Prescott, Cowboys look to generate another great outing against Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It’s easy to assume games between Dallas and the Giants are going to be a running backs’ showcase featuring Ezekiel Elliott of the Cowboys and Saquon Barkley of New York.
The two finished 1-2 in rushing last season with Elliott
gaining 1,434 yards and Barkley 1,307. They also were 1-2 in yards from scrimmage with Barkley leading the way with 2,028 and Elliott getting 2,001.
What’s interesting is Barkley and Elliott haven’t been the stars in the past three games between the NFC East rivals.
It’s been Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and he will get another chance at having his way with the Giants when the teams play tonight at Metlife Stadium.
The division-leading Cowboys (4-3) are coming off a bye week, while the Giants (2-6) will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak.
The Cowboys have owned the Giants in recent seasons, winning five straight, including a 35-17 victory in Dallas in the season opener.
Prescott, a former Mississippi State quarterback, has been phenomenal in the past three. He is 68 of 101 for 1,053 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions.
“Ouch,” Giants coach Pat Shurmur said after hearing the statistics. “He’s a really good player. That’s something that we have to get fixed this week when we play them. He’s an outstanding player. He has outstanding players around him. He has people that will block for him. Oh by the way, when it breaks down, he can run. So, he’s a challenge.”
The Cowboys also are facing a challenge, going against rookie quarterback Daniel Jones in his first start against Dallas. He played some in the opener in finishing up for Eli Manning.
“It’s pretty cool to go against somebody that you didn’t go against before,” Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence said. “He can move around. He’s got a strong arm. He’s athletic. He can be good in this league, but he’s also got to play against us twice a year.”