***semi-OFFICIAL*** Giants vs. Cowboys Divisional Round Game Thread (1 Viewer)

[hove]

Thought we needed an early thread for this huge game.

Tons of story lines on this one so far....

Two teams are meeting for the 3rd time in a season in which one side swept the other. (NFL teams are 11-6 in winning the 3rd game.)
After 91 matchups, first ever playoff game between NY and Dal. (Hard to believe.)
Eli get the monkey off his back yesterday?
Owens injury news.
Did Romo party or study in Mexico during the bye week with Simpson will be a huge story if Dallas loses.
Giants pass rush against that monster Dallas line.
Manning statistically is playing better than Romo over each of their last three games.
Dallas 0-2 vs. a "Bradshaw" in the playoffs (just saw that on the DMN blog.)
Many more I'm quite sure....

 

[Mik789fl]

As in most playoff games turnovers will decide this one. Both Romo and Eli are capable of making mistakes,whoever makes the least wins the game. Obviously T.O.'s injury could affect the game,if he's near 100% the Cowboys will be tough to beat,if he's not then The Giants have a real chance for the upset if they win the turnover battle. Niether team will suprise the other and while The Jags and Pats may be the most interesting game of the weekend The Boys and Jints will be the hardest hitting and probably the most entertaining. imop.

 

[SR388]

Im going to go out on a limb here and pick the Cowboys over the Giants........ again.

 

[Bankerguy]

It's hard to argue that if TO is close to healthy that there is really no compelling reason to think NY will beat Dallas....imo.

The one team that best exploited RWill in coverage was Shockey and the Giants.

The Cowboys take away Jacobs and with now having 2 heathy corners TNew will limit (Oh please note-I am not saying shut down for the record) Burress in the deep passing game.

30-21 Dallas

 

[Ghost Rider]

It's hard to argue that if TO is close to healthy that there is really no compelling reason to think NY will beat Dallas....imo.

You are kidding, right? The Giants have won eight straight on the road. The Cowboys lost their last home game, to the 8-8 Eagles, and have generally looked like crap over the last month. If is Owens is "close to healthy", which I wouldn't count on, the Giants can certainly win in Dallas.

 

[hove]

If is Owens is "close to healthy", which I wouldn't count on, the Giants can certainly win in Dallas.

Isn't Owens the king of all healers? Didn't he play in the Super Bowl after breaking his leg? I would count on Owens playing unless the Cowboys don't think they need him. They way they finished the season without him (4 FGs in 6 Quarters) I'd say they need him.

 

[culdeus]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision.

I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better.

I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

 

[dgreen]

I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better.

What are they going for?

 

[chuckmorris]

It's hard to argue that if TO is close to healthy that there is really no compelling reason to think NY will beat Dallas....imo.

You are kidding, right? The Giants have won eight straight on the road.

The Cowboys lost their last home game, to the 8-8 Eagles, and have generally looked like crap over the last month.

If is Owens is "close to healthy", which I wouldn't count on, the Giants can certainly win in Dallas.

Of those 8 road wins, only Washington and Tampa actually finished the season above .500, and Philly (as you mentioned) was right at .500. If you go back 9 road games instead of just 8, you'll see that they lost that one in (surprise!) Dallas. It isn't out of the question that they could win in Dallas, but they still have to show that they can. My gut feel is that they won't.

 

[hove]

Just found this as well on the Dallas Morning News Cowboys Blog re: WP press conference:

Wade Phillips played a fun little game with the media today called Fibbing About T.O.'s High Ankle Sprain.Phillips first said that T.O. didn't practice. He backpedaled a bit when informed that several players mentioned that T.O. did participate in the workout, although the Original 81 wasn't on the field during the time the media is allowed to watch.Phillips said T.O. didn't run at all, emphasizing that it was a walkthrough. He stuck to his guns that T.O. would be a gametime decision."It was a limpthrough for him," Phillips cracked, "and a walkthrough for others."Well, a few offensive players said the Original 81 actually looked pretty good while running routes this morning.No matter what Phillips says the rest of the week, expect T.O. to be ready to go Sunday afternoon against the Giants. Just don't let anybody in New York know that.

 

[Bankerguy]

It's hard to argue that if TO is close to healthy that there is really no compelling reason to think NY will beat Dallas....imo.

