Dallas and the Giants are two very similar teams. Both have "old-time" coaches who believe in controlling the clock, playing good defense, and winning the turnover battle. Both have fairly balanced offenses. Both have pro bowl tight ends. Both have QBs taken #1 overall in the draft. Both have defenses that have been very good over the last month or so.In the first game this year, Dallas outgained the Gmen and won the time of possession battle. The Giants didnt mount any offense until the 4th quarter. It was a defensive battle that Dallas won in overtime.I expect much the same again this week. Both teams are playing well. Unless there are some unusual plays (like the Ron Dayne overtime run on Thanksgiving), I'd expect another low scoring outing. The Giant's two pro bowl calibur defensive ends are a big matchup problem for Dallas. Despite Unemiory's (SP) success against Walter Jones, I actually think Tucker will not be horrible against him. In the first matchup, with Tucker coming in for about a quarter after Flozell went down, Tucker did ok. Strahan, however, ate Pettiti for lunch the first time around and I don't expect much different here.I also expect Plaxico to have a better game than last time. Henry is not yet ready. He missed practice yesterday. Aaron Glenn, all 5'9" of him, will play Plaxico tougher than most think. He really did an excellent job on the big Lions' receivers a couple of weeks ago, even on jump-ball type throws. But as good as he is, Plaxico does have 8 inches on him, or so. A redzone look or two is coming Plaxico's way, I expect.Shockey also will probably have a better game. Last time, Dallas put Newman on him for the first 3 quarters. Newman shut him down as he has just about every other receiver this year. (Newman hasnt been getting much love from the media this year, but he has been playing at an all-pro level corner this year.) With Henry likely out or at least ineffective, Newman will have to be used on the outside. So Shockey will likely draw a safety, none of whom are that great in coverage for Dallas. A decent game for Shockey seems in order.I don't expect a big game from Tiki. Something about like last time. What, 20 touches and about 70 yards? He certainly can break one though. But I don't like the odds of it happening. If it does, it will most likely be to the right where Dallas is really struggling to get effective play out of the LOLB spot.So where does this leave us? Probably a more even game in terms of time of possession and number of plays. A defensive struggle. Big plays will play a big part. The team that gets a breakaway TD, a return TD, etc., will most likely win. If not, it comes down to the kickers. Given their respective performances last week, the game may end in a tie.Regardless, I am looking forward to it. As a big cowboy fan, I expect a good game from them. And I will hazard a sig bet for anyone willing to bet against me.Cowboys in a close one. 17-13.
and make it to the SB. It just means we have a good shot to win it. This time I will just have to hold a box of Krispy Kreme on the sideline so doughboy Dayne will run outta bounds instead of towards the endzone.
Edit to add: I believe both SEA and Chi will prove to be smoke and mirrors and neither one will be in the NFC Championship game.
Giants in 05
at a local sports bar with some buddies and have a few 
on the game.Edit to Add: Pokes over G-Men
