Giants Defense Must Limit Cowboys Big Plays

Since 2006, in games in which Tony Romo started and won games against the Giants, there is a correlation. On Dallas' possessions with Romo behind center, the Cowboys are able to make big plays which lead to scoring drives. I will define a big play as a gain of 20 yards or more.

In 2006, game at the Meadowlands, Romo led the Cowboys to a last second victory over the Giants 23-20. In this game, Dallas had 10 possessions. In those ten possessions, the Cowboys had 5 big plays. On three of the possessions, as a result of a big play, the Cowboys scored a touchdown and two field goals. One of the field goals, as time expired was a game winner.

From his book A Team To Believe In , in the 2007 season, Tom Coughlin shares the following about playing the Cowboys. Dallas had ten drives that included a play of more than 20 yards. And the Cowboys scored touchdowns on nine of them. The bottom line is that we must win the one on one pash rush battles if we want to keep Romo from getting into his rhythm and and leading Dallas to touchdowns. Recall, the Giants lost both regular season games to the Cowboys.

This trend continued in 2008. Because of injury, Romo did not play against the Giants at the Meadowlands. The Giants won this game. However, in their rematch at Texas Stadium, Romo was the starting quarterback. In Dallas victory over the Giants 20-8, the Cowboys had 12 possessions. They had 6 plays of twenty yards or more. On three of those possessions, they had a big play which resulted in touchdowns.

With a depleted Giants secondary, in my opinion, the Giants have to bring pressure on every passing down. If Romo is given time to throw the ball, he will pick the Giants apart. I believe if the Giants rush Romo like they did Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLII, the Giants win. However, if they do not get to Romo or allow Romo to improvise a passing play, the Cowboys will win.