You are kidding, right? The Giants have won eight straight on the road. The Cowboys lost their last home game, to the 8-8 Eagles, and have generally looked like crap over the last month. If is Owens is "close to healthy", which I wouldn't count on, the Giants can certainly win in Dallas.

I never said they "couldn't win". I just said there is really no compelling reason to pick the Giants. I'll stand by that.

 

[houndirish]

It's hard to argue that if TO is close to healthy that there is really no compelling reason to think NY will beat Dallas....imo.

You are kidding, right? The Giants have won eight straight on the road. The Cowboys lost their last home game, to the 8-8 Eagles, and have generally looked like crap over the last month. If is Owens is "close to healthy", which I wouldn't count on, the Giants can certainly win in Dallas.

I never said they "couldn't win". I just said there is really no compelling reason to pick the Giants. I'll stand by that.

It's cool man ... go ahead and say they can't win. The Bucs fans were spouting similar rhetoric a week ago!

 

[zoonation]

looks like some gamesmanship going on in Big D re: Owens. He will play, book it.

If he is at all effective, the Cowboys win. If he isn't the Cowboys have trouble covering the spread IMO. I'm actually somewhat surprised at the opening line given the Owens situation.

No T.O. = big drop off in Witten's production.

 

[zoonation]

It's hard to argue that if TO is close to healthy that there is really no compelling reason to think NY will beat Dallas....imo.

You are kidding, right? The Giants have won eight straight on the road. The Cowboys lost their last home game, to the 8-8 Eagles, and have generally looked like crap over the last month. If is Owens is "close to healthy", which I wouldn't count on, the Giants can certainly win in Dallas.

I never said they "couldn't win". I just said there is really no compelling reason to pick the Giants. I'll stand by that.

It's cool man ... go ahead and say they can't win. The Bucs fans were spouting similar rhetoric a week ago!

the Bucs are not the Cowboys. And correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Dallas absolutely own the G-Men this year? The Giants don't have an advantage in any area of the game as a far as I can tell (I guess D line is arguable).

 

[horadadude]

It's hard to argue that if TO is close to healthy that there is really no compelling reason to think NY will beat Dallas....imo.

You are kidding, right? The Giants have won eight straight on the road. The Cowboys lost their last home game, to the 8-8 Eagles, and have generally looked like crap over the last month. If is Owens is "close to healthy", which I wouldn't count on, the Giants can certainly win in Dallas.

I never said they "couldn't win". I just said there is really no compelling reason to pick the Giants. I'll stand by that.

It's cool man ... go ahead and say they can't win. The Bucs fans were spouting similar rhetoric a week ago!

the Bucs are not the Cowboys. And correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Dallas absolutely own the G-Men this year? The Giants don't have an advantage in any area of the game as a far as I can tell (I guess D line is arguable).

I will gladly correct you - owned the Giants? - both games were decided in late fourth quarter. I would give the gmen advantage in D Line and RBs

 

[Brutis]

Dallas's pass rush is sure taking a back seat to the Giants. I think Ware an company might have something to say about this.

 

[bentley]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

 

[harryhood]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

Agree here, the Gmen arent walking out of Dallas with a 7 point victory. That being said, do not think for one minute that Dallas is booked for the site of the NFC Championship

 

[Brutis]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

Agree here, the Gmen arent walking out of Dallas with a 7 point victory. That being said, do not think for one minute that Dallas is booked for the site of the NFC Championship

Giants always play dallas tough and Dallas does the same with them. Its a division game that should be a slugfest. Anyone who thinks differently doesnt know the history of the NFC east.

 

[culdeus]

I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better.

What are they going for?

only about 2x face for crap tickets and 4x face for premium ones. It's stunning. Both the NE game and GB game were going for 6-7x face. Albiet the face was lower, but the total $$ was the same.

 

[culdeus]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

No, I firmly believe Dallas peaked too early and the lack of any urgency down the stretch will serve to decay both their intensity and their concentration this week. The TO/Glenn injuries will prevent a solid game plan from forming around them and this will trickle down to all areas in the offense. Eli and the rest of the gints got the monkey off their back beating a mediocre Tampa team. The pressure is off them and the weather will be fine for Eli. Something on the order of 24-32-330-3-1 for him. Several big plays in there. I'm seeing something like 38-31 Giants.

 

[Brutis]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision.

I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better.

