What We Learned In The Eagles Win Over The Cowboys
Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT
It was intense, probably too close for comfort for some, but the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football to proceed into the 2013 NFL playoffs. Here’s what we learned in the Eagles win.
Nick Foles Struggles Against The Cowboys
The Cowboys have had a historically bad defense this season, but you wouldn’t have known it by the way Eagles quarterback Nick Foles was struggling at times. Foles did throw for 263 yards respectively, but at times he held the ball for way too long which lead to him being sacked and at one point, forcing a fumble.
Foles struggled against the Cowboys in the first meeting this season managing only 80 yards in the 17-3 loss and in his starts last season against the Cowboys losing both. Foles finally broke through however, earning his first win against the division rival.
This Team Comes Up Big When It Matters
The offense started well by scoring the game’s first 10 points, but then struggled throughout most of the second quarter. The defense made up for the offense’s struggles and came up with a turnover which lead to a touchdown and extended the lead to two scores.
The offense came up with another big drive at the beginning of the fourth quarter to go up eight points which proved to be big as the Cowboys missed the two-point conversion to tie.
To finish things off the defense once again came up big when the Cowboys had a chance to go down and win the game with a field goal by intercepting Dallas quarterback Kyle Orton on the first play of the drive.
In the playoffs there will be a lot of big moments and in order to win in the playoffs the Eagles will need to come out on top in those moments.
Offense Wins Games, but Defense Wins Championships
This saying is said a lot this time of the year, and most of the time it is true. A team isn’t going to go far without a good defense.
This certainly wasn’t Foles’ best game this season, but he and the offense did just enough to win the game while the defense brought home the NFC East championship.
The offense had one big 60 yard drive to put the Eagles up by eight points in the second half and the defense had three turnovers, one being the game sealer. If the offense can play like they did against the Bears and the defense can make plays when needed, this will be a dangerous team in the playoffs.
The Eagles Are Built For A Super Bowl Run
The Eagles have been just that this year.
The Eagles are arguably one of the hottest teams in the league as they have won seven of their last eight games, including this one against the Cowboys which was in a playoff like, win or go home atmosphere.
The Eagles are playing good offense as they don’t turn the ball over often and the defense creates opportunities by playing aggressive.
The Eagles play the New Orleans Saints at “The Linc” next Saturday night. The challenge may seem difficult, but the Eagles have played well at home as of late, and everybody knows the Saints don’t play well on the road. It will be wild card weekend and you can bet things will get wild.