Giants-Cowboys Preview
Added on Sep 05, 2012 by Scott in
No Comments
The preseason is in the books. In a few short hours, on a Wednesday of all nights, the 2012 NFL season will officially begin with an NFC East clash between the defending champion Giants hosting the hated Dallas Cowboys. Despite the odd scheduling, it goes without saying that it’s good to have pro football back for the next six months. Which of tonight’s supposed contenders has the edge? Let’s take a look.
Dallas Cowboys at NY Giants (-4)
The ‘Boys enter the season beat-up on offense. Miles Austin is still nursing a bad hamstring and Jason Witten will likely be a scratch, leaving Dez Bryant as Tony Romo’s healthiest option in the passing game. Expect a heavy dose of running back DeMarco Murray to alleviate pressure on Romo and neutralize a ferocious Giants front four. On defense, the hope is the entire unit will be much more acclimated to coordinator Rob Ryan’s aggressive scheme. Jay Ratliff is out, but the new duo at cornerback — Brandon Carr and rookie Morris Claiborne — should pay dividends against the Giants receivers. Starting left tackle Will Beatty will sit, so 2011 sack leader DeMarcus Ware could be in store for a huge night.
The reigning champs are flying so far under the radar it’s ridiculous. Their odds of winning the Super Bowl are floating around 20-1, which makes no sense. At any rate, they are dealing with their own injuries on offense as Hakeem Nicks is still listed as questionable with an ailing foot, and the aforementioned Beatty is hampered by a bad back. That said, Eli Manning appears poised for another big season fresh off his second Super Bowl win. The trio of Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora should wreak havoc on a suspect Dallas offensive line.
Prime-time season openers always go to champs, so the Giants are the pick here. The Cowboys retooled defense will keep the score close, but Big Blue is itching to prove 2011 was no fluke.
Giants 20, Cowboys 17