I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

No, I firmly believe Dallas peaked too early and the lack of any urgency down the stretch will serve to decay both their intensity and their concentration this week. The TO/Glenn injuries will prevent a solid game plan from forming around them and this will trickle down to all areas in the offense.

Eli and the rest of the gints got the monkey off their back beating a mediocre Tampa team. The pressure is off them and the weather will be fine for Eli. Something on the order of 24-32-330-3-1 for him. Several big plays in there.

I'm seeing something like 38-31 Giants.

That wouldnt shock me, I hope you're wrong tho.

 

[simmonjm]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

No, I firmly believe Dallas peaked too early and the lack of any urgency down the stretch will serve to decay both their intensity and their concentration this week. The TO/Glenn injuries will prevent a solid game plan from forming around them and this will trickle down to all areas in the offense. Eli and the rest of the gints got the monkey off their back beating a mediocre Tampa team. The pressure is off them and the weather will be fine for Eli. Something on the order of 24-32-330-3-1 for him. Several big plays in there. I'm seeing something like 38-31 Giants.

This would surprise me. For as bad as the Dallas offense has been the defense has been stepping up. The Cowboys have posted 12 sacks in their last 3 games. Eli will get rattled with a good pass rush which the Cowboys will bring. I cannot forsee the Giants scoring more then 28. The Dallas defense has not had both of its corners healthy in either match up verse the Giants this year also the Giants are without Shockey who has been a Cowboy killer. Assuming TO and Terry Glenn can play the Cowboys will win by 10-14.

 

[Brutis]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

No, I firmly believe Dallas peaked too early and the lack of any urgency down the stretch will serve to decay both their intensity and their concentration this week. The TO/Glenn injuries will prevent a solid game plan from forming around them and this will trickle down to all areas in the offense. Eli and the rest of the gints got the monkey off their back beating a mediocre Tampa team. The pressure is off them and the weather will be fine for Eli. Something on the order of 24-32-330-3-1 for him. Several big plays in there. I'm seeing something like 38-31 Giants.

This would surprise me. For as bad as the Dallas offense has been the defense has been stepping up. The Cowboys have posted 12 sacks in their last 3 games. Eli will get rattled with a good pass rush which the Cowboys will bring. I cannot forsee the Giants scoring more then 28.

I can see them scoring that much. That Jack### Eli could have 5 horrible games in a row and the minute he walks into dallas stadium he looks like his brother. That guy ALWAYS seems to play well against dallas for some reason.

 

[Bankerguy]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

No, I firmly believe Dallas peaked too early and the lack of any urgency down the stretch will serve to decay both their intensity and their concentration this week. The TO/Glenn injuries will prevent a solid game plan from forming around them and this will trickle down to all areas in the offense. Eli and the rest of the gints got the monkey off their back beating a mediocre Tampa team. The pressure is off them and the weather will be fine for Eli. Something on the order of 24-32-330-3-1 for him. Several big plays in there. I'm seeing something like 38-31 Giants.

:shakeshead:

 

[culdeus]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

No, I firmly believe Dallas peaked too early and the lack of any urgency down the stretch will serve to decay both their intensity and their concentration this week. The TO/Glenn injuries will prevent a solid game plan from forming around them and this will trickle down to all areas in the offense. Eli and the rest of the gints got the monkey off their back beating a mediocre Tampa team. The pressure is off them and the weather will be fine for Eli. Something on the order of 24-32-330-3-1 for him. Several big plays in there. I'm seeing something like 38-31 Giants.

This would surprise me. For as bad as the Dallas offense has been the defense has been stepping up. The Cowboys have posted 12 sacks in their last 3 games. Eli will get rattled with a good pass rush which the Cowboys will bring. I cannot forsee the Giants scoring more then 28. The Dallas defense has not had both of its corners healthy in either match up verse the Giants this year also the Giants are without Shockey who has been a Cowboy killer. Assuming TO and Terry Glenn can play the Cowboys will win by 10-14.

The cowboys have not provided a center rush with any consistency all year. That's really how you beat Eli. The corner pressure will be there, but if you watch is bad plays it's the center rush that murders him. Fun fact. Dallas has played in 55 playoff games to date and NY 38. Never once did they play eachother.

 

[Ridgelake]

A few things to consider.

1) Dallas has beaten the Giants the last 3 times they've played, going back to last season. All 3 games were decided in the 4th quarter.

