Matchup Preview: Cowboys at Eagles

The Situation: The Philadelphia Eagles were nicknamed the dream team before the season by backup quarterback Vince Young.  But this team is 2-4 going into its week 8 matchup against the Cowboys.  Philadelphia has losses to the Giants, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Buffalo.  All of these teams do have at least 4 wins.

Dallas has  struggled this season holding leads allowing comebacks to both the Jets and Bills.  They have all 3 o their losses as well to teams that have at least 4 wins.  The Cowboys at 3-3 are and tied for second in their division.  Last week Dallas rolled over the Rams 34-7.  In that game rookie running back Demarco Murray from Oklahoma ran for a Cowboy single game record of  253 rushing yards.  The Eagles are coming off a bye and Andy Reed is 12-0 in those situations.

Vick has been spuratic this season after a great start last season.  He has only 9 TDs with 8 intercetions.  He had 6 interceptions all of last regular season in 12 games.  His receivers, namely Jason Avant and Jeremy Maclin have had key drops in losses.  LeSean McCoy has been the most consistent weapon on that Eagles offense.   He has 569 rushing yards with 6 TDs in their 6 games so far this year.  The signing of Ronnie Brown hasn’t worked out well for the Eagles.  He was involved in a trade that fell through and he only has 38 total rushing yards this season.

Dallas has had health issues on offense.  Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Felix Jones have already missed games this season.  But, Romo has played relatively well even playing through a punctured lung at one point.  He has 10 TDs an 6 ints, and has had the Cowboys in every game this year.  Though, it has been widely speculated that due to his interceptions against Detroit.

The Outcome: Philadelphia has a talented offense.  Their defense under first year defensive coordinator Castillo is 23rd overall against the run.  If the Cowboys can establish a productive running game that would give them an edge.  I know that Murray had a breakout game, but will Dallas commit to running the ball?

You can assume that McCoy will have a good game for the Eagles.  McCoy has three hundred yard rushing games (with 80 and 95 yard game as well).  But, the Eagles have been turning the ball over and Vick has 372 rushing yards with no rushing TDs.  You have to let this man help with his athleticism and call more designed runs in short yardage and in the red zone.

But, Dallas does still have DeMarcus Ware who has 8 sacks this season.  Look for he and the Cowboy’s first ranked rushing defense to give some very unique looks to Vick.  Rob Ryan has done an excellent job already with the Cowboys defense and they will be testes this weekend.

First of all look for both quarterbacks to have 100 yards.  After Murray running for over 250 yards Dallas may have the answer to a question.  Who is our starting runningback?  So, him running well in this game will be key even if  (especially if) Jones is healthy.  But, both teams should have over 100 rushing yards.

Right now, both teams have dynamic receiving cores.  But, I do think Dallas has the edge with Bryant and Austin.  Even though, the Eagles top three receivers (Maclin, Avant, Jackson) have a total of 81 receptions.  But, tight end Jason Witten has 36 receptions only one less than Maclin (Philly’s leader in receptions).

The Eagles need this victory to pull even with the Cowboys at 3-4.  As much as I think their need may be dyer, Dallas is playing some excellent football. They are capable of beating any team in the NFL and I think they will win on Sunday Night 30- 21.