This is a huge game this week between the Giants and the Cowboys for a wildcard seat in the playoffs. The game is going to be competitive and most likely will come down to the fourth quarter heroics. Either team can easily come away with this victory and rite of passage into the playoffs. There are a number of playmakers on both teams, on either side of the ball; each team has had questionable moments and has shown to be susceptible to self-destruction at any moment. The winner of this division NFC East will be a dangerous team in the playoffs and could make it into the Superbowl.
The Giants play up to their competition each game; the team has shown a bad habit of losing to teams they can easily beat. They are capable of winning the more competitive games. The Giants and the Cowboys are somewhat similar but not altogether the same. Eli Manning is capable of more greatness than Tony Romo is, however he tends to be less consistent. Tony Romo is more consistent choking in the fourth quarter or clutch moments whereas Eli Manning is one of the best quarterbacks in the fourth quarter.
Eli Manning is quicker to throw mind-baffling interceptions throughout the game in pivotal moments of momentum. Manning and his receivers cannot connect through some of the tightest windows in the NFL and pick up YAC for touchdowns a majority of the time; this is danger in the Giants passing game. Tony Romo’s athleticism can break down a defense by lengthening plays, resulting in big plays quite very often. It can be hard to gauge which offense will come through, much of their performance depends on the defense and coaching as well.
Both of these defenses can be a problem for any NFL team. Demarcus Ware provides a pass rush threat each time the ball the quarterback snaps the ball. The Giants’ framework is built on rushing the passer; both of the scenarios may decide the outcome of the game. Each team can create fumbles when they effectively rush the quarterback; each quarterback is also prone to throwing interceptions. Both of the defenses have had less than stellar seasons but the each secondary is more than capable of picking off errant throws. Neither team can be classified as elite this year; the Giants' depleted line backing core and injuries have led to their lack luster performance. The Cowboys lack playmakers besides ware and lack consistent execution. Each team may have problems stopping the rushing attack of the opposing team.
Each team has a strong rushing attack that can be consistently effective throughout the game if utilized. The Cowboys have a rushing game that is more likely to break for long yards early and often, while the Giants power rushing game will wear down a defense throughout the game in order to seal the victory. AS is the common trend in the NFL these teams, neither coaching staff uses the rushing game often enough to establish a true rhythm in the game.
The coaching staff for each team is good most of the time. The Giants can be too conservative at times with the offensive play calling; in the same token, they stray away from the framework and seldom run the ball often enough to be effective consistently. The Cowboys coaching staff has shown its lack of experience during different times throughout the season by making critical mistakes. The game could easily come down to coaching because the teams are so close and the game will be so competitive. The most prepared team will most likely win, but in this game, it really is up to either team to claim the victory; there are players on each team that could end up being the hero on Sunday.