This marks the beginning of a highly controversial and highly opinionated series. We have deeply analyzed the 2009 Dallas Cowboys Schedule and will target those teams that have the potential of giving us problems. Today we start with those crazy New York Football Giants.
The Giants will immediately come to town in Week 2, as the Cowboys open the new stadium. Here is the outlook:
Key Offseason Additions:
DE Chris Canty from Dallas.
OLB Michael Boley from Atlanta.
DT Rock Bernard from Seattle.
DB C.C. Brown from Houston.
Key Offseason Subtractions:
RB Derrick Ward
WR Plaxico Burress
CB R.W. McQuarters
CB Sam Madison
S Sammy Knight
Key Draft Picks:
WR Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina- Nicks is a potential game-breaker, whose known for making spectacular catches
OLB Clint Sintim- A great linebacker with good size, should start opposite Boley.
Projected Top Performers
(courtesy ESPN 2009 Projections)
Brandon Jacobs: 202 rush 1002 yards 12 Td
Eli Manning 304 comp/512 att 3280 yards 21 TD 14 INT
Domenik Hixon 62 Rec 861 yards 5 TD
Preview:
The Giants are a popular favorite in the NFC East and the conference itself. Their strong defense keeps them in the talks of any games. With the additions of Michael Boley and Chris Canty the Giants defense is a legitimate threat to any offense, despite how good the offense might be. However, their offense is in lack of dominance. With Plax gone Eli lacks a true number one, and that’s good news for the rest of the division. Brandon Jacobs can only carry so much, and Hixon and Nicks can’t be trusted quite yet as they haven’t had too much of the spotlight.
On the other side, the Cowboys have a potentially explosive offense, and a revamped defense. Tony Romo will see his troubles against a team who seems to get to him often, and Marion Barber will have to run through a tough defensive line. However, Witten should find favorable matchups and the speed of Miles Austin and Felix Jones will prove beneficial. Defensively, you’ll find things aren’t quite like last year. With the addition of Sensabaugh, Olshansky, and Brooking – the linebackers and line will get to Eli, and the Secondary should see at least 2 Interceptions. With Wade Phillips getting them back into shape and calling the plays, will it be enough?
Matchup of the Game:
Brandon Jacobs Vs. Dallas Linebackers
What IF sports prediction:
(10 simulated games)
Avg Score: NYG 23 DAL 20
DAL Win PCT: 40%
My Season Prediction
The Cowboys will split this series, Winning the Home Opener due to shear emotion.
NYG @ DAL: 10-21 W
DAL @ NYG 13-24 L
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It will be a battle, no question. But stealing a little bit from Dennis Green, I don’t think the Giant’s are who everyone seems to think they are.