The Dallas Cowboys are doing something unprecedented this week: playing a road game on a short week. Surprisingly, they’ve never had to play an away game with just three days between contests before. Every other NFL team has played at least six road games with limited rest.
The Cowboys are preparing to face the New York Giants in a key NFC East matchup on “Thursday Night Football.” Their previous game was a loss to the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
Typically, the Cowboys host a Thanksgiving game each year, which is why their Thursday night game has always been at home. Until recently, teams could only play one Thursday game a season, so the Cowboys were always scheduled for Thanksgiving at home. However, with the rule change allowing teams to play multiple Thursday games, Dallas now has the chance to play on the road with a short turnaround.
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The Cowboys and the Lions, who also host a Thanksgiving game annually, have played more Sunday-to-Thursday games than any other NFL teams.
In 2023, the Lions played the Packers in Green Bay in Week 4 before hosting them on Thanksgiving. This year follows a similar pattern, with the Cowboys heading to MetLife in Week 4 before hosting the Giants on Thanksgiving.
Out of their last 14 meetings, the Cowboys have won 13 against the Giants. Dallas is currently favored by 5.5 points.
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys’ defense is about to get a significant boost with the impending return of one of their top defensive playmakers, DaRon Bland. Bland, who holds the NFL record for most pick-sixes in a single season and led the league in interceptions in 2023, is close to rejoining the team.
The third-year cornerback fractured his foot just before the season began and had surgery to repair it, landing him on injured reserve for at least four games. With the upcoming primetime game against the New York Giants marking his fourth game out, the Cowboys may soon activate his 21-day practice window.
Head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the possibility. “We always thought the Pittsburgh game would be when we’d know more,” McCarthy said. “With this mini-bye week, we’re hoping to see some progress.”
Bland’s return would be a major boost for a defense that has struggled, especially in run defense and preventing big passing plays, during a two-game losing streak.
His comeback could be especially timely, as rookie cornerback Caelen Carson is dealing with a shoulder injury from the loss to the Ravens and is a game-time decision against the Giants. If Carson is unable to play, it would further deplete the Cowboys’ cornerback depth, which remains thin without Bland for the time being.
“Time management and lack of sleep is how you get through it,” Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters regarding the challenge of a short week in the NFL.
On Thursday, the Cowboys face a crucial game against the New York Giants, as both teams are looking to avoid dropping to a 1-3 record. Historically, the Giants haven’t been considered a serious threat to Dallas, with the Cowboys going 6-0 against them in the last three years, and quarterback Dak Prescott boasting a 12-2 record against them.
However, 2024 feels different. The Cowboys have struggled to stop the run, and their offense has noticeable flaws that need fixing. If these issues persist, the Giants have players who can capitalize on Dallas’ weaknesses.
McCarthy’s remarks on the biggest challenge during a short week offer a warning for the Cowboys ahead of Thursday Night Football: there isn’t much time to make necessary adjustments, something the team desperately needs.
“The worst thing you can do on a Thursday game, especially when you didn’t win on Sunday, is spend too much time focusing on that game,” McCarthy said. “I’ve been there before. Monday is critical. You have to install the game plan for first, second, and third down. That’s always been my approach.”
