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By Ken Moll
Scouts Inc.
New York at Dallas
When: 8:20 PM ET
Watch: NBC
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 2
Scouts Inc. Position Advantage
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach
After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Giants-Cowboys matchup.
1. New York needs to pound Jacobs between the tackles: Brandon Jacobs should be the mainstay in the Giants' ground assault, but he didn't get on track in Week 1. The Dallas defense was less than impressive in slowing down the Buccaneers' running game in their opener and can be exploited with the powerful "giant" back on downhill isolation plays.
2. Expect the New York defense to focus on stopping the run: As well as Tony Romo performed in last week's game, the Giants' defense will focus on stopping the talented Dallas backfield. Running the ball effectively will be a key for the Cowboys to win this contest, and the Giants probably will stack the line of scrimmage to make Dallas one-dimensional.
3. Giants defense needs to stay in its rush lanes: Romo is one of the more effective improvisers at the quarterback position and it is very important for the Giants' pass-rushers to stay in their rush lanes. Romo doesn't have great height, and he often steps up in the pocket or slides to find his throwing lanes. Keeping Romo corralled will be important for this high-powered defense.
4. Protect Manning in the pocket: Eli Manning can improvise but is much more comfortable in the pocket when delivering the ball. He isn't very elusive and will tend to throw into traffic or fumble the ball when the protection breaks down. Manning is excellent at going through his progression reads and finding the open receiver when he can step up into the pocket and has time to scan the field.
5. Matchup to watch: Giants DE Osi Umenyiora vs. Cowboys OT Flozell Adams: Umenyiora was a dominant force in Week 1 and appears to have bounced back from his 2008 season-ending injury. Adams is a massive left tackle, who is best if he engages his opponent early in the play, but may have trouble with a variety of counter moves that Umenyiora is likely to throw at him.
6. Dallas needs to firm up their run defense: The Cowboys got away with not being physical against the Buccaneers, but they need to man up in this week's matchup against the powerful ground assault of the Giants. Giving Manning an effective running game to work play-action passes off of will make it a long day for Dallas fans.
7. Expect the Cowboys defense to flush Manning from the pocket: Defense-minded coach Wade Phillips will want to make Manning move out of the pocket to get the ball downfield. As good as the Giants' offensive line is, they showed some vulnerability in their opener, and Phillips probably will dial up some zone blitzes to force Manning to improvise.
8. Dallas needs to establish the run: The Cowboys have three capable ball carriers who can exploit a defense on downhill power plays as well as on the edges. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett needs to utilize Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice throughout the contest to wear down the impressive New York defense. Pounding the ball early and often should pay dividends late in the game.
9. Keep Roy Williams involved: It was important for Williams to play well in the Cowboys' opener, and he needs to stay involved in this week's matchup. His size could create problems for the Giants' secondary, and with Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton being effective targets in the Cowboys' passing game, Williams probably will have a chance to make more plays downfield in Week 2.
10. Matchup to watch: Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware vs. Giants LT David Diehl: The Cowboys led the league in sacks in 2008 but failed to record one in a Week 1 victory. Talented linebacker Ware has a variety of pass-rush moves and counters off the edge and will be a tough matchup for the technically sound Diehl. Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride probably will give Diehl help (chip with an extra blocker or slide protection), but he will have his hands full regardless of the adjustments that New York might make.
Prediction
New York 23
Dallas 24
Scouts Inc.
New York at Dallas
When: 8:20 PM ET
Watch: NBC
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 2
Scouts Inc. Position AdvantageQB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach
After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Giants-Cowboys matchup.
1. New York needs to pound Jacobs between the tackles: Brandon Jacobs should be the mainstay in the Giants' ground assault, but he didn't get on track in Week 1. The Dallas defense was less than impressive in slowing down the Buccaneers' running game in their opener and can be exploited with the powerful "giant" back on downhill isolation plays.
2. Expect the New York defense to focus on stopping the run: As well as Tony Romo performed in last week's game, the Giants' defense will focus on stopping the talented Dallas backfield. Running the ball effectively will be a key for the Cowboys to win this contest, and the Giants probably will stack the line of scrimmage to make Dallas one-dimensional.
3. Giants defense needs to stay in its rush lanes: Romo is one of the more effective improvisers at the quarterback position and it is very important for the Giants' pass-rushers to stay in their rush lanes. Romo doesn't have great height, and he often steps up in the pocket or slides to find his throwing lanes. Keeping Romo corralled will be important for this high-powered defense.
4. Protect Manning in the pocket: Eli Manning can improvise but is much more comfortable in the pocket when delivering the ball. He isn't very elusive and will tend to throw into traffic or fumble the ball when the protection breaks down. Manning is excellent at going through his progression reads and finding the open receiver when he can step up into the pocket and has time to scan the field.
5. Matchup to watch: Giants DE Osi Umenyiora vs. Cowboys OT Flozell Adams: Umenyiora was a dominant force in Week 1 and appears to have bounced back from his 2008 season-ending injury. Adams is a massive left tackle, who is best if he engages his opponent early in the play, but may have trouble with a variety of counter moves that Umenyiora is likely to throw at him.
6. Dallas needs to firm up their run defense: The Cowboys got away with not being physical against the Buccaneers, but they need to man up in this week's matchup against the powerful ground assault of the Giants. Giving Manning an effective running game to work play-action passes off of will make it a long day for Dallas fans.
7. Expect the Cowboys defense to flush Manning from the pocket: Defense-minded coach Wade Phillips will want to make Manning move out of the pocket to get the ball downfield. As good as the Giants' offensive line is, they showed some vulnerability in their opener, and Phillips probably will dial up some zone blitzes to force Manning to improvise.
8. Dallas needs to establish the run: The Cowboys have three capable ball carriers who can exploit a defense on downhill power plays as well as on the edges. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett needs to utilize Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice throughout the contest to wear down the impressive New York defense. Pounding the ball early and often should pay dividends late in the game.
9. Keep Roy Williams involved: It was important for Williams to play well in the Cowboys' opener, and he needs to stay involved in this week's matchup. His size could create problems for the Giants' secondary, and with Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton being effective targets in the Cowboys' passing game, Williams probably will have a chance to make more plays downfield in Week 2.
10. Matchup to watch: Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware vs. Giants LT David Diehl: The Cowboys led the league in sacks in 2008 but failed to record one in a Week 1 victory. Talented linebacker Ware has a variety of pass-rush moves and counters off the edge and will be a tough matchup for the technically sound Diehl. Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride probably will give Diehl help (chip with an extra blocker or slide protection), but he will have his hands full regardless of the adjustments that New York might make.
Prediction
New York 23
Dallas 24
