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Cowboys-Giants: Five things to watch
11:29 PM CDT on Sunday, October 22, 2006
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
1 | Screens, screens, screens
The Giants do not use the screen pass as much as the Eagles, but they are effective with it. The screen sets up the Giants' running game, according to Cowboys linebacker Bradie James, because it makes the defense hesitate. The screen also can slow down the pass rush. The Giants want to get Tiki Barber the ball in space as much as possible. Once he gets in the open field, he is difficult to bring down. |
2 | Look at the numbers
The key to the Cowboys' run defense has been the play of nose tackle Jason Ferguson and linebackers Akin Ayodele and Bradie James. Ferguson has been dominant at times and must win the battle against Giants center Shaun O'Hara. Ferguson rarely gets turned in the hole, which would create a gap for the runner. If you focus on Ferguson, look for the 9 and 5 on the back of his uniform. If you can see the numbers, it means he's doing his job. |
3 | High strike zone
Giants quarterback Eli Manning has significantly improved his accuracy. In his first two years, he completed just 51.6 percent of his passes. This season, he is at 65.3 percent. He is second in the NFL with 11 touchdown passes but has seven interceptions. When he misses, he misses high. He also will throw high down the middle of the field. Rookie safety Pat Watkins will be tested by the Giants' scheme, but if he can maintain his poise, he could have a shot to pick off Manning. |
4 | Cashing in
The Giants average 25.4 points per game, sixth best in the NFL. The Cowboys are averaging 29.4 points, good for fourth in the league. When facing a high-scoring team, you're going to have to score, too. In 19 possessions inside the opponent's 20-yard line, Dallas has scored 12 touchdowns. Only Indianapolis (13-of-20) is better. The Cowboys cannot settle for field goals tonight and expect to win. |
5 | The top tight ends
Jason Witten's numbers are off this year (16 catches, 165 yards). He has gone five games without a touchdown, his second-longest scoreless streak since becoming the full-time starter in 2004. Jeremy Shockey (18 catches, 202 yards), the other resident Pro Bowl tight end in the NFC East, is not producing as much as expected, either. Shockey, however, has scored three times. It's time for Witten to become a bigger part of the offense, especially with the pressure Giants ends Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan bring. |
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
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