New York Giants (4-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-4), 8:30 p.m. Eastern at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 10/24/10
What happened last week:
In a battle of underachieving one-win teams, Dallas visited Minnesota and lost 24-21 on a game-ending illegal forward pass by Tony Romo. The play resembled the Cowboys’ season thus far, a desperate scramble featuring two laterals and Romo’s final failed lateral. The Cowboys could not capitalize despite limiting the Vikings to 188 total yards of offense. Instead, Romo tossed two crucial interceptions and special teams allowed a kickoff return touchdown to Percy Harvin. Dallas outgained Minnesota by 126 yards but also committed 11 penalties for 91 yards. They have not won at home this season, losing to Chicago and Houston by a touchdown each in games that featured 6 and 12 penalties, respectively.
What to expect from the Cowboys:
The Cowboys are undoubtedly the most talented one-win team in the league, but talent is not enough this year for Dallas on either side of the ball. Tony Romo threw two interceptions last week, the first occurring in the last two minutes of the first and half and the second on a fourth quarter drive that allowed Minnesota to kick the game winning field goal. The interceptions contributed to 10 Minnesota points. In the loss against Houston, Pro Bowl cornerback Mike Jenkins committed three late 15-yard penalties that nullified a 406-yard day from Romo. These Cowboys are talented, but continue to shoot themselves in the foot in the clutch. They have outgained opponents by 593 yards through five games, but have only one win. Good teams do not make those mistakes, but Dallas does have the talent to occasionally overcome these blunders.
What to expect from the Giants:
Both teams have good offenses that should be entertaining in a back and forth scoring affair. If the Giants are going to win this game, it will be with disciplined fourth quarter football and the big play on defense. Dallas has given away 12 sacks 9 turnovers; the Giants have totaled 21 sacks and caused 14 turnovers on the year. The defensive line will infiltrate the Cowboys line and force Romo into erratic decisions. Romo likely will not rely on the run game, which was shut down in Minnesota for 63 yards on 24 carries. Romo’s reputation for breaking down in big games will be put to the test in front of national audience and aggressive Giants defense.
Prediction:
I admit I am nervous for this matchup- primetime against a desperate Dallas team feeling the pressure mounting by the minute. A lost to the Giants would all but bury the Cowboys in the cellar of the NFC East, a win would keep them alive for another week. A Giants loss to a 1-4 team would embarrass the organization; a key divisional road win would energize the team and keep New York in first place in the division. But its already playoff mode for Tony Romo, who continues to throw interceptions in critical moments despite passing for gaudy numbers- he averages over 300 yards and two touchdowns per game. It is never easy to beat Dallas in Dallas, but it helps when the Cowboys try to beat themselves. Count on Romo and the Cowboys to make a few head scratching penalties and turnovers when it counts and the Giants to take advantage. The pick is Giants, 31-27.
Last week prediction: 38-17 Giants (28-20 actual)
Season prediction record: 5-1
What’s YOUR score?
