DC.COM Blog: Cowboys Must Continue Pressuring Manning

[WoodysGirl]

Posted by jellis at 9/17/2009 10:26 AM CDT on truebluefanclub.com

One of New York's best assets is their offensive line, the group that allows them to control the clock with the running game, and is one of the league's best at keeping their quarterback upright.

Last year they allowed only 27 sacks on Eli Manning in 516 dropbacks, one of the fewest totals in the league.

The Giants have a couple guys who were All-Pro last season, left tackle David Diehl and center Shaun O'Hara, and guard Chris Snee was a starter at the Pro Bowl.

As solid as the Giants line is, the Cowboys have plenty of confidence they can get to Manning on Sunday night. Of those 27 sacks Manning took last year, 12 were by the Cowboys. They got to the former Super Bowl MVP four times in the first meeting between the teams last season, despite trailing most of the game, and totaled eight takedowns in game two.

Wade Phillips has a simple explanation for their success.

“We have a good rush," Phillips said. "I think we established that when we got here two years ago, we were third in sacks then and first last year. We have some good players that rush the passer well."

Though New York has plenty of talent on their front five, the Cowboys have some sack masters - DeMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff leading the charge.

"They’re going to protect their quarterback though, we know that," Phillips said. "We had an inordinate amount the last game we played them, that was a surprise, but we were ahead in the ballgame. But they have an outstanding offensive line, and the quarterback knows what he’s doing, so you don’t expect that against them.”

Comments (20) | Permanent Link

 

[davidb257]

People forget how often we get to the quarterback, last game we were shaking off some rust and by the second half the Leftwich probably wanted to kneel the ball to get the game over with.

Quarterbacks will hate playing the cowboys if they value there health.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Eli can be shaken. Let's shake him.

 

[NextGenBoys]

People forget how often we get to the quarterback, last game we were shaking off some rust and by the second half the Leftwich probably wanted to kneel the ball to get the game over with.

Quarterbacks will hate playing the cowboys if they value there health.

We didnt try to get after Leftwich. Read the breakdown on BTB.com.

We rarely, if at all rushed more than 5.

We knew we didnt have to come out exotic to beat the Bucs, and saved that for the Giants game.

 

[Doomsday101]

Dallas need to bury him under the stadium like Jimmy Hoffa. :laugh1:

 

[Alexander]

"They’re going to protect their quarterback though, we know that," Phillips said. "We had an inordinate amount the last game we played them, that was a surprise, but we were ahead in the ballgame. But they have an outstanding offensive line, and the quarterback knows what he’s doing, so you don’t expect that against them.”

That game was a bit of an anomaly. I recall that Kevin Boothe had to replace Rich Seubert and Kareem McKenzie was also hurt. And like Phillips said, they were ahead. We'll need to have the same kind of things happen to get eight sacks on them again. We'll still pressure Manning though. We always have. I'd rather have more turnovers than the almighty sack. That's where I hope we improve. The first game we did get a pick six.