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Back-to-back home games versus Dallas and Philly will determine G-Men's fate
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By John Clayton
ESPN.com
Video: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4708401
Even though Sunday's Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants showdown isn't scheduled for prime time, it's still the most compelling game of the week.
The next two weeks could determine who has the best chance to win this division and who might get a wild card. The Giants host the Eagles in Week 14.
For the Giants, the next two home games are not only must-wins, but, in some ways, they are last stands. Things seemed to be settled two weeks ago when the Giants beat Atlanta. Eli Manning was relaxed and efficient. The offensive line controlled the day. The defense wasn't good, but that's the NFL these days. It's an offensive league.
Then came Thanksgiving night and the Giants played like stuffed turkeys. They were listless in a loss to the Denver Broncos. Last Sunday, news came out that Manning has a stress reaction in his right foot, which possibly explains why he hasn't been as accurate at times.
A loss Sunday would all but eliminate the Giants from the NFC East race because they would fall to 6-6, three games behind Dallas with four games left. That would leave next week's game against the Eagles as a possible elimination game in the wild-card race.
And speaking of wild card, the Cowboys enter what has been considered their worst month of the season -- December. Since 1999, the Cowboys are 17-29 in December. Their December schedule is tough again this year, with games against the Giants, Chargers, Saints and Commanders, followed by a Jan. 3 matchup against the Eagles.
Dallas coach Wade Phillips knows his job is on the line, and his future will be determined by how the Cowboys navigate this month. This week, owner Jerry Jones said he expects a trip to the playoffs and at least a playoff victory. With an 8-3 record and a talented team, those expectations are reasonable.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&page=1stand10/09week13
Comment Email Print
By John ClaytonESPN.com
Video: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4708401
Even though Sunday's Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants showdown isn't scheduled for prime time, it's still the most compelling game of the week.
The next two weeks could determine who has the best chance to win this division and who might get a wild card. The Giants host the Eagles in Week 14.
For the Giants, the next two home games are not only must-wins, but, in some ways, they are last stands. Things seemed to be settled two weeks ago when the Giants beat Atlanta. Eli Manning was relaxed and efficient. The offensive line controlled the day. The defense wasn't good, but that's the NFL these days. It's an offensive league.
Then came Thanksgiving night and the Giants played like stuffed turkeys. They were listless in a loss to the Denver Broncos. Last Sunday, news came out that Manning has a stress reaction in his right foot, which possibly explains why he hasn't been as accurate at times.
A loss Sunday would all but eliminate the Giants from the NFC East race because they would fall to 6-6, three games behind Dallas with four games left. That would leave next week's game against the Eagles as a possible elimination game in the wild-card race.
And speaking of wild card, the Cowboys enter what has been considered their worst month of the season -- December. Since 1999, the Cowboys are 17-29 in December. Their December schedule is tough again this year, with games against the Giants, Chargers, Saints and Commanders, followed by a Jan. 3 matchup against the Eagles.
Dallas coach Wade Phillips knows his job is on the line, and his future will be determined by how the Cowboys navigate this month. This week, owner Jerry Jones said he expects a trip to the playoffs and at least a playoff victory. With an 8-3 record and a talented team, those expectations are reasonable.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&page=1stand10/09week13
