Cowboys vs Giants Week 12: history, key players, projection

Cowboys vs Giants: “Under the Radar” Players

Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup, WR

Last week against the Vikings, we saw Michael Gallup come to life a bit. He showed the ability to go across the middle of the field and make contested catches knowing he was going to take a hit. This week, I suspect we see him succeed in a different way.

The Giants’ top two cornerbacks, Adoree’ Jackson and Fabian Moreau, are both hurt. Jackson is out 4-6 weeks and Moreau is questionable. The Giants will have to focus their top corner on CeeDee Lamb and his talents. With that, there is going to be a sizable mismatch for whoever guards Gallup.

The Cowboys proved they are willing to pound the ball on teams and run it over and over. Look for more of the same this matchup but be prepared for the heavy play-action pass to Gallup over the top exercising his deep ball skills.

Gallup’s last two games have totaled seven receptions for 76 yards. While he may not get that sort of volume in receptions Thursday, his receiving yardage could surpass it with also finding his way into the end zone.

New York Giants: Giants’ right tackle situation

The Giants could not have a worse question mark than they do at right tackle. That question mark is exacerbated by facing a Cowboys defensive front that is coming off of a Thanksgiving appetizer by feasting against the Vikings to the tune of seven sacks and eight tackles for loss.

Starting right tackle Evan Neal was out last weekend with a knee injury. His status remains a question mark but with the game on Thursday, the shortened week does not help his case.

If the Giants don’t have Neal, his backup, Tyre Phillips, left their game on Sunday with a neck injury and did not return. This could create one of two things. The Giants have to shuffle linemen around to places they aren’t as comfortable in, or option two is to dig into the depth chart even further.

Either way, the Cowboys and Dan Quinn will likely be attacking the right side of the Giants’ offensive line all day long with stunts, pressure, and pass rushes. Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, and Sam Williams could be having another party at the quarterback.