It’s been a long wait, but the season is finally here. The Cowboys open the season tonight against the New York Giants, and they’ll be playing without Terry Glenn and Greg Ellis. And they also might be without Terence Newman.

But the injury bug isn’t limited to Dallas. Plaxico Burress was limited in preseason because of a back injury. He returned to practice this week, but he might not be 100% yet. Sam Madison is also questionable.

The key for Dallas will be getting pressure on the quarterback. Eli Manning is the type of quarterback that can be rattled, so the Cowboys need to put him on his back a few times early in the game. With Terry Glenn out for the game, Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd will be more involved in the offense. Crayton has shown a knack for getting open and making plays. Sam Hurd has shown this same ability in preseason, but now needs to translate it to the game.

The key for New York will be getting the running game going with Brandon Jacobs. A good running game can divert the blitz. They will also need to take Terrell Owens and Jason Witten out of the game and force Romo to throw to the younger receivers.

My Prediction: Dallas 31, New York 17.

Dallas should come into the game fired up and ready to go. Even if Newman isn’t able to play, their defense will come out attacking. On offense, Dallas just has too many weapons. I’m predicting a big play by the defense in the first half that pumps up the whole team and swallows the Giants.