New York Giants: Three important matchups to follow vs the Cowboys
Dak vs Eli with a twist
In perhaps a battle of the two most hit or miss QBs in football, this one is not very high on the list, but it is definitely a key plot to the eventual outcome of this game.
Dak Prescott came out of Mississippi State with a purpose. Behind one of the most talented Cowboys teams ever, he played like more than a rookie of the year a few seasons ago. He was also an MVP type player.
However, since then, he has seen himself have a slight fall off. Without his running back for a full season, and a less than prime offensive line, the Cowboys had a winning season last year but still under-achieved.
To keep this on topic, we still do not know what we have in Dak. Is he still good? Is he re-finding his way? Or was he lightning in a bottle and nothing more?
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That is to be determined. But, in Week 1, Dak did not look that great.
As far as the Giants are concerned, they should prepare for both forms of Dak. There is no way of knowing which one they will get. Being prepared enough for both will make a difference.
As for the Giants and their guy, Eli Manning, they will need to get the best version of him too in order to win.
Eli is consistent in that we know what he is. He is a solid backbone to the franchise. He won’t leave the game hurt, he won’t dazzle up the highlight reel, but at the end of the day, he will make the impossible play matter the most.
If the Giants march into Jerry’s World and they have the Eli who keeps plays alive, keeps the ball away from the Cowboys, and makes the plays happen whenever they need to, he will set.
If the Giants get the Eli that is aging, lost the pep in step, and the one that cannot play behind a terrible offense around him anymore, he will be outshined and the Giants will lose.
This is not the typical Dak vs Eli. There really is not standard set for that yet because these two teams are so evenly matched.
This is one team getting the edge if they get the best of their QB. Nothing more. Nothing less.