1. A Giant response.
2. The injury report.
With starting running back Rashad Jennings (knee) ruled out for the second straight week, the Giants head into Dallas with starting cornerback Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie listed as questionable with back and hamstring issues. If he cannot go, veteran Zack Bowman is the likely candidate to replace him. Meanwhile, starting middle linebacker Jon Beason (toe) is probable after practicing all week.
3. The Giants' receiver corps.
Cruz's injury led to a bump into the starting lineup for rookie first-rounder Odell Beckham Jr., according to the Giants' latest depth chart. But it will be a collective effort by the group to fill the void left by Cruz, including newcomer Kevin Ogletree, whom the Giants signed this week to bolster the position.
4. Improvements on the offensive line.
The Giants were on their heels for much of the game last week when they allowed eight sacks, which were more than the seven that they allowed in the first five games combined. The Giants, who were playing exceptionally well up front over their three-game winning streak, go as far as their line takes them.
5. Changes in the secondary.
Against Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, who has a 100.5 passer rating that is good for fifth in the NFL, the Giants will be all hands on deck in a secondary that has been thinned out since the start of the season because of injuries. That includes third-year pro Jayron Hosley, who expects to see his first significant action this season in McBride's role at nickel corner.
6. Home away from home.
The Giants are 4-1 against the Cowboys in AT&T Stadium since the venue opened in 2009, including a 33-31 victory in the stadium's debut game. Last season, the Giants lost narrowly in Week 1 in Dallas, 36-31.
7. DeMarco Murray's pursuit of history.
Keep an eye on these six players as the Giants face the Cowboys Sunday
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie/CB Zack BowmanDealing with back and hamstring issues, Rodgers-Cromartie, who left last week's game in Philadelphia with back spasms, missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned on Friday in a limited capacity. While he is officially listed as questionable, Bowman is a primary option to back up Rodgers-Cromartie if needed. >> READ GIANTS-COWBOYS INJURY REPORT
WR Rueben RandleThe Giants lost two players to season-ending injuries against the Eagles, including star wide receiver Victor Cruz, who tore his patellar tendon that required surgery this week. Emotions aside, the Giants need the rest of the receiving corps to step up and fill the void on the field. And that begins with Randle, who is now the longest-tenured and most-proven Giant of the group. Also keep an eye on fellow wide receiver Kevin Ogletree, who signed with the Giants this week after playing for the Lions, Buccaneers, and this week's opponent, the Dallas Cowboys. >> VICTOR CRUZ THANKS FANS FOR SUPPORT
RT Justin PughThe second-year pro, who has started every game for the Giants since they selected him in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, admitted that last week's game was one of the worst of his career as the Giants allowed eight sacks. But the best part of football is that players can redeem themselves the next week. "Everyone knows the type of player I am," Pugh said. "I'm going to come to work and I'm going to work hard and that's something where I have to prove to these guys in the room that I can do it week in and week out and rebound from this.">> O-LINE MOVES ON AFTER "NIGHTMARE" GAME
LB Jacquian WilliamsThrough six weeks, Williams is quietly leading the Giants with 28 solo tackles (42 total) while starting every game. His speed and athleticism will be an integral part of the defense's effort against a balanced Dallas offense.
CB Jayron HosleyIn addition to Cruz, nickel cornerback Trumaine McBride also saw his season come to end this week when he required thumb surgery for an injury that he suffered against the Eagles. McBride had replaced Walter Thurmond III, who suffered his own season-ending injury in Week 2, and now Hosley is the next man up to cover the slot.
The Giants' run defense has a chance to stop Dallas running back DeMarco Murray from becoming the first player in NFL history to start a season with seven straight 100-yard rushing performances. Last week he joined Hall of Famer Jim Brown (1958) as the only players to begin with six.
8. More milestones for Big Blue.
Murray isn't the only one closing in on history this Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Manning and Coughlin are set to start their 158th game together, moving them into a tie with the former Pittsburgh Steelers Hall-of-Fame duo of Terry Bradshaw and Chuck Noll for the third-highest total by a quarterback/head coach tandem in NFL history. They will trail only New England's Tom Brady and Bill Belichick (198), and Miami's Dan Marino and Don Shula (184). Meanwhile, Manning is three touchdown passes away from surpassing former Giant and Hall of Famer Y.A. Tittle for 18th place on the NFL all-time career list.
Get to know the Giants' opponent for their Week 12 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys
QB Tony Romo
RB DeMarco Murray
WR Dez Bryant
WR Terrance Williams
TE Jason Witten
TE James Hanna
FB Tyler Clutts
LT Tyron Smith
LG Ronald Leary
Center Travis Frederick
RG Zack Martin
RT Jermey Parnell
DE Tyrone Crawford
DT Nick Hayden
DT Henry Melton
DE Jeremy Mincey
SLB Bruce Carter
MLB Rolando McClain
WLB Keith Smith
CB Brandon Carr
CB Orlando Scandrick
FS Barry Church
SS J.J. Wilcox
Punter Chris Jones
Kicker Dan Bailey
KR/PR Dwayne Harris
Head Coach Jason Garrett
Offensive Coordinator Bill Callahan
Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli
