New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys: 4 things we learned

In the afternoon slate of the NFL, the featured game was the New York Giants at the Dallas Cowboys. This game seems to be a week one staple of the NFL, and for good reason. It normally does not fail regarding entertainment. Here are my post game thoughts.

Dak Prescott gives the Cowboys offense more options. He can get out on the outside and protect himself in a way that Tony Romo cannot. With reports earlier this morning that the door is slightly cracked for Prescott to keep the job, he did nothing short today to make that false. He went 25 of 45 for 227 yards, 0 TDs, and 0 INTs.

Giants defensive front four is for real. They proved that they are going to stop hard. Olivier Vernon looked as good as he did down with the Miami Dolphins. Jason Pierre-Paul is also showing no ill effects from the fireworks incident of 2015. If they can get some help from their secondary, which also includes some big money, the New York Giants could become a surprise in the NFL in 2016.

Ezekiel Elliot was the focus of the Giants game plan. Yes, I understand that Elliott had a touchdown, but other than that he was not a factor in this ball game. 20 carries for 51 yards and a TD is not worth the number 4 pick. They were a better running team when Alfred Morris was in the game. This could be a game plan that many teams follow. It is easier to try and make a rookie QB beat you.

The Dallas Cowboys defense is as advertised. They made some plays at times, but any defense can do that. When the Giants needed to and wanted to, they went up the field with the ease. Their 3 TDs often came on quick drives. If the Dallas defense does not stiffen up throughout the rest of the season, they will be out of the race even before Tony Romo’s return.

New York Giants offense can be dangerous. They were able to move the ball up and down the field. Rookie WR Sterling Shepard is going to be a star in the NFL. Teaming him up with stars like Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. gives this kid a great edge at making plays. The hard-nosed running of Shane Vereen makes this offense even more dangerous.

This game lived up to its game of the week billing. There is never a loved lost when these two teams get together. Both teams have shown they could be a factor in, what some are calling, a wide-open NFC East. I would say after week one the Giants more than the Cowboys. What does week 2 hold for these two teams? Stay tuned to find out.