Cowboys Brace for Historic Short-Rest Road Game Against Giants
For the first time in franchise history, the Dallas Cowboys are preparing to play a road game on short rest. On Thursday night, the Cowboys will face the New York Giants in a marquee Thursday Night Football matchup, marking a significant departure from their usual game-week rhythm.
This historic match-up will unfold with just three days separating it from the Cowboys' recent clash with the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Historically, the Cowboys have been insulated from such quick turnarounds for away games, unlike their NFL counterparts who have faced this challenge multiple times. In stark contrast, every other team in the league has played at least six road games with limited rest.
The scheduling scenario is primarily a consequence of the Cowboys' traditional role as hosts for mid-week games, notably their annual Thanksgiving game at AT&T Stadium. However, recent changes in the NFL schedule now allow for teams to participate in multiple Thursday games, propelling Dallas into this unfamiliar territory.
While the challenge is formidable, recent history is in Dallas’ favor. The Cowboys boast a dominant record against the Giants, triumphing in 13 of their last 14 encounters. This winning streak undoubtedly boosts the team’s confidence heading into Thursday’s game, where the Cowboys are currently a 5.5-point favorite.
Looking at their recent performance, the Cowboys are seeking redemption after a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens at home. The team will need to quickly shift gears and prepare both mentally and physically for the upcoming matchup at MetLife Stadium.
In addition to the Cowboys, the Detroit Lions have a rich tradition of playing on Thanksgiving. Interestingly, the Lions also faced the Green Bay Packers in Week 4 and will meet them again on Thanksgiving Day. This shared tradition with the Cowboys underscores the unique scheduling quirks these two teams navigate every season.
The Cowboys and Lions have logged more Sunday-to-Thursday games than any other NFL teams, a testament to their enduring presence in the league’s Thanksgiving fixtures. Despite these frequent short-rest games, this will be Dallas’ first experience taking their show on the road in such a scenario.
As the Cowboys head to New York for this pivotal game, all eyes will be on how the team adjusts to this rare and challenging circumstance. Historically adept at turning short rest into victories on their home turf, the Cowboys now face the task of translating that success to an away game, a test of both endurance and strategy as they seek to maintain their winning ways against the Giants.