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NFL Week 1 Preview: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

By Eric Robinson

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of the preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of the preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Why The Giants Will Win

Led by Manning and #1 receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants were 7th in the league in passing yards, averaging 271.4 yards per game and 1st in passing touchdowns with 36. Even with the dangerous combination in place with Manning and Beckham, the team may actually have gotten in the passing department with the drafting of wide out Sterling Shepard in the 2nd round this year. With all eyes on Beckham, Shepard will see plenty of opportunities in the 2016 and the former Oklahoma Sooner will be a prime asset to the offense.

Of course, a lot of that depends on the improvement on the offensive line. No major acquisitions were made during the offseason and the coaching is hoping for stronger chemistry as the solution and the right side in particular (guard John Jerry and tackle Marshall Newhouse) are the key focal point.

On defense, improvements are expected with a unit that was 32nd in total defense (420.3 ypg), 30th in points allowed (27.6) and 31st in first downs allowed per game (22.9).

First year head coach Bob McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese pounded the drum during the offseason with additions in free agency: corner Janoris Jenkins, defense end Olivier Vernon, and defensive tackle Damon Harrison as well as the drafting of corner Eli Apple and safety Darian Thompson. Bringing in that amount of talent won’t drastically improve the unit overnight but it wouldn’t take much to see an uprising with the unit being a total liability last season.

Next: Why The Cowboys Will Win

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