The Landry Hat
Fansided

Will Dallas Cowboys make history, deny Giants touchdown?

By Brad Austin

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: Sterling Shepard #87 of the New York Giants fumbles the ball against Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 10: Sterling Shepard #87 of the New York Giants fumbles the ball against Sean Lee #50 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants fumbles the ball as he is sacked by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants fumbles the ball as he is sacked by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

MEET THE RAGTAG GIANTS OFFENSE

New York’s offense is averaging a measly 15.8 points per game. The NFL’s second worst scoring unit only tops the Cleveland Browns.

At this point in the year their offense is in bad shape. Two weeks ago the Redskins became the second team to hold them without an offensive touchdown.

Let’s analyze the starting changes between the first Dallas match-up and last week.

While Darkwa is a slight upgrade over Perkins, he’s nothing special in the backfield. The Giants as a team are ranked 27th in rushing.

Dallas’ stout front line paired with Lee and Hitchens will suffocate the run game.

DOWN TO TWO RECEIVING THREATS

It’s safe to say the receiving corps and offensive line are now shredded. Odell Beckham Jr. wasn’t part of the first meeting and won’t be again.

The real difference is losing Pro Bowler Marshall. His replacement Lewis never started as a rookie last year and has yet to break 55 yards in 25 games.

The only dangerous receiving threats left are Sterling Shepard and tight end Evan Engram.  Game planning to contain only two threats isn’t rocket science.

COWBOYS RUSHERS READY TO FEAST

The three new offensive line starters since Week One are a definite downgrade.

Richburg (C) is on injured reserve and won’t be back. Pugh (G) is questionable with a back injury that’s kept him out the last two games.

Wheeler (T) suffered a concussion last week and is questionable. Even if he plays, the weakest link will be a huge mismatch for DeMarcus Lawrence.

Whatever combination of five the Giants scrape together, Manning is in danger.

There’s no doubt the offense will simplify. Expect two-tight end sets to help pass blocking and attempt to establish a ground game.

When they do pass it will involve shorter routes and quick releases to protect Eli.

With a weak running game, a decimated offensive line, and only two receiving threats, New York shouldn’t touch the Cowboys’ end zone.

Next: Are the Cowboys sidelining an offensive X-factor?

If a more complete Dallas defense allows this offense to score double-digits, it may be time to re-evaluate defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s contract.

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