Cowboys - Giants Preview

by Rafael Vela on Oct 14, 2005 5:10 PM CDT in Dallas Cowboys Games

Was last week a fluke?

Was it more a case of the Eagles imploding than the Cowboys improving?

Can Dallas finally win two in a row?

Is Eli Manning the real thing and can he be stopped this Sunday?

All these and other early season questions should come into focus around mid-afternoon, when the Cowboys and Giants concluded their first meeting. Both are coming off promising wins. Dallas destroyed Philadelphia 33-10 last week in a game that saw tight, dominant performances from the offense, defense and special teams. New York, coming off its bye week, obliterated the Rams 44-24 in Eli Manning's best game yet.

Who Are These Guys?
The Giants, for their 3-1 record, are perhaps the most enigmatic division leader. They've been outgained in all their games. They've lost the time of possession battle and have only come close to 30:00/30:00 time of possession parity once. Their running game is performing at the same level as Dallas'. Their passing game, for all the Manning ballyhoo, is not as good as Drew Bledsoe's crew.

Their defense has only recorded half as many sacks as the Cowboys. Without Michael Strahan, they would barely have any at all. Their pass defense is next to last in the NFL. And yet, they are in first place. How have they done it?

By playing to their strengths. That defense has let opponents march up and down the field, but has been relatively stingy in giving up touchdowns. On offense, they have been manic about protecting the boy king Manning; he has been sacked only six times so far this year.

Two of New York's redeeming skills have been their special teams play and their defensive opportunism. The Giants amassed 400 return yards in the opening win over the Cardinals, returning a kickoff and a punt for scores as they broke away early in the second half. The Rams and Saints kept the ball away from Manning and Co., but the Giants stole it back -- repeatedly. They intercepted Marc Bulger three times and recovered two fumbles while avoiding any turnovers of their own. The Giants registered six more takeaways against the Saints against one giveaway. Their plus-10 turnover margin is the best in the NFC.

When the Giants Have the Ball
Dallas will again face another top-drawer offense. New York is not as highly ranked as Philadelphia, but it has far more balance. What's more, the Giants have an offensive plan. They paid a king's ransom for Manning in last year's draft and have invested as heavily in building an offensive line to protect him. GM Ernie Accorsi acquired RT Kareem McKenzie from the Jets and the lesser known C Shaun O'Hara from the Browns. The two have meshed quickly with high pick LT Luke Petitgout and RG Chris Snee to form a line that offers Manning water tight protection.

At the same time, Accorsi added WR Plaxico Burress to a fearsome skill position unit that already featured Tiki Barber, Jeremy Shockey and Amani Toomer. The Burress signing drew some criticism, mostly because Burress had overpriced himself in the free agent market. His contract looks like a bargain for New York. He gives Manning the deep threat to team with Toomer, who is starting to age a bit. With time to throw, Manning's learning curve has accelerated. Look at his QB ratings for his four games:

Week One -- Cardinals, 69 rating

Week Two -- Saints, 83 rating

Week Three -- Chargers, 102 rating

Week Four -- Rams, 120 rating

Manning had a rocky rookie year, but he's not playing like a rookie right now. He's playing high-stakes football, throwing almost exclusively downfield to his receivers and Shockey. Consider that Barber, who has averaged 66 receptions the past six seasons, has only six so far.

Manning's men will present another stern challenge for a Cowboys secondary coming off its best game of the year. Leading the way is CB Terence Newman, the clear defensive MVP thus far. Newman spent most of last afternoon working over Terrell Owens, holding him to just 50 yards on five receptions. Newman got almost exclusive coverage on Owens in the second half, when Dallas went exclusively to the nickel, waiting for a trailing Eagles' offense to throw the ball. Newman got physical with Owens and made it hard for him to get off the line. Playing so close also offered Newman a few chances at blitzing. He recorded a sack while lining up as a tackle between LaRoi Glover and Greg Ellis. Newman will likely draw Toomer.

The other outside matchup to watch will pit Anthony Henry against Burress. Henry was signed in part because of his size. He'll need every bit of it against the 6'5" Burress, who torched the Rams for 204 yards.

One major question concerns Mike Zimmer's blitz philosophy. Zimmer started the season in a very basic 3-4 scheme, to ease the mental burden on a front seven rotation thick with rookies. He's slowly added complexity to his schemes and rushes and last week finally turned the dogs loose on Donovan McNabb. He unveiled personnel packages he did not show even in camp.

Zimmer may continue his experimentation but a lot will depend on his outside linebackers' ability to contain the run. The Giants run the ball more often and more effectively than the Eagles. However, they are not a power-running attack. Barber is still a speed back at age 30 and most of his yards come on the perimeter; he averages over 5.0 yards per carry on outside runs but only 1.9 yards between the tackles. This suggests that any exotic rushes Dallas runs this week will come inside, as Zimmer does not want to surrender contain by Demarcus Ware and Scott Fujita, who got a lot of reps in the base 3-4. Almost all of those plays saw Fujita rushing.

