Cowboys at Giants: Five things to watch for
The 2-3 Dallas Cowboys will face off against 3-3 New York Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday afternoon. Here are five things I’ll be watching for during the heated divisional contest.
#1. Cowboys New Quarterback Matt Cassel
The Cowboys will have a new quarterback under center on Sunday. 11-year veteran quarterback Matt Cassel will take the reins of America’s Team for the first time since being traded to Dallas from the Buffalo Bills last month. Cassel’s debut will be an emotional one. The longtime Cowboys fan is not only playing for his dad’s favorite team for the first time, but the 33-year old father himself just welcomed his fourth child into his family over the bye week. Hopefully, this flood of emotion will help Cassel led Dallas out of their current three-game losing skid.
#2. Rookie Pass Rusher Randy Gregory Returns
The Cowboys seemed to get a lucky windfall in this year’s NFL Draft when Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory fell in to their laps in the second round. A projected top five talent, Gregory tumbled down draft boards following a positive drug test during the league’s Scouting Combine in February. Once at Valley Ranch, the 22-year has been nothing but professional.
After receiving praise about his natural pass rush abilities and heavy hands throughout the offseason programs and training camp, Cowboys fans were elated when Gregory recorded five tackles and three sacks in three games during the preseason. But 21 snaps into his rookie regular season, Randy suffered a high ankle sprain. Sidelined for the last five games, Gregory and Cowboys fans are both anxious to see the talented pass rusher on the field once again.
#3: Christine Michael Running The Football
Ever since the Cowboys traded the Seattle Seahawks a conditional seventh round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft for running back Christine Michael, Dallas has barely utilized him. In fact, the former Aggie has played a total of two snaps for Dallas prior to the Cowboys bye week.
With current starting running back Joseph Randle and his primary back-up Darren McFadden underwhelming so far this season, Dallas has now vowed to utilize Michael more starting this weekend against the Giants. It’s unknown just how many carries the 24-year old running back will get on Sunday. But Michael could take over the Cowboys starting role with an outstanding performance.
#4. The Cowboys Improved Pass Rush
With the additions of defensive end Greg Hardy and middle linebacker Rolando McClain two weeks ago against the New England Patriots, this Cowboys defense was able to record five sacks in one half. In the prior four games alone, the Dallas “D” was only able to record six sacks total.
The additions of Hardy and McClain boosted the Cowboys pass rush to an entirely new level last time this team took the field. With rookie pass rusher Randy Gregory now rejoining the fray, the sky is the limit for Dallas’ pass rush. It should be exciting to watch them against a fairly weak Giants offensive line.
#5. Wide Receiver Brice Butler‘s Return
Since being traded to the Cowboys from the Oakland Raiders in mid-September, wide recevier Brice Butler has recorded one single reception as a member of America’s Team. But that one catch went for 67 yards against the New Orleans Saints. Butler was immediately sidelined with a hamstring injury and has been unable to play ever since.
After being a full participant in practices this week, Butler is on schedule to have an impact in this game against the G-men. And facing another contest without the services of All-Pro recevier Dez Bryant, new quarterback Matt Cassel will need the 25-year old Butler to make some plays on Sunday for the Cowboys. Especially considering the poor play of outside receivers Terrance Williams and Devin Street as of late.
Next: Dallas Cowboys will need Giant pressure to beat New York