Giants vs. Cowboys, Open Thread

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 7:59 AM EST in New York Giants News

Game: Giants (6-2) vs. Cowboys (7-1)
Time: 4:15 p.m.
TV: FOX

It's finally game day! I'm going to list what I think are some of the keys today for the Giants. Consider this your open thread, and please, stop back throughout the game to discuss the action.

Keys to the game

• Get pressure on Tony Romo. We have been discussing this all week. It's not about sacks, it's about forcing Romo to move and make quick decisions. If the Giants don't, it will be a long day.

• Contain Jason Witten. The Dallas tight end caught 6 passes for 119 yards the first time these teams played. The Giants have to slow him down.

• Run the football. Dallas is 5th in the league, giving up just 84.4 yards per game rushing. It won't be easy, but I'm hoping to see 25-30 carries for Brandon Jacobs today.

• Turnovers. You can say this pretty much every week, but it's critical today. The Giants have to avoid mistakes and create a couple by the Cowboys.

• No special-teams snafus. No missed extra points or short field-goals today. Every point could be critical. Also, it would be nice to get through an entire game without giving up a long kick return.

Remember, this is your open thread. Let's get a lively discussion going.

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Comments

Grind 'em Down

I believe the Giants defense is mentally ready to put all of the best the last weeks have to offer in this game. I don't believe Tiki running his mouth off could stop the mission to deliver agony apon the Comboy offence.
I don't know about a 'shootout' between quarterbacks. i beleive that might be playing into the hands of Dallas. Run it. Run it. Run it.
My gut tells me Tynes is going to be of some importance to the outcome.hope i'm wrong, i think he's due though.
It's not a question of if the G-men win...it's about installing the unforgettable fear i think only Donovan McNabb can describe. Get'Em Gentlemen

by johnd134 on Nov 11, 2007 10:00 AM EST reply actions

can't wait

For this game. I am pretty sure the red jersey entered into my dream last night. Go G-men!

We need to run the ball, set up the play action and be smart and disciplined. No personal fouls! no false starts!

by scudagc on Nov 11, 2007 10:59 AM EST reply actions

Watching ESPN Countdown

Emmitt Smith thinks that Cowboys will win. Really man, I appreciate your objectivity there.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 11:10 AM EST reply actions

Emmitt

Yeah, love the objectivity. Emmitt is terrible, anyway!!

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

just keep in mind

when Romo is forced to move and make quick decisions is when he's at his best.

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 11:22 AM EST reply actions

hopefully those decisions will

be limited to whether he should get up from the Meadowlands turf right foot first or left

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

you could say the exact opposite

about eli. forced to move and make quick decisions is when he's at his worst. the only time im really comfortable with eli is out of the play-action.

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Nov 11, 2007 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

he's like his brother

can only be effective from within a well protected pocket

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

Romo

Still, Giants have to pressure him. Can't let him sit back there all day.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

NY Daily news predicition

"The Giants are well-rested and need it more. Lose and they can forget about winning the division and their playoff run will have to be made largely on the road. That's one reason why so many experts think it will be different this time. But the strengths of each team are such that the game can go in different directions and if the Cowboys' big O-line can exert its will on first down and keep the Giants' pass rush a non-factor, Dallas has a huge edge. It's hard to tell just how good the Giants have become during their six-game win streak against subpar competition, but we do know by watching the Cowboys against the Patriots, that their offense is big-time. It should be extremely hard-fought and close, but unless the Giants' front four has a lot to say about the result, it's Dallas. COWBOYS, 27-21. Dallas will sweep season series with narrow victory."

i live in indy where all 8 newspaper writers here picked the colts to beat the patriots. one thing you can say about the NY media, they ain't homers...

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Nov 11, 2007 12:10 PM EST reply actions

True

They're not homers, but I feel like they are very cynical when it comes to the Giants. Granted they might deserve it because of what they do to us every year.

Anyway, screw all the experts. GO GMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

prediction

Cowboys 38

Giants 24

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 4:03 PM EST reply actions

If the Giants win

I hope you have the courage to come back and take your punishment like a man!!

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

absolutely

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 4:25 PM EST up reply actions

Come on

Bad start. Frickin' special teams killing us again.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 4:23 PM EST reply actions

7-0

If that TD is Butler's fault I don't want to see him on the field again. Michael JOhnson is a better player, anyway.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 4:23 PM EST reply actions

vintage Romo!

