The last time the Eagles faced the Cowboys it was a one-sided 44-6 beatdown that sent the Birds to the playoffs. I’d be surprised if we saw a similar butt-kicking tomorrow but the way the Eagles have been playing lately it’s hard to know exactly what to expect from this team.
When the Eagles have the ball:
Dallas’ secondary is mediocre at best, so don’t be surprised to see Donovan McNabb taking his shots deep down the field. That doesn’t mean the Eagles won’t have to run the ball though: as a matter of fact this offense is at it’s best when they establish the run then go to the pass. Against the Giants the Eagles rushed the ball 24 times (compared to just 23 pass attempts) averaging 7.5 yards per carry and I’d like to see them try to keep the momentum going with the ground game early against the Cowboys. Brian Westbrook should be able to play, so that will add yet another weapon to the fold.
If I’m Andy Reid I’m not scared of anything Dallas can do defensively. If they want to stack the box to stop the run I’ll spread out Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek, and Brian Westbrook and let McNabb play catch with his many targets. If they bring the blitz, have McNabb dump a quick screen to a runningback or tight end. I’m not sure if it’s just me but I feel like the Eagles haven’t been running quite as many screen plays in recent weeks, but with Westbrook back and DeMarcus Ware on that Dallas defensive line I wouldn’t hesitate to dump the ball off early and often. The Giants were able to get some blindside pressure on McNabb quite a few times last Sunday to force a couple fumbles, so that is something the Eagles really need to be prepared for.
When the Cowboys have the ball:
Unlike Eli Manning the week before, Tony Romo comes into this game on an absolute tear. In his last three games he’s thrown for 918 yards, 8 TDs, no interceptions and seems to have found his new number one target in Miles Austin, who has posted some astounding numbers during Romo’s resurgence (21 catches, 482 yards, 5 TDs.) The important thing to point out here though are the opponents Romo faced during his hot streak: The Chiefs, Falcons, and Seahawks hardly have dominating defenses, and against the two tougher units he’s faced Romo struggled greatly (1 TD and 4 INTs against the Giants and Broncos.)
As always, the key for the Eagles defense will be to bring the heat from the first snap to the last. As we’ve learned since his first start in the league, Romo wilts easily under pressure but will tear you apart if you give him the time to throw. The best way of avoiding this is to keep him confined to the pocket so he can’t scramble or get out to the hashes to make a throw on the run, which is where he is the most dangerous to a defense.
The Cowboys are anything but a one dimensional offense. Marion Barber, finally healthy Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice are all effective runningbacks, but after the way the Eagles bottled up the Giants rushing attack I’m much less concerned about that element of the Dallas attack. Felix Jones is always worth keeping an eye on in the backfield though.
The Breakdown:
I was extremely concerned about the game against the Giants, and the Eagles responded with one of their most impressive performances of the season. They can ill afford to overlook this Cowboys team with first place on the line, and I could see this turning into a high-scoring game much like last season’s Monday nighter. Regardless, I have confidence that the Eagles defense will be able to fluster Tony Romo enough to force a few turnovers, and I am expecting a huge game from Donovan McNabb and the rest of the Eagles passing attack en route to a comfortable win.
Eagles 30, Cowboys 20
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