Saturday, December 31, 2011

InReeseWeTrust.com Week 17 Game Preview: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys (8-7) at New York Giants (8-7), Sunday, January 1st at 830 pm at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 12/31/11

What happened last week?
Dallas avoided its first home shutout since 1991 by scoring its only touchdown with seven seconds remaining in a 20-7 loss to Philadelphia. The Giants victory over the Jets rendered the Dallas-Philly match up meaningless by the middle of the first quarter, setting a de facto divisional championship game between New York and Dallas in the Meadowlands. New York’s victory over Rex Ryan’s Jets let the Cowboys rest some key players. A banged up Tony Romo left the game midway through the first with a bruised hand, while Felix Jones carried the ball only four times before he was pulled. Romo injured his throwing hand on his second pass attempt when he knocked it into a defender’s helmet. The hand swelled and Romo did not return, though the quarterback said he would have returned if the Giants hadn’t rendered the game irrelevant. The offense sputtered behind backup quarterback Stephen McGee, but the week prior Romo guided his offense to 399 total yards in Tampa Bay, while the Dallas defense held the Bucs to just 190 total yards.

Run game
The quarterbacks in this matchup hog the bulk of pregame media attention, especially the man in Dallas with the bruised hand. While Romo insists the bruise will not affect his throwing ability, he and Eli Manning will have to manage 40-degree temperatures and steady 20-mile per hour gusts expected by kickoff in the Meadowlands. The two quarterbacks combined to throw for over 700 yards in their face-off three weeks ago in Dallas’ indoor stadium, but both teams also supplied 100-yard rushers; Brandon Jacobs gained 101 yards on 19 carries and Dallas’ Felix Jones tallied 106 rushing and 31 through the air. Jones only saw action in the first two Dallas drives last week before being pulled after gaining 24 yards on four carries. His backup this week is veteran and ex-Patriot Sammy Morris, who wasn’t even on the Dallas roster until two weeks ago. Dallas signed Morris when leading rusher DeMarco Murray sprained his ankle in week fourteen against the Giants. In two games with Dallas, Morris has averaged 3.3 yards on 25 carries and added 4 receptions for 10 yards. Against a rested Felix Jones and the veteran Morris, New York boasts a backfield advantage between a rampaging Brandon Jacobs and healthy Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw bullied his way into the end zone twice in the second half against the Jets, and Jacobs had two of his own in Dallas three weeks ago. All three Giants running backs knifed through the Jets defense for long gains. Jacobs rambled off a 28-yard rush on a third quarter touchdown drive, and DJ Ware’s long run of 17 yards late in the fourth quarter turned into 32 when a 15-yard personal foul penalty was added to the run. Dallas’ run game will fade on the legs of finesse Felix Jones, while the Giants’ rotation will set the stage for a strong fourth quarter ground control attack.

Can the Giants do it again?
Season sweeps in the Cowboys-Giants series aren’t as rare as you’d think. The Giants have swept the Cowboys in a season five times since 2000, the last occurring in 2009, and the Cowboys also have done it twice since then. When Dallas led the Giants 34-22 with less than six minutes remaining, it appeared the Cowboys would have a chance for the sweep, but the Giants victory propelled the teams to identical 8-7 records and set up the NFL’s only head-to-head win and you’re in regular season game. The winner hosts a home playoff game, against either 10-5 Detroit or 9-6 Atlanta, and the loser goes home.

Get your brooms ready…
Because the Giants will complete the Dallas sweep and finally lay claim to the 2011 NFC East division title. I almost wish the game was in JerryWorld in Dallas, just to have more cameras to capture Jerry Jones melting like the Wicked Witch of the West as another season slips away. But the scene in New York will be daunting for Dallas, a team that performed poorly the only time it played in cold weather this season on Halloween weekend in October. Playing in 42-degree Philadelphia weather on a snowy weekend, the Cowboys were dropped by the Eagles, 34-7. Romo completed just over fifty percent of his passes at 18 for 35 attempts, throwing one interception to go along with one touchdown pass. Spurred by a 30 carry, 185 yard performance by LeSean McCoy, the Eagles held the ball for 42 minutes and led 34-0 by the time Dallas found the end zone. The Giants will game plan a similar approach in the cold, windy home they call the Meadowlands. Romo’s bruised hand will play a psychological if not physical role in the game, especially if he loses a couple early passes in the wind. The wind will affect Eli’s accuracy as well. He’s completed just 47% of his passes in the last two games at MetLife Stadium, down from 62% in the previous thirteen weeks. More than ever, the Giants have relied on the reborn run game, sponsored by a healthy Ahmad Bradshaw and motivated Brandon Jacobs. Though quite nice, an offense can’t rely on 99-yard Victor Cruz touchdowns every week. Giants out-slug the Cowboys, 26-20.

