Coming off their bye week, the Dallas Cowboys are heading into their late afternoon game against the New York Giants with a new look. The team is projected to start with Matt Cassel at quarterback and Christine Michael at running back. They sit behind the Philadelphia Eagles and Giants who are 3-3 and lead the division and are in a must-win game to keep their division hopes alive and for a shot to remain undefeated in the division.
New-Look Offense
After Weeden’s struggles to get the offense to going when it’s needed to, Cassel has now gotten the starting nod. The former Tom Brady backup may not have the strongest arm or may be the most athletic, but he makes up for it with his high football IQ and accurate arm. It is now up to Cassel to turn the Cowboys’ season around. Weeden has had some heroic moments, a game-tying touchdown at New Orleans and closing out the game against Philadelphia after Tony Romo went down, but other than that, his lack of a vertical ball down the field has cost Dallas in the end.
According to Bryan Broaddus of DallasCowboys.com, Christine Michael has been getting a majority of the first-team reps this weekend. Unlike Randle who is tremendous in the open field and has great speed, the Texas A&M alum is the complete opposite. Michael is a bruising, physical back who is not afraid to take on defenders or an eight-man box. Against the eighth-best run defense, the ex-Seahawk will prove pivotal in trying to wear down the Giants defense.
Injury Report
Owner Jerry Jones said that he would not rule out the possibility that star wideout Dez Bryant could play this weekend. Despite that, the Oklahoma State alum is listed as doubtful for this weekend’s game as he is still recovering from foot surgery. Defensive end Randy Gregory is still questionable with an ankle injury. The second round pick out of Nebraska has not played a single game yet this season and his presence could make a significant impact should he start this weekend.
Another defensive end, Ryan Russell, is questionable with a groin injury. Wide receiver Brice Butler is questionable with a hamstring problem, and tight end James Hanna is questionable with an ankle injury.
Prediction
The Cowboys have to come out aggressive early on if they’ll want to pull out a win. Despite the loss this past Monday to the Eagles, the Giants are riding high winning three of their last four. These games always come down to the wire, just like their opener, so if the Cowboys play their cards right, especially in a road game, they’ll finish with the win.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 24 New York Giants 21