Can favorites Cowboys overcome the Giants and put 2007 hoodoo behind them?
December 13, 2016
Reaching the play-offs is a great achievement for the Dallas Cowboys but winning the title is what the side are really after. And what better way to do so than by beating the only team to have beaten the Cowboys this season? Week one seems like an age ago but back then, the Giants defeated the Cowboys 20-19.
Since that defeat, it’s fair to say the Cowboys have not looked back and are now on a streak of 11 wins straight. Every test the Cowboys have been faced with, they have passed with flying colours.
It’s no secret that the Steelers and Redskins both possess some real high-flying offenses but still, the Cowboys overcome them in shootouts. The Eagles and Ravens also both proved tough tests for the Cowboys but ultimately their solid defences just weren’t strong enough and Jason Garrett’s men were able to complete comebacks. And they even showed their ability against sturdy defences on the road as they saw off the Vikings 17-15 in Minnesota on Thursday night.
While the Cowboys’ odds are looking favourable, your chances with the Giants would probably be better invested in an online game of Blackjack or Poker. In terms of the NFC East, the Giants are currently as long as 20/1. The Cowboys meanwhile are sitting pretty and favourite by some distance at 1/50.
The top two contenders for the NFC are the Cowboys at 28/17 and Seattle Seahawks in close second at 2/1. Unsurprisingly, the Cowboys are also up there to take the Superbowl at 4/1, behind the New England Patriots who are favourite at 11/4.
The Cowboys will need to take their attacking fire power into the game against the Giants if they’re to take home the title. Their ability to do so is evident and has been all season, if they are to continue their consistency then the Giants have reason to be worried.
Garrett and his side can win the NFC East outright with a win over the Giants, their opponents are currently three games behind them with four to still play, and a win for the Cowboys would leave the Giants at 9-4, two games back with another three to play. The Cowboys roster and defence in particular will be significantly boosted if their injuries return to fitness. Safety J.J. Wilcox and line-backer Justin Durant are set to overcome thigh and hamstring problems respectively and are in line to return to the field against the Giants. They must be on top defensive form if the Cowboys are to secure the title during the showdown.
Admittedly, the Cowboy’s good form does put them in good stead ahead of the clash against the Giants but they must be sure to guard against complacency. Just nine years ago, Tony Romo led the NFC’s best offense and defence to a 12-1 record during his first full season as a starter. With not much at stake further into the season, the Cowboys ultimately lost two of their final three-regular season games and crashed out to the Giants who went onto become champions. Is vengeance on the cards?