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 4:24 PM EST reply actions

Should have been a penalty

I rewound that on Tivo... ROmo was a good yard past the line of scrimmage on that throw. The line of scrimmage was just oustide the 15 and he was over the 15 when he let that go...

Giants got robbed there.

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Nov 11, 2007 4:26 PM EST reply actions

yeah right

Giants would have challenged if that was the case

just appreciate the legend in action

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

Is that challengable?

It was obvious. Very easy to see.

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Nov 11, 2007 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah

I just rewound it after you posted and it's very clear.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 4:31 PM EST up reply actions

I thought so

But that play isn't reviewable, is it?

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

Don't know

I was wondering the same thing...

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Nov 11, 2007 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

i noticed it also

TC might not want to challenge 4 minutes into the game though.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

Cowgirls getting a little too emotional?

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 4:34 PM EST reply actions

Shockey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 4:37 PM EST reply actions

Shockey

can dominate Roy Williams all day. Williams has no chance.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 4:39 PM EST up reply actions

I heart Aaron Ross

What a great pick by Reese.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 4:42 PM EST reply actions

Ross

Great play. That's what they didn't see in the 1st week!

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 4:42 PM EST reply actions

That was straight out of his brothers playbook

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 4:45 PM EST reply actions

What a throw by Eli>

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 4:46 PM EST reply actions

vintage Eli!

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 4:49 PM EST reply actions

AND

That's vintage Romo ... fumbling fool.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

Eli was hit

on the arm and hip as he threw that one. I'll give him a pass on that one. Great defensive stand by the G-Men.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 4:53 PM EST up reply actions

What's that C on Eli's jersey all about?

Was he named captain while I was asleep or something?

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 4:56 PM EST reply actions

yes with Tiki gone

he was voted captain this year. Hence the C.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks - I missed that one.

That's what I get for living in Colorado I guess.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

It's all Shockey all the time.

I like it.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 4:57 PM EST reply actions

B-WARE!!!

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:01 PM EST reply actions

What the hell

is Tyree doing in the backfield? That's stupid.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 5:02 PM EST reply actions

INT

Hey, Terry, where's the Romo-love now, baby?

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 5:04 PM EST reply actions

Carrie Underwood has a better arm than Romo.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:05 PM EST reply actions

ROFL

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

He does have a prettier face through.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

i was joking this week is Shockey

still on the team. But clearly the plan is a heavy dose of him today.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 5:14 PM EST reply actions

Droughns!

Great drive. Keep feeding the ball to Shockey.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 5:15 PM EST reply actions

Wow - tough run by my man Reuben.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:15 PM EST reply actions

Reuben

That was a powerful drive. Shoved it right down Dallas's throat.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

I guess Terry must be off talking trash

on a Redskins blog somewhere.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:17 PM EST reply actions

That was the "64 Left Yawn" play.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:21 PM EST reply actions

Eli

Come on. Can't you see that guy coming right at you?

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 5:28 PM EST reply actions

better to take the sack than

throw a pick

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 5:30 PM EST up reply actions

That was a pathetic sequence for us.

Both sides of the ball.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:36 PM EST reply actions

WOW!

Huge penalty now

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 5:38 PM EST reply actions

Tynes really scares the crap out of me.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:39 PM EST reply actions

The Cowboys are very undisciplined.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 5:39 PM EST reply actions

trash talking aside

this was a great half

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:40 PM EST reply actions

Indeed

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 5:40 PM EST up reply actions

Tremendous half

Thank you Cowboys, for the penalty. This is shaping up as one of those last-second games. BTW, how the hell can Tynes not get on the field on time for a field goal?

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 5:42 PM EST reply actions

Yeah

No kidding, but at least he made it.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 5:44 PM EST up reply actions

Jimmy Johnson is having an aneurism.

That made my day. What a friggin' fool.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 5:47 PM EST reply actions

it's tough

to see 8 million former Cowgirls over the TV, in the pregame and during the games. Aikman and Johnson should just wear the star on their pins.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 5:50 PM EST up reply actions

Couple of poor decisions in

holding the ball at the end of half. Poor tackling on D's last reception. Romo and Eli are a lot alike: Look great one play, lousy the next. Both will get better. Tough to pick one over the other.D's lack of discipline big help to us

by george cronin on Nov 11, 2007 5:55 PM EST reply actions

man the cowgirls is dumb

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 5:55 PM EST reply actions

Good to see

Bradshaw back returning again.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 5:56 PM EST reply actions

It would be reall nice to get a stop

on 3rd down one of these days.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 6:09 PM EST reply actions

4 aces in

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 6:11 PM EST reply actions

you guys are in trouble

Romo's back in his zone

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 6:15 PM EST reply actions

Sure

Come back when the cowgirls are ahead.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 6:17 PM EST up reply actions

Man

I hate Owens

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 6:15 PM EST reply actions

Holy crap - what a ridiculous call

on the runback.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 6:18 PM EST reply actions

it looked bad

It look like the defender was holding Boss in the play I saw.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 6:23 PM EST up reply actions

I agree.

