FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys face divisional rival New York Giants on Sunday at AT&T Stadium for week two. The two teams have met 112 times, with Dallas leading the series winning 64 and New York winning 46, and the two teams tying twice.
Coming off a 3-13 season, one of the worst in Giants’ history, the team made several coaching changes across the board including hiring a new general manager Dave Gettleman, new head coach Pat Shurmur, new offensive coordinator Mike Shula, and defensive coordinator James Bettcher.
The key for the Cowboys will be stopping Shurmur’s west coach offensive approach with play action passing geared around Eli Manning’s strengths, and routes that benefit Odell Beckham Jr. In last week’s game against the Panthers, the Cowboys’ defense had a tough time stopping Cam Newton on the run, and they will have to prepare for the new weapon in the Giants’ ground game, Saquon Barkley.
On the opposite side of the ball, Dallas’ offensive line will have to shut down Bettcher’s 3-4 defensive front that specializes in heavy pressure and blitzing, in order to protect Dak Prescott. Against the Panthers, Dak was sacked six times. The Cowboys’ offensive line has gone through a transitional period with Joe Looney starting at center and rookie Connor Williams making his first NFL debut in the regular season as a guard last week, but the line has got to do a better job on Sunday of protecting their quarterback and creating pass protection.
During the press conference Jason Garrett stated, “ There are a variety of 3-4 teams. It is similar to what Arizona has done in the past and is acclimating well. “
