Monday Night Football Preview - NY Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys host the Giants Monday night in Dallas and at 1-4, will try and avoid their worst start in 21 years. The Giants have rebounded with 3 straight wins after losing 2 of their first 3. Despite their record, the Cowboys have actually put up some pretty good numbers. Based on yardage, they have the third best offense and fourth best defense in the league, but they haven’t been able to overcome 62 penalties- second worst in the league and a defense that has forced only four turnovers. The Giants are riding a three game winning streak on the strength of their defense which has limited opponents to an NFC leading 264.8 yards per game.

The Giants still need to be careful with the Cowboys who have the edge on their opponents in first downs (109-86), average yard per game (400-281.4), time of possession (33:47-26:13 and sacks (12-7). The Cowboys outgained Minnesota 314-188 in last Sunday’s 24-21 loss, as mistakes and penalties cost them the game.

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Giants key to the game:

The Giants defensive front needs to pressure Tony Romo. They could be facing a depleted Dallas offensive line without left guard Kyle Kosier who injured his Achilles’ tendon against Minnesota and is uncertain for Monday. The Cowboys have not protected Romo very well so far this season and one on one are not the most athletic blockers. This has led to penalties and mistakes. We could see the Giants rushing four and dropping seven, but before the snap, change looks to an all-out blitz or other schemes. This could confuse the Cowboys and Tony Romo.

By: Mitchell D. Schlau
ProFootball-fans.com New York Giants Correspondent