No way Boss was holding.

by george cronin on Nov 11, 2007 7:31 PM EST up reply actions

What is with the

Giants struggling to get the ball snapped every week it happens.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 6:23 PM EST reply actions

that was a next time have bus fare run

wow

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 6:25 PM EST reply actions

Bunch of phantom calls on us.

WTF.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 6:32 PM EST reply actions

This is getting ridiculous

He was by the defender

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 6:35 PM EST up reply actions

Penalties

Are killing the Giants. Didn't see the one on the runback. The Snee one sucked because it had nothing to do with the play.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 6:35 PM EST reply actions

Same with Ross' penalty

that would have been a 3rd and ten. The one on the runback was complete BS.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 6:45 PM EST up reply actions

the runback one looked like

a sick joke. We didn't get a replay though, only one of those 1/2 ones in between a commercial, but it looked like the defender had Boss more than the other way around.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 6:45 PM EST up reply actions

Please

Get a 3rd down stop

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 6:53 PM EST reply actions

Strahan should STFU.

Sorry. I'm still pissed off at him for losing that game against the 49ers.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 6:53 PM EST reply actions

Another crap call.

Dude wasn't touched before getting out of bounds but the clock keeps rolling.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 7:00 PM EST reply actions

why not kick there

you need a FG anyway

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 7:03 PM EST reply actions

Panic.

And crappy coaching.

I guess the good news is that Detroit is losing today too so we're still in there for the wild card. Kaloo Kalay.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 7:04 PM EST up reply actions

Two bad penalties

and some really poor play by Eli was the difference. The real difference in this game is that the better quarterback was wearing white.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 7:38 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Take the 3.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 7:30 PM EST up reply actions

Fkin' ineptitude.

That was embarrassing.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 7:03 PM EST reply actions

great game guys

just too much Romo and T.O.

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 7:04 PM EST reply actions

I still wouldn't want either one of those

idiots on my team. Especially Owens. What a fkin' d-bag. Enjoy yourself rooting for him. I'm sure he'll kill you at some point - he always does.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 7:06 PM EST up reply actions

than you must like to lose

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 7:13 PM EST up reply actions

I like to win.

You guys beat us today. You made some plays and got some calls. Congratulations. But I'm glad TO isn't on my team.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 7:17 PM EST up reply actions

Romo

I think I'd take Romo right now. I'm so down on Eli after the end of this game. I've always been a huge Eli supporter, but I'm losing the faith. He has the weapons and the O-line. Its time to get it done.

As for Owens, we're in agreement.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

Eli

I am with you on Eli. I have always believed in him, but after today I am ready to concede that he will never be an upper echelon guy. The delay penalties and bad sacks in the first half were inexcusable.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 7:34 PM EST up reply actions

You're right as usual, potroast. Romo's a

wat better QB

by george cronin on Nov 11, 2007 7:34 PM EST up reply actions

bite me

by DoctorK16 on Nov 11, 2007 7:06 PM EST up reply actions

Damn

I hate that it was T.O. making plays at the end that did the Giants in. Terry, you were a pretty good sport this week all things considered.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

thanks

maybe we'll see you guys again in the playoffs

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 7:54 PM EST up reply actions

Eli

He needed to step up big and he didn't. Those delay of game penalties were killer.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 11, 2007 7:05 PM EST reply actions

Dallas is a better

team, period. I hope the Giants don't fold again after this debacle. If they play the way they can, they should make the playoffs. I always thought Wade P was a meathead because of the way he handled the QB situation in Buffalo. He has really lucked out with this Dallas team. Parcells must be grinding his teeth for not having stayed. Eli, Eli, what will the Giants do with him? I keep thinking of the two pro bowlers SD got when the Giants traded for him. Well, he may not be better than Romo, but he's better then Rivers, isn't he? Or better than Collins would have been, right?

by george cronin on Nov 11, 2007 7:42 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

I was thinking the same thing the final few minutes. To me, still the biggest difference is that the better quarterback plays in Dallas.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 7:44 PM EST up reply actions

The best quarterback doesn't mean the best team

I was never a fan of using a number 1 overall pick on a QB - But, for the next several years, Eli is our man. The key is can the Giants brain trust build a team and a scheme that utilized Eli to win?

