Umenyiora leads the Giants with four sacks, including two last week against Atlanta. Last season, he led the NFC with 14½ sacks to earn his first Pro Bowl selection. At 6-3, 261 pounds, he brings a combination of speed and power that is not unlike a younger version of Michael Strahan. Strahan, in his 14th season, lines up on the opposite side.
When Adams is on top of his game, speed rushers don't give him much trouble, and he was much improved last week against Houston. Coming off a major knee injury, Adams looks tentative at times, but he is still the Cowboys' top pass protector.
If he can handle Umenyiora without needing help from a tight end or back, that will help Marc Colombo at right tackle and allow the Cowboys to use their full offensive playbook.
Playing at Texas Stadium should help Adams with the snap count, but the Cowboys need to stay away from third-and-long situations.
Edge: Adams
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
