EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Dak Prescott thinks the vibes are good around the Dallas Cowboys, who are expecting to make the playoffs after missing out the previous two seasons.
The first test of those aspirations comes Sunday night at the NFC East-rival New York Giants, who have coach John Harbaugh making his debut.
“Obviously it’s a new coaching staff over there and new personnel right on defense and just different spots,” Prescott said. “It’s about
us. It’s about our focus. It’s about the team that we’ve built this whole offseason and the work that we’ve put in throughout training camp and this week, as well. Excited for that opportunity.”
There are not quite postseason expectations for New York, though Harbaugh's arrival mixed with the anticipated returns of receiver Malik Nabers from injury and Odell Beckham Jr. after his journey around the NFL could make for a charged atmosphere in primetime at the Meadowlands.
"I can’t wait to be a part of it," Giants starting quarterback Jaxson Dart said. “I’ve just been waiting for this. I think this is just the coolest stage, the coolest opportunity.”
Dart will be facing a defense that added rookie safety Caleb Downs and edge rushers Rashan Gary and Von Miller after allowing the most points in the league last season. The Giants had the fourth-worst unit, statistically.
Nabers is nearly a year removed from a torn ACL, and while he looks on track to play neither he nor Harbaugh will say if the 23-year-old will be in uniform.
Dallas will be without starting left guard Tyler Smith, who is expected to miss a month with a thumb injury. T.J. Bass is expected to take his place.
“T.J.’s a true pro,” Prescott said. “When you’ve got a guy like T.J., you don’t even flinch.”
Dallas (7-9-1) at NY Giants (4-13)
When/where to watch: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EDT, NBC
Latest odds: Cowboys by 3
Last meeting: Giants beat the Cowboys 34-17 on Jan. 4 at the Meadowlands.
Series record: Cowboys lead 78-48-2.
Cowboys receiver George Pickens vs. Giants cornerback Greg Newsome. These two have a history from Pickens' time with Pittsburgh and Newsome's with Cleveland, and there is no love lost. CeeDee Lamb going up against Deonte Banks or Paulson Adebo on the other side also could be an advantage for Dallas.
— Prescott led the NFL with 404 completions and ranked third with 4,552 yards passing and fourth with 30 TD throws last season. He has thrown for more than 250 yards in five consecutive night games.
— Cowboys RB Javonte Williams set career highs last season with 1,338 yards from scrimmage and 11 rushing TDs.
— Lamb and Minnesota's Justin Jefferson are the only players to 550-plus catches and 7,000-plus yards receiving in their first six seasons.
— Miller's 138 1/2 sacks are the most among active players.
— Downs was the 11th pick in the draft after the Giants selected Ohio State teammate Arvell Reese fifth.
— Dart led all rookies with 24 touchdowns last season. That includes nine rushing, the second most in the Super Bowl era behind Cam Newton's 14 in 2011.
— Cam Skattebo is expected to start at running back for the Giants after missing the final nine games of his rookie year after breaking his right fibula in October.
— TE Isaiah Likely is one of four players set to make their Giants debut after following Harbaugh from Baltimore. FB Patrick Ricard, S Ar'Darius Washington and P Jordan Stout are the others.
— Giants LB Brian Burns had a career-best 16 1/2 sacks last season, second in the league behind record-setter Myles Garrett.
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