Who has the matchup edge when the NY Giants battle the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East division title and a playoff berth?


 Brandon Jacobs and the Giants look to run over the Cowboys Sunday night.
Sharon Ellman/ AP
Brandon Jacobs and the Giants look to run over the Cowboys Sunday night.
By Hank Gola - NY Dailynews 12/31/11

Between Tony Romo, Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett, there's no reason to like the Dallas Cowboys

Tony Gutierrez/AP
If a standing Tony Romo doesn't infuriate Big Blue fans to the max, how about the fact he is five spots ahead of Giants QB Eli Manning in NFL quarterback ratings?
By FIlip Bondy - NY Dailynews 12/31/11

NY Giants' Hakeem Nicks has no setbacks, appears to be ready for Cowboys


 Giants WR Hakeem Nicks says after successful practice it’s full speed ahead.
Kathy Willens/AP
Giants WR Hakeem Nicks says after successful practice it’s full speed ahead.
By Christian Red - NY Dailynews 12/31/11

Giants rookie cornerback Prince Amukamara earning more playing time for game against Cowboys

By Mark Hale - NY Post 12/31/11

Steve Serby on Ahmad Bradshaw being ready to run vs. Cowboys

By Steve Serby - NY Post 12/31/11

Rob Ryan, Cowboys defensive coordinator, brimming with confidence entering Giants showdown

Cowboys' Ryan brings family to see 'when we win the East'
By Keith Whitmire - NY Post 12/31/11

Friday, December 30, 2011

Draft 2012: Bowl Stock Watch

By Evan Silva - Rotoworld.com 12/30/11

Politi: Giants' playoff future could rest on Justin Tuck as they face Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/12/politi_giants_playoff_future_c.html
Justin Tuck (above) and the Giants face Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, with the winner taking the NFC East crown.By Steve Politi - Star Ledger 12/30/11

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants: Battle for the NFC East

By Joe Maine - InReeseWeTrust.com 12/30/11 
This is what it is all about.  One game.  One night.  And only one team can make it to post season.  Now the New York Giants and the Cowboys are two very alike houses. Both teams have gotten rid of their old stadium for a new one.  Both teams both have 30 playoff appearances.  Which is the most in the NFL.  Both sides have had great players to change the game.  Lawrence Taylor and Emmitt Smith.  But that is all history. 
Let talk about the present.  Both teams are 8-7 with this being the final game of the season with a lot on the line.  The Giants were swept by the Skins, won and lost a game to the Eagles, and beat the Cowboys.  The Cowboys lost to the Giants where swept by the Eagles and swept the Redskins.  The Cowboys also have the better win percentage all time against the G-men with the record standing at 56-41-2.  To add even more suspense to this game this will be the 100th time these two teams have played each other. 
The keys to win this game on both sides are clear and simple.  Good defense and good running game will most likely win the game.  We can expect a lot of rushing by both the Cowboys and the Giants.  On defense, keep your eye on Jason Pierre-Paul for the Giants and DeMarcus Ware for the Cowboys.  These two players alone have accounted for 33 1/2 sacks.  That’s more sacks right there then the entire Pittsburgh Steelers entire team.  Another two players to look for on both sides are Victor Cruz and Dez Bryant. Both of these wide receivers have only been around for two years and have become there QB’s go to guy.  Last but not least the Quarterbacks- Eli Manning AKA The Iron Man of the NFL right now, not missing a single game in his career against Tony Romo, a man who played with a broken rib and punctured lung.   Look for the QB with least turnovers to win the game.  
This will be one heck of a game with many aftermath questions.  Will the losing coach be fired?  What will the winning team do in the Wild Card round?  We will have to find out this Sunday Night.  Who will win when the Big Blue Wrecking Crew hosts America’s Team?    

Giants' Perry Fewell not worried about limiting Jason Pierre-Paul's snap count anymore

Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell wanted to limit end Jason Pierre-Paul to about 45 snaps per game. Pierre-Paul more than doubled that figure against the Jets but remained effective.Tim Farrell/Star Ledger By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/30/11

Serby on Tom Coughlin’s future with Giants

STILL HERE: No matter the result of Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, Tom Coughlin is expecting to be on the Giants sidelines next season.
NEIL MILLER
STILL HERE: No matter the result of Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, Tom Coughlin is expecting to be on the Giants sidelines next season.
By Steve Serby - NY Post 12/30/11

Osi Umenyiora eager to return against Dallas

  New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) practices at Timex Field before the game against the New England Patriots.
Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News

Out since late November with ankle sprain, Osi Umenyiora says 'I might be able to' play for Giants Sunday night with season on line.
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/30/11

