Defense Dominates Cowboys

An inspired Eagles defense shut down the high powered Dullas Offense

Iggles Win 10-6

Maybe Andy Reid is not so delusional.

The Eagles who are hanging on to their improbable playoff hopes by a tiny thread gave it their all today. There was no quit in this team. They did not just lay down, and get ready to golf. They came out ready to kick some ass, and they did. Especially the Eagles defense.

This was the most impressive defensive effort this team has had all season. They pressured Romo, hit him, and sacked him four times. Linebackers filled their gaps, and gang tackled Marion Barber. The defense intercepted Romo three times, and stripped the ball from him twice. The same guys who could not get off the field in the first Cowgirls match up, allowed only one third down conversion all game.

Oh ya. That guy Terrell Eldorado Owens was shut down. TO was thrown to a lot, but only managed two measly catches for 37 yards, and no dumb end zone celebrations. In fact you saw an angry, and dejected TO yelling at his coaches, and sulking on the sidelines. I hope he doesn’t get too down, and attempt suicide again.

Every player on the defense played well, but a few guys out shined others. Lito Sheppard the Cowboys Killer, grabbed yet another big time interception. Quintin Mikell stole points away, but then gave some right back, when he intercepted Romo in the end zone, only to cough it right back up trying to advance the ball(why Q?).  Future Hall of Fame Safety Brian Dawkins came up clutch with a late pick off Romo in a very critical situation. All three of Romo’s picks were forced passes to Mr. ‘I luv me some me’ himself, Terrell Owens.

Trent Cole, Mike Patterson, and Brodrick Bunkley all had huge sacks late in the game. When the defense needed yet another play, these guys stepped it up and made them. Trent Cole is quickly becoming one of the best defensive ends in the NFL, and should be on his way to Honolulu. It was great to see Patterson, and Bunk get some pressure, because they have been lacking a big push from the middle. Hopefully they continue to build off this, and keep getting after the QB. These three will be the foundation to the Eagles defensive line for a long time.

The Birds offense was not so hot. They did manage to make some good things happen, but would shoot themselves in the foot with a stupid penalty. The pass protection was horrible. When you play the Cowboys you should know where number 94 Demarcus Ware is at all times. It is inexcusable to have him coming free to the QB several times.

Donovan McNabb was not spectacular, but he did not kill the team like A.J. Feeley does. McNabb still had some of his usual low inaccurate throws, but he also made some big plays out of nothing. Troy Aikman said that McNabb had lost his ability to run, and a few plays later, Donovan took off for 28 yards. That big play lead to the games only score, a short pass to Reggie Brown for a one yard touch down(nice pick from Celek). Donovan then mocked T.O. by doing his famous “standing on the star” celebration. Donovan finished the game with 208 passing yards, and 53 rushing.

Dallas did an excellent job trying to stop Brian Westbrook. They stuffed most of the Eagles rushing attempts, and broke up almost every screen intended for him. They had a great game plan to slow down Westbrook, but he still managed to make some big plays. None bigger than his game sealing 24 yard run-and-fall at the one. This heads up play made sure that Dallas never got the ball again. It was absolutely the right move, even though the queer Joe Buck didn’t seem to get it. Westbrook always comes up big when you need him, and he is still my favorite player on the team.

The receivers actually had a decent game. Right after Troy Aikman completely trash them(calling them 3rd or 5th WRs) Brown, and Curtis started making nice catches. They did not put up great numbers, but made a lot more plays than the great Cowboys receivers did.

It really did come down to the Eagles defense just playing the game of their life. Holding the NFC’s top rated passer to a 22.8 QB rating, creating a bunch of turnovers, getting pressure, shutting down Owens, and in the end the Iggles won. What a great game.

The Playoff dreams are still just that right now. Dreams. They need a ton of help, and I can;t even begin to break all of that down right now. At least this win keeps them alive, and a small glimmer of hope is still left.

The Bird’s didn’t manage to take T.O. out, but for a minute there the game did look like the next “Body Bag Game“. Just to make sure we get the record straight, it is Eagles– 3 T.O.– 1. Who is getting the last laugh now?