This week is also a pivotal game for Bradie James. The third year ILB had his best performance, showing certainty and consistency in his pass drops. James and Scott Shanle will be tested by Shockey, who has recovered from his drop-heavy '04. We might also see more play from Kevin Burnett, who is finally healthy.

When Dallas Has the Ball

The Cowboys have one of the largest tape libraries in the NFL available for their staff to study. They also have a large archive of all past games. It seems Sean Payton took some inspiration from the Norv Turner/Ernie Zampese tactic of passing first and running second, in sequences and in games, to jumpstart his potent but sputtering offense. (More on this topic next week.)

The Giants look like a prime target for a repeat game plan. Corner Will Peterson is out with a back injury, meaning either rookie Corey Webster or second year player Curtis Deloatch will start at right corner opposite Will Allen. Whichever corner Giants DC Tim Lewis selects will likely get some early work from Terry Glenn. Glenn looks like a rookie again after being reunited with Drew Bledsoe. He is currently fourth in NFC receiving yards and is second only to Randy Moss in yards per catch average.

The New York secondary has not been helped by the suprisingly poor Giants rush. New York has only eight sacks so far. 3.5 of them have been produced by Strahan. RT Rob Petitti draws Strahan this week. Look for him to get lots of help from TE Dan Campbell and the Cowboys running backs. Petitti had tight end or running back help on nearly every Cowboys pass play last week, when he faced Jevon Kearse. The tactic worked, as Kearse had only one assisted tackle on the day.

The Giants had trouble against good running teams last year and were pounded by San Diego two games ago. LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 192 yards, as the Giants front was helpless to stop him in the red zone. Red zone performance has been a key indicator of Dallas performance in '05. When the Cowboys have excelled in the red zone, they have won. When they have struggled, they have lost.

This game will be no different. DC Tim Lewis likes to play aggressive schemes, having learned his trade playing and coaching under Bill Cowher. With so much inexperience in his back seven, I expect to see a lot of zone, as the Giants will concede yards, but hope for red zone stops or turnovers. Dallas will need to be patient when it gets close to the Giants end zone. Fortunately, Drew Bledsoe has been Mr. Efficiency thus far, throwing only three interceptions. one of them a failed Hail Mary prayer on the last play of a half.

More importantly, Dallas must build on the running efficiency it showed last week. The Eagles like to run blitz and count on creating lots of negative plays. Dallas had its share of no gains, but it was able to balance those plays with long runs. Julius Jones got his season-long run of 24 on a 4th-and-1. In the second half, when Philadelphia knew Dallas was running, the offense was still able to grind out two time-consuming drives. Tyson Thompson got 20 carries in the second half alone. If Thompson can equal or even slightly surpass last week's performance, Dallas will get sevens instead of threes and have a strong chance to control the game.

Special Teams
The Giants' returners are dangerous, but they've quieted down since their blowout against the Cardinals. Dallas, on the other hand, has seen its once leaky coverage units improve, by adding Keith Davis, Willie Pile and Kevin Burnett to the lineup. The Cowboys should be able to control this aspect of the game.

Prediction:
It's tempting to pick the Cowboys in a romp, because their offense seems to have such a mismatch against the Giants D. However, last year's matchups looked good too, and New York swept both games. I think the game turns on the Dallas offensive line. They kept Bledsoe clean last week and blocked well enough for Dallas runners to have their best day. They are facing a weaker unit this week. If they can keep Strahan under wraps, Dallas will score.

That said, the keys will be avoiding turnovers and scoring TDs inside the 20. Eli Manning will get his yards and the Giants will get their points, but if Bledsoe continues to play under control, he should be able to match -- and surpass -- anything his young rival produces. This is also a big week for Tyson Thompson. Julius Jones has been unlucky, but Bill Parcells doesn't care about luck. He wants his players on the field. If Thompson runs hard again -- and protects the ball better -- expect Jones' rehab to get a lot faster.

Dallas 31, New York 21

Tweet Comment 58 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I don’t think the Gmen will make it past 17 points, if you ask me. I think this is going to be quite a lopsided game, with the Cowboys efficiently following a well drawn up game plan, and Manning and his Giants floundering on both sides of the ball. I don’t think the Giants can sustain the frenetic pace they’ve been scoring at so far this season, while I think the Cowboys are only going to improve with time.

Remember, even Ryan Leaf won a few games.

Sorry, that was uncalled for. I think, unfortunately for us, that Eli will turn out to be a pretty good QB at some point down the road. He’s got it in his blood, but I don’t think they’ve been playing the best defenses so far this season:
Arizona? Please.
New Orleans? See Green Bay game.
San Diego? Their pass defense is still pretty shotty.
And Saint Louis? Like Arizona, this doesn’t even need an explanation.

I think our Defense can put enough pressure on Eli to throw him out of his groove, and our offense should be able to win the TOP by a lot—we will get the win handily

by David-CT on Oct 14, 2005 7:35 PM CDT reply actions

In an interview Manning was asked if the game has slowed down for him,he said yes and that he could see light at the end of the tunnel,unfortunately it’s an 18-wheeler with Cowboys painted on the side of it! Cowboys 31- Eagles 17!

by sharkz on Oct 14, 2005 8:02 PM CDT reply actions

NYG 20 – Dallas 27.

by Chandus on Oct 14, 2005 8:55 PM CDT reply actions

why do the Boys have to play another game?
My man Raf,
I only have one problem with the whole preview-
“He gives Manning the deep threat to complement
Toomer”
Compliment who? Toomer didn’t catch a TD all of last season. Mentioning Toomer is like mentioning Terrance Copper.
Bad things this week. I’ll be in therapy next week.
Giants 17, Cowboys 13

by mr. T on Oct 14, 2005 9:01 PM CDT reply actions

Dallas has two problems this week. 1) Dat is most likely out of the game 2) Julius is most likely out of the game. Both of these problems help the Giants big. LB James is getting there, but can’t replace the leadership or total of tackles by Dat. Shanle is a year or two away.

My concern with Thompson at RB is possible fumbles (which the Giants have been taking advantage of this year.)

If the ‘Boys had their starter at MLB and RB, I’d give them a 10 point advantage; without them, however, it’s a closer game.

Dallas 27 Giants 24

by Jay Jay on Oct 14, 2005 9:33 PM CDT reply actions

Not another 13 pointer! I know, every other week, 13 points. I predict the bust that this time and win a squeaker.

Dallas 31, NYG 28

by Len on Oct 14, 2005 9:33 PM CDT reply actions

Mr. T.,

You made me take a closer look. I knew Toomer was slowing down, but I didn’t realize it was that fast. Manning is playing with two guys right now, Burress and Shockey. Toomer and Tiki are not seeing any balls between them.

by Rafael Vela on Oct 14, 2005 9:42 PM CDT reply actions

Just off the topic for a minute, There was alot of talk during the offseason about signing Anthony Henry over Fred Smooth, many wanted Smoot over Henry mainly because he was probably a more house hold name, but maybe some of you knew he was also a Charter boat sex coordinator, something I certainly didn’t know. If you haven’t heard, during the Vikings off week last week, Smoot chartered two tour boats for his 17 teammates and their friends and some strippers for a three hour cruise, but less than an hour into the Gilligan’s,SS minnow cruise, the staff of the tour boat became concerned about the open sex acts taking place on the boat and after contacting the operators of the cruise, returned to shore less than an hour into the tour. Now an investigation is underway and dont be surprised if charges are laid.

With what has been going on with the complete breakdown of the Ravens last week with their 21 penealties and the 2 player ejections and now what has happened to the Vikings last week, I think Tice and the socalled offensive guru Billick might be looking for work real soon.I am so glad we got rid of the malcontents from this team, Bryant, Ross,etc and instilled some discipline on this team.

With this game against the Giants, I think its a game that might make or break our season, after coming off last weeks amazing dismantling of Philly, we have to start stringing some 3 or 4 wins together, this win one, lose one, isn’t cutting it. Last year after a bye week, we played the Giants at home and stunk up the field, I thought that game was the turning point of our season, hopefully this game will change our season for the better. I like our chances this week actually more than last week against philly even though the giants offense is more balanced than the eagles, but we have to execute the game plan, which is, if we cut out the mistakes and penealties, I think we’ll win this game, but alot closer than people might think, The Giants can move the ball, but their defense against the pass is horrible, but I think they wil play alot of cover two, so we have to be patient moving the ball. I like us winning in a shoot out 34-27.

by Derrick on Oct 14, 2005 9:42 PM CDT reply actions

‘HeÃ¢â‚¬â"¢ll never need bit of it against the 6Ã¢â‚¬Â²5Ã¢â‚¬Â³ Burress’

…I hope you’re 100% correct regarding Anthony Henry’s height, relative to Burress’ height, but I think you may have meant the opposite of that statement…

by Lee on Oct 14, 2005 10:37 PM CDT reply actions

The key to this week’s game is the redzone. As said before, moving the ball between the 20’s can be achieved against the Giants, but if Dallas cannot turn redzone oppurtunities into td’s, it could be a long game.
Dear Mr. Parcells,
You have a big, physical tight-end with great hands. Some even say that he is one of the best tight ends in the league. Just thought I would remind you! USE HIM IN THE FRICKING REDZONE!
Kallan
’Boys 31 Giants17

