Cowboys Roll Over Depleted Giants for their Fourth Straight Win

In Week 5, the Dallas Cowboys would host the New York Giants, with the following day being the one-year anniversary of the Dak Prescott ankle injury, which just so happened against the Giants in Week 5 at home as well. Now a year removed from injury, the Cowboys are riding high and continued their winning ways with a 44-20 victory over their division rival. Let us dive into the key moments of this game, including the unfortunate injury bug for New York.

Game Details

On their way to their fourth straight victory, the Cowboys played an efficient game offensively. QB Dak Prescott threw for 302 yards on 22 completions, including three touchdowns and one interception. The three touchdowns went to WR CeeDee Lamb, WR Amari Cooper, and HB Ezekiel Elliott. Speaking of Elliott, he continued his early-season success, rushing for 110 yards on 21 carries with a touchdown to go along with his receiving touchdown. HB Tony Pollard rushed the ball 14 times for 75 yards as well, proving his worth as a change of pace back for Dallas. Defensively, LB Micah Parsons led the way with eight tackles. CB’s Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown had interceptions in the victory as well.

In an injury-riddled, game, the Giants struggled on the offensive end, but rookie WR Kadarius Toney was a bright spot for New York. Toney had 10 catches for 189 yards, breaking Odell Beckham Jr’s rookie record for most yards in a game by a rookie. Besides him, not much went right for the Giants. QB Daniel Jones went 5/13 with 98 yards before getting injured. In his place, QB Mike Glennon went 16/25 with 196 yards and a touchdown, and two interceptions. HB Devontae Booker scored in the loss as well. On the losing end, LB Tae Crowder forced a fumble and LB Lorenzo Carter intercepted Dak Prescott after swatting the ball up to himself on a fourth-down conversion attempt.

Complete Game Offensively

After a pass-heavy Week 1, the Dallas Cowboys committed themselves to the run over their next four games, but in this game specifically, it was a complete, balanced attack that got the job done for Dallas. Dallas attempted 32 passes and ran the ball 39 times. When you are in a blowout, you are likely going to run the ball more if you are leading, but this has been a recipe for success for the Cowboys. QB Dak Prescott is 4-0 this season and undefeated for his career when the Cowboys attempt more rushes than passes. With that, they are still 10th in passing yards (278.0), 2nd in rushing yards (172.80 and 2nd in scoring (34.0). Dallas is dangerous on the offensive end and will continue to be if they play efficient football.

Diggs Shines Again

No, this is not a copy and paste from last week. CB Trevon Diggs recorded yet another interception in 2021. He has six on the season and has at least one in every game this season. He is emerging as an early DPOY favorite, and it is not particularly close at the moment. The closest is DE Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, who has 7.0 sacks in five games this year. It has been a truly special start for Diggs, and he will look to keep it up next week as he leads the Dallas defense.

Giant Injury Issue

While a loss is always going to make headlines, the bigger news for the Giants this week is the number of injuries they suffered in this game. HB Saquon Barkley tripped over a defender on an incomplete pass and has a low ankle sprain. QB Daniel Jones left the game after suffering a concussion. He and Barkley were both carted to the locker room. In the process of all that, prized free agent WR Kenny Golladay hyperextended his knee. Fortunately, it looks like Barkley and Golladay avoided major injury, while Jones will go into concussion protocol. Expect WR Kadarius Toney, HB Devontae Booker, and QB Mike Glennon to be incorporated into the starting offense with the injuries that were suffered.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to Week 6, the Giants will look to get on track at home against the Los Angeles Rams (4-1), who are coming off a TNF victory over the Seahawks. The Cowboys, on the other hand, will look to keep things rolling and get a win in Gillette Stadium where they will face the New England Patriots (2-3), who are coming off a victory as well.

Stats from profootballreference.com

Schedule from nfl.com

Writer

-By: Richie Dordas