Post by plax on Sept 8, 2013 11:55:15 GMT -5
Sunday, September 8th ; 8:30 PM EST ; AT&T Stadium
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Top 5 Players to Watch
New York:
5 - Rueben Randle - Randle has been the bright spot of Giants camp and pre=season, and now he will be under the bright lights tonight against Dallas. He has the ability and skill to be a better version of Mario Manningham, and that is exactly what the Giants need. With Cruz and Nicks garnering most of the coverage and attention, Randle has the opportunity to make a difference.
4 - Corey Webster - Webster had his worst season in a while last year, as he consistently got beat by opposing WRs. I am not sure how the Giants are gonna line up against DAL. They can put Webster on Dez and give him safety help over the top, or put him on Austin for 1-on-1 coverage. Regardless, Webster has to play like he did in 2011, and not 2012.
3 - Hakeem Nicks - I would put Cruz here, but we all know he will get the ball and do his thing. After watching the preseason, it was clear that Eli and Nicks had some making up to do in terms of connecting and being on the same page. Nicks is a top WR in the league when he is healthy, and if he can play to his ability, he will be a nightmare for DAL to cover along with Cruz.
2 - Prince Amukamara - I would have put Amukamara at number 1, but as stated with Webster, I am not too sure how Amukamara will line up. If he is defending Dez, then he is the biggest player to watch. But I just do not know what will happen, so until then, he will sit comfortably at number 2. This will be the year that Prince can break out and be recognized among the league, and it starts tonight.
1 - David Wilson - This seems to be the trend with me this year and my threads. David Wilson will be the biggest factor for the Giants tonight, and if I put QBs on players to watch, I would even put Wilson above Eli. There is no doubting the ability of the Giants passing game, but if they want to be one of the most explosive offenses in the league, Wilson needs to show his worth and help the Giants create some balance. And with Brown out, Wilson's role is more important than ever before. Can he fulfill?
Dallas:
5 - Jason Witten - Witten absolutely dominated the Giants last year in one of their meetings, as he recorded 18 receptions. Witten is one of the most reliable guys in the league, so he will have to be open when Romo gets in any kind of trouble. Witten is a mis-match for the Giants, and DAL must take advantage of that.
4 - Demarco Murray - When healthy, Murray is an explosive talent. Like the Giants, DAL will have to get their running game going to establish balance on offense. If they can get Murray involved, they will be tough to stop with all of their weapons across the field.
3 - Brandon Carr - Carr was a big signing for DAL last season, and he is being expected to shadow the opposing team's top WR. He will have his hands full today with the trio of Nicks, Cruz, and Randle. Carr will have to be on the top of his game to limit the explosiveness of the Giants offense.
2 - Demarcus Ware - Ware is always a top guy to watch for DAL. The defense revolves around him, and if he struggles, the defense is bound to struggle as well. The Giants offensive line will not be at full strength, so Ware must be able to take advantage of it and pressure Eli into making bad decisions.
1 - Dez Bryant - Far and away the biggest guy to watch for DAL tonight. He showed his elite ability in the last half of the 2012 season, and now is poised to break out and be recognized among the best WRs in the game. The Giants will have to double cover Dez Bryant to contain him, so it will be interesting to see how the Giants go about covering Dez. Regardless, Dez will help DAL one way or another.
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Keys to the Game
New York:
3 - Establish Balance - The Giants have a great passing attack, but if they can get David Wilson going in the running game, the Giants will be able to mix it up and keep the DAL defense honest.
2 - Contain Dez - This one is very simple. Dez Bryant is their best player, and if the Giants are able to contain him and limit his productivity, they will fare well on defense. Make Romo hit other targets.
1 - Get to Romo - While containing Dez is crucial and though he is their top player to watch, it will come down to getting to Tony Romo and forcing him to make questionable throws. Romo is the life of the Dallas offense, so get in his head and the chances of victory get that much better.
Dallas:
3 - Witten. Witten. Witten. - The Giants just do not have one single answer for Witten, so DAL must take advantage of this major mis-match and capitalize on it.
2 - Get Murray the Ball - Murray is a great talent, and anytime DAL can get the ball in his hands, it is a good thing. Murray can really punish the Giants defense if he gets going, and if he does, DAL will benefit from it big time.
1 - Rush the QB - As with the Giants, getting to the opposing QB is crucial to better their chances of winning the game. Eli and Romo are the biggest factors in the game, so if Ware and co. can get to Eli and make him throw up lobs, DAL can take advantage of that and thrive.
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Plax's Predictions:
Stat Predictions:
Eli Manning - 26-38, 319 YDs, 3 TDs.
David Wilson - 19 CAR, 89 YDs, 1 TD ; 2 REC, 34 YDs.
Victor Cruz - 8 REC, 106 YDs, 2 TDs.
Hakeem Nicks - 5 REC, 64 YDs.
Rueben Randle - 3 REC, 38 YDs, 1 TD.
Brandon Myers - 5 REC, 58 YDs.
Defense:
Sacks: Justin Tuck x1, Cullen Jenkins x1, Damontre Moore x1
TOs: Aaron Ross FR x1
***FR = fumble recovery***
Game Expectations:
This game will be a close one, and a competitive one. Both teams should go back and forth the entire game. I see DAL up in the 4th quarter 27-24, but Eli gets a TD to Victor Cruz with 2min remaining, and the Giants will hold off to go to 1-0 on the year.
31
27
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Madden 25 Predictions:
28
24