by Kallan on Oct 14, 2005 11:15 PM CDT reply actions

there’s a lot of typos but we can cut Rafael some slack-we know what he means. I assume he’s a working man and does this on his own time. By the way, the way he last thread degenerated, why don’t we just have a policy to ignore the comments from the intruders? Or even if they’re really from the person named? would work much better than responding-that’s just the thrill the idiot sitting at his computer somewhere (Montana?) wants……..
As for predictions-I was full of ideas for the Philly game, and predicted a loss unless certain things happened-they all happened and we won. I’m cool! But NEVER did I think the scoreboard would read 30-3 or whatever. What the …?After last week I will not be surprised by a blowout either way, or a tight game. raf or somebody, have you seen the Giants and know how they get these turnovers when their D is supposedly mediocre? By the way, I don’t think we’ll come out passing, that’s too obvious, they’ll be expecting that. If we’re smart we’ll be balanced and run a lot the first three series and pull them into the box. And, Thompson will fumble, and we’ll see a lot of thomas-hope he can regain the pop I saw in the preseason

by larry on Oct 14, 2005 11:27 PM CDT reply actions

He knows we have a tight end! SO DOES THE OTHER TEAM! He’s covered! We don’t play in a vacuum…………It’s easy to shut down the tight end when you get close to the end zone

by larry on Oct 14, 2005 11:29 PM CDT reply actions

sorry-I’ve got too much time on my hands right now
I hate it when people refer back to things they posted to show how great their predictions were. Especially when they show off their techie knowhow by copying/pasting it.
But on a different note, didn’t ANYBODY enjoy my analysis on the root of the word maroon??? I had a lot of fun typing that. Thought you might enjoy the warped humor, Oiler Droll, uh,Troll

by larry on Oct 14, 2005 11:35 PM CDT reply actions

“And, Thompson will fumble”
According to Cowboys’ website talk show, Thompson fumbled 8 times in 8 games at San Jose State, but the coaches must be working to correct that.
From Parcell’s comments and inflection thereof, he seems fascinated by Thompson’s natural ability, and could start him at running back, depending on the first field position.
Also, I was trying to be helpful reporting typos, and appreciate it when someone reports mine.

by Lee on Oct 15, 2005 12:14 AM CDT reply actions

What is the deal with Julius. Why is noone concerned that he is injured. I think Tyson Thompson is Parcell’s boy and is not only going to start but have a huge game this week. Does anyone know the status of Julius or does Parcell just want to see what “his” back can do?

by Jason on Oct 15, 2005 12:49 AM CDT reply actions

Lee,

Free editing is always welcome.

by Rafael Vela on Oct 15, 2005 12:49 AM CDT reply actions

are giants more potent than Owens, Westbrook and McNabb.

I give Tiki a better grade as a runner……..and they have a legit TE…….but I think Dallas can get to Manning and more importantly run and pass againts the Giants D.

Tom Coughlin is a good coach though and this won’t be walk in the park. Dallas needs an early lead to set up the time and ball control running of Thompson, Barber and Thomas if JJ doesn’t show.

I say Dallas 41 Giants 27 with a late push by the Giants to make a game of it after the Cowboys poured it on the first half. If you watched the game they lost though I think we can punish em early and frustrate em……..if that happens we could get another rout. I still say TNEW picks Manning for a TD………..the boy king………is still more Boy than king…….he ain’t peyton yet.

by Jon on Oct 15, 2005 12:56 AM CDT reply actions

Jason:
Don’t fret, JJ is Dallas starter at RB when healthy, you just need to understand how important ankles are for RB’s, ever tried to run with a sprained ankle? That’s not healthy… If you have the depth required to give rest to your players when they need it without losing much, give the player his rest, I’m waiting for Dat to be back after 2 weeks of rest, he’ll be a tackling machine.

by Chandus on Oct 15, 2005 1:14 AM CDT reply actions

Chandus, Why does everything I read say JJ is not playing? Is this Parcell posturing?

by Jason on Oct 15, 2005 1:30 AM CDT reply actions

I expect the Giants to go after Bledsoe all day. They’ll make it a priority to put him on the ground, rattle him up. That’s what I’d do.

We’ll HAVE to get the running going- and I hate to say it, cuz I like Julius, but right now I like our chances better with Thompson. He’s a straight-ahead runner, and he seems to hit the hole faster than JJ. If he can just get over the “fumblies”.

I’m expecting our first 100 yard rusher against these Giants.

by rich on Oct 15, 2005 2:09 AM CDT reply actions

Rich,

They might do that, but Dallas has really tightened up against the blitz last week. And they ran two more screens. One to Julius that Larry Allen messed up with a penalty, then a flanker screen to Crayton on a third and nine that went for 15 yards. That’s four perfectly executed screens (Allen was so far behind the play he could have let the guy go and the play would have worked for 20) in the last three games. If the Eagles can’t get to Bledsoe I don’t see the Giants getting to him too often.

Considering how thin and inexperienced the Giants secondary is, Dallas is probably HOPING the Giants blitz.

by Rafael Vela on Oct 15, 2005 2:15 AM CDT reply actions

Exactly,I think if the Giants blitz Bledsoe(being a savy veteran) will torch them having one on one coverage.Due to injuries in the Giants secondary,expect Glenn to take the poor guy to school.This isn’t the pro-bowl secondary of the Eagles!

by sharkz on Oct 15, 2005 2:26 AM CDT reply actions

Sounds good. Hope ya’ll are right….

