Although they won't be playing at their best, the Dallas Cowboys are preparing for their first meeting with their fierce adversary, the Philadelphia Eagles. Dak Prescott is out due to a hamstring rupture, while Micah Parsons makes his injury comeback this week.
He won't get the opportunity to play against Kellen Moore, his former coordinator, who surely wants to outdo the squad that abruptly fired him not so long ago. The likelihood of it occurring also seems to be rather high, but do our authors have any confidence in the Cowboys?
Philadelphia's possession of the ball
Keep Jalen's injuries in check
Saquon Barkley has been the subject of much recent discussion, and with good cause, but Jalen Hurts remains the focal point of this Eagles offense. The Eagles are 1-2 when Hurts has less than 200 passing yards, and their one victory this season came against the Giants, when Hurts attempted only 14 passes throughout the game. Their poorest performances this season have occurred when Hurts isn't playing well.
Kellen Moore offers some brilliant ideas on how to employ the many weapons that Philadelphia has. It all depends on Hurts, however, much as Dak Prescott was the driving force behind this offense while Moore was in charge. Pressuring the quarterback is the greatest method to pull him out of rhythm; under pressure, Hurts ranks 20th in EPA/dropback. Mike Zimmer may be able to work something out with Micah Parsons rejoining the team.
When the ball is in Dallas?
Expand drives
Even before Dak Prescott's injury, the Cowboys' offense was struggling, particularly in the run game. Although Rico Dowdle has been really excellent—he ranks third among running backs in terms of rush success rate—it is insufficient to suggest that establishing the run is the solution this week.
Cooper Rush is the best backup since he fits in nicely with the scheme's framework. He won't make major plays, but he also won't let you down. It's difficult to move the ball against this Eagles team, but the Cowboys could have a shot if they can prolong their drives and create enough field goals for Brandon Aubrey to make while keeping their defense fresh.
Ochoa, RJ (6-2):
Even if Dallas were healthy, I would find it difficult to trust them in this particular game and moment. It is unfortunate that we keep getting into these Cowboys/Eagles contests when one side is not playing at their best.
This Cowboys squad now has no reason to be trusted, and they will soon be on major television platforms so that everyone in the world can see how bad things have become. It still seems like Philadelphia didn't look their best, so give me the Eagles in a huge blowout.
The Eagles, 33-16, are my pick.
Howman, David (5-3):
At least we'll get to see Mike Zimmer use a real tool in his toolbox since the Cowboys have Micah Parsons back for this game. However, Parsons is insufficient to address the current problems with this defense or to compensate for Dak Prescott's absence.
Although the Eagles have defeated a number of weak opponents this season, I don't truly believe they are this dominant team since the offense is still torn between two personalities and the defense falters in crucial situations. The Cowboys are another one of those awful teams, which is annoying.
Pirkko Koskitalo
Although they won't be playing at their best, the Dallas Cowboys are preparing for their first meeting with their fierce adversary, the Philadelphia Eagles. Dak Prescott is out due to a hamstring rupture, while Micah Parsons makes his injury comeback this week.
He won't get the opportunity to play against Kellen Moore, his former coordinator, who surely wants to outdo the squad that abruptly fired him not so long ago. The likelihood of it occurring also seems to be rather high, but do our authors have any confidence in the Cowboys?
Philadelphia's possession of the ball
Keep Jalen's injuries in check
Saquon Barkley has been the subject of much recent discussion, and with good cause, but Jalen Hurts remains the focal point of this Eagles offense. The Eagles are 1-2 when Hurts has less than 200 passing yards, and their one victory this season came against the Giants, when Hurts attempted only 14 passes throughout the game. Their poorest performances this season have occurred when Hurts isn't playing well.
Kellen Moore offers some brilliant ideas on how to employ the many weapons that Philadelphia has. It all depends on Hurts, however, much as Dak Prescott was the driving force behind this offense while Moore was in charge. Pressuring the quarterback is the greatest method to pull him out of rhythm; under pressure, Hurts ranks 20th in EPA/dropback. Mike Zimmer may be able to work something out with Micah Parsons rejoining the team.
When the ball is in Dallas?
Expand drives
Even before Dak Prescott's injury, the Cowboys' offense was struggling, particularly in the run game. Although Rico Dowdle has been really excellent—he ranks third among running backs in terms of rush success rate—it is insufficient to suggest that establishing the run is the solution this week.
Cooper Rush is the best backup since he fits in nicely with the scheme's framework. He won't make major plays, but he also won't let you down. It's difficult to move the ball against this Eagles team, but the Cowboys could have a shot if they can prolong their drives and create enough field goals for Brandon Aubrey to make while keeping their defense fresh.
Ochoa, RJ (6-2):
Even if Dallas were healthy, I would find it difficult to trust them in this particular game and moment. It is unfortunate that we keep getting into these Cowboys/Eagles contests when one side is not playing at their best.
This Cowboys squad now has no reason to be trusted, and they will soon be on major television platforms so that everyone in the world can see how bad things have become. It still seems like Philadelphia didn't look their best, so give me the Eagles in a huge blowout.
The Eagles, 33-16, are my pick.
Howman, David (5-3):
At least we'll get to see Mike Zimmer use a real tool in his toolbox since the Cowboys have Micah Parsons back for this game. However, Parsons is insufficient to address the current problems with this defense or to compensate for Dak Prescott's absence.
Although the Eagles have defeated a number of weak opponents this season, I don't truly believe they are this dominant team since the offense is still torn between two personalities and the defense falters in crucial situations. The Cowboys are another one of those awful teams, which is annoying.