DALLAS, T.X. – The New York Giants are coming off Week 4 heroics against the New Orleans Saints. In an overtime thriller, the Giants walked away with a 27-21 win over New Orleans. December of 1993, was the last time the Giants won in New Orleans. Following a huge win and their first of the season, New York will face their toughest test of the season next.
The Dallas Cowboys are the NFC East division leaders and have won their last three games in a row. Dallas boasts one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL, and will square off against the Giants this Sunday. Despite the Cowboys riding a hot streak, this is a winable game for New York. Here are a couple things the Giants must do to walk away victorious:
Protect Daniel Jones
Week 4 against the Saints marked the first time all season that Daniel Jones was not sacked. The direct result was a 402 yard passing day, with 2 TDs for Jones. When the Giants are picking up blitzes and holding their blocks, it makes life much easier for Jones.
Jones has proven he is confident in making reads and delivering accurate throws downfield. The majority of Jones’ struggles come from holding the ball too long, and trying to make plays through pressure. Keeping the pressure out of Jones’ face is a necessity for the Giants to beat the Cowboys.
Red Zone Offense & Red Zone Defense
Last week against the Saints, New York went 1 for 3 scoring TDs in the red zone. What may have been serviceable against New Orleans, will not work against the Cowboys. When the Giants get inside the red zone, they need to find more creative ways to highlight key match-ups.
Finding a way to involve Saquon Barkley with some option routes, could free up some red zone scores. Also utilizing newly acquired Kenny Golladay inside the red zone, will be crucial for higher red zone efficiency.
On the flip side, the Cowboys punched in all of their three red zone attempts last week against the Carolina Panthers. Dallas does a great job of punishing teams in the run game with Ezekiel Elliot and getting their tight ends involved in the red zone. The Giants will need to stay disciplined inside the red zone, especially with Dak Prescott loving to use the play action pass.
The Cowboys and Giants will square off this Sunday at 4:25 PM, in Dallas for their first of two scheduled meetings this season.
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com.
(Featured Photo Credit: Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports)