Cowboys vs Giants Week 15: history, weather, key players, and projection

Cowboys vs Giants: Gut projection

Projection: Dallas Cowboys 30, New York Giants 13

I think the Cowboys put up 30 this week, but it isn’t going to be due to an offensive explosion. They are going to be handed some short fields, easy points, and take what is given to them, as they should with what I think could be a pretty vanilla game plan.

I know it isn’t going to excite fans, and it isn’t going to give the feeling that the offense and Dak Prescott have exited their slump, but that might just be okay. The Cowboys don’t need to show everything on film this week and might be better suited to keep the good stuff in their back pockets. Truthfully, if the offense doesn’t need to pull out the creative stuff, I would prefer they don’t.

The Cowboys’ offense should see some short fields and good field position given to them by the defense. Due to that, I wouldn’t be shocked if we see a game plan consisting of standard runs, the typical route combos, and some occasional play-action sprinkled in. The Giants are a defense in the bottom-third of rushing yards allowed per game, passing yards allowed per game, total yards allowed per game, and points allowed per game. They can be moved and scored on.

The Cowboys have the ability to beat the Giants with their meat and potatoes and using that should be enough to win this game. It won’t be too flashy or have a ton of explosiveness, but it should get the job done in a dreary, early afternoon kickoff.

My gut tells me we see a recipe of Ezekiel Elliott early followed by rest, some Tony Pollard sprinkled in, and Cory Clement toting the rock. Jaquan Hardy could also get a few carries if the Cowboys gain control in this one. Call me crazy, but I wouldn’t hate seeing newly-signed Ito Smith get into the mix to give rest to Zeke and Pollard. Dan Quinn drafted him in Atlanta where he averaged four yards per carry and nearly six yards per catch. I won’t hold my breath for that, though.

I just want us to be prepared if the Cowboys slow play their hand offensively and only show things that they already have. It won’t be cause for concern. Well, unless they lose. But let’s not even think about that. If they go with a vanilla game plan, I would bet that there is a greater plan going on behind the scenes.

Am I more excited to watch the Cowboys’ defense instead of the offense this week? I played wide receiver in college and love points, yet here I am supporting two teams with great defenses: the Iowa Hawkeyes and Dallas Cowboys. What a turn my football life has taken.

On defense, I expect the Cowboys to continue their ways of turning the ball over and getting pressure. This matchup sets up for that group to have a field day. Against Glennon, the secondary should get their time to shine.

Last week the defensive line was the star of the show as we saw sacks, interceptions, fumbles, and touchdowns. I expect that to continue this week, but maybe slightly slowed down as the Giants offensive line is actually not too bad. Still, stopping Demarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, and Micah Parsons is no easy feat. This group, with Neville Gallimore and Osa Odighizuwa up the middle, will get home.

In a game where the Giants may be forced to throw the ball, I think the secondary has the chance to be the star this week. With Kadarius Toney, who toasted the Cowboys in Week 5, on the COVID-19 list, the Giants could be without their explosive threat. This only feeds into the Cowboys’ secondary.

The defensive line may also create stress even when they don’t get the sack and force the issue. I think we see three takeaways headlined by the secondary, and Trevon Diggs gets himself to double-digit interceptions.

This is a game the Cowboys have a massive advantage in and should look to crush the will of the Giants early. The Cowboys should handle their business here to get to 10 wins, more than likely clinch their playoff berth, and begin the discussion of how they want to gear up for the playoffs.

Here’s how the Cowboys could clinch a playoff berth or NFC East this weekend

The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 15 with a chance to clinch the NFC East and punch their ticket to the playoffs. Here are the scenarios.