Staff Writer Todd Archer analyzes a key matchup for the Cowboys in Week
13:
Why him?
For years, Michael Strahan was the Giants' pass rush. No more. Strahan
has been receiving plenty of help from Umenyiora this year. He has 10
sacks to lead the NFC, and on Sunday he beat Seattle Pro Bowl tackle
Walter Jones twice for sacks. In the first meeting against the Cowboys
at Texas Stadium, Umenyiora had a sack and forced a fumble.
How he does it
In some ways he is like his good friend DeMarcus Ware. He is not as
athletic or explosive, but he can come off the edge and has long arms.
He knows how to use his hands to create leverage and will not run
himself out of plays just to get to the quarterback. At 278 pounds, he
is stout enough to hold up at the point of attack, but his greatest
strength is the ability to get to the quarterback with speed-to-power
moves.
What about him?
Before DeMarcus Ware this year, Umenyiora was the highest-drafted player
out of Troy when the Giants took him in the second round in 2003. Ware
followed Umenyiora at Auburn (Ala.) High School and Troy. Umenyiora was
born in London.
How to stop him
It's a difficult task because of Strahan's presence on the other side.
If the Cowboys give left tackle Torrin Tucker more help, then they are
taking help away from right tackle Rob Petitti, who is responsible for
Strahan. The best way to attack him is to chip him with a running back
or have the tight end take a shot at him before heading into a pattern.
Tucker must get his hands on Umenyiora early to keep him off balance.
