When I was a little kid I was kind of a picky eater. To be totally honest I’m still pretty specific on what I like to eat (I prefer hamburgers plain and dry to put things in perspective here).
My parents obviously couldn’t let me just eat the same four foods for my entire life, so they had to get creative with how they coaxed me into trying things. My dad finally broke the bank, literally, and decided to offer me a dollar for each new food that my palate explored. Some foods were worth it (enchilada casserole, hello!) but some wouldn’t have been worth five dollars (broccoli was not my favorite).
Thankfully my taste has grown as I have and I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t need any financial motivation to try new foods. I’m a bold eater and I’m proud. Just the other day I tried jalapenos and mustard on a burger and you know what? It was the bomb. Literally the bomb… it was an explosion of flavor.
My boldness has transcended beyond my dietary habits into football predictions. So have a seat in Café de RJ and allow me to tell you today’s specials. We’ve got 5 Bold Predictions for when the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants that I think you’ll find appetizing. Dig in.
1. Byron Jones Gets His First Career Interception
If you caught me on Fancred LIVE this past Thursday, you had a bit of a spoiler here. Mr. Jones has been balling out so far in his rookie year. “Balling out? RJ, relax bro.” I will not relax! The first rounder all but eliminated Rob Gronkowski two weeks ago, the guy who just happens to be the best tight end in the game.
Byron is going to make a big impact in this game as the pass rush is going to get to Eli Manning all day long. Look for Eli to panic, in his usual whimsical way, and perhaps get hit while he throws… right into the arms of Byron Jones.
2. Greg Hardy Sacks Eli Manning For A Safety
This pass rush is ferocious, ferocious I tell you! For the second time this season the Cowboys will have their full arsenal of defensive weapons… Greg Hardy chief among them. The Kraken already showed why he’s a valuable football commodity as he notched two sacks two weeks ago against the Patriots. Our own Bobby Belt (who you can follow on Twitter here) pointed out on this week’s Cowboys Cast that he is in fact tied for first on the team in sacks in 2015. Holy Hardy!
The Kraken is getting released into NFC East waters for the first time against the Giants. He’s going fishing for two points, and he’s going to get them on a safety.
3. Christine Michael Breaks 100 Yards Rushing
What do you think you’ve heard more about in the last six months… the Dallas Cowboys backfield or Odell Beckham Jr.’s catch? Tough call, isn’t it? The latest installment in the Cowboys running back series is Christine Michael of former Texas A&M fame. The speculation all week long has been that C-Mike will be way more involved in the run game than he has been all season long (he’s been given two carries to date for what it’s worth).
Our own Sean Martin called for more C-Mike recently here at Inside The Star and he, along with all of us, are going to get our wish. The offensive line is going to wake up this week after a two-week hiatus, and severe humbling after the thrashing against New England, and they are going to blow this thing up like a jalapeno/mustard burger. I see Michael getting a big chunk of his 100 yards on a big run, I’m talking a 52 yarder, and picking up some serious dirty yards in the fourth quarter as the Cowboys grind out the victory.
4. Matt Cassel Throws Two Interceptions
Part of the reason why the shift has been made to Cassel is that he’s more comfortable airing it downfield than Brandon Weeden. That’s a good thing, but it comes at a price. This is absolutely a positive change that is going to greatly improve the offense’s production as a whole, but it’s not going to be totally smooth and without consequence.
Cassel’s style of play is going to open up the run game, but he’s going to throw two picks along the way. He’ll also throw two touchdowns that will make us all smile. It’ll be ok, I promise.
5. Matt Cassel Will Not Be Sacked
I hope you remember the third course of this meal because I told you the offensive line is going to eat. They are going to play what may be their finest game yet. La’el Collins is now the starter at the left guard position and the unit as a whole knows that they haven’t lived up to the “best offensive line in the NFL” hype that surrounded them all offseason.
Be careful with your wings while you watch this game, because if you get your jersey dirty Matt Cassel’s will be cleaner than yours. His is going to stay pretty all day long, as the Giants won’t get to him a single time. How’s that for a walk-off dessert?
~ Follow RJ Ochoa on Fancred ~
What are your BOLD predictions for when the Cowboys take on the Giants? Email me your thoughts at Roel.Ochoa.Jr@gmail.com or Tweet to me @rjochoa!
