FRISCO, Texas — Familiarity breeds contempt. That would explain why the NFC East has so much vitriol between teams, and this week features plenty more being added to it by way of the Dallas Cowboys having to face two of their NFC East foes in a span of only four days — the Thanksgiving clash offering up the New York Giants.
The intent is simple: to build off of the emotionally-charged upset victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday to move to 5-7 on the season and to show that, despite the "train wreck" levels of adversity they've faced in 2024, they have zero interest in waving the white flag and tanking.
When the fight gets underway this Thursday, it would behoove you to gaze at these stars in particular, considering they will be key in determining if you'll enjoy your cranberries and stuffing.
Honorable Mention: Josh Butler, CB
It is unknown if Trevon Diggs will take the field on turkey day against the Giants and, for that reason, I'll list Butler as an honorable mention here. Bottom line is he's earned the right to have your attention going into this battle, considering how solid he played in Week 11 and for his breakout game in the upset win over the Commanders — in all the ways. If Diggs is ruled out for a second consecutive game, it should be fun to see what Butler can do against another young quarterback, this time one who is far less heralded.
The EDGE Assault
The last time, and only time, DeVito faced the Cowboys was last November and, in that game, he was hit seven times and sacked five of those. The problem for Dallas is there isn't a single player who delivered one of those sacks on the current roster — Neville Gallimore, Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong off of the team while Sam Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence continue recovery on injured reserve — and Mazi Smith is the only active player who had one of the QB hits. That means players like Chauncey Golston and Carl Lawson will need to get after the Cutlets on Thursday, along with Micah Parsons, who is undoubtedly using his quiet stat line from last November's game as gasoline for what he wants to do this time around; regardless of if it's DeVito or Drew Lock under center.
DaRon Bland, CB
So much for being on a pitch count in his first game of the 2024 season. The All-Pro cornerback initially began the game on Sunday being eased into it, but was mostly unleashed thereafter as the Cowboys' defense began to turn the screws on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Bland ended up with six tackles, tied for fourth-most with Jourdan Lewis, and forced Daniels to reconsider targeting his respective receiver a time or two, and that led to a big day for Butler. The last time DeVito faced Bland, it ended with an interception that Dak Prescott turned into a touchdown, so let's see if Tommy Cutlets (or Lock) is willing to test those waters again.
DeMarvion Overshown, LB
Make no mistake about it: Overshown is must-see TV on a weekly basis. To see what he's been able to become in such a short period of time, having loss his entire rookie season in 2023 to a torn ACL and time in this year's training camp to a hip pointer, is nothing short of remarkable. He is not only a rightful candidate for the Pro Bowl but, if he keeps this up, a conversation for All-Pro would also make sense. He's not only doing it in run defense and in coverage, but he's second to only Micah Parsons in sacks, and he'll get more opportunities to add to that tally on Thanksgiving — a force of nature when he and Parsons are on the field at the same time (and when they aren't).
KaVontae Turpin, WR
Speaking of must-see TV, might I interest you in a 155-pound receiver that pours jet fuel on his Wheaties every week? Turpin has now struck a mighty blow in each of the last several games, both on offense and as the best returner in the NFL, and his 99-yard touchdown return initiated by God pressing the circle button on His controller in Week 12 will go down as one of the most legendary moments in the history of the rivalry. In the 40-0 obliteration of the Giants in last season's opener, he contributed with a rushing touchdown, so there really is no way to know in what fashion he might impact the game on Thursday — just know it's a safe bet he'll find a way to.
Cooper Beebe, C
There has been little time for Beebe to breathe in his transition to the role of full-time center, and as a rookie, no less, as he's been tested weekly by some of the most dominant defensive tackles in the sport. Last week, without being flanked by two All-Pros (Tyler Smith and Zack Martin were both ruled out versus the Commanders), he did exceptional work in tandem with Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass against a usually stellar Washington front. The coming matchup will feature a rematch with Dexter Lawrence, the best at the position, and I'm locked in to see if he'll use what he learned by effectively halting Lawrence (held him to only one pressure) in the first matchup to have another great game.
Brandin Cooks, WR
As it stands, Cooks is on track to make his return from injured reserve, the infection in his knee now long gone as he practices and tries to get back onto the field — the Cowboys' front office intimated a strong chance the veteran wideout plays against the Giants. What exactly will that look like, though? Will there be rust? What will the rotation be with Dallas also trying to include recently-acquired (at the cost of a fourth-round pick) Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy (and KaVontae Turpin) outside of CeeDee Lamb? Cooks will likely have a chip on his shoulder to remind everyone of why he's been one of the best for a long time, so keep an eye on him as much as you can.
