Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Giants Come In Middle Of The Pack In Playoff Power Rankings

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 13
Next
New York Giants Come In Middle Of The Pack In Playoff Power Rankings
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4), running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) in the huddle in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Dallas Cowboys

There is no denying that the Cowboys had an excellent regular season earning the No.1 seed in the NFC with a 13-3 record. But, that record is a bit misleading. They went only 3-2 against teams in the postseason, defeating the Packers and Steelers at the lowest points of their season and blowing the doors off the reeling Lions in Week 16. Their two losses came against the Giants.

Now that they are in the postseason, the Cowboys will be facing all teams with winning records. Their formula worked during the regular season by riding rookie Ezekiel Elliott, a possible MVP candidate. They have the best offensive line in the NFL, but some questions still remain.

The Cowboys have very little playoff experience on their roster; this is only the second postseason appearance since the 2009 season. The question is also still out on Dak Prescott. He had a Rookie of the Year-worthy campaign, but can he win a game for the Cowboys? It wasn’t a question the regular season provided an answer for as they rarely needed him to make a play to get a victory.

Prescott averaged only 220.3 yards per game; if the Cowboys fall behind early will he be able to lead them on a comeback for a victory? The jury remains out on that, but if the Cowboys plans go accordingly they won’t have to find out.

Dallas’ defense is average, slightly above average at best. The offense chewing clock kept the defense on the sidelines just as they had hoped. If they get into a shootout, though, their pass defense could be a problem. They are middle of the road defending the pass but lack playmakers there with only nine interceptions on the season and have an inconsistent pass rush.

Home/New York Giants