Hey - Trent f'ng Dilfer won a superbowl, and Dan Marino never did.

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by NYERinSF on Nov 11, 2007 10:43 PM EST up reply actions

better than Rivers and Collins

I mean, Collins is ridiculously washed up (although I think he could have given us 1 more decent year and prevented Eli from being the worst rookie of all-time), and Rivers really isn't that good. It's easy to look good when your RB is setting all kinds of records, but even last year I think he was ridiculously overrated, after a few good games in the beginning of the year he really faded down the stretch.

Also, there's no guarantee that the Giants would have taken Merriman with that draft pick, so that's spilled milk. That said, in retrospect I kinda wish the Giants had taken Big Ben and saved that pick. I still think the Giants can win with Eli, but I don't think Eli is gonna win them many games on his own, he needs to be surrounded by a very talented team, and this year's squad isn't quite there. Get some help for the secondary, find a solid 3rd receiver (hopefully Smith can be that), and maybe add a playmaking linebacker, and I think the Giants could be legit Super Bowl contenders next year. Right now, they just aren't as good as the Cowboys or the Packers, and let's not even talk about the Patriots...

by cjmulrain on Nov 11, 2007 10:38 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think Eli is gonna win them many games on

That was what I used to say about Collins. If everything was clicking, Collins could be awesome, but he couldn't seem to raise the level of the team.

Phil Simms said that the difference between a winning QB and a losing QB can be one or two plays a game that the QB makes something happen when everything has broken down

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by NYERinSF on Nov 11, 2007 10:47 PM EST up reply actions

valiant effort g-men...

but dallas was just too much...

did a great job on witten....

but T.O. burned ya....

shockey had a great game...roy can't cover him...

but we're going to enjoy this win....

if you guys lose to the lions, then things are going to get real interesting in the NFC....

Romo = best QB in the division TO = best WR in the division

by Tuna Helper on Nov 11, 2007 7:57 PM EST reply actions

After today

you won't get an argument here.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

damn!!!

T.O. made the difference. Still Giants the second, mmm perhaps third(Green Bay)best team in the NFC. Detroit shows their true colors in Arizona. Bears get healthy, could be an only obstacle. there's one thing the Giants know, WILD CARD....Can this wild card be tamed? Some focus and integrity was played on the G-mens part.I don't see that left on the field after this game. Next....

by johnd134 on Nov 11, 2007 8:21 PM EST reply actions

Not sure

where you were going with that. All I know is the Giants didn't measure up, and Eli's lack of game management was very disappointing.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 11, 2007 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

I can't imagine what kind of person

wants to get on blogs devoted to other teams and start making comments. Is that straight up rude or am I just too sensitive? I would never even think of doing that to someone else.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 11, 2007 11:10 PM EST reply actions

Other blogs

I think if they want to have objective discourse, then its fine.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 12, 2007 7:21 AM EST up reply actions

It seems more like walking into

someone's house and dropping a plate of spaghetti on the carpet (that's me being trying to be civil this morning, fyi) and then leaving, as opposed to "objective discourse", but I suppose it depends on your point of view.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Nov 12, 2007 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

LOL

Good point and great way to put it.

If I'm going to break them, I'm going to break them both. - LT

by potroast on Nov 12, 2007 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

frustrating

shouldn't we be used to this by now?

2005 - big game @ seattle -feely misses like 15 field goals, seattle wins in overtime. seattle goes to the super bowl, the giants get shutout in the first round.

2006 - big game vs. chicago - hester returns a short FG for a TD and the bears dominate the 2nd half. giants finish 2-5 down the stretch and lose in the first round.

2007 - big game vs. dallas - giants play cowboys even for almost three quarters but penalties cost them a chance to win the game. dallas is clearly the best team in the NFC, and they'll go on to the super bowl. what will happen to the giants? 9-7, 10-6? will they get out of the first round?

ugh. every year i think it's going to be different and it never is.

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Nov 12, 2007 6:11 AM EST reply actions