The most anticipated game within the NFC East is just around the corner— the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Dallas Cowboys.
With bitterly contested games and downright pure disgust packed into the last 60 years, Sunday’s upcoming matchup will be nothing less, despite the sad season both teams are experiencing.
Currently, the Eagles lead the division with a 2-4-1 record. The Cowboys land a half-game behind them at 2-5.
EAGLES OFFENSE VS COWBOYS DEFENSE
Since the season started, it was clear that there were problems with the Eagles’ offense. Whether it be team dynamics, lack of practice due to COVID-19 and the cancelation of preseason, or an influx of injuries, the Eagles struggled to find their rhythm.
However, in Week 5, quarterback Carson Wentz got his groove back.
Wentz has been releasing the ball faster and producing better accuracy. He has also found trust in newcomers, specifically wide receiver Travis Fulgham, who has 357 receiving yards and three touchdowns in four games. Fulgham is currently the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver.
Despite playing with only two remaining starters, Wentz and Jason Kelce, help looks like it’s on the way. Wide receiver Jalen Reagor, tight end Dallas Goedert, and left tackle Jason Peters have all returned to practice. Head coach Doug Pederson states all three players are “day-to-day,” but there’s a good chance at least one of them will play in Sunday’s game.
Prior to Reagor’s injury, he caught a 55-yard pass against Washington in Week 1 and four passes for 44 yards against the Rams in Week 2. Goedert also had a strong start, catching eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Wentz stated, “Just knowing that we’re getting some of those guys back…whether it’s this week or going forward, I think it definitely energizes the offense”.
The return of any Eagles’ offensive player spells out big trouble for Dallas’ defense. Dallas has one of the worst defenses in the league. They rank dead last in allowing the most rushing yards per game and have allowed 243 total points. They are incapable of creating turnovers, and sadly, the defense is healthy compared to their offense.
The Cowboys traded free agent Everson Griffen and released defensive tackle Donari Poe and cornerback Daryl Worley.
The Eagles simply just have to run the ball.
EAGLES DEFENSE VS COWBOYS OFFENSE
Although the Eagles’ defense is not nearly as bad compared to their opponents, they have lost some big plays. They have given up 28 points per game and have only accomplished three interceptions this season.
On a positive note, they have remained relatively healthy and haven’t given up just yet.
Cornerback Darius Slay who stems from Detroit, has already had 33 total tackles in seven games compared to 46 total tackles in 14 games last season. Next to him, the Eagles are equipped with Avonte Maddox, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and Cre’Von LeBlanc. These guys should be able to create some frustration for the only weapons Dallas has left — wide receivers Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup.
Left guard Connor Williams is their only offensive lineman remaining.
Unfortunately, for Dallas, their biggest threat to the offense is gone. After a broken ankle injury, Dak Prescott is finished for the season. In the five games he completed, he finished with 1,856 passing yards, four touchdowns, and his highest completion percentage yet at 68.0. Taking over for him was Andy Dalton, who suffered a concussion. The Cowboys are now on their third quarterback, Ben DiNucci, a seventh-round pick.
“IT’S DALLAS WEEK”
Despite the record both Philadelphia and Dallas have, fans should expect a fight. Neither team is going to want to admit they lost to the other.
Earlier this week, Darius Slay noticed how huge the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry was since being in Philadelphia. He stated, “Everybody is running around the locker room yelling, ‘Cowboys Week’. This is like Super Bowl or die. Ok, then, Let’s turnt up then”.
According to playnj.com, the Birds are 10.5-point favorites against their division rival. They should be able to win comfortably.
The big game is tomorrow night at 8:20 pm… and, in true Philly fashion, Dallas sucks.
