The Landry Hat
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Predicting the Dallas Cowboys five toughest games of 2017

By Dyllan Larson

Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) takes a knee in the end zone prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) takes a knee in the end zone prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

#4 – *9/10/2017 vs New York Giants and 12/10/2017 @ New York Giants

Without a doubt the New York Giants should be one of the biggest threats to the Cowboys in 2017- not just on their schedule but in competing for the division title.

The Giants defeated Dallas twice last season, by a combined total of 4 points, and the New York defense seemed to be one of a select few that could slow down the dynamic Cowboys offense.

The Giants had defensive tackles in Johnathon Hankins and Snacks Harrison that could match the quickness and power of the Cowboys interior offensive linemen which helped keep the running game in check and the Giants secondary did a great job in pass coverage in both matchups as well. Luckily for the Cowboys, Hankins has moved on to the Indianapolis Colts but they will still have to deal with Snacks which will be a challenge.

New York has a cornerback in Janoris Jenkins that believes he can check Dez Bryant all game long and last season, he did get the better of Dez in their two matchups. Dez has torched him in previous matchups when Jenkins was with the Rams and I expect that to be a fun battle to watch.

The Giants had what looked to be a lethal receiving group with Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard and they further bolstered that by adding a physical presence and red zone monster in Brandon Marshall.

On top of that, the Giants drafted a dynamic weapon in tight end Evan Engram that is similar to Jordan Reed in playing style- more of a gigantic slot receiver than a tight end.

Two time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning has a very dangerous stable of targets to exploit this season and the Giants should scare any secondary in the league.

A common trend for major weaknesses of teams on this list, the biggest area of concern for the Giants is the offensive line.

They were terrible in both pass blocking and run blocking last season and they really need to find a way to move Ereck Flowers over to the right side where he can utilize his playing strength and help mask his terrible feet. It looks like he is still penciled in as the left tackle which is a huge problem for the Giants. Their one consistent offensive lineman is center Weston Richburg and Justin Pugh has shown the ability to play well but has yet to prove he deserves a big contract either.

If the Cowboys can effectively stay balanced on offense and put up points, I like the chances that they can force a late Eli turnover if he has to press for a comeback. The Giants did a great job of defending the Cowboys offense last season so it will be easier said than done.

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