Giants looking to get back to playoffs

Giants eager to return to postseason
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/30/11

NY Giants running back Brandon Jacobs doesn’t hate the Dallas Cowboys, he just hates their fans

NY Giants RB Brandon Jacobs celebrates game-winning TD in final minute in Big Blue’s 37-34 win over Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.
Tony Gutierrez/AP
NY Giants RB Brandon Jacobs celebrates game-winning TD in final minute in Big Blue’s 37-34 win over Dallas Cowboys in Week 14.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/30/11

Dallas Cowboys should no longer be referred to as 'America's Team'

Giants DE Justin Tuck says title needs to be challenged

By Gary Myers - NY Dailynews 12/30/11

Who has the matchup edge when the NY Giants battle the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East division title and a playoff berth?


 Brandon Jacobs and the Giants look to run over the Cowboys Sunday night.
Sharon Ellman/ AP
Brandon Jacobs and the Giants look to run over the Cowboys Sunday night.
By Hank Gola - NY Dailynews 12/30/11

NY Giants' Hakeem Nicks won't be slowed by hamstring injury vs. Dallas Cowboys

Robert Sabo/New York Daily News
Hakeem Nicks (r.), who rides the stationary bike beside Ahmad Bradshaw Thursday, says injuries are a part of the game this late in the season, as the WR prepares to return Sunday from a strained hamstring.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/30/11

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Osi Umenyiora returns to practice as Giants get ready for Cowboys

TOGETHER AGAIN: Osi Umenyiora returned to practice yesterday and it appears he will be ready to team up with Jason Pierre-Paul and wreak havoc against the Cowboys on Sunday night.
CHARLES WENZELBERG
TOGETHER AGAIN: Osi Umenyiora returned to practice yesterday and it appears he will be ready to team up with Jason Pierre-Paul and wreak havoc against the Cowboys on Sunday night.
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/29/11

Cruz torn between his two teams

Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants
Photo credit: Getty Images | Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants reacts after dropping a pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. (Dec. 11, 2011)
By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 12/29/11

Nicked-up Hakeem a reason to worry

By Steve Serby - NY Post 12/29/11

Osi Umenyiora may return for NY Giants' rush job vs. Dallas Cowboys Sunday for NFC East title

New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) celebrates, 1st quarter, New England Patriots vs. New York Giants at Gillette Stadium.
Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News
Osi Umenyiora, out since injuring ankle in late November, could bolster Giants' pass rush against Tony Romo and Cowboys Sunday night.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/29/11

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Giants' Jake Ballard not making much progress in recovery from knee injury

Giants tight end Jake Ballard said the expected recovery time from his knee injury is 2 to 4 weeks, though he's hoping to miss only one game.By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/28/11

Still Need Tickets to Sunday Night's Matchup of the Giants vs. Cowboys??

MVP from Each Positional Unit on the New York Giants

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Rich Schultz/Getty Images
By Jeff Shull - Bleacher Report 12/28/11

New York Giants: Which Team Will Show Up Against Dallas Cowboys in Week 17?

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 24:  David Baas #64 of the New York Giants snaps the ball prior to their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2011 in East Rutherford. New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
Rich Schultz/Getty Images
By Pete Schauer - Bleacher Report 12/28/11

Eli Manning: 4 Things We've Learned About the New York Giants QB in 2011

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Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images
By Phil Watson - Bleacher Report 12/28/11

Giants' Osi Umenyiora will practice today


http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/12/giants_osi_umenyiora_will_prac.html
Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) will practice for the first time today since being sidelined on Nov. 28.By Jorge Castillo - Star Ledger 12/28/11

Manning, Romo have done this dance before

GETTY IMAGES
Eli Manning
By Steve Serby - NY Post 12/28/11

Giants’ hate of ’Boys runs deep

RUB IT IN HIS FACE: Jerry Jones’ arrogance rubbed Giants owner Wellington Mara the wrong way and that animus continues throughout the franchise.
AP
RUB IT IN HIS FACE: Jerry Jones’ arrogance rubbed Giants owner Wellington Mara the wrong way and that animus continues throughout the franchise.
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/28/11

Eli Manning, Jason Pierre-Paul lone NY Giants named to NFC’s 2012 Pro Bowl team, Victor Cruz snubbed but named alternate


http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/eli-manning-jason-pierre-paul-lone-ny-giants-named-nfc-2012-pro-bowl-team-article-1.997582
Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News
NY Giants QB Eli Manning earns second trip to the Pro Bowl thanks to five fourth-quarter comebacks and franchise record 4,587 passing yards.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/28/11

2012 NFL Draft Big Board with Video Highlights

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
By Matt Miller - Bleacher Report 12/28/11

NY Giants, Eli Manning can beat Dallas Cowboys again by following Daily News seven-point game plan


 For Eli Manning to walk off field a winner he must snap mini-slump. Getty
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
For Eli Manning to walk off field a winner he must snap a mini-slump.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/28/11

Back to the basics, Giants defense hopes to stay strong with season on the line

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The Giants secondary will continue keeping it simple after a strong performance against the Jets.By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/28/11

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Tuck heating up for Cowboys


http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Tuck-heating-up-for-Cowboys/2cff9d65-f650-41d5-b46d-e8a2d8dc778e

DE Justin Tuck gaining confidence heading into the Dallas game.

