New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

Scouting Report for New York Giants (5-2) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
October 28, 2012- Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX

Giants: Last week against the division rival Redskins, the game went down to the wire as the G-Men won 27-23 at MetLife Stadium.

Eli Manning (26/40, 240 YDS) overcame 2 second half interceptions with a 77 yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz (7 catches, 131 yards). Ahmad Bradshaw (12 carries,43 yards) had one touchdown on the ground. Andre Brown added another rushing touchdown for the Giants.

The defense forced the Redskins into 4 turnovers. Stevie Brown had an interception on Robert Griffin III in the 3rd (after ensuing Manning INT). Michael Boley (10 tackles)and Linval Joseph each recovered a fumble. But it was a fumble forced on the last drive by Chase Blackburn (11 tackles, 2 FF on that drive) on Santana Moss that sealed the game with 29 seconds remaining (recovered by Jayron Hosley).

Cowboys: After coming up up empty the last two games, Dallas finally got a much needed victory over the struggling Panthers (19-14)

For the first time this season Tony Romo (24-34 227 YDS) did not record an interception. His only touchdown pass was to Miles Austin (5 catches, 97 YDS)for 26 yards. The running game managed a net of 85 yards. Dan Bailey converted 3 field goals to help stave off Carolina.

The defense kept the Cowboys in the game. Anthony Spencer, DeMarcus Ware (8 tackles) and Jason Hatcher recorded a total of two sacks on Cam Newton. The D-line put pressure on Newton he was hit 5 times and lost a fumble. Morris Claiborne recorded his first interception.

What to watch for: The Dallas offensive O-Line will need to step up big. Especially if Phil Costa can't go. Costa dislocated his ankle in the second quarter. Reports suggest that he could be playing but was downgraded to doubtful a few days ago. With DT Rocky Bernard (quad) out, the running should have some pressure taken off of them.

Conclusion: If losing at home to the Cowboys 24-17 wasn't bad enough, being the first defending Super Bowl champions to lose on opening night in 9 years has to be sickening. Ever since then, the Giants have gone 4-2 and the Cowboys have sputtered at 3-3. The G-Men's two losses have come in their own division (loss to the Eagles 19-17).

Given the fact that Giants Kenny Phillips (knee) and Cowboys Sean Lee (toe: IR) are out for the game probably means that this could be an offensive shootout. Because this is another division game, that is highly doubtful. At any rate, let's hope the game can live up to the hype.

Prediction: Giants by 10

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