The New York Football Giants brought all three phases to their game with the Dallas  Cowboys Sunday afternoon at Giants Stadium. The offense, defense, and special teams all contributed to help the GIANTS stay in the playoff hunt for either a wild card spot, or even a division championship.

The Offense: With 100 yards rushing and 237 yards passing, the offense did the job yesterday. The GIANTS had drives of 1 minute 28 seconds, 45 seconds, and 19 seconds for touchdowns. This big play, quick strike ability was the difference yesterday. Trailing 10-0 with 3 minutes remaining in the
first half, Eli Manning made the first crucial play of the game. In the grasp of 2 Cowboy defenders he was able to flip the ball to tight end Kevin Boss, who bobbled it at first, but then rumbled for 16 yards and a first down to keep the drive alive. Eli then found rookie Hakeem Nicks for the first Giants score of the game. After the defense forced a fumble in Cowboy territory, the offense again responded with a touchdown to end the half. The Giants had scored 14 points in 3 minutes and left the Cowboys stunned, trailing 14-10 after dominating most of the first half. The Giants did not win time of possession yesterday, but they did show some quick strike ability with their offense.

The Defense: The much maligned GIANTS Defense was re-aligned this week. The benching of star players like Osi Umenyiora and Fred Robbins, set the tone during the week that results needed to change. This unit has under achieved all year and had played with little of the emotion it has been known for the past 3 years. With injuries at key positions since training camp this unit has struggled against the run and the pass, but knew it needed to perform this week to keep the season alive. The perfect opponent came calling on Sunday. A bitter division rival in the Cowboys, who always bring blackboard material with them when they come. A team that had run for over 250 yards against this same defense in week 2. An opponent they hadn’t swept in a season series since 2004.
The defense made the commitment to stop the running game of the Cowboys at all costs yesterday, and to not give up the big play the Cowboys had become known for in recent weeks. Jason Witten (14 catches-156 yards) and Miles Austin(10 catches 104 yards) were going to get their numbers, but the offense would be one dimensional and the Cowboys would have to take their time, limit their mistakes, and drive the field for points. The Cowboys rushed just 23 times for a total of 45 yards and 1 fumble lost. Mission accomplished. The Cowboys abandoned Marion Barber after his fumble led to the go ahead score just before halftime. They tried to run wide on the revamped, quicker defensive line of the Giants, a recipe that did not lead to any success. The Cowboys abandoned their run game entirely in the second half rushing just 8 times for 11 yards. The Giants defense executed their plan of attack on Sunday holding the Cowboys running game in check and forcing a turnover to boot. The Long drives by the Cowboys that resulted in no points or turnovers was their undoing yesterday, and just what the Giants defense wanted.

Special Teams: This is where this game was essentially won and lost yesterday. The Cowboys missed 2 field goals yesterday and allowed a 79 yard punt return. A 13 point differential in a game you lost by 7. Nick Folk, the Cowboys kicker (for now) has missed 5 of his last 7 attempts, I think their might be some kicker auditions this week in Arlington if anyone is interested.

All in All a nice win for the GIANTS, certainly not re-establishing themselves as favorites for anything, but showing once again that they are a tough physical team that loves to be challenged whether it be by the opponent or the head coach. The schedule is difficult the rest of the way, but putting this one in the win column, and sweeping the season series against the Cowboys puts them in a better position for the stretch run.

Joe Tufaro / ProFootballinsight

Photo Credit **Grandforksherald.com**