Dallas Cowboys Keys To Victory Against New York Giants

Ed Note: With the 2016 season upon us I want to continue to bring Cowboys Nation some of the best content with some different viewpoints and writing styles. With that being said I am adding a new writer to the blog. Please join me in welcoming Steve Callahan to CowboysBlog.Net. Here is his first article, enjoy! —

Football is finally back in Arlington. The Dallas Cowboys kick off the 2016 season against their NFC rival New York Giants for the second straight season. The Giants improved their defense drastically this offseason while the Cowboys will have new faces in two prominent positions. It would be great for the Cowboys to start the season off on the right foot with a NFC East win. Here are keys to a Cowboys victory.

Offensive Line Keeps Giants Defensive Line Quiet

The Cowboys have built the best offensive line in football, investing three first round picks into their line in recent years. The Giants hope to combat the Cowboys’ strength with their shiny, new, highly priced defensive line. Tyron Smith will have to neutralize a man who was one of the best edge players in the league last year in Olivier Vernon on the left side. While on the other side, Doug Free will go up against the monster that is Jason Pierre-Paul. That leaves the interior of the line to stop the best run-stopper in the league in Damon Harrison. The trio of La’el Collins, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin are as good as you are going to get, so they should be able to overpower Harrison and Jonathan Hankins.

Get Dez Going Early

With Tony Romo down, fourth-round pick Dak Prescott will step in and start the season at quarterback for the Cowboys. Prescott should look the feed the beast early. After missing seven games last season, Dez Bryant is a full go to start the season. Dez brings energy, intensity, and leadership to the Cowboys and if he gets going early, not only does that get the team pumped up, but also opens up the offense for everyone else.

Put Pressure On Eli

I know it was only the preseason, but the Giants offense did not look impressive. First-year head coach Ben McAdoo may have been holding back his playbook and calling vanilla plays; but regardless, the Giants couldn’t seem to move the ball this preseason. In the final dress rehearsal against the Jets in week three, the Giants starters went scoreless and only gained 61 yards in the first half. The Cowboys need to put pressure on the Giants offensive line, the weakness of their team.

Obtain Lead Early Then Let Zeke Run

Fourth overall pick Ezekiel Elliott will make his highly anticipated Cowboys debut this week. With the best offensive line in football in front of him, Elliott has the potential to become one of the most productive running backs in the league. The Cowboys need to get on the board early so they can open up the playbook for Elliott. If the Cowboys are playing from behind, that puts more pressure on Dak Prescott to do more. Elliott has the chance to make a strong professional debut against the Giants.

Contain Odell Beckham

This is much easier said than done, but it’s no secret that the Giants offense revolves around Odell Beckham. The Cowboys actually kept Odell in check last season as the star receiver had 5 catches for 44 yards in week one and six catches for 35 yards in their second matchup, with zero touchdowns in either game. You can live with a couple of big plays from Beckham, because you expect that out of the superstar receiver. You can’t let him run wild out there; as he has proven he can torch a secondary for over 150 yards.

A new era could possibly start this Sunday against the Giants. With Tony Romo’s future uncertain, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have the opportunity to make big splashes in their professional debuts. The Cowboys must control the line of scrimmage and give their playmakers the best possible position to make plays in order to start the season with a win.