By Dan Salomone - Giants.com 12/27/11

Coughlin talks Replay Challenges


http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Coughlin-talks-Replay-Challenges/1b1b82a1-d05a-4097-8d00-86a753e12740

Coach Coughlin discussed some of the calls that went in the Jets favor on Saturday

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 12/27/11

Eli and JPP named to 2012 Pro Bowl

Eli Manning was named to his second Pro Bowl and Jason Pierre-Paul will be going for the first time!

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 12/27/11

Next? Falcons or Lions waiting if Giants win


http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/giants/2011/12/next-falcons-or-lions-waiting-if-giants-win
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/27/11

Giants look to maintain consistency and intensity against Dallas Cowboys with NFC East title on the line


http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/12/giants_look_to_maintain_consis.html
The Giants and Ahmad Bradshaw will look to maintain their intensity Sunday night against the Cowboys.By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/27/11

Giants must use home-field edge against Cowboys


http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/giants_must_make_home_where_the_8zQ6q5iNMaG7d3LQvuCOpL
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/27/11

Giants must make home where the wins are

Schwartz: Giants must make MetLife where the wins are
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/27/11

TE Ballard working hard to return


http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/TE-Ballard-working-hard-to-return/12c5acdc-d460-4af0-ac2f-0b0995cb97d0

In their previous matchup, TE Jake Ballard provided big plays and his status is still up in the air for Sunday.

By Dan Salomone - Giants.com 12/27/11

Giants' Tuck feeds off his hate when it comes to Cowboys

HATE IS ENOUGH: Justin Tuck has never hidden how he feels about the Cowboys. He gave Dallas more bulletin-board material yesterday.
GETTY IMAGES
HATE IS ENOUGH: Justin Tuck has never hidden how he feels about the Cowboys. He gave Dallas more bulletin-board material yesterday.
By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 12/27/11

Giants WR hoping to Cruz to Pro Bowl

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) can not pull in touchdown pass, 4th quarter, New York Jets vs. New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 12/27/11

Eli Manning's comeback this season latest installment in storied NY Giants- Dallas Cowboys rivalry


 Don't let this photo of former Giants DE Michael Strahan and then-Cowboys coach Bill Parcells (r.) fool you, there is no love lost between Big Blue and America's Team.
Amy Conn-Gutierrez/ AP
Don't let this photo of former Giants DE Michael Strahan and then-Cowboys coach Bill Parcells (r.) fool you, there is no love lost between Big Blue and America's Team.
By Ebenezer Samuel - NY Dailynews 12/27/11

NY Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora to test injured ankle this week but return could still be 'a couple weeks' away


 New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora #72 when the New York Giants practiced Thursday, September 22, 2011 at the TIMEX Performance Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. GIANTS PRACTICE
Robert Sabo/ New York Daily News
Osi Umenyiora had hoped to be back earlier but is still having trouble with injured ankle.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/27/11

NY Giants coach Tom Coughlin shakes off pain, won't disclose extent of knee injury from collision with running back D.J. Ware

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin gets bowled over as New York Giants running back D.J. Ware (28) runs the ball into the bench in the second half of the NFL game between the New York Jets and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ Dec. 24, 2011.
Kevin Hagen/Kevin Hagen for the New York Dailynews
Tom Coughlin gets bowled over and injures knee on sideline collision.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/27/11

Monday, December 26, 2011

Giants will face Cowboys in regular-season finale with a lot on the line, but their playoffs have already started

Giants Eli.JPG
After defeating the Jets, the Giants now have a one-game playoff to finish the regular season. If they can beat the Cowboys, then they will win the NFC East title.By Jorge Castillo - Star Ledger 12/26/11

Cruz-ing by the Jets (Again)

Victor Cruz lit up the Jets defense for big plays in the Giants 29-14 win over the Jets
By Dan Salomone - Giants.com 12/26/11


Eli Manning, Tom Coughlin give NY Giants upper hand against Dallas Cowboys


 New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates after their 29-14 win over the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Julio Cortez/AP
 Brandon Jacobs and Giants are flying high after beating Jets.
By Gary Myers - NY Dailynews 12/26/11

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