NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles (7-1) will do battle with the Dallas Cowboys (5-2) in their first rivalry matchup of the season. The Eagles are coming off an impressive win against the Washington Commanders while the Cowboys demolished the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. Two teams with one goal in mind–to beat the other. Who will come out on top?
While the media and fans will hype this up as a Clash of the Titans, it’s still just one game. In a few weeks, they will battle again. While neither team wants to look past the other, pride is still on the line. Can the Eagles find a way to pass on and be successful against this vaunted secondary? Can the Cowboys run the ball against one of the best-run defenses in the NFL?
Here are 3 keys to victory for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys
Run, Run, and Run Some More
What happened to the Eagles’ ground game? To begin the season, most notably when D’Andre Swift took over as the lead back, the Eagles were running with a purpose. But lately, it’s been all about the pass. With arguably the best offensive line in football, Brian Johnson has deviated away from that. Swift is still a force but he hasn’t had a 100-yard day since Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurts, himself has been limited in the amount of time he’s been running the ball due to an issue with his knee.
The Eagles must attack the Cowboys as they always have in the trenches. The Cowboys are allowing 108 yards on the ground per game and the Eagles are averaging 132 yards per game. Something has to give. Get Swift started early and mix it up with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott. Keep Micah Parsons on his heels to keep him away from Hurts.
Ignore The Hype
As I mentioned in an earlier piece where I highlighted the Cowboys, the Eagles must be on the same page here. While any Eagles/Cowboys matchup is huge, this is still just one game. The media and fans will have a field day leading up to this showdown, and it’s up to the players and coaches to keep a level head. If the Eagles win, they will be 8-2 and in the driver’s seat in the NFC East and the NFC as a Conference. If they lose, they fall back a game, that’s it. This is not February where this one loss sends them packing and into the offseason with tons of questions to answer. It’s just one game.
Who Will Win Between Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys
ESPN and other media outlets will have fans believing this is for all the marbles. The Cowboys are not getting their proper respect, blah, blah blah. Truth is, these teams will meet up again in a few weeks. The Eagles are veteran-led and have tasted success on a larger scale. That is not to say this is not an important game but it’s not as important as many would make out. The hype is real but not real enough to bet the entire season on. Stay the course and keep your eyes on the bigger goal. No need for all the unnecessary trash talk and bulletin board soundbites.
Philadelphia Eagles Must Protect The Damn Ball
Lately, the Philadelphia Eagles offense has had their fair troubles of protecting the ball. Against the Dallas Cowboys, they can’t afford to keep that trend. The Cowboys are fearless on the defensive side of the ball and are great at takeaways that often lead to touchdowns. In the first half of the season alone, the Eagles have turned the ball over 13 times. While they won all but one game, their opponents were not as skilled as the Cowboys. To beat this team, you have to be great in all phases.
It all starts with Jalen Hurts. Too many INTs to begin the season. He’s already at 8. The Cowboys’ scondary is without their top playmaker but who can tell? Ranked 4th in the NFL in Passing Yards Allowed, can Hurts and AJ Brown continue their hot steak? Brown has gone over 125 yards in 6 straight games. While the numbers are great, the Cowboys will be reading Hurts eyes the entire game. If he slips, they will make him pay. Fumbles are another concern. The Eagles have coughed the ball up 5 times.
