Game Preview: Dallas Cowboys

Today Big Blue View takes a look at the Dallas Cowboys in preparation for their game against the Giants.

2008 Record: 5-3 (3^rd place NFC East)

Head Coach: Jerry Jones  Wade Phillips

Last time they met: January 2008, NFC Divisional Playoffs, Giants defeat Dallas 21-17

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jason Garrett

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Brian Stewart

GAME NOTES:

• Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips made official on Wednesday what he indicated earlier in the week: Quarterback Brad Johnson will make his third consecutive start Sunday against the Giants despite speculation the Cowboys might consider starting third-stringer Brooks Bollinger after scoring a combined 27 points the last two games without Tony Romo (finger).
• Starting cornerback Anthony Henry (quadriceps) and backup linebacker Anthony Spencer (hamstring) were limited in Wednesday's practice, but Phillips said both could play Sunday.
• Veteran linebacker Zach Thomas hasn't assumed a vocal leadership role since signing with the Cowboys in the off-season. But last week, in the wake of a two-game losing streak, Thomas offered some encouraging words to his defensive teammates."Zach stood up in front of the defense (last) week and gave us quotes about just going out and playing, and stop worrying about what's going to happen tomorrow or the next day," defensive end Marcus Spears said. "Just go out and perform the day you're out there."

Cowboys Midseason Report from Dallas Morning News

 BY THE NUMBERS: 55- The number of tackles LB Zach Thomas has after eight games. He's on pace for a 110 tackles this season one year after having his season cut short by a concussion and wondering if he should retire.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I coach the same all of the time, I think. I hope I do. I don't know about patience or non-patience. I'm trying to get this team to win and that is what we are trying to do here. So we won the division, but we didn't go anywhere in the playoffs last year. We are trying to first get in the playoffs, trying to win the division and trying to go somewhere. That is our goal. And we are 5-3 right now. We need to be better." -- Cowboys coach Wade Phillips.