New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys on Sky Sports
Monday 12 September 2016 05:33, UK
Two of the NFL's most iconic teams meet in an early divisional clash with both sides looking to forget their 2015 seasons and get back to the playoffs.
The New York Giants have replaced their former head coach Tom Coughlin, who won two Super Bowls in 12 seasons in NY, with rookie head coach and former Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.
They will travel to the Dallas Cowboys where the pressure is on head coach Jason Garrett after a disappointing 4-12 campaign last season. The match is live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 9pm BST on Sunday.
Offseason changes
While both teams made wholesale changes to parts of their system, it was under very different circumstances.
The Giants were the big spenders of free agency, upgrading a defense by securing the services of Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison and Janoris Jenkins. The franchise also hope that Jason Pierre-Paul, who had to play with his hand bandaged after losing two fingers in a firework accident, will show significant improvement now wearing a customised glove.
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In contrast, injury to quarterback Tony Romo forced Dallas' hand, giving the starting duties to fourth round rookie QB Dak Prescott.
Another rookie, running back Ezekiel Elliot, has drawn rave reviews throughout preseason and will look to take that form into week 1.
Key match ups
The Giants could have one of the most dynamic receiver votes in the league, with Odell Beckham Jr, rookie Sterling Shepard and a healthy Victor Cruz.
The Cowboys' defense are without defensive ends Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory who are both suspended. Dallas were 27th in the league against the pass rush in 2015, and without pressure Eli Manning could be in line for a productive night.
All eyes are on the Cowboys' offensive line which is regarded as potentially one of the greatest in franchise history. Prescott spent time at Manning's quarterback academy in the summer and the big question will be whether he can step up and lead his team in the regular season.
Watch Giants @ Cowboys on Sunday, 9pm, Sky Sports 2 HD.
