Cowboys-Giants: How they match up
11:32 PM CDT on Sunday, October 22, 2006
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
| WHEN THE COWBOYS RUN |
| EDGE:  | The Cowboys have proven they can run the ball, which they had struggled to do for much of Bill Parcells' tenure in Dallas. Winning the time of possession will be the key in keeping the Giants' explosive offense off the field. |
| WHEN THE COWBOYS PASS |
| EDGE: | The Cowboys should have an advantage with Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn, but this week the passing game will hinge on the play of tackles Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo. If they can slow Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, then Drew Bledsoe will have a chance. |
| WHEN THE GIANTS RUN |
| EDGE:  | Entering Week 7, Tiki Barber led the NFL in rushing with 533 yards on 102 carries. He's doing it between the tackles as well as on the outside. The Cowboys possess the top-ranked run defense, but they have not faced a back of Barber's caliber. In short-yardage situations, the Giants go to Brandon Jacobs, a 264-pounder. |
| WHEN THE GIANTS PASS |
| EDGE: | The Cowboys did not record a sack against Houston last week, and Giants QB Eli Manning is difficult to bring down. Amani Toomer, Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress can make plays down the field, and Tiki Barber is dangerous on screens. This will be the most diverse offense the Cowboys have faced this season. |
| SPECIAL TEAMS |
| EDGE: | Mat McBriar is a weapon, averaging 51.8 yards per punt, and he is facing a dangerous returner in Chad Morton. Mike Vanderjagt's kickoffs were a plus last week and need to be that way again. Kick returner Tyson Thompson will play a valuable role in a game that could hinge on field position. |
| INTANGIBLES |
| EDGE: | The Giants have won a division game on the road, so the Cowboys need this game. The general rule is win the home games and sneak in a road victory. If the Giants win their second divisional road game, then the Cowboys' trip to the Meadowlands becomes even more important. With so much on the line, go with the more desperate team. |
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
This text is invisible on the page, but this text is affected by the invisible item's flow. This text is invisible on the page, but this text is affected by the invisible item's flow.
