Ladies and gentlemen, it's finally here.
The 2023 NFL season is upon us, and with it our Dallas Cowboys will travel to MetLife Stadium in The Meadowlands of New York to take on the Giants.
It marks the first time since the 2019 season that Dallas opens the season versus their division rivals in the blue jerseys, and the fourth time in QB Dak Prescott's career.
Prescott has absolutely owned the Giants.
After losing both games versus New York as a rookie by a combined four points, Dak has won 10 straight by an average margin of 13 points.
The Giants turned their franchise around last season after hiring first time Head Coach Brian Daboll.
New York qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and earned their first playoff win since the Super Bowl at the end of the 2011 campaign.
Their offense was revamped by Daboll, and QB Daniel Jones finally displayed some traits that made him the sixth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.
The defense also saw new life under former Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale.
New York has gotten better this offseason, but so have the Cowboys.
I am usually a level-headed analyst, but here at Inside The Star we like to be bold.
So here are three bold predictions that I believe will happen this Sunday night in The Meadowlands when these two division rivals clash.
Dak Prescott Will Throw For 400 Yards
As mentioned above, Prescott is currently riding a 10 game winning streak versus these Giants.
Yes, New York is a much improved team, but they still have some weaknesses that are perfect for Prescott to exploit.
First, the starting cornerbacks for the Giants aren't exactly near the top of the league in talent or experience.
Adoree' Jackson is a veteran heading into his seventh season, but he did not play well last year against Dallas in the one game he was active for.
Jackson was targeted 10 times, and gave up nine receptions for 117 yards, primarily in coverage against CeeDee Lamb.
When Cooper Rush threw his way, he had a 148.7 passer rating with 13.0 yards per completion and one touchdown.
On the other side of the formation is rookie first round pick Deonte Banks.
Mike McCarthy and Brian Schottenheimer have to be salivating over a game plan that will surely target the rookie as much as possible with Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup.
Another reason Prescott should have a big game is Wink Martindale's propensity to go Cover Zero while bringing blitzes.
Martindale is the most blitz happy defensive coordinator in the league, which usually leaves his defensive backs on an island.
Prescott and his stable of weapons will take full advantage of that.
Speaking of Prescott's weapons…
Cowboys Will Have Two Wide Receivers Hit 100 Yards
My first bold prediction leads right into this one.
For the same reasons mentioned for Prescott's upcoming success, Dallas will end the game with two wide receivers clearing the century mark in receiving yards.
One will surely be Lamb, but for the second player, take your pick between Gallup and Prescott's newest toy, Brandin Cooks.
The Giants just don't appear equipped to handle the stable of playmakers Prescott has at his disposal.
I would love to see Dallas open the game with a play action fake, and a deep shot to newest speedster Brandin Cooks.
My football heart would be happy to see it.
Micah Parsons Will Not Record A Sack
A recent poll of all 32 NFL general managers revealed that Micah Parsons is the favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023 season.
Parsons has been a menace throughout Cowboys training camp, blowing up nearly every passing play.
Coaches have had to remove him from practice just so the offense can get in some quality work.
He is chomping at the bit, and the Giants' offensive tackles will have their hands full on Sunday night.
Brian Daboll and Giants Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka know this as well, and Parsons will never be left with a single blocker.
He will generate plenty of pressures, but Daboll will do everything in his power to keep him from wrecking the game.
Don't worry. Other players like DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Osa Odighizuwa, and Dante Fowler will reap the benefits.
The extra attention on Micah will allow his teammates to rack up a handful of sacks on a frantic Daniel Jones.
