[Celtic1982citleC]

Cowboys @ G-Men next week.

Tale of the Tape:

Quarterback:
Romo vs Eli
2 young guns trying to break out of the shadows and lead their teams. Romo has been better this season making plays with his arm and legs. Advantage 'Boys.

Running Back:
Jones/Barber III vs Jacobs/Ward/Droughns
2 very good backfields. Both have speed/power combinations with guys that can run card up the middle, around the edges, and can catch passes out of the backfield. Advantage None - Push.

Wide Receivers/TE:
Owens/Crayton/whoever/Whitten in slot vs Burress/Toomer/Smith/Shockey
Both teams have good wideouts with size that can make plays along with TE's that can block on the run/pass and also can run routes and make good solid catches. Again, this is an even matchup. Advantage None - Push

Offensive Line:
Both lines have run and pass blocked well all season and haven't had to fight against injuries. Can't argue one is any better than the other. I'd say Romo's ability to scramble allows the Cowboys line to make mistakes and get away with them, so that earns them the advantage here. Advantage 'Boys

Defensive Line
Both lines have good speed and open holes for the linebackers to stop the run. I have to give the edge here however to teh Giants as they've been playing upfield a LOT and causing all sorts of problems with moving guys around to create mismatches. Advantage G-Men

Linebackers
I don't think either of these teams has outstanding linebacking corps. They're average and do what they're asked. Steady play is key for this group on both sides of the ball. Advantage None - Push

Secondary
Both have had problems stopping the pass this season. The Giants have been better as of late making good early season adjustments and while the Cowboys do have more talent and possess great run stoppers at the safety position in Hamin and Williams they can be beat deep where Plax makes his living. Advantage G-Men

Prediction
If this was in Dallas, I'd give it to the Cowboys. Even though Dallas looked good at Philly, the Eagles failed to play with any heart and have been sputtering this season. I think it will be very difficult for the Cowboys to go into the Meadowlands and manhandle the Giants as they did the Eagles. This is the Giants biggest game all season as it has the potential to put them in the drivers seat in the NFC East. A loss virtually assures that they'll be in a race for a wild card spot. Final Score Cowboys 27 Giants 28 in a nailbiter.