Dallas Cowboys:There Will Be Blood

Sep 8, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach

watches the game action from the sidelines during the game against the New York Giants at AT

Yes Mr. Tuck, there will be blood. Before I get into that however, I wonder if Justin Tuck remembers this stat line T/A 3/5, Sack .5, Final Score 36-3?  While the Giants have been hot as of late, the last time these teams faced off wasn’t the most spectacular of games. Oh and Mr. Tuck, let’s talk about the QBs your New York Giants have faced the last few weeks shall we?  That would be Josh Freeman, Matt Barkley, Terrelle Pryor, and Scott Tolzien. Not exactly the best the NFL has to offer.

Jerry Jones came out this week and said that Jason Garrett‘s job is safe next year. So how has Garrett’s performance been coming off of a bye week?  It’s not a pretty story:

2012: Baltimore Ravens 31, Dallas Cowboys 29

2011: New England Patriots 20, Dallas Cowboys 16

2010: Tennessee Titans 34, Dallas Cowboys 27

Let’s get something straight though, these were some really good teams the Cowboys played. Coming into this game we are playing a Giants team that is riding a win streak.  They are, none the less, a very flawed New York Giants. As long as the Cowboys fixed some things and got healthy, I don’t see the Giants coming out with a win. Although with this team, you never know.

The Giants have a new twist in their run game. “The Terminator” John Conner joined them in September and has added power and blocking. The Giants have a different style of running attack than the first week.  They went from finesse to power.  This puts the Cowboys D-line in a position where they will have to get stout and lay some wood on the Giants RBs.

Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a gaming winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of the game Minnesota Vikings at AT

What about the passing game? Sure Eli Manning has been pretty good the last few weeks, while Tony Romo  numbers have taken a dip. This is deceiving though. The Giants haven’t played against an amazing defense in the last few weeks, or healthy ones either. While the Cowboys defense hasn’t been great, it is getting healthier, and knows the Giants well.  The Giants have said Dez Bryant doesn’t like to be hit and I have a feeling Dez would love nothing more than to shove those words down their throats. Look for a big day from Mr. Bryant.

This is a big game. It will set the tone for the second half of the season for the Dallas Cowboys. It is time for them to get on a run and get into the playoffs. If that happens, anything can happen. We can actually thank the Giants for proving this can be more than just a fan’s dream.

Here is what our Cowboys have to do to win this week:

1. Run the ball! I don’t know how many times we need to say this, but get DeMarco Murray and Lance Dunbar the rock and keep Eli off the field.

2. Create turnovers. Eli’s body language tells the story here. Get in his head, and while you are at it, get in his face. Which brings us to number 3.

3. Hit Eli Manning. Hit him over and over and over. Make him afraid to step up in the pocket. Make him afraid to throw the ball. MAKE HIM AFRAID!

4. Once you get the run going mix it up with the play action pass. Involve everyone in the pass game, and figure out how to get Dez Bryant open.

5. Win the special teams battle. One of the few high points of the Cowboys is special teams. Take advantage of it.

6. Lastly, play man-to-man, but play the ball. The corners have to get away from zone coverage, it is not their strength. It is also time for the secondary to also play the ball, knock it down, intercept it, and make the hard catch. Playing the spot and then tackling isn’t working (obvious – but again I have to say it).

I do see the Cowboys winning this week. Justin Tuck gave the Cowboys the proverbial board material. So yes, Mr. Tuck “There will be blood”, and the Giants will be just another victim. Oh, ironically that is the song for this game; Helmet and House of Pain – Just Another Victim. (If you like hardcore punk and rap this is the song for you, this song amps me up in the gym).