Giants Crush Cowboys and Romo

The Giants buried the Cowboys Monday night in Dallas and nailed the coffin shut with a knock-out of QB Tony Romo. Giants linebacker Michel Boley sent him to the sidelines for 6-8 weeks with a crushing hit in the second quarter, breaking his collarbone in the process. Backup John Kitna finished the game.

The Giants sent the Cowboys to a 1-5 record, their worst start since 1989, 3 ½ games behind first place Big Blue, who sit atop the NFC East at 5-2. After a poor start and spotting the Cowboys a 20-7 lead, the Giants responded with 31 unanswered points to go up 38-20. Five turnovers by the Giants and a punt return for a TD by Dallas rookie Dez Bryant made the game closer than it really was. The Giants completely dominated the Cowboys at home on Monday night’s national stage in a wild 41-35 win.

The Giants racked up 497 yards to the Cowboys 254, most of which came at the end in garbage time and controlled time of possession 37:11 to 22:29. In a powerfully balanced attack, the G-Men rolled up 200 yards rushing to go with 306 yards through the air from QB Eli Manning. Ahmad Bradshaw, the NFC’s leading rusher, gained 126 yards complemented by Brandon Jacobs’ 75 yards and 1 TD. Wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith each caught 9 passes for 100+ yards. Nicks added 2 touchdowns for his league leading eight and Smith had one score. Third receiver Mario Manningham caught three passes and had one TD. The trio of Nicks, Smith and Manningham are being referred to as the “Jet Blue” passing attack and rank among the best and most dangerous in the NFL. After an 0 for 4 start and 2 interceptions, Eli Manning connected on 25 of his final 31 passes, finishing 25 of 35 for 306 yards and 4 touchdowns to go with a passer rating of 100.4, despite 3 interceptions. For a long stretch of time in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, Manning was on fire, picking the Cowboys apart, as their defense had no answers for the Giants offense on the ground or in the air.

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The Giants defense held the Cowboys to 41 yards rushing and 213 passing, finishing with three sacks while applying constant pressure and different looks to the Cowboys. The Big Blue QB wrecking crew has knocked out five signal callers so far this year. All clean and legal hits, impressive given the tightening of league rules concerning defensive play.

Giants punter Matt Dodge had his best game so far, booming one kick for 69 yards. Unfortunately the punt was returned for a touchdown by Dallas star rookie Dez Bryant, as the Giants coverage broke down. Dodge also showed good hang time and directional punting on a couple of kicks, preventing any returns. Lawrence Tynes returned from an injury and was 2-2 on field goals, nailing one from 53 yards out. He also booted several kick-offs into the Dallas end-zone.

Week eight is a bye for the Giants. Next game Sunday November 7th at first place Seattle.

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