Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: Four thoughts entering Week Fourteen

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:11 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Cowboys are fresh off of some extra days of rest. This week they will face the New York Giants. Here are some thoughts prior to Sunday.

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) and Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) autograph and trade jerseys after their game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are currently enjoying an extended break before Sunday’s Week Fourteen showdown with the New York Giants. The team needed a break after having a rough three game stretch where they faced some of the toughest defenses possible.

After defeating the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, and Minnesota Vikings in a 12 day span the Cowboys have gotten a sizable break and will enter Week Fourteen refreshed and healthier than their date with Minnesota. The Cowboys are heading into their Week One rematch with the G-men a completely different team as they look to get revenge for their only loss of the season.

#1 – Notable Injuries

The Dallas Cowboys could actually see the return of several players this week as their mini-bye could do wonders for their depth in the defensive backfield. Cowboys safety, JJ Wilcox has a chance of returning as his hard hitting style and knack for making big plays helped make this secondary a more formidable opponent.

Another possible return for Big D could be linebacker Justin Durant who has been an effective playmaker for this defense throughout the season. The Cowboys will still be without cornerback Morris Claiborne who has shut down some of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

On the Giants side they may be facing some serious issues as star defensive lineman, Jason Pierre-Paul has suffered a groin injury that will likely keep him out of action for the next several weeks. New York’s starting right defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins also suffered a thigh injury. If both players missed this big divisional matchup that could end up being a devastating blow.

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jack Crawford (58) and middle linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) and outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) and free safety J.J. Wilcox (27) tackle Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) during the game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. The Panthers defeat the Cowboys 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

#2 – Dallas linebackers stepping up

The Cowboys linebackers have really increased their level of play in recent weeks the culmination of their increased effort was the win at Minnesota.

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Linebacker Anthony Hitchens made plays all over the field while young role player Damien Wilson jumped off the screen.

Defensive captain Sean Lee made some pretty big open field hits and overall this unit was very productive in coverage duties.

If their level of play continues to rise this defense could be in for a big night in New York. Offensively the New York Giants are ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per game as they average 77.5.

The Cowboys are ranked second in the NFL in running yards allowed per game so this should be a very favorable matchup for the Dallas defense against one of the worst running attacks in the NFL.

Typically Dallas only allows 82.2 running yards per game and that is right around the average for the New York Giants.

The Cowboys linebacking corps could have a very productive day against the Giants ground game.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates a first down during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

#3 – Ezekiel Elliott gets a chance to redeem his Week One struggles

In the Cowboys star rookie running backs first NFL game, Ezekiel Elliott managed to only gain 51 yards and average 2.6 yards per carry.

Zeke did happen to record his first of many touchdowns this season.

Fast forward to Week Fourteen and we have the Cowboys running back leading the league in rushing yards.

Elliott has amassed 12 touchdowns on the season, and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

This shows not only the growth of the top NFL MVP candidate but the growth of the Dallas offense as a whole.

Starting quarterback Dak Prescott has thrived under pressure and has taken advantage of opposing defenses throughout the season.

The Cowboys offense and really the team as a whole embodies head coach Jason Garrett’s messages of fighting, executing, and finishing.

Elliott has become a tone setter for this offense and with the looming absence of two of the starters along the Giants defensive line Zeke will look to get fed against a very tough defense.

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrates following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

#4 – A Game for the East

Typically all NFC East rivalry games in December are important, this one though has a different feel. The Cowboys and Giants seemingly have a mutual respect for one another as this rivalry is not as heated as some of the others floating around the NFC East.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins have done a lot of talking this season however the Giants and Cowboys have remained steadfast in their goals of making a post season run.

A win for Dallas would lock up the NFC East in favor of the Cowboys and would go a long way into getting a first round bye in the post season.

The Giants need a win to keep their season alive after their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dallas has faced some desperate teams before, Washington on Thanksgiving, Minnesota in Week Thirteen, even the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh so they should be used to the narrative.

The Cowboys have been road warriors as their only loss has come at home. In a similar twist of fate, the Giants are also 5-1 at home, they have passed through the soft part of their schedule, the rough patch began last week against the Steelers.

Every time these two teams square off fireworks usually occur, this time should be no different as the NFL has a very exciting Sunday Night Football game on their hands.

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