Cowboys-Giants: Five things to watch

1 Romo’s debut

Quarterback Tony Romo had a healthy and productive training camp, and there is minimal concern at this point about his surgically repaired back. Romo showed last season that he can still play at a high level, and he is expected to carry the team once again.

2 The Bryant Show

Dez Bryant has more receiving yards against the New York Giants (818) than against any other team in the NFL. And the $70 million man makes his 2015 debut against the Giants after sitting out the preseason with a hamstring injury. Bryant is in the prime of his career and is looking to get the season started on the right foot.

3 Running game

The No. 1 question remains how the Cowboys will fare without DeMarco Murray, who led the NFL in rushing last season. The Cowboys have expressed confidence in a projected committee with Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar. Until it works in a meaningful game, that will remain a storyline.

4 Defenders return

Sean Lee is back after missing last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and is playing one of the most important positions in Rod Marinelli’s Tampa 2 scheme as the weakside linebacker. Also returning from injury is cornerback Morris Claiborne, who consistently drew praise throughout training camp.

5 Home edge?

The Cowboys went 8-0 on the road last season and only 4-4 at AT&T Stadium. Maybe it had to do with the opponents, or maybe it had to do with a fan base that had few expectations going into the season. This year, though, has a different feel and buzz to it, and the Cowboys are hoping to make playing in their home stadium a bigger advantage.

— Drew Davison

This story was originally published September 12, 2015 at 6:57 PM with the headline "Cowboys-Giants: Five things to watch."