2) For the first time this year, Dallas will have a healthy defense. Not once have both starting corners been healthy at the same time. Until now.

3) For the first time this year, Dallas will have its starting WRs. Yes, TO is playing. So is Glenn. Whats not yet determined, however, is whether either is healthy enough to command double teams. Thats the critical issue. If they are healthy enough to beat single coverage, then they take away a lot of options for the Giants defensively.

4) Expect Dallas to take away Plaxico and Toomer deep. The Boys will try to force Boss and Smith to beat them. Are these guys good enough to do that? For the whole game??

5) Strahan will need to have a big game. He can beat Columbo with some regularity. Umenyiora, however, has not fared well against Adams historically. Nor has Trent Cole from the Eagles, another speed rusher.

I expect a similar game to the ones from earlier this year. The Giants will probably get out early. They are still sharp and Dallas is a notorious slow starting team. Coming off 2 weeks of rest, effectively, they will take some time to get their legs under them. But once the teams settle in, I suspect we'll see Dallas health, freshness, and frankly better talent take over. The Gmen have had 2 hard emotional games in a row. That takes it toll.

Giants 10 7 7 3 Total 27

Dallas 0 17 14 7 Total 38

 

[Ghost Rider]

Wade Phillips does not have a good poker face. You can alway tell if he is happy or not happy, even during a game. Based on how he looked yesterday when talking about how healthy Owens will be for the game, it doesn't look good. Granted, there are still five more days to go, but based on the look on his face when talking yesterday, Phillips obviously has serious concerns as to whether or not Owens will be able to play on Sunday.

 

[simmonjm]

Wade Phillips does not have a good poker face. You can alway tell if he is happy or not happy, even during a game. Based on how he looked yesterday when talking about how healthy Owens will be for the game, it doesn't look good. Granted, there are still five more days to go, but based on the look on his face when talking yesterday, Phillips obviously has serious concerns as to whether or not Owens will be able to play on Sunday.

This is the direct opposite of what all the local sports writers are saying. Some have even went as far as to say they are 100% certain TO will play.No matter what Phillips says the rest of the week, expect T.O. to be ready to go Sunday afternoon against the Giants. Just don't let anybody in New York know that.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/

 

[Bankerguy]

Wade Phillips does not have a good poker face. You can alway tell if he is happy or not happy, even during a game. Based on how he looked yesterday when talking about how healthy Owens will be for the game, it doesn't look good. Granted, there are still five more days to go, but based on the look on his face when talking yesterday, Phillips obviously has serious concerns as to whether or not Owens will be able to play on Sunday.

This is the direct opposite of what all the local sports writers are saying. Some have even went as far as to say they are 100% certain TO will play.No matter what Phillips says the rest of the week, expect T.O. to be ready to go Sunday afternoon against the Giants. Just don't let anybody in New York know that.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/

and agree.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

24-20. Giants.

Romo will have all the time He wants to spend with Jessica's Dad.

 

[hove]

Anyone have the latest on Sam Madison playing on Sunday?

 

[Pai Mei]

Picking Dallas here.

 

[hove]

Updates from WP's press conf today:

T.O.?

I talked to him yes, said he’s feeling a little better. Day to day, we’re going through a process to get him ready. He’s adhered to that, he does all he can, works at home to get better. Sometimes it’s a 6-8 week injury, sometimes 4 weeks, we’re trying to get him back in three. If he’s ready to go, if I feel like he can play then I would play him. I don’t know until then. Realistically he didn’t practice today, so I don’t know about practicing tomorrow. We go through the gameplan and say these are the plays for these guys, if he’s not there the plays aren’t there. I think his presence would dramatically change what the Giants do. You can expect them to double him more if he plays. We do things so they can’t do that all the time. (Will his conditioning or stamina be a problem?) He does sit-ups in his driveway sometimes, (laughter) I think he’ll be in shape.

Terry Glenn?

He’s doing everything better, not 100% but better. We’ll have to see where he is the end of week. Good thing about Terry is he’s practicing. He was better today, not 100%, but he’s not 50% either. Moving around better, practiced more, did some practice in pads today. First time in team drills. (Is his top-end speed there to stretch the field?) I think quickness is the first thing you see, remains to be seen with full-gear and stretching the field. Anything we get is a bonus.

Phillips is pretty hard to read in injuries. Not sure if he's trying to hide something or he just really doesn't know. Funny situps quote though...Also, in my mind I sorta figured Owens would be practicing today if he was playing Sunday. Suppose we will see.

