Week 2 Key Match Up: Giants and Cowboys Ground Attacks

The Key match up to look for with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys will be between the running backs from each team. In my opinion whichever team can control the clock with their running game will win this game.

The Giants had a solid game against the Redskins running the ball for 106 yards on. The leading rusher for the Giants was Ahmad Bradshaw with 12 carries for 60 yards. The Redskins did all they could to contain last years number one rushing attack. There game plan was to clearly force Eli Manning to throw to his young and inexperienced receivers. In the end it didn't work with guys like Steve Smith and Mario Manningham making key plays to propel the Giants offense. I look for the Cowboys to try and do the same thing.

The Cowboys in their win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to gain a combined 118 yards. With their leading rusher being Marion Barber with 14 carries for 79 yards. The number one thing the Giants need to slow down is the Cowboys running game. Force Tony Romo and his offense into passing situations to take advantage of the Cowboys big and slow offensive lineman with guys like Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora.

The advantage for running the ball I believe is with the Giants since they do possess the best run blocking offensive line in the NFL. Let me know what you think about this key match up for Sunday nights game.

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Eli's Key Targets are Rising

Since the departure of Plaxico Burress during the last quarter of the 2008 season, doubters have questioned who can replace his production. It doesn't help that the Giants chose to move on with out their all time leading receiver Amani Toomer. All throughout the off-season people have counted the Giants out from being a serious Super Bowl contender because of their receiver situation.

Now that the regular season has begun and the real bullets have started to fly, it is becoming obvious after one game who the go to play makers are going to be for Eli Manning and the Giants offense.

This past week against the Redskins, Steve Smith once again set himself apart by making clutch third down catches just like he has done since he came into the NFL. In the end he led the team with 6 catches for 80 yards. You could see, how much Eli trusts and relies on Smith to make the big catches and he didn't back down from the challenge. Though Smith in my opinion will be Eli's main go to guy, there are a few others that are rising fast, as guys Eli can trust to make plays.

Kevin Boss is another key part to the Giants passing game. Growing up in New York I loved watching Mark Bavaro get it done for the Giants in the 80's and early 90's. I enjoy Kevin Boss just as much making what seems like a catch on every ball thrown his way. He has become a great down the field target with his six foot six inch frame and he has a great ability to run after the catch. Though he isn't the fastest player he is able to find spots down field while running to get the most out of every catch. Last season Boss had a career high six touchdown receptions and I wouldn't be surprised if he got 8-10 this season. I see him being a vital part to the Giants red zone offense with his height and great hands.

It was a very nice surprise to also see Mario Manningham break out and have a nice game. Right from the start Eli went to him and Manningham made some plays to keep the chains moving. The thirty yard touchdown catch he made was a great heads up play on his part. Eli said it was supposed to be a run but he noticed that the Redskins were set up for an all out blitz so his was able to improvise with Manningham and make a play that they never even ran before. You could see the chemistry developing on Sunday between Manning and Manningham.

One other guy to look out for will be Hakeem Nicks once he gets back from his sprained foot. overall in my opinion Eli has been looking more and more comfortable since training camp with the young receiving core. As the season goes on the passing game will only excel.

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