NFL Preview: Dallas Cowboys at the New York Giants

As it is every year, a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants is a primetime affair, whether we want it or not.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: The Cowboys are underwhelming and the Giants are a bad team. This has been the narrative for many a year, and it’s no different this time around.

Poor Starts

Both teams have gotten off to a 1-2 start, which will leave their respective fanbases in different minds. Cowboys fans will be disappointed that they followed up an impressive season opener with two losses to the Saints and Ravens. At the same time, Giants fans will be disappointed that they have already jeopardised their tank by winning against the Browns.

The fact that each team’s lone win was in Cleveland might imply that there’s not much between either side, A competitive game between these wouldn’t go amiss, but it is unlikely as the Cowboys have won 13 of their past 14 meetings with the Giants. As long as it’s on Primetime though.

The Seats are Hot

Despite the two teams on the field, much of the focus will be directed at the two men at their helm. Both Mike McCarthy and Brian Daboll entered the season on the hotseat and poor starts to the season have only intensified their situations.

For McCarthy it’s simple. While his record in the regular season has been incredible, playoff success has eluded him so far during his tenure in Dallas. Another season where the Cowboys don’t see the NFC Championship game should bring an end to McCarthy’s time with the team.

Daboll’s situation is a lot more complicated. He obviously needs to be successful to maintain his job, but a good season could result in the Giants continuing to back Daniel Jones. For many Giants fans, a clean break is necessary with Daboll being a sacrificial lamb.

Key Match Ups

Malik Nabers vs Trevon Diggs

Malik Nabers is the real deal. His athleticism that he displayed in college is as advertised and so far it is translating well to the NFL level. For Giants fans, he’s already their best wide receiver since Odell Beckham Jnr.

The thankless task of covering Nabers will likely go to Trevon Diggs. The Cowboys star cornerback has gotten off to a rough start to the season, posting a sub-60 PFF grade. He has the athletic talent to keep up with Nabers, but he will need his pass rushers to apply pressure to ensure his coverage reps don’t go on for long.

For the past two weeks, however, Nabers has looked unstoppable. Should Daniel Jones be kept upright, expect him to look for his rookie wide receiver often.

Micah Parsons vs Giants Pass Protection

Against the Ravens, Micah Parsons looked lost in the sauce. Baltimore’s option game left him chasing shadows as he struggled to have much impact on the game. For a player of his reputation, one sack in three games is a poor return.

Luckily the Giants are often the elixir for bad form.

In the past, Parsons has been a public defender of Daniel Jones and has criticised the Giants for the lack of support they put around him. During Jones’ time at the Giants, his past protection has consistently been amongst the worst in the league.

While the Giants left tackle, Andrew Thomas remains one of the league’s best when healthy, the rest of the offensive line is lacking. Jermaine Eluemunor was originally signed to play guard, but due to Evan Neal’s lack of development, he’s been moved out to right tackle. While he has performed admirably so far, expect Parsons to target him on important pass-rushing snaps.

Dexter Lawrence vs Dallas Interior Offensive Line

Dexter Lawrence might just be the best player in the NFL. Once you remove positional value, it’s difficult to think of a player who is better at their role than him. And against the Cowboys, he’s lining up directly opposite a rookie in Cooper Beebe.

On either side of Beebe, you have two talented guards. Tyler Smith is making a name for himself as one of the best in his positional, while Zach Martin is a nailed-on hall of famer. They’ll be tasked with ensuring that Beebe doesn’t have to take on Lawrence single-handedly.

But with a player of Lawrence’s abilities’, double teams are to be expected. Even with the extra attention, Lawrence has produced, amassing three sacks in as many weeks while leading the league in pass rush win rate from his position.

Dak will need to be decisive with the ball because he knows what’s coming. If he begins to doubt himself and starts to hold onto the ball for too long, then Lawrence is coming. Add to that, Brian Burns finally announced himself to the Giants faithful, providing another threat for quarterbacks to worry about.

Time to Get Right

For the Cowboys, this game is the perfect get-right game for them. The Giants have been merely a speed bump in the past and a comfortable victory is expected.

For the Giants, this game will need to be viewed in a vacuum, as they seek to overcome a team that has treated them like a punching bag for years.

Where to Watch

UK – Sky Sports 01:15 GMT
US – Amazaon Prime 20:15 EST