The wait is over and Dallas Cowboys football returns tonight.  No better way to get back into action then on Monday Night Football with the whole world watching you.  Yet there is a problem brewing for these Cowboys since they took their bye week, the rest of the NFC just got better.  Teams like the Saints, Seahawks and the 49ers just keep getting wins.  The Eagles won two games in a row and now are just a half game out of first place in the division. Oh and the Giants team you face tonight is much better than the last time you played them in week one.  The pressure is back on for this Cowboys break coming off a lengthy break.

While they are favored to win tonight, the Cowboys can’t take this Giants team lightly.  They still have weapons that can hurt you and they are playing with a new since of passion since rookie quarterback Daniel Jones took over as the starter.  Plus, this Cowboys team lost to the Jets of all teams.  You should never think any game is safe with this team.  So here are three important factors for a Cowboys victory tonight.

Containing Daniel Jones:

Yes, Saquon Barkley is the best player on the Giants roster. He is arguably a game changer at the running back position and can take almost every hand off to the house. Yet, the Giants offense real threat is at the quarterback position and that is why containing Daniel Jones is imperative.  Unlike Eli, Jones has reinvigorated the offense and they have been playing some close contests. Jones may not be the most talented QB, but when he has weapons he can get them involved.  If you don’t hit Jones early and often, he can stand back there and pick you apart. Last week against the Lions, Jones threw for four touchdowns in a loss.  Where he struggles is when he can’t find a man down the field and the pressure collapses the pocket.  If you’re Dallas, bring the pressure all night long and watch Jones wilt under it.

Watch out for Golden Tate:

Golden Tate has been a thorn on the Cowboys’ side for years.  Anytime they play against them, he makes remarkable plays that just make the fans want to vomit. He missed week one due to a suspension, but he is back now and has developed a nice connection with his QB.  Tate is a deadly weapon that is very much similar to Amari Cooper. Both are outstanding route runners and can make defenses look silly.  Putting either Byron Jones or Jourdan Lewis would be the best option to try and contain Tate.  Either one would need to play very disciplined, Tate will make you pay for a costly and risky decision.

Offense needs to AIR it out:

Remember the game plan against the Giants in week one?  Dust it off and use it again.  There should be no excuse for the Cowboys offense not to go for the play in this game.  The Giants are just asking for it.  They are one of the worst defenses against the pass in the league and opponents usually have  big days against them.  In fact, opposing quarterbacks have thrown for 9.15 yards-per-pass, that tops the league.  Dak should have a field day against this defense, if Kellen Moore is aggressive enough.  They can’t afford to be conservative and need to be creative and go for the play-action pass early often.  Don’t let this Giants team any room to breathe or they will make this a very close game.

The Cowboys should easily win this game, but it is a division game and there is a good chance the Giants make this really close.  IF the Cowboys do what they are capable of, this should be a good night.  The problem is that the Cowboys never make this easy.  Regardless, it should be an entertaining night on Monday Night Football.