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New York Giants: 3 Players to watch vs. Cowboys in Week 2

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 22: Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants waits to take the field before taking on the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 22: Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants waits to take the field before taking on the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 17: Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giants dives for a first down while being tackled by Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions during a pre season game at Ford Field on August 17, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 17: Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giants dives for a first down while being tackled by Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions during a pre season game at Ford Field on August 17, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Evan Engram, TE

Where was Evan Engram against the Jaguars? He was nearly invisible and he needs to bounce back in a big way in Dallas. Whether he was still suffering from the effects of a concussion he sustained in the preseason (he was cleared to play) or he was facing a top-notch defense, the University of Mississippi product recorded just two receptions for a mere 18 yards and no touchdowns against the Jaguars.

He was whistled for offensive pass interference in the second quarter and had no catches in the first half. He also dropped some passes from Eli Manning. His performance has to drastically improve against the Cowboys.

No one was more disappointed in his opening game performance than Engram himself, as he explained to the New York Post:

"“I pretty much had three drops,’’ Engram said. “I got to be better, not gonna make any excuses, got to find a way to be better in these conditions, find a way to make the big plays.’’"

Engram made plenty of big plays in 2017. The 6-3, 240-pounder enjoyed a strong rookie campaign with Big Blue last year. In 15 games, Engram grabbed 64 catches for 722 yards and scored six touchdowns. He became Manning’s favorite receiver the second half of last year with the absence of Odell Beckham Jr. due to injury.

If Manning gets time to throw, Engram can exploit a mediocre Cowboys secondary, especially down the middle of the field. He possesses fine speed for a tight end, is a strong route runner and usually has good hands. Usually. It’s time for Engram to take the next step forward and improve on last season. That has to begin on Sunday night.

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