Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants edge Dallas Cowboys in defensive battle (Highlights) 2
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) scores the game winning TD in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

One explosive play from Odell Beckham Jr. proved to be enough for the New York Giants as their defense edged the Dallas Cowboys, 10-7.

  • New York Giants 10 (9-4)
  • Dallas Cowboys 7 (11-2)
  • NFL, Final, Box Score
  • MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
With two and change remaining in the fourth quarter of a 10-7 ballgame, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was nearly intercepted. He simply didn’t see the underneath covering linebacker.

On 3rd-and-11, Ben McAdoo elected to run the ball and eventually punt it away to the Dallas Cowboys.

The offensive-minded head coach made the right decision.

One last time, the Football Giants defense came through when it mattered most. Dez Bryant, after finally catching his first ball of the day, fumbled it away to allow the Giants and their defense to waste away time and come away with the hard-fought 10-7 victory.

Playing its first game since Jason Pierre-Paul underwent surgery that would end his season, this defense was spectacular.

Ezekiel Elliott did manage 107 yards on 24 carries, but all of those yards were rough ones. The only blown play of the night came early when Dak Prescott found Terrance Williams for the Boys only points of the night.

Dak was under fire all game long. Steve Spagnuolo dialed up the pressure early and often. It resulted in Prescott throwing for just 165 yards and two interceptions. Leon Hall snagged one while Janoris Jenkins the other.

Jonathan Casillas, Devon Kennard and Romeo Okwara (who played wonderfully while replacing JPP), all collected sacks. All told, New York limited Dallas to just 260 yards and turned the ball over three times.

Offensively, New York was a nightmare. The offensive line, namely Ereck Flowers, was a disaster. Eli Manning had zero time in the pocket leading to two early fumbles. While he could only muster 165 yards on the night, including two bad interceptions, one particular throw made up for much of the night.

In the third quarter facing a 7-3 hole, Eli found Odell Beckham Jr. on a west coast-type slant. OBJ took it to the house.

Beckham had previously dropped an easy touchdown and another on a 10-yard hook on a crucial 3rd-down. This one made up for them all. OBJ went for 94 yards and that explosive score on four grabs.

The Giants running game, while average, was persistent. Both Paul Perkins and Rashad Jennings carried the rock 15 times for 45 yards, respectively.

The Giants punter, Brad Wing, also enjoyed a nice night during this defensive struggle. He pinned the Cowboys within the 20 five times.

Now sporting a nice 9-4 record, New York will turn its attention to a home date against the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions next Sunday.

 NEXT: Return of Pugh means more than loss of JPP 

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Robby Sabo
https://jetsxfactor.com
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com

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