New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, December 14, 2008
8:15 P.M.
After an upset at the hands of the Eagles, the Giants (11-2) head to Dallas (8-5) to regain their swagger. Thanks to Pittsburgh’s win over the Cowboys Sunday, the Giants clinched the NFC East title while sustaining their loss. The line has Dallas -3. The Cowboys hope to deliver a win after their disappointing loss ceded the title to the Giants. With their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy, the Cowboys need to smack the Giants into submission to stay in the hunt.
New York: UP: Punter Jeff Feagles had four punts at a 46+ yard average against the Eagles. CB Kevin Dockery picked up a blocked field goal attempt and returned it 71 yards for a TD. WR Sinorice Moss returned four kickoffs for 86 yards. Clinching the division title should relieve some pressure for the Dallas game.
DOWN: WR Plaxico Burress is on non-injury suspension after accidentally shooting himself with an unregistered gun. His replacement, WR Domenik Hixon dropped a wide open, in his hands, 85 yard pass from QB Eli Manning that would have been a TD. The Giants rushing game accounted for only 88 yards in 24 carries and only 3 of the 14 total first downs. NY’s rushing defense was missing in action as Eagles’ RB Brian Westbrook had 131 yards in 33 carries and a TD coupled with 6 receptions for 72 yards and a TD.
Dallas: UP: In spite of the last minute loss, the Cowboys’ defense had a good game against Pittsburgh Sunday. They sacked the Steelers five times, stymied their running backs, and had a successful goal-line stand. Rookie RB Tashard Choice had an impressive game in relief of the injured RB Marion Barber. Choice had 166 all purpose yards with 88 rushing and 78 receiving. DOWN: QB Tony Romo had one of his worst games Sunday, including three interceptions. His last interception was returned by Pittsburgh for the game winning TD. Special teams were ineffective, getting small yardage on punts while giving up big punt return yards. One return was a 35 yarder that led to a Pittsburgh field goal.
Keys to the Game: NY must own the flats and the gaps in the defensive backfield. It’s unlikely Romo will have two consecutive down games. The offensive line must hold off the Dallas rush, allowing Manning time to find his receivers. Dallas’ defense needs to play another good game, stopping the run and forcing Manning to pass. Backs and safeties must keep Hixon contained. Choice should get more looks from Romo.
By the Numbers: The Giants have had a respectable year ATS at 10-3 while their O/U stats are at 8-5. Dallas’ stats are so-so at 6-7 ATS and 7-6 O/U. In home games Dallas is 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS. On the road the Giants are 5-1 SU and 5-1 ATS. This is a must win game for the Cowboys. The Giants had better come ready to play.