Mayhem at the Meadowlands

The first match-up against the Giants was closer than the final score will indicate. The game was probably over when Dallas went up 10 with 4 minutes to play. The game was officially over when Ahmad Bradshaw fumbled the kick-off (Ahmad Bradshaw hasn’t smelled much of the field since then). The Giants couldn’t do anything to pressure Romo all game, and the LBs had less-zero answer for Jason Witten. Kiwanuka more stunned playing LB than Lindsay Lohan at her first intervention, and the defensive secondary was no better. The defensive line struggled to get pressure on Romo but did a decent job against the pesky Dallas running-backs. On offense the Giants moved the ball consistently and looked as if they would be able to cut down that 10 point lead at the end of the game. Plaxico was dominant, the offensively line played well all-around and as a team they accumulated 100yds rushing. The reason for the re-cap is because the second game will seem almost like a continuation of the first, we will see who made the better half-season adjustments.

As ESPN has documented ad-nauseum the Giants have improved on defense, they are getting more consistent pressure on QBs and the secondary is playing much better since Aaron Ross moved into the starting role and Corey Webster has been designated for nickel situations. Kiwanuka has made improvements in the rush and run game but is still a concern in pass coverage, in fact, all of the Giants linebackers are suspect in pass coverage which is something that Dallas exploited in game 1 and should look to do again.

On offense the Giants seem to have slowed down a bit, they will be without Steve Smith and Derek Ward this game both of whom contributed last game. However, Plaxico practiced on Wednesday for the first time since the preseason. Jacobs is healthy again and looks to increase his consecutive 100 yards games to 4.

For the Giants to win:

- Establish Jacobs early, even if there is minimal success, Jacobs is the type of player that will wear out a defense. He is probably the only RB in the NFL who can have minimal success but still demand extra defensive players in the box because he requires multiple people to get him down, this will get Eli into play-action. The numbers say Eli is an elite QB when operating out of play-action.

- Plaxico had a field day last game and there is no doubt he will see 2 and sometimes 3 defenders. Toomer has to be effective early and often. Steve Smith will sorely be missed in this contest. Hopefully, the coaching staff can cook up something to get skat-receiver Sinorice Moss the ball in space.

- On defense they need to slow down TO. TO kills the Giants in the red-zone because of his physical attributes, keeping him out will frustrate him and the entire offense.

- The Cowboys have yet to show that they will be committed to beating anyone with the run. Focusing on that would be a mistake but neglecting it completely would be fatal.

- As always the Giants defense is built on pressuring the quarterback, expect Osi, Stray, Tuck and Kiwi to be flying through the line all day. The game will be won and lost here.

The key player for the Cowboys who was not a part of game one is Greg Ellis. He has provided a huge spark for their defense in many ways. He takes pressure of Demarcus Ware and gets to the QB himself, it isn’t mentioned as much by pundits but Greg Ellis is great in the run game as well.

Mayhem at the Meadowlands has NFC game of the year written all over it. The Giants organization has called for a red-out and the stadium will undoubtedly be thunderously loud. If the Giants can pull of the upset they cement themselves as a top 3 NFC East team with the Boys and Pack which will let them contend for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. With a win the Cowboys set themselves up perfectly for not only home-field advantage but all a couple of weeks of rest. The dome team needs to be more concerned about having to go to Lambeau in January.

This Sunday will be clear skies in the mid-40s. Cowboys 27, Giants 30.

Offensive Player of the game: Brandon Jacobs

Defensive Player of the game: Gibril Wilson