By Alex Al-Kazzaz
The Dallas Cowboys are to play their first road game of the season on Monday against the New York Giants. Much to everyone's surprise, the Giants are 2-0. In addition, the Cowboys are still making headlines from their surprising win against Joe Burrow and the Cincinatti Bengals. Are we excited for Monday Night Football this week?!
Dallas is preparing for their second game without Dak Prescott under center. Cooper Rush has done a good job so far filling in, but the concern involving the offensive line are still out there, despite Rush getting sacked only once against Cincinnati. The bigger issue is the questionable play-calling of Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Michael Gallup could be making his season debut against the Giants. CeeDee Lamb has not been able to perform at his best so far this season, perhaps with Gallup at his side, the pressure may decrease and the passing/receiving game could find a groovy rhythm. The running game needs to be alive and if it is truly alive and well, Moore must NOT make the fatal mistake of abandoning it. A well-balanced and productive offense is key for Dallas. The Giants' defense currently allows an average of 120 rushing yards per game, so if Dallas can run the ball effectively, there's no reason to stop.
The Dallas defense needs to stay strong. Saquon Barkley will be a handful, no doubt. Micah Parsons has missed practice twice this week due to an illness and if he's out, that's a major blow for Dallas. Giants QB Daniel Jones has yet to throw for more than 200 yards in a game, but the Cowboys defense cannot afford to take Jones lightly regardless of previous encounters. Getting to the quarterback is vital as well as forcing turnovers.
The Giants are undefeated. Granted, their wins have so far been no more than by three points, but regardless, Dallas doesn't have the upper hand. Again, the questionable offensive play-calling is a major cause for concern. If the offense is repeatedly sputtering and into obscurity, the defense will be badly overwhelmed and eventually exhausted.
Therefore, it's crystal clear that in order for Dallas to emerge victorious, they need a complete team. In other words, the offense and defense need to dominate in every aspect. Furthermore, avoid affording the Giants any opportunities AT ALL COSTS.
A win for Dallas is clearly NOT impossible. While the players have to fulfill their duties to the best of their respective abilities, the same thing goes for coaching. A key to victory for any NFL team is TEAMWORK.