New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: 5 Things to Watch For

The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys have one of the most interesting rivalries of the modern era in the NFL and it keeps getting better.

There is no question most experts believe the NFC East will likely come down to one of these two teams. It’s rather fitting both met their end at the hands of the Green Bay Packers back in January. Now it’s a race to find out which of them was able to learn the lessons and get better. Each has lingering concerns regarding key players that could impact the outcome of this game.

Sure a loss isn’t lethal for either team, but in such a contested division every win matters. Dallas holds the home field but the Giants go in knowing they swept their hated enemy last year. Has the status quo changed at all? Here are five things to watch going into Sunday night.

The health of Odell Beckham Jr.

Rest assured that this is going to be the leading discussion all the way up until game time. Odell Beckham is one of the two or three best wide receivers in the NFL. He changes games and has a history of giving the Cowboys big problems. His leg injury during the preseason has left his status for the game cloudy. Thus far it’s not clear what his progress is. Whether he can or can’t go will have a huge impact on the outcome of the game.

Taco Charlton and the revamped Dallas secondary

The Cowboys defense has undergone a lot of changes this year. Not only did a huge chunk of their secondary leave via free agency, other key players are dealing with suspensions. That’s why the team will likely be fielding a number of rookies against New York. Leading the way of course is defensive end Taco Charlton, whom many hope can invigorate their pass rush. Throw in corners Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis, it’s a lot of inexperience they’ll have on the field.

Paul Perkins on the ground

A big reason the Giants floundered in the playoffs was their inability to balance the offense on the ground. Green Bay knew they were a pass-first team and exploited it. Some hard hoping Paul Perkins can give them more of a presence there. He’s athletic and fast, not to mention versatile. He should be able to create some matchup problems while keeping Dallas honest with hand-offs. Whether the offensive line can open some holes is also something to watch.

Dak Prescott against the Giants pass rush

Ezekiel Elliott will be available for this game which is a blessed relief for Dak Prescott. As brilliant as he was last season for the Cowboys, the Giants defense gave him problems in both their meetings. He managed just one touchdown and two interceptions passing in those games for a combined 57.4 passer rating. It’s going to be interesting on whether he’s managed to make any progress in this regard as the Giants are certain to be division contenders.

Impact of Brandon Marshall and Evan Engram

Of course Beckham will be the big story but New York is anxious to find out just how much better their passing offense is thanks to new additions Brandon Marshall and Evan Engram. Marshall is a long-time Pro Bowler who believes he has enough gas left in the tank for another great season. Engram has a chance to give them a presence at tight end, something they haven’t had for years. What they could both do for Eli Manning is incalculable.

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