For those of you into numbers, here are some to consider:
This season, the Eagles were 11-1 against teams not making the playoffs and 0-5 against teams in the playoffs.
The Cowboys have not won a playoff match since 1996, while Andy Reid is a perfect 7-0 in playoffs openers during his decade-plus tenure in Philadelphia.
When the Eagles return to Dallas for their 8 pm match-up against the Cowboys on Saturday, expect a much different demeanor from the one we saw last weekend. Despite the Eagles’ recent success in the playoffs, they are a team with something to prove. After a chance for a first round bye, they let the Cowboys have their way with them in an embarrassing loss.
But losing was the best thing that could have happened to them. Division title and first round bye aside, the Eagles needed something to bring them down to Earth. As a team, they play much better when they have something to prove.
While the Cowboys might have the edge on the field, the Eagles are the team with the better coaching staff. Expect the offensive line to be reorganized with the intent to stop the Cowboys defense, as the team can not afford to let McNabb be sacked four times again. Center Jamaal Jackson’s loss is a huge setback for the team, but like many times this season, they have the tools and the will to power through it.
The lynchpin for the team will once again be Donovan McNabb. While he wasn’t terrible last week, he fumbled and made some costly overthrows that put a blemish on an otherwise fine season. As the team’s unquestioned leader, he needs to lead by example.
Running back Brian Westbrook, another veteran who is respected by his teammates, spoke to everyone immediately after last week’s loss. This is the NFL’s second-youngest team, and Westbrook let the young guys know that it’s do-or-die time.
To win, the Eagles need to have their best effort of the season. They’ll need momentum on their side, and the best way to do that is to make a big play early. If they can take the fans at Jerry’s World out of the game early, the team should not have a problem getting on a roll. Whether that’s an Asante Samuel pick or a deep pass to DeSean Jackson is anyone’s guess, but if the Eagles expect to win they need to make a statement early.
Stopping the run is paramount as well. After getting torched by Marion Barber and Felix Jones last week, the defense should focus on shutting these two down so Romo will have to rely on the passing game.
I am still scratching my head over the lack of blitzes last week, and despite all of that, wide receiver Miles Austin and tight end Jason Witten were still left uncovered for most of the game. These are quality players that will find a way to score, but the Eagles’ defense can’t let their jobs be so easy. It should be relatively simple for Sean McDermott. If Romo is blitzed early and often, expect him to get rattled, especially if he’s not able to get the run game going.
While last week’s match-up was important, this is the game for all of the marbles. The Eagles of the past decade are a team that can get a little lazy when they’re in the driver’s seat, so expect them to head into this game focused and angry.
McNabb and his crew will not make the same mistakes twice, but the question remains, can the Eagles beat the Cowboys in Dallas? Most will say no, but I am confident in not just the team, but also in the coaching staff’s ability to out fox Wade Phillips and company. History favors the Eagles, so expect them to come away with the tough win and some redemption.
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