been affected by allergies, but he is expected to play.

The Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Drew Bledsoe already has an astounding 10 touchdown passes and 1351 passing yards on the season and has established Terry Glenn as his go-to guy. Jason Witten and Keyshawn Johnson will also be roaming free on the field. Still, Julius Jones is listed as questionable with an ankle injury and is not expected to play. Back-ups Tyson Thompson and Anthony Thomas will see the workload should Jones sit out. The weakness of the Cowboys offense is the pass protection which has allowed Bledsoe to be sacked 10 times and has caused him to fumble the ball four times.

This game is going to be close with two good offenses and a pair of at least average defenses. This is the type of game that is decided by a key turnover in a crucial situation. With that said, expect a high scoring affair in the thirty's range. These franchises have been known for a heated rivalry but the injection of great offenses will add an interesting twist into their games.

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