NFL
By: Greg Rector
Dallas at Philadelphia
Sunday afternoon there will be no “Brotherly Love,” between these NFC East rivals, nor any between myself and Julio Olmo, my #FlyEaglesFly brother. Both teams have been disappointing, maddening, and tantalizing at various times this season.
Keys:
Cowboys offense is coming off a tremendous game against the Rams. Both Elliott and Pollard had over 100 yards on the ground, against a very good Rams defense. The Eagles are no slouches defensively against the run, as they rank 3rd in the league. However, the Cowboys thrashed that rush defense for 189 yards in their first meeting. The Cowboys offensive line with their three pro bowlers can dominate any front seven in the league. This is where the game gets decided in my opinion. The running game gets going, then Prescott doesn’t have to use his injured arm anywhere near as much. Yes, he’s banged up, but everyone is this time of the year. The Eagles pass defense is suspect, so when he does throw Cooper and company should be able to do some damage.
Defense:
The Cowboys are coming off a tremendous game where they held Gurley, to just 20 yards on the ground. Woods and Lee provided the Cowboys with something they have lacked in many games, tackles for losses. Sanders and Boston Scott, as the change of pace back, have been effective lately for the Eagles. Containing both will be a major point of emphasis. Despite the injuries to the Eagles offense, Wentz has found a way to win. Taking away his ability to make something from nothing, just as they did in week seven has to happen. That means Lawrence and Quinn have to get him on his backside. This is going to be a war, and the Cowboys defense must play with urgency, scrap for the football, force the Eagles into being one dimensional.
Prediction:
If we see the same effort as last week, the Cowboys have the healthier, faster team, and should come away with the NFC East title, I’ll say 27-21 Cowboys.