 

[simmonjm]

Reasons why the Giants will lose this game

Eli has to play perfect which he will not be able to do

The Giants have just played 3 emotional games in a row so they are in for a letdown

Plax is banged up and Shockey is out

The Cowboys will have both of their starting CB playing presenting match up problems for the Giant WR's

Steve Spagnolo has not found a way to slow down the Dallas offense allowing 48 and 31 points in the two previous contests.

The Giants will not be able to get pressure on Romo using only the front four forcing them to blitz playing into the hands of Romo

The Giants have lost twice this year to the Cowboys. Teams are 11-6 when winning the two previous times in season play

The Cowboys are simply a better team from top to bottom

The Giants are buying the hype ESPN is selling which will spell trouble for the Giants

 

[Mik789fl]

Reasons why the Giants will lose this gameEli has to play perfect which he will not be able to doThe Giants have just played 3 emotional games in a row so they are in for a letdownPlax is banged up and Shockey is outThe Cowboys will have both of their starting CB playing presenting match up problems for the Giant WR'sSteve Spagnolo has not found a way to slow down the Dallas offense allowing 48 and 31 points in the two previous contests.The Giants will not be able to get pressure on Romo using only the front four forcing them to blitz playing into the hands of RomoThe Giants have lost twice this year to the Cowboys. Teams are 11-6 when winning the two previous times in season playThe Cowboys are simply a better team from top to bottomThe Giants are buying the hype ESPN is selling which will spell trouble for the Giants

 

[ack34]

Reasons why the Giants will lose this gameEli has to play perfect which he will not be able to doThe Giants have just played 3 emotional games in a row so they are in for a letdownPlax is banged up and Shockey is outThe Cowboys will have both of their starting CB playing presenting match up problems for the Giant WR'sSteve Spagnolo has not found a way to slow down the Dallas offense allowing 48 and 31 points in the two previous contests.The Giants will not be able to get pressure on Romo using only the front four forcing them to blitz playing into the hands of RomoThe Giants have lost twice this year to the Cowboys. Teams are 11-6 when winning the two previous times in season playThe Cowboys are simply a better team from top to bottomThe Giants are buying the hype ESPN is selling which will spell trouble for the Giants

I can't believe the Giants are even showing up for this one.

 

[bentley]

Radio reporting owens is at best a game time decision. I'll likely be at this game if the market for the tickets doesn't get any better. I think the Gints take this one, and by a TD or more.

Is this schtick?

No, I firmly believe Dallas peaked too early and the lack of any urgency down the stretch will serve to decay both their intensity and their concentration this week. The TO/Glenn injuries will prevent a solid game plan from forming around them and this will trickle down to all areas in the offense. Eli and the rest of the gints got the monkey off their back beating a mediocre Tampa team. The pressure is off them and the weather will be fine for Eli. Something on the order of 24-32-330-3-1 for him. Several big plays in there. I'm seeing something like 38-31 Giants.

I'll take Dallas + 6.5 for a beer of your choosing.

 

[hove]

Update today (Thu) - Owens practices, no pads.

Owens works out with Cowboys

Terrell Owens took a significant step toward playing Sunday when he practiced for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain three weeks ago.

The Cowboys did not practice in pads, and Owens was working with the team and running routes.

The Cowboys play their NFC East division rivals, the New York Giants, in a divisional playoff game on Sunday. Dallas has home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but the Cowboys offense has struggled somewhat with Owens out of the lineup.

Owens had 81 catches for 1,355 yards and an NFC-high 15 touchdowns in the regular season.

 

[culdeus]

If you are going to this game shoot me a PM and we'll try to link up. I'm in section 26 and will park back in lot 8.

Still think the Giants take this one.

 

[culdeus]

As expected Cowboys lose this one. The game wasn't as close as it looked probably from TV. They were never in the game at any time.

 

[bentley]

As expected Cowboys lose this one. The game wasn't as close as it looked probably from TV. They were never in the game at any time.

I'll be waiting by the mailbox for my Chimay Grand Reserve.

 

[culdeus]

As expected Cowboys lose this one. The game wasn't as close as it looked probably from TV. They were never in the game at any time.

I'll be waiting by the mailbox for my Chimay Grand Reserve.

That's funny, I didn't remember your house having a mailbox.