FRISCO, TEXAS – The 9-6 Dallas Cowboys face divisional rival 5-10 New York Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium for the last regular season game. The Cowboys have won the last three games against the Giants, and eight of the last 11. Dallas has already clinched the divisional crown of the NFC East heading into playoffs, so this will be more of a statement game for the Cowboys and an opportunity to iron out their red zone issues and deal with the injuries/ penalties that have plagued the offensive line.
Earlier in the week Jason Garrett stated, “ Many say this game is meaningless, but it is meaningful to us in getting ready for the payoffs. “
In last week’s game against the Buccaneers, the Cowboys were 4-13 in third down efficiency, 1-2 in fourth down efficiency, and 2-4 in red zone attempts. Dallas needs to get those statistics up before the playoffs begin and find a way to capitalize in the red zone and cross the goal line with touchdowns. The defense set up 14 points last week against Tampa with two turnovers provided by Randy Gregory, but the team cannot count on that for every game.
Dallas is not the same team New York played in week two, due to the acquisition of Amari Cooper in week nine and the injuries to the interior of the o-line. RG Zack Martin has been dealing with a knee injury, and was limited in practice this week. If he is inactive on Sunday, Connor Williams will take his place in the lineup. LG Xavier Su’a-Filo exited the game against the Colts with a gruesome eye injury. There was no structural damage and he was back on the field against Tampa Bay last week, and will play vs. the Giants on Sunday.
It has been difficult for the Cowboys to maintain chemistry with all of the personnel changes to the o-line. Tyron Smith has also battled a neck stinger and an elbow injury. Smith has racked up holding penalties on key downs, due to his firm grip and failure to release it at the correct time. He is a cornerstone veteran player in this offensive line and is doing everything he can to correct it.
This season Dak Prescott has been sacked a career-high 52 times. He was sacked 32 in 2017 and 25 in 2016. Part of that issue has been Prescott holding on to the ball too long in the pocket, but they have to be able to Elliott has not had over 100 yards rushing since week 14 against the Eagles. Continuity will have to be formed in the line if the Cowboys are to advance to the second round of playoffs.
Since the trade in week nine, Cooper has helped take some of the pressure off the o-line to open up holes for Zeke, by converting 75% of his receptions into first downs, helping to rejuvenate the Cowboys’ passing game with his ability to create separation from corners on man-to-man. The Cowboys are known for their ground attack, but Cooper has changed the way opposing defenses play against Dallas. He has opened up opportunities for other players, which benefits the team in its entirety. He has made an instant impact in the dynamic of Dallas’ offense. They were 3-4 before the trade and are 6-2 after. He did not have many touches the last two games due to the Bucs double teaming him and the Colts playing a cover two zone defense against him, but Dallas will have to find a way to ingrate their offensive weapon back into the scheme and unleash his ability as a deep threat.