But damn, guys- If you don’t blitz against this Cowboys offense, Bledsoe will more often than not have time to throw the ball. And Bledsoe’s proven that given time he can put that ball ANYWHERE and his WR’s will light it up. (Pregame Sunday was gushing over Philly’s secondary, and we still torched ’em.)

If an opponent tries to take the passing game away, then they’ll have to TRY and stop our formidable running game- Sounds like a dramatic over-simplification, but between our proven passing game, our capable running game, and new-found ability to effectively run screens- just how the hell do you STOP this Cowboys offense?

by rich on Oct 15, 2005 2:57 AM CDT reply actions

I think it’s all gonna depend on which Cowboys team shows up this Sunday.But I will say this,Bledsoe has shown that he is consistant!

by sharkz on Oct 15, 2005 3:07 AM CDT reply actions

Hows this for a little bye-facts (mostly cribbed from the NY Times)

NY Giants are 14-3 before a bye and 3-13 after – thats .188.
During that time they were 243-222 or .528 overall
All NFL Teams were 119-104-1 after a buy or .531

So relatively speaking most teams were a bit better after a bye but the NY Giants suck. This has transcended 5 coaches. However, Coughlin has a reasonable bye record – 5-3 or .625.

I don’t really put much stock in these types of records, but I do like the fact that the NY press and the Giants are talking about this — gotta play at least a little on their minds.

I reckon both teams play worse than their last game, but the bye magic and home game work for the ’Boys: 28-20.

by Boy from Oz on Oct 15, 2005 4:18 AM CDT reply actions

While it is true that the Giants secondary is ranked 31st against the pass this year, let’s look at who they’ve played…Arizona, they’ve got 2 WR’s better than any of Dallas’…New Orleans, which they held to 1 TD and has a WR(Horn) better than any of Dallas’…St. Louis, need I say anything about their passing game? Holt leads the league in yards…San Diego, Tomlinson scored 4 TD’s, including 1 passing, they’ve got Gates and McCardell…They have 7 INT’s vs. 5 for Dallas. So, while they are inexperienced in comparison, they’ve already gained a lot of experience this year.
Also, Thompson is not Parcell’s back. He left last year(Richie Anderson). Parcells has always said you need 2 strong backs.

by mr. T on Oct 15, 2005 8:52 AM CDT reply actions

Mr. T, I disagree with you assesment of WR’s. Right now, I don’t think ANYBODY is playing better than Terry Glenn (I promise I’m not being a homer here). Also, those WR’s you allude to are certainly talented, someone has to throw them the ball. Of those 4 games, only St. Louis has a consistent passing game.

I have a big concern about TT fumbling, I think he could turn this game either way……if he runs well and doesn’t fumble we blow them out…..if he fumbles at his avg pace, we lose a heartbreaker.

by NYGiant Hater on Oct 15, 2005 10:31 AM CDT reply actions

Jason:
I wrote this up there, ever had a sprained ankle? It’s though to run with an ankle like that. But that’s not the most important thing, the most important thing is that the body of a person with a leg in pain tends to favor the other leg, placing more weight in there and subsequentely a hit in that leg could leave something more serious than what a normal hit would do. I think that Parcells wants to see this in practice, if he sees that Julius favors one leg, he’s not going to play, it’s not a posturing against Julius, that’s just protection.

Hater:
When you said that Terry Glenn is playing better than anyone you were a homer… The best wide right now is Holt. And I’ve been defending Glenn and Keyshawn for a lot of time, but you’re wrong there..

rich:
Responding your question: how the hell do you STOP this Cowboys offense? Simple, placing an overall better talented team in the other side of the field. If they keep playing like what we saw last Sunday, a healthier Eagles team is a challenge and the Bucs, other than those 2, there’s not much else to choose in the NFC and then you look up to the AFC and there’re teams: Pats, SD, Colts, Denver, Cincy and Pitt.

by Chandus on Oct 15, 2005 11:34 AM CDT reply actions

I’d be amazed if he didn’t fumble. The question is will he be the man until then, or will it be by committee to start, with BP going to the one who’s having success in the 2nd half. IF JJ is truly not playing…. The guys a talent but too raw for a game this important, we are better off overall with the experience and blocking of Anth T in there, maybe giving up a few yard per carry

by larry on Oct 15, 2005 11:37 AM CDT reply actions

Chandus,
Put Glenn in a Martz style offense and
he’ll kick that pussy Holts ass sitting down besides
breathe on Holt and he fumbles no way he the best
W.O. in football….i ain’t saying Glenn is but he fits
great with the Cowboys style.

