NFL
BY: Greg Rector
Dallas 37 Philadelphia 17
Sunday afternoon started like so many other Cowboys games, the defense was getting trashed by Eagles rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts was running at will and finding receivers like Desean Jackson (An 81 yard TD bomb) and then in sudden and surprising fashion the Cowboys defense came alive. Randy Gregory forced three fumbles and pressured Hurts often enough to cause the usual rookie mistakes. After scoring 17 points rather quickly the Eagles were shut out the rest of the game. Meanwhile, Andy Dalton and the receivers torched the Eagles secondary all game long. Michael Jacquet, III was targeted nine times by the Cowboys and found himself benched when he couldn’t stop anyone. Gallup 121 yards and 2 TD’s, Amari Cooper also had 121 yards, and Ceedee Lamb with 65 yards and a touchdown reception (he added another as a rusher) all contributed to a rather easy victory over the division rivals. The loss knocked the Eagles out of playoff contention. The Cowboys can win the division in this insane season with another division win against the Giants.
KEYS:
The Cowboys didn’t flounder and roll over as has so often been the case after a terrible start. Instead, they went out and attacked both sides of the ball. Anthony Brown and Trevon Diggs came up with key interceptions Brown’s snuffed out a potential Eagles touchdown, and Randy Gregory was an absolute monster. This was also a very good game for Donovan Wilson, who makes big hits, that physicality is so badly needed, making receivers nervous about what comes once they catch the ball is always important. The defense accomplished what I have been pleading for a second straight game, forced mistakes by the opponent and giving the ball back to the potent offense. Yes, they gave up plenty of yardage but made up for it with the turnovers.
On offense the biggest difference from the Week 8 game against the Eagles was Andy Dalton. The Eagles didn’t have many answers for the veteran quarterback compared to facing rookie Ben DiNucci. Whether passing for 377 yards or gaining 151 yards on the ground including 105 yards for Ezekiel Elliott, the offense clicked on all cylinders. When the Cowboys run the ball successfully the nightmare for opponents truly begins, and that’s trying to contain the receivers. The Eagles simply had no answers for the trio,
Overall I am somewhat happy with the game, with one huge exception. It was nice to see a comeback indeed, however, this team cannot rely on that. Start from the opening kickoff guys, PLEASE!!!
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
