Analysis

9/25/22

3 min read

Giants-Cowboys: Positional Grades and Key Matchups

Oct 10, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is pressured by linebacker Micah Parsons (11) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Giants vs. Cowboys

Who Has the Edge?

Key Matchups

Daniel Jones vs Cooper Rush

>> Cooper Rush is 2-0 as a starter. Daniel Jones is 14-26, but 2-0 this year.

>> Jones is 2-3 as a starter vs. Dallas

RB Saquon Barkley vs. RB Ezekiel Elliott

>> A healthy Saquon Barkley has helped the Giants establish themselves as one of the better rushing attacks in the league. He will go up against a defense that's allowed the 14th most rushing yards through two games.

>> Saquon Barkley leads the league in rushing yards (236) and yards after contact (123).

>> In 10 career games vs. the Jets, Elliott has rushed for 827 yards and 8 TDs.

>> In 6 career games vs. Dallas, Barkley has rushed for 344 yards and 1 TD.

LB Micah Parsons vs. RT Evan Neal and LT Andrew Thomas

>> Parsons has lined up on the left, right and off the ball. He only had 3 snaps off the ball last week. 

>> 2021 Rookie Defensive MVP Micah Parsons will look to leave his mark all over a Giants offense and stress their prized OTs that were selected fourth in 2020 (Andrew Thomas) and seventh in 2022 (Evan Neal).

>> Evan Neal has had his rookie growing pains in pass protection, already allowing five pressures through two games this season. Andrew Thomas has allowed four.

>> Neal and Thomas, however, have helped establish the run with a rushing attack that ranks fifth in yards/game (170.5) and fifth in yards/carry (5.2)

>> Micah Parsons is coming off a game vs the Bengals where he tallied eight pressures and two sacks, while having a 22.9% win percentage.

>> So far this season, Micah Parsons ranks first in sacks (4), QB hits (7), TFLs (4) and pressures (13).

DC Don Martindale vs. OC Kellen Moore

>> With backup QB Cooper Rush slotted as the starter, Kellen Moore will have to tweak an explosive offense while NYG’s Don Martindale will look to stress and duress Rush and company early. 

>> The Giants have been stingy against the pass, allowing a mere 54.8% completion percentage to opposing QBs (first) and 395 yards passing total (10th) while their run defense has allowed zero TDs so far.

>> The Cowboys’ prolific offense has taken a step back early on this season, ranking near the bottom in completion percentage (29th), passing TDs (31st), pass yards/attempt (29th), rushing yards (21st) and yards per carry (21st).

>> Injuries early on have decimated an explosive and elite offense under Kellen Moore’s guidance. Don Martindale could smother an already struggling offense who has thrust a backup QB into a starting role.

WATCH MORE: Breaking Down Sunday Night Football


RELATED