The giants may try to pound the ball in Sun.’s
game so this should be a good test for the boys
run D.I hope we can get up on the giants and dictate
the pace of the game.

by becker on Oct 15, 2005 11:54 AM CDT reply actions

Chandus,

I’ll confess, maybe a little homer. But…….put Glenn in the St. Louis offense the way he’s played this year and it would be a horse race. He’s near the top of the league stats and he’s handicapped with all but one game of extremely conservative offense. That being said, you’re right it’s hard for me to be totally objective.

by NYGiant Hater on Oct 15, 2005 12:25 PM CDT reply actions

NYGiant Hater,
Let me get this straight, “Of those 4 games, only St. Louis has a consistent passing game.” And nobody is playing better than Terry Glenn? Do you watch any other games in the NFL?
First, Arizona’s problems are rushing the ball. They are only at 78 ypg. Arizona has 2 WR’s averaging more than 100 ypg, as a team over 300 ypg. McCown has throw for 5 TD’s in 2 games.
While Terry Glenn is having a career year and is unselfish, I could name you 15 WR’s better than anyone him. That is testament to Bledsoe.

chandus,
“a healthier Eagles team is a challenge” That’s crap. The Eagles had injuries, but everyone last week was quick to jump on Raf when he said the Eagles were “injury depleted”. Can’t have it both ways. Everyone has injuries. The Boys have been extremely healthy up to this point.

by mr. T on Oct 15, 2005 12:30 PM CDT reply actions

chandus……..Terry Glenn is averaging 22.5 yards a catch……he has only 23 catches yet is 50 yards behind……..BIG PLAY Holt……..with 15 more catches by Holt……….Glenn has 3 touchdowns……..1 in 8 is a TD……Holt basically has the same catch to td rati……..and long of 44 for BIG PLAY HOLT………..long of 70 by Terry Glenn…….

last time I checked every QB, RB and WR would rather have less touches and more yards………raising their yards per catch, run or pass. It is not a stretch of the imagination to say Terry Glenn is the best WR in the NFL based on statistics. Now if you ask me is he physically the better WR, or over his career………I totally agree with you and Troy Aikman that Torry Holt is the best in the NFL and has been for a few years. I personally like Jerry Porter after that guy………and lower Moss and Owens based on attitude not on performance but they are hard to defend no doubt.

The only other guys with similar yards, tds, and touches is Santana Moss who I am sure you are familiar with his two TDs and yes Randy Randy Randy………who for some reasons Collins and Turner have only thrown at sparingly for 19 catches…….both also have 70 yard plays.

Bledsoe to Glenn is a better connection than Bulger to Holt………Bledsoe has done it with Glenn before and I think as long as Terry stays healthy the guy is going to have a dozen TDs and 1500 yards recieving. Now if you gave me the option of an even choice I ship Glenn off for Holt in a heartbeat……but the stats pretty much say Terry not Torry is having the better season thus far. The nice thing is Terry is not our only vertical threat and we have yet to utilize Peerless……….we still got Witten, Crayton, and KJ. I doubt any team in the NFL is really going to approach the coverage of Terry Glenn the way they do for Owens, Moss or Holt……..which will continue to mean he puts up big plays and TDs! But you gotta respect his speed and his route running………….minus the injuries Glenn would have been a beast…….but injuries matter.

ironically Old Joey Galloway is finally getting on track for Gruden something he never ever did do in Dallas.

As far as the name calling of Holt by others……..well that is just idiotic……..Troy Aikman has regularly said if he had to have a WR playing today to pick for his team or to throw too……..it would be Torry Holt…….if that cat is good enough for Troy he is good enough for me…….the name calling is just stupid. Just cuz we like Terry don’t mean we gotta slander Torry……….you want to slander a WR in the NFL start with that idiot wearing a Michael Irvin Jersey on the bus home with his teammates…….the same one George Teague smacked at midfield in the texas stadium! Holt is a class act and has the yards, TDs and a Ring to prove it!!!

This is a week where we need our youth guys to step up an play mistake free. WARE no penalties………….Crayton hang on to the ball………Thompson……..you are living an eventual made for TV movie……hometown Texas kid grows up and is a FA rookie walk on basically for the Dallas Cowboys and gets a chance to take on the NFC leading NY Giants the hated rival and former Super Bowl victor of our Head Coach………..the script writers could not write a better story…….pick up the blitz, hang on to the football………and run like you did in high school at Texas Stadium and you surpass Rudy as the the feel good story of the new Millenium.

Unfortunately once again the Game of the week will be preempted for the Washington / Chiefs game. Living in VA sucks sometimes………so I will have to go to the local tavern with Satellite and endure the NY Giant faithful along with a room full of loud and proud Cowboy fans. Hometown Heros on Princess Anne in Va Beach………or Lendys on Gen Booth……any of you locals want to join us see ya there!!!!

Let’s GO COWBOYS!!!!

by Jon on Oct 15, 2005 12:44 PM CDT reply actions

its time for burnett to show up. This time our defense is going to score, our offense will with who ever is running the ball and it’s gonna be dallas 31 giants 17.

by TM on Oct 15, 2005 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

Mr. T

Yes I do have a life…..I do a lot of things other than watching NFL games. Don’t you? But just so I get it straight, you’re saying a team with no running game (i.e. will have exclusively passing yardage) produces 2 receivers with good numbers. Surprise Surprise. Boldin and Fitzgerald are excellent receivers who will likely be All-Pro numerous times in their careers. I might have reached a little with the Glenn comment but the larger point is that the Giant defense is probably about as good as their ranking – 31st.

by NYGiant Hater on Oct 15, 2005 12:52 PM CDT reply actions

mr T:
Well, mr. T, that’s your way of thinking, but if I remember correctly every guy at DT of Philly had from a slight injury to something really limiting, and that defensive front usually has some strong push, then you add that LJ Smith went out the field early in the 1st Quarter and returned in the 3rd and a much slower McNabb and you have a really unhealthy club.

If you think that Dallas is already over Philly as the game score indicates (10-33) you’re going to be proven otherwise at Nov. 14th. I just don’t think that we saw what that team can make, but I also think that we haven’t seen what Dallas can make, too.

by Chandus on Oct 15, 2005 12:55 PM CDT reply actions

I think we can end the Terry v. Torry debate right here and now:
Torry is the better reciever and is in a more explosive offense
Terry has the better and more experienced QB, and is in the better and more balanced offense

by David-CT on Oct 15, 2005 1:51 PM CDT reply actions

Guys, guys, guys,

Settle down. Trying to make something out of the Giants record and offensive stats without the context that they’ve played perennial losers and weak defenses is very negative vibes…wishful thinking.

And to dog the offensive performance of our two WRs is just hating. Key and Terry Glenn are having career performances, so far. ‘Will they hold up?’, etc. etc. is for offseason stuff.

The offense is what it is. A solid QB that needs max protection and 4 solid options. A running game that needs work, but can play with a lead.

And you know what? They’ve been in every game, with the ball, for a chance to win the game on the last possesion. Good, bad, indifferent…this team has performed exceptionally well under pressure.

And they’re young. By the time they get to the break, BP will know exactly what he has, and will play to that teams strengths. You really think he’s going to "be stubborn and play conservatively…yada, yada, yada.

That man knows more about football than everyone of us combined. Given hindsight, we can all second guess…oh wait! That’s what the mediots do.

by Fighter15 on Oct 15, 2005 2:10 PM CDT reply actions

Crap! Got lost in a diatribe.

My point is…No negative vibes. Bad JuJu.

by Fighter15 on Oct 15, 2005 2:11 PM CDT reply actions

Jon,

Let me get this straight its ok to call people
“homer” but not to call Holt what i called him???

Ever watch him collapse to the turf as if someone
just took his legs out with a 12 gauge when any defender
gets within an arms length of him?Troy aside he is what
he is……

As for this nonsense about Philly being hurt sorry you
still gotta play ……i guess we had plenty of reasons
last year with all our injuries.
Funny I didn’t notice any injuries to the Philly
O line or did the D line problems cause a 19 yard
rushing day or cause your boy L. Shep. to get smoked
by T. Glenn ??

by becker on Oct 15, 2005 3:34 PM CDT reply actions

becker,

I don’t think Jon’s saying it’s “not okay” to critisize Holt. I think he’s just expecting us to do better than simply calling players ugly names. You don’t like Holt? (sounds like you HATE him) Prefer Glenn? Okay. State your case. But you chose to write this garbage:

“Put Glenn in a Martz style offense and
heÃ¢â‚¬â"¢ll kick that pussy Holts ass sitting down besides
breathe on Holt and he fumbles no way he the best
W.O. in footballÃ¢â‚¬Â¦.” -becker

… uh… okay. Talk about a vulgar post. And it’s almost unintelligible. When you wrote it, were you wasted, or do you normally type while you’re on the crapper?

I myself wouldn’t call your words “idiotic”. I just think they make you sound like a crass punk. Ironic that your posts are usually in stanzas, as though they’re poetry. But I suppose that post of yours WOULD be considered poetry- to your average 12 year old brat, drunken sailor, or a Philly fan.

Really, dude- get some class.

by rich on Oct 15, 2005 4:16 PM CDT reply actions

For the record, I don’t mind being called homer.

by NYGiant Hater on Oct 15, 2005 4:17 PM CDT reply actions

becker:
But Bledsoe had the time in the pocket for the throws every time a pass play was called and the only guy that was pressuring, without success, was Kearse. Last year I remember a unit that was stout in the middle, yes, they don’t have Corey Simon anymore, but they’re still talented.

And about the nonsense of being hurt, remember Dallas team in 2002, the carousel at OLine, do you think that the potential of that unit was the same with all the players coming down due to injuries? I guess not, injuries limit the ability to perform if you don’t have the depth required to not allow a fall in performance, there Dallas has something that very few teams in the NFL have, especially in that DLine.

by Chandus on Oct 15, 2005 4:30 PM CDT reply actions

Oh, and BTW, we still haven’t seen 2 things from this team:

1 – Flozell and Larry manhandling the left side as they have the talent to do, for the whole game.

2 – A RB, whatever his name (JJ, TT, AT or MB), running for a 100 yards.

And they’re both linked, if the left side controls one full game, the 1st hundred yard performance will come along.

by Chandus on Oct 15, 2005 4:34 PM CDT reply actions

Chandus,

I agree Philly ain’t what they used to be and some of it
flows from the d line some from Mcnabb being hurt but
you have got to give dallas some credit in there too.

I also think the earlier off field problems,TO, not paying Westbrook
or Simon came home to roost because that team looked
like they gave up.

by becker on Oct 15, 2005 4:55 PM CDT reply actions

Rich,

The Giants D isn’t what it once was. Age and departures have made it a shell of its old self. Their D is ranked 31st in the NFL.

I’m mostly concerned with how well we do on Shockey and Barber in the passing game. If we can contain those two we have a very good chance to keep them under 20 pts.

The biggest break I think we got last week was LJ Smith going down.

by Cash on Oct 15, 2005 5:35 PM CDT reply actions

Giant Hater,
I don’t think any of us would mind being called a homer. And NO I don’t have a life. Your point?

Chandus,
Hell no I don’t think Dallas has overtaken Philly. I just saying don’t use injuries as an excuse for last sunday.
You are right on about the left side of the line.

by mr. T on Oct 15, 2005 6:04 PM CDT reply actions

Ware is going to record his first double sack game of the season, Eli is going to be carried off the field, and the Cowboys take the “W”.

Chandus:
I am also living in Va Beach, and I hate when Fox tells you that the next game that is coming up is the COWBOYS Vs. WHOEVER, and then it turns out to be the stinking deadskins.

by lcraft on Oct 15, 2005 7:08 PM CDT reply actions

Who is the best WR? Who cares! The question should be, which WR fits his team’s concept the best, maximizes what his team is trying to do most, and helps his team win the most. Basing arguments solely on stats is for losers, because only one stat matters—wins and losses. All other stats are for people who do not do well at the only one that matters. I really do not care if no Cowboy player dominates the league (at any position), as long as the team wins. Parcells has always coached that way, which is the definition of “old school.” Whatever it takes to win.

The Cowboys have a good chance to smoke the Giants, but I expect the Giants to have installed a few new defensive wrinkles of their own during the off week, so it may be harder than it might otherwise be. I like the idea above of the defense taking a pick back and having multiple sacks. This is the week for confusing Manning and beating him up.

by cowboy bert on Oct 15, 2005 9:05 PM CDT reply actions

Raf-
WIth the Toomer re-evaluation, do you still think Newman will get Toomer instead of Burress? Henry is 2 in taller (15lbs heavier) than Newman, but Owens and Moss are also 6/3, and 6/4. I’d think we’d put Newman on the Burress as much as possible.

by Miles on Oct 16, 2005 12:20 AM CDT reply actions

Miles,

put them where you want them as long as they get the job done.
Newman or Henry at the Top of their game can cover Burress or Toomer. Dont worry about who gets who. Lets worry about who is going to be backing them up deep.

by lcraft on Oct 16, 2005 12:39 AM CDT reply actions

I think that Zim is going to do what he did against Oakland, playing Burress against the guy that plays in the same side, with the diference that Glenn won’t be facing him in the nickel, if there’s a 3 receiver set and Burress is outside on the left side look for Glenn to move inside and Newman over there Burress is a pretty good receiver but he isn’t good enough to shadow him for the whole game with one guy.

by Chandus on Oct 16, 2005 12:40 AM CDT reply actions

all,
I am realitively new to this site, but so far, I have to say that you all are awesome. I mean, most of you have great analysis. Raf, you have some very refined information. but lets be honest stats, hight, age, none of that makes a difference. It all matters who shows up on game day.

by lcraft on Oct 16, 2005 12:41 AM CDT reply actions

Miles,

It will depend on where they line Toomer and Buress up. Newman got TO a lot last week because he’s the slot guy in the nickel and the Eagles line up TO inside a lot. I don’t think the Cowboys switch at all this week. Both guys can do the job.

lcraft,

Agreed, but if you show up and you’re big and fast, it’s much easier to do damage than showing up and being smaller and slower.

by Rafael Vela on Oct 16, 2005 12:50 AM CDT reply actions

Rich,

Missed your post ,it must have been “moderated”.

As usual you go off and attack me and forget about
the subject of Holt being a p—-y.

Let’s see my forgetting “is” in my post makes me
a drunk, on the crapper,12 year old etc.,etc brillant
response……AGAIN ITS NOT OK FOR SOME PEOPLE
TO CALL NAMES BUT IT IS OK FOR OTHERS!!! Reread
the first part of your post………amazing, you contradict
yourself in the same post…..

by becker on Oct 16, 2005 9:04 AM CDT reply actions