When the New York Giants won the Superbowl in 2008, they never received the credit they deserved. They were overlooked and stunned the undefeated Patriots. Another Superbowl ring later, maybe Eli and the Giants will get the full credit they deserve and have earned. The New York Giants are at home to renew their rivalry against Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys. Time to kickoff the 2012-2013 NFL season in style!
The New York Giants are coming off their Superbowl season and I expect them to be ready come wednesday. The Giants finished 9-7 last season and once again showed us that being hot at the right time matters. Many people forget that Eli was only 67 yards short of throwing 5,000 yards. The Giants relied on the pass last season as they couldn't establish a consistent running game due to injuries. They were last in the NFL in rushing. Can rookie David Wilson make an impact early? We will find out come Wednesday. Ahmad Bradshaw only ran for 659 yards last season, but he did manage 9 touchdowns. The Giants averaged 82 rushing yards last season, they have to improve. Victor Cruz became a household name last season, catching 82 passes for 1,536 yards with 9 touchdowns. Cruz caught 9 balls for 40 yards or more, 2nd in the NFL only to Calvin Johnson. However, opponents will be ready for this pass happy offense if they can't run the ball.
The Giants have an explosive offense with big names. The Giants have one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL. They were good against the run, but not so much for the pass. This Giant defense ranked 27th last season. Granted, they played much better in the playoffs but they gave up 400 points last year. The defense was solid last season, but they gave up too many points. They have to improve the 29th ranked passing defense. They barely made the playoffs last season and in 2008. The defense has to play better and keep everyone out of the endzone. If they can catch up with the offense, watch out!
The Dallas Cowboys made some improvements this offseason on defense, but will it be enough. The defense ranked 14th last season, largely due to the secondary. If it wasn't for that, this defense is top 5 no question. Tony Romo had a solid season last year, throwing for 4,184 yards and 31 touchdowns. Romo tuned down the turnovers by only throwing 10 interceptions for the year. The Dallas Cowboys finished 8-8, yet another season without a playoff appearance.
How many years straight have we began the season talking about Romo and the Cowboys? It seems like forever! At the beginning of each season, we think that Dallas is going to the playoffs. If you look on paper, Dallas is loaded with talent. But when they play, it is another story. The Cowboys need a big year from Dez Bryant. He has all the makings of a star, he has speed and size. He runs great routes and he has a solid quarterback throwing to him. Just like the Giants, Dallas needs a solid running game. Demarco Murray enters his second year and he is a talent. If he can stay healthy and with the offensive line additions this spring, Dallas can be tough on offense.
The Cowboys are solid on defense also. The run defense ranked 7th last season, but the passing defense struggled. Rookie Morrie Claiborne is a solid upgrade at corner and he should make an immediate impact. I look for their other first round pick, Tyrone Crawford, to make an impact at the defensive end position also. Even so, you have to wonder about the integrity of this pass defense that may be in for it come kick off.
DALLAS 24 NEW YORK 20
This game should be closer then many will predict. Yes, it seems year after year that Dallas falls apart, but they have the secondary they needed now. Dallas struggled to a 3-5 mark on the road last season. Dallas and New York games are always hard hitting and expect no different opening night. The Giants are just better and at home. Eli Manning is an elite quarterback and look for Cruz too handle the suspect Cowboy secondary. The New York front will give Romo trouble all night, especially if Dallas can't get a running game going. Despite the trouble, the Cowboys will open the season with